ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effect of performance appraisal on staff performance: A case study of Agriculture Development Bank.

The impact of performance appraisal on employees’ performance could be mixed (both positive and negative) depending on how effective and efficient the appraisal process is perceived by employees.The Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) uses the graphic rating scale annually in evaluating the performance of its employees. However, literature and observation show that the graphic rating scale method has the major drawbacks of subjectivity and low reliability. It was in response to these drawbacks that the study empirically examined the effect of performance appraisal on ADB employees’ performance. In all, 52 respondents randomly selected participated in the study through structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Staff of the bank responded to the structured questionnaire, while management was purposively selected to participate in the interview. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 17. The results of the study indicate that, the appraisal system in ADB has not significantly affected the performance of employees positively, because the appraisal process has not been highly fair since there is some level of biasness and procedural injustice.The study recommends that management needs to ensure that performance appraisals are based on up-to-date and unbiased information about employee performance in order to be perceived as been procedurally just and fair by employees.

Source: UCC
Effect of Personality Traits on Investor Confidence: a Case Of Ghana Health Service, District Health Directorate, Ajumako

ABSTRACT In making an investment choice, investor confidence is really important. Over decades, researchers have researched investor behavior to ensure understanding on the variations in how people approach their assets. Several normative finance theories have been proposed to envision outcomes subject to constraints. The study examined effect of personality traits on investor confidence in Ghana Health Service, District Health Directorate, Ajumako. The study adopted the use of quantitative research approach. It employed purposive sampling to sample 90 respondents. The study adopted a structured questionnaire as a tool for collecting primary data. The questionnaire covered all the research objectives as far as the problem of the study was concerned. The study concluded that personality traits such as adventurous, open to experience and out-going, and timidity and appearing moody significantly influences investors' confidence among the health staff at the directorate in Ajumako. Also, it was concluded that personality trait has a positive effect on investors’ confidence. The study thus recommends that the personality traits of investors should often be considered before undertaking an investment. The study further suggests that opportunity should be given to adventurous people by giving them tasks to explore and improved their traits. The study makes suggestions for future studies to comparatively examine the relationship between personality traits and investor confidence in other sectors or assemblies. Moreover, the researcher recommends further studies to concentrate on Ajumako District Health Directorate and other Municipal/Metropolitan assemblies Health Directorates across Ghana

Source: UCC
Effect of petroleum fuels and lubricants on soil properties of auto-mechanic workshops and garages in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Soil properties of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soils from automobile mechanical shops in the Cape Coast Municipality of the Central Region of Ghana were investigated to assess their alternation due to the petroleum hydrocarbon contamination. Soil samples were collected from eight automobile mechanical shops and control sites and analyzed using standard protocols. The mean particle size distribution followed the order: sand 64.79±19.47 > silt 22.81±9.47 > 12.40±14.68. The distributions for the control samples followed a similar order. The particle size distribution of soils from the study sites was not significantly different from those of the control sites (p<0.05). There were greater variations in soil characteristics of control samples than those of the contaminated soils, with significant differences observed between most of the soil characteristics of the two sites (p<0.05). Significant correlations were observed between some soil properties, between temperature and conductivity (p< 0.01; r=-0.689); temperature and organic matter (p< 0.05; r= 0.422); pH and conductivity (p< 0.01; r= 0.549); pH and nitrate (p< 0.05; r= 0. 430); pH and Phosphate (p< 0.01; r= 0.652); nitrate and phosphate (r= 0. 728, p< 0.01), organic matter and phosphate (p< 0.01; r= 0. 692); moisture and nitrate (r= 0. 787, p< 0.0); and between moisture and phosphate (r= 0. .633, p< 0.01). Petroleum hydrocarbon contamination altered soil properties and may adversely affect sensitive

Source: UCC
Effect of Petroleum price on Stock Market returns in Ghana

This study investigated the effect of petroleum price on stock market returns in Ghana by using monthly data from 1990 to 2017. The study also examined the causality among macroeconomic variables as well as the moderating effect of financial crises and Ghana’s lower middle income status on stock market returns. The study adopted the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and the Linear Regression Model to achieve the objectives of the study. The findings were that there is both short run and long run relationships among the independent variables and stock market returns; with a speed of adjustment towards long run equilibrium of 2%. This means that it will take 50 months for the short run deviations in the market to converge towards long run equilibrium. It was observed that 2007/2008 financial crises did affect the changes in stock returns of Ghana but does not moderate the relationship between petroleum price and stock returns. The study recommended that the government should use petroleum subsidies to lower the petroleum price levels in the domestic market in Ghana since petroleum price negatively affect stock market returns. The government is also encouraged to strengthen the capital market so that it can withstand future financial crises; but at the same time should put in place policies that will move Ghana to higher income status levels.

Source: UCC
Effect of pineapple waste biochar and compost application on pineapple yield and quality in a low nutrient Coastal Savanna Acrisol

Pineapple production in Ghana is constrained by low soil fertility due to continued cultivation without soil nutrients replenishment. Inorganic fertilizer use in Ghana is limited due to high cost, unreliable supply, and hence poor accessibility to the smallholder farmers. Biochar and compost can be used as alternative or supplemental nutrient sources to inorganic fertilizers. The experiment was conducted to determine the effect of combined application of pineapple waste biochar and compost on pineapple growth, yield, and nutritional composition of three pineapple varieties in a low nutrient coastal savanna Acrisol. Seven treatments were evaluated, sole biochar, sole compost, compost + biochar, sole NPK fertilizer (NPK), compost + NPK fertilizer, Biochar + NPK fertilizer, and control. A split-plot design with three replications was used, with pineapple variety as the main plot and fertilizer application as the sub-plots. The MD2, sugar loaf, and smooth cayenne pineapple varieties were used as a test crop in the study. The study revealed that the soil at the experiment field had low nutrients contents, especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Combined application of biochar and compost or inorganic NPK fertilizer increased pineapple plant height and number of leaves compared with unamended soil. Compost applied together with biochar and NPK fertilizer increased pineapple yield in terms of fruit weight, length, and diameter. However, the application of biochar and NPK fertilizer influenced N, P, and K content in pineapple leaf. Total soluble solids, total phenolic content, vitamin C, and pH of pineapple fruit was influenced by compost and biochar application. Therefore, it can be concluded that a combination of biochar and compost can be used as a soil amendment to increase pineapple yield and improve fruit quality.

Source: UCC
Effect of plant density and cultivar on growth and yield of cowpea (vigna unguiculata l.walp)

A field experiment was conducted for two successive rainy seasons (2007/08-2008/09) in Kazgail area, in North Kordofan State, Sudan, to examine the effect of plant density and cultivar on growth and yield of cowpea. The three cultivars of cowpea (Buff, Haydoob and Eien Elgazal) were sown in four plant densities of 30,000, 60,000, 90,000 and 120,000 plants ha-1. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in three replications. The results showed that, plant density had a significant effect on most of the growth attributes measured. Increasing plant population increased plant height and decreased number of leaves per plant and leaf area index (LAI). Increased plant density significantly increased seed yield per unit area, however the number of pods per plant, 100-seed weight, seed yield per plant and harvest index reduced with increased plant density. The local cultivar (buff) had a significantly taller, greater number of leaves per plant, leaf area index, heavier 100-seed weight, greater seed yield per plant, greater final seed yield (t/ha) and late in maturity. The improved cultivar (Ein Elgazal) scored the highest values of harvest index

Source: UCC
The effect of polyethylene glycol (peg) on the performance of natural zeolite-pva hybrid ceramic membrane for desalination

The seawater desalination process currently uses membrane technology because of relatively lower investment and energy requirements. The process of seawater desalination using membrane process technology can be done in 3 methods, namely reverse osmosis (RO), distillation membrane (membrane distillation / MD) and pervaporation process (PV). This study will examine the performance of a hybrid membrane developed from natural zeolite-TiO2 with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in addition to polyethylene glycol (PEG) for desalination of seawater. The addition of PEG to the PVA polymer solution (dope) will increase the membrane resistance (Rm) and seawater rejection. The higher rejection is achieved of 93.77% at the addition of 6% PEG. Fouling resistance (Rf) isn’t affected by PEG concentration. The fouling resistance has good linearity and stability at the addition of 6% PEG

Source: UCC
Effect of post-harvest led and uv light irradiation on the accumulation of flavonoids and limonoids in the segments of newhall navel oranges (Citrus sinensis Osbeck)

To investigate the effect of post-harvest light irradiation on the accumulation of flavonoids and limonoids, harvested Newhall navel oranges were continuously exposed to light-emitting diode (LED) and ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation for 6 days, and the composition and content of flavonoids and limonoids in the segments were determined using UPLC-qTOF-MS at 0, 6, and 15 days after harvest. In total, six polymethoxylated flavonoids (PMFs), five flavone-O/C-glycosides, seven flavanone-O-glycosides, and three limonoids were identified in the segments. The accumulation of these components was altered y light irradiation. Red and lue light resulted in higher levels of PMFs during exposure periods. The accumulation of PMFs was also significantly induced after white light, UVB and UVC irradiation were removed. Red and UVC irradiation induced the accumulation of flavone and flavanone glycosides throughout the entire experimental period. Single light induced limonoid accumulation during exposure periods, ut limonoid levels decreased significantly when irradiation was removed. Principal component analysis showed a clear correlation etween PMFs and white light, etween flavonoid glycosides and red light and UVC, and etween limonoids and UVC. These results suggest that the accumulation of flavonoids and limonoids in citrus is regulated by light irradiation. White light, red light and UVC irradiation might be a good potential method for improving the nutrition and flavor quality of post-harvest citrus

Source: UCC
Effect of Post-Harvest Traditional Technologies on the Nutrient Content and Antioxidant Compounds of Defatted Flours from Ricinodendron heudelotti (Baill. Pierre ex Pax) Seed Kernels

Akpi (Ricinodendron heudelotii) is a semi-deciduous plant species indigenous to the coastal nations of West Africa. Its kernels are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds. In this article, we performed a nutritional characterization and a phytochemical composition of defatted kernel flours from Ricinodendron heudelotti that were grown in six different regions of Cote d’Ivoire. Classical analytic methods were used to determine the chemical composition. There were significant differences between the samples for all the parameters studied; in addition, both the locality of production and the Ricinodendron heudelotii seed kernels extraction systems showed a noteworthy influence on the mineral and element composition of the defatted flours. The samples were also rich in protein (47.0–61.3%) and energy (330.4-339.2 kcal/100 g). Magnesium (12.0–40.0%) was found to be the predominant mineral. Polyphenols (216.6–403.9 mg/100 g) and oxalates (714.7–972.9 mg/100 g) were the main phytochemical compounds identified. The consumption of defatted kernel flours from Ricinodendron heudelotti may contribute relatively high intake levels of protein, carbohydrate, and mineral macro- and micronutrient (K, Mg, Ca, Mn, and Fe). By performing principal coordinate analysis, the multidimensional scaling plot classified the defatted flours according to the kernel extraction into four main extraction systems: Bondoukou-Lakota-Vavoua diagram, Agboville1 diagram, Divo diagram, and Agboville2 diagram

Source: UCC
The effect of practical work and motivation on students’ desire to study stem subjects

STEM is the foundation of all disciplines, yet fewer students are interested in pursuing such subjects due to fear and ‘difficulty’ associated with them. The Ghana Association of University Women (GAUW), the Ghana branch of Graduate Women International (GWI), believes that Motivation through various activities is key in solving such challenges. “Motivation refers to an inner drive to action that, in terms of observable consequences, might manifest itself in a pupil's decision” to actively study STEM subjects. There have been claims concerning the motivational worth of practical work, as students’ engage in both in and out laboratory activities to pursue science and mathematics related courses as they climb the academic ladder. This is a very useful means of evaluating the degree to which such assertions are reinforced by the facts. The purpose of this study was to ascertain if motivating Junior High School (JHS) students through talks and practical experiments on STEM subjects would remove the fear of STEM subjects. Respondents (79) were asked about their interest and perception about STEM subjects before and after the science clinic. The descriptive analysis revealed that JHS students’ interest in STEM subjects and the desire to study these subjects increased after participating in the programme. Those students who initially disliked the subjects and those who were neutral on whether they will pursue STEM subjects in Senior High School (SHS) or in the future changed their mind. Numbers shot up especially for mathematics (the most feared subject). Interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics can be boosted by motivational activities (talks, tours, etc) and practical learning (laboratory work, reading exercises, etc)

Source: UCC
Effect of pre-existing Schistosoma haematobium infection on Plasmodium berghei multiplications in imprinting control region mice

Objective: To investigate the effect of pre-existing Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium) infection on malaria disease severity. Methods: The study involved the use of twenty-five imprinting control region mice, fifteen of which were initially infected with S. haematobium. Five of the remaining ten schisto-uninfected mice together with five schisto-infected mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei(P. berghei) after four weeks (acute stage) of schistosoma infection. The remaining five schisto-uninfected mice together with fve schisto-infected mice were also infected with P. bergheiafter seven weeks (chronic stage) of schistosoma infection. The last fve schisto-infected mice were used as control group. They were then monitored for changes in P. bergheiparasitaemia on Days 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 post-infection. Records on their survivability were also taken. Results: The co-infected mice had signifcantly higher malaria parasitaemia, compared with the mono-infected mice during acute S. haematobium infection. In contrast, the co-infected mice had signifcantly lower malaria parasitaemia during chronic S. haematobium infection and a higher survival rate. Conclusions: Co-infection of mice with P. bergheiduring acute S. haematobium infection resulted in rapid P. bergheidevelopment and increased malaria parasitaemia. However, the co-infection resulted in slower P. bergheidevelopment and decreased malaria parasitaemia with enhanced survivability of the mice during chronic S. haematobium infection. Therefore, pre-existing chronic S. haematobium infection may provide some protection to the host by reducing parasitaemia

Source: UCC
Effect of pre-sowing treatments on seed germination and seedling growth of silver butterfly tree (bauhinia rufescens)

Three experiments were conducted in a plastic greenhouse at the Sinna Garden of the Crop Science Department of the University of Ghana, Legon, Accra to investigate into pre-sowing treatment (water treatment, growth regulator, and sulphuric acid scarification and water soaking) effects on seed germination and seedling growth of Bauhinia rufescens from October to December, 2011 and January to April, 2012, respectively. The experimental design used was complete randomized design. There were 4 treatments in experiment 1, 7 in experiment 2 and 6 in experiment 3. Each experiment was replicated five (5) times. The results showed that Bauhinia rufescens seeds soaked in hot water at 65 0C for 60 minutes gave the highest mean germination rate, tallest plant height and highest number of leaves per plant at 49 days after soaking. It also had the widest stem diameter, highest fresh shoot and root weight, highest fresh root and dry root weight and number of roots per seedling. Seeds soaked in 500 ppm Gibberelic acid (GA3) produced the highest number of leaves per plant and tallest plants at 49 DAS. Seeds soaked in 750 ppm GA3 had the highest number of leaves per plant at 49 DAS and highest fresh shoot weight. Seeds soaked in 1000 ppm Promalin differed significantly from 500 ppm GA3 and the control in germination percentage. Seeds soaked in 1000 ppm Promalin differed significantly from 500 ppm GA3 and the control in germination percentage. Acid scarified seeds for 60 minutes plus soaking in tap water for 24 hours differed significantly from the seeds treated with other growth regulator rates plus 24 hours soaking in germination percentage. Acid scarified seeds for 45 minutes plus soaking in tap water for 24 hours had the tallest plant and highest number of leaves per plant at 49 DAS, widest stem diameter, highest fresh shoot and root weight and dry shoot weight. Soaking seeds in hot water at 65 0C for 60 minutes and/or in acid (H2SO4) for 45 minutes plus soaking in tap water for 24 hours is recommended as pre-sowing treatment for Bauhinia rufescens for maximum mean germination rate and vigorous vegetative growth of seedlings

Source: UCC
Effect of Preserved and Preservative‑Free Timolol Eye Drops on Tear Film Stability in Healthy Africans

Preserved versus nonpreserved formulations for ophthalmic use have been well described in the literature although not specifically in the African population where beta blockers are frequently used as the first‑line therapy due to economic and availability issues. This study sought to determine the effect of preserved and preservative‑free Timolol eye drops on tear film stability in healthy black Africans. Materials and Methods: Sixty healthy nondry eye subjects aged 19–25 years were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 15) and differently treated with eye drops of phosphate buffered saline (PBS), preservative‑free timolol (PFT), benzalkonium chloride (BAK) only, and BAK‑preserved timolol (BPT). Noninvasive tear break‑up time (NITBUT) was measured using the keratometer at baseline and 30, 60, and 90 min after drop application. Results: No significant decline in NITBUT was observed following treatment with PFT and PBS. However, BAK treatment showed a positive time‑dependent significant decline in NITBUT (P < 0.001) while a significant decline in the BPT‑treated group was only found at 90 min (−3.52 s; P < 0.001). In comparison to the PFT‑treated group, treatment with BAK and BPT showed significantly lower NITBUT (P < 0.001). Conclusion: BPT is associated with a significant decline in tear film stability in black Africans. This finding has implications in the management of glaucoma in patients with high‑risk of dry eyes in this population.

Source: UCC
The effect of price and climatic variables on maize supply in Ghana

This study examines the effect of previous price and climatic variables on maize supply in Ghana. For this purpose, two separate approaches are used: (i) a lag model using the OLS technique and (ii) a quantile regression approach. Results from the lag model indicates that an increase in previous year maize price and previous growing season temperature positively affect current year maize supply. However, an increase in previous growing season rainfall negatively affects current year maize supply. The quantile regression results show that maize supply responds differently to previous maize price and climatic variables across the different quantiles of crop area distribution

Source: UCC
Effect Of Problem Based Learning On Senior High School Students‘ Academic Performance

The study examined the effect of problem-based learning on students‘ performance in manufacturing accounts in senior high schools in Ghana using quasi-experimental design, test as data collection instrument, 139 students from two schools, comprising 63 students in the experimental group and 76 students in the control group, were selected using multi-stage sampling procedures to participate in the study. The data obtained were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, independent sample t-tests, and multivariate analysis of variance. The study results showed that problem-based learning is a practical learning approach in helping students learn challenging topics such as manufacturing accounts. The results further revealed that the problem-based learning approach significantly impacts students' understanding of manufacturing accounts and considers gender and individual differences as it affects both male and female performance in practically the same way. It is recommended that curriculum developers incorporate Problem-based learning as part of the recommended teaching methods. Aside from those, in-service training in the form of seminars and workshops should be organized by stakeholders of Education, such as Ghana Education Service, among others, to provide in-service education to practicing teachers on the need to use problem-based learning teaching manufacturing accounts in their schools.

Source: UCC