ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The influence of Senior High School Student Factors and Teacher-Student Interaction on Student Performance in Mathematics in the Cape Coast Metropolis

A total of 3,342 eleventh graders of 69 intact classes were randomly chosen along with their 57 teachers from ten public Senior High Schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The research employed a sequential explanatory mixed methods design. Four research instruments namely questionnaires, observation schedule, interview guides and achievement test were used to collect the data. The data collected from quantitative sources were analysed using inferential statistics and frequency counts. While those collected from interviews were analysed qualitatively and presented as narrative with some examples. Findings revealed that the variables: student anxiety, student attitude, student motivation and teacher-student relationship jointly explained 19% of the variance in achievement scores and attitude emerged as salient predictors of student achievement in mathematics and the sub constructs of the four variables collectively explained 44% of the variance in achievement scores. The implications of the results for the teaching and learning of mathematics are discussed.

Source: UG
The influence of sex of interviewer on the results of an AIDS survey in Ghana

Researchers often assume respondents will give more accurate information about sexual behavior to interviewers of the same sex. The influence of sex of interviewer was examined in Ghana at a very early stage of the AIDS epidemic. No substantial discrepancies in reported sexual behavior by sex of interviewer were found for male respondents. For female respondents, very young women (15-18) were more likely to tell male interviewers they had had prior sexual activity. Unexpectedly, substantial differences in responses to knowledge and attitude questions were found. Female interviewers were more likely to be told that most people didn't need to worry about AIDS and that there was a cure for AIDS. Similar differences were found for attitudes to condoms: both sexes were more likely to report their friends were using condoms and condoms spoil sex if the interviewer was female. It is unwise to assume respondents will give more accurate information to interviewers of the same sex and impossible to determine a priori what type of response bias might occur. Systematic study of the potential influence of sex of interviewer is needed in every new field situation.

Source: UG
The Influence Of Social Media On Diplomacy: A Case Study Of US-Russia Relations

Social media has now become a major part of modern diplomacy with countries all over the world embracing it as an alternative medium of communication within diplomacy. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, websites and blogs are examples of dominant social media platforms used by states and non-states alike. The use of social media in diplomacy has given rise to public diplomacy efforts, e-diplomacy or digital diplomacy and soft power and consequently transformed modern diplomacy. The aim of the study was to examine the impact of social media on the conduct and execution of modern diplomacy. The study measured the extent of social media's influence on diplomatic relations between the USA and Russia particularly and drew out some benefits and challenges as well as preferred solutions to the challenges. The research design of the study made use of the qualitative method in collecting, analyzing and interpreting data. The sampling method employed was the non-probability technique of purposive sampling because the selected sample had adequate information pertaining to the theme of the study. From the findings, social media has enhanced communication between diplomats and their target audiences while some shortcomings include security breaches and the propagation of fake news. Recommendations based on the findings include social media training courses for diplomats to enable them to stay on top of situations, improvement of security measures to protect information and data and measures to deal with propagators of false information.

Source: UG
Influence of social stigma on subjective well‐being of persons with albinism in Ghana

Previous studies have shown that social stigma adversely affects quality of life. However, little research has assessed the influence of social stigma on subjective well‐being (SWB) of persons with albinism (PWA) in Ghana, and the role that perceived social support plays in this relationship. This study investigated the SWB of PWA in Ghana. Participants (N = 105) completed a survey questionnaire on social stigma, social support, and SWB. Results from structural equation modelling showed a significant negative association between social stigma and SWB. Perceived social support partially mediated the negative effect that social stigma has on SWB, with significant other support emerging as a reliable predictor of SWB in this sample. Results suggest that the population with albinism in Ghana is experiencing high levels of social stigma, which is adversely affecting its SWB. Social stigma seems to be preventing PWA from being accorded the needed social support by family and friends. The results highlight the importance of designing stigma‐reduction educational interventions that target social stigma at family, community, and societal levels.

Source: UG
The influence of socio-cultural interpretations of pregnancy threats on health-seeking behavior among pregnant women in urban Accra, Ghana

Background: Although antenatal care coverage in Ghana is high, there exist gaps in the continued use of maternity care, especially utilization of skilled assistance during delivery. Many pregnant women seek care from different sources aside the formal health sector. This is due to negative perceptions resulting from poor service quality experiences in health facilities. Moreover, the socio-cultural environment plays a major role for this care-seeking behavior. This paper seeks to examine beliefs, knowledge and perceptions about pregnancy and delivery and care-seeking behavior among pregnant women in urban Accra, Ghana.Methods: A qualitative study with 6 focus group discussions and 13 in-depth interviews were conducted at Taifa-Kwabenya and Madina sub-districts, Accra. Participants included mothers who had delivered within the past 12 months, pregnant women, community members, religious and community leaders, orthodox and non-orthodox healthcare providers. Interviews and discussions were audio-taped, transcribed and coded into larger themes and categories.Results: Evidence showed perceived threats, which are often given socio-cultural interpretations, increased women's anxieties, driving them to seek multiple sources of care. Crucially, care-seeking behavior among pregnant women indicated sequential or concurrent use of biomedical care and other forms of care including herbalists, traditional birth attendants, and spiritual care. Use of multiple sources of care in some cases disrupted continued use of skilled provider care. Furthermore, use of multiple forms of care is encouraged by a perception that facility-based care is useful only for antenatal services and emergencies. It also highlights the belief among some participants that care from multiple sources are complementary to each other.Conclusions: Socio-cultural interpretations of threats to pregnancy mediate pregnant women's use of available healthcare services. Efforts to encourage continued use of maternity care, especially skilled birth assistance at delivery, should focus on addressing generally perceived dangers to pregnancy. Also, the attractiveness of facility-based care offers important opportunities for building collaborations between orthodox and alternative care providers with the aim of increasing use of skilled obstetric care. Conventional antenatal care should be packaged to provide psychosocial support that helps women deal with pregnancy-related fear. © 2013 Dako-Gyeke et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Source: UG
Influence of Spontaneous Fermentation on Some Quality Characteristics of Maize-Based Cowpea-Fortified nixtamalized Foods

Spontaneous fermentation has been identified to improve the quality characteristics of foods derived from them. When combined with cowpea fortification and nixtamalization, it is expected to improve the nutritional, functional, physico-chemical and sensory qualities of maize based foods thereby improving the qualities as well as broadening the food processing techniques in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was therefore aimed at investigating the influence of spontaneous fermentation on the functional, physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of maize-based cowpea fortified nixtamalized foods. A 3x3x2 factorial experiment with fermentation time (0, 24, 48 h), cowpea (0, 10 and 20%) and alkaline treatment (nixtamalized and non nixtamalized maize) was used. Samples were analyzed for pH, titratable acidity and water absorption capacity (27°C and 70°C). The blends were dried using the cabinet drier, milled into flour and processed into a snack food. The cylinder probe test was used in a TA-TX2 Texture Analyzer to measure the hardness of processed snack foods and sensory analysis was conducted to determine the acceptability of the snack products. The pH of all the nixtamalized samples decreased with fermentation time and cowpea fortification with concomitant increase in titratable acidity. Cowpea addition caused decreases in the pH from 9.68 to 6.12 in the unfermented nixtamalized samples. Contrary to this trend, general increases in titratable acidity were observed with fermentation and cowpea ddition of the products. The water absorption capacities at both 27°C and 70°C of all the nixtamalized blends generally decreased with fermentation time and cowpea fortification. The texture (hardness) of the formulated products were acceptable. Sensory evaluation indicated that the techniques of nixtamalization, fermentation and cowpea fortification used for the processing of the products did not influence their acceptability by the panel. Nixtamalized maize can therefore be subjected to spontaneous fermentation with cowpea fortification to enhance the functional, physico-chemical and sensory properties of products derived from them, thereby serving as alternative food technologies to maize processing in sub-Saharan Africa.

Source: UG
Influence of starter culture combinations of Lactobacillus fermentum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida krusei on aroma in Ghanaian maize dough fermentation

Various combinations of Lactobacillus fermentum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida krusei were investigated as starter cultures for the fermentation of the Ghanaian maize dough. The four combinations used were each yeast species with L fermentum, both yeast species together, and both yeast species together with L. fermentum. Maize dough fermented spontaneously was also used as control. The aroma profile, acidity values and sensory characteristics of all dough samples were compared. Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the aroma profiles of the dough samples could be separated into five distinct groups based on the type of fermentation. Fermentations where S. cerevisiae and C. krusei were combined produced the highest concentrations of aroma compounds, particularly esters, but were judged as having the lowest acceptability scores. A more balanced profile that included alcohols, carbonyls, esters and acids was obtained with the combination of L. fermentum and C. krusei, which produced fermented dough with a high sensory score comparable to spontaneous fermentations. Combinations of L. fermentum and S. cerevisiae produced high concentrations of ethanol and fusel alcohols. Lactic and acetic acid concentrations were highest with the combined use of all three starter cultures.

Source: UG
Influence of substrate formulation on some morphometric characters and biological efficiency of Pleurotus ostreatus EM-1 (Ex. Fr) Kummer grown on rice wastes and “wawa” (Triplochiton scleroxylon) sawdust in Ghana

A study was conducted to correlate the stipe length, cap diameter, and growth yield (fresh weight) of the fruiting body of Pleurotus ostreatus strain EM-1 using different rice lignocellulosic wastes and “wawa” (Triplochiton scleroxylon) compost: raw una- mended rice straw; rice straw amended with 1% CaCO3 and 10% CaCO 3; rice straw amended with 1% CaCO3 and 10% CaCO 3 supplemented with 5, 10, and 15% rice bran prior to bagging; rice straw and rice husk mixture (1:1 w/w) amended with 1% CaCO 3 and 10% CaCO 3 supplemented with 5%–15% rice bran prior to bagging; and wawa sawdust amended with 1% CaCO3 and 10% rice bran. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design in a well-ventilated semi-dark room at 26– 28°C and 60%–65% ERH. The fresh weight, length of the stipe, and cap diameter increased differentially in each treatment with an increasing period of composting in the substrates. There was a good coefficient of determination (R2) among stipe length, cap diameter, and biological efficiency (%). The R2 among stipe length, cap diameter, and biological efficiency for the different formulated substrates ranged between R2 = 0.6346–0.9454 and R2 = 0.570–0.9624, respectively. The highest R2 was obtained on raw unamended rice straw substrates (stipe length and cap diameter were R2 = 0.9454 and R2 = 0.9444, respectively), whereas the lowest correlation co- efficient among stipe length, cap diameter, and biological efficiency (%) (R2 = 0.6346; R2 = 0.0570), respectively, was recorded on the rice straw and rice husk mixture sub- strates. The results show a positive correlation in morphometric growth parameters studied on the different formulated substrates.

Source: UG
Influence of sustainable livelihood capital on climate variability adaptation strategies

This article argues that access to informational, financial, and human capital influences specific climate variability adaptation strategies. Even though this argument is highly supported within the conventional wisdom circle, the extant literature remains sparing, particularly covering non-arid spaces in the global south. Relying on cross-sectional data covering 150 smallholder crop farmers from southern Ghana, augmented with focus group discussions, we answer the research question: What is the relationship between access to financial, informational, and human capital and climate variability adaptation strategies in a peri-urban geography? The results were estimated using multivariate probit regression. The findings showed that informational, financial, and human capital significantly influenced climate variability adaptation strategies. Specifically, informational capital significantly influenced organic manure application and irrigation. Financial capital through savings significantly influenced crop rotation. Formal and informal credit sources had no significant influence on climate variability adaptation strategies. Human capital - household labour significantly influenced mixed cropping, organic manure, and irrigation. Formal financial institutions are encouraged to adapt tailor-made requirements that are sensitive to the high-level informalities pertaining to peasant farming. And consider reducing loan interest rates to foster financial inclusion. Governments in sub-Saharan Africa could target improving farmers access to informational, financial, and human capital to build resilient climate variability adaptations.

Source: UG
The Influence of Tax Audit on Tax Compliance in Ghana.

The economy of developing countries is associated with low tax revenue due to non-compliance. This study assesses the statistical significance of tax audits on tax compliance in Ghana. The content analysis approach was adopted to gather a three (3) year panel data of 160 sampled companies made up 25 listed entities and 135 non-listed entities for the period 2011-2013. The study finds that tax audit and cash flow have no significant influence on tax compliance. However, board size and auditor type are significant and positively related to tax compliance. Industry has a statistical significant negative influence on tax compliance. The study confirms the truism that taxpayers would not voluntarily comply with tax obligations. The study contributes to the literature on measure and predictors of tax compliance and the predictors of tax compliance. Tax authorities must encourage corporate taxpayers to maintain competent boards and external auditors to promote tax compliance.

Source: UG
Influence of tempering and fat crystallization behaviours on microstructural and melting properties in dark chocolate systems

Particle size distribution (PSD) and temper influences on dark chocolate fat crystallization were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and microscopy to establish relationships with their melt- ing properties and microstructure. Variations in PSD had no influence on crystallinity of products at all temper regimes. Particle size (PS) increases had limited effects on Tonset, Tpeak, and DHmelt independent of temper regime but significant decreases in Tend and Tindex were noted. Contrary, varying temper regime influenced the crystallinity and melting properties (Tend, Tindex and DHmelt) of products. Under-tempered chocolate showed widened crystal size distribution (CSD) with significant changes in Tend, Tindex and DHmelt of products. Over-tempering caused moderate increases in CSD and melting properties, with significant effect on Tend, Tindex and DHmelt but no changes were noted in Tonset, Tpeak of products. Fat–sugar melting profiles showed similar levels in all products independent of temper regime, suggesting fat and sugar components are present in similar amounts in under-, over- and optimally-tempered products. Micrographs revealed clear crystalline network structure and well defined inter-crystal networks among tempered and over-tempered samples. Under-tempered products showed re-arrangement and re-crystallization of unstable fat crystals to smaller numbers of larger agglomerates with formation of solid bridges between the crystalline network structures. Attainment of optimal temper regime during pre- crystallization of dark chocolate is necessary for the achievement of premium quality products and avoidance of defects in structure and melting character.

Source: UG
The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on audit fees and audit report timeliness of listed firms in Ghana

Abstract: The objective of the study is to examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on audit fees and delays in the release of audit reports among the publicly listed entities in Ghana. The study sampled 35 listed firms over 5 years from 2017 to 2021 by extracting data from the annual report of the firms. The study relied on a panel regression model to estimate the extent to which COVID-19 predicts changes in audit fees and audit report timeliness among listed firms in Ghana. The analysis of the results revealed a positive coefficient between COVID-19 pandemic and audit fees and the positive coefficient was also statistically significant. The study also found a positive and statistically significant association between the COVID-19 pandemic and audit report timeliness which suggest that the pandemic resulted in the delay in the release of audit report among listed entities in Ghana. The combined effect of the two key findings is that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant influence on audit quality among listed firms in Ghana. The result has significant policy implications especially from the perspective of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana in terms of drawing auditors’ attention to the increased audit risk brought about as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to compensate for that with the high-quality audit

Source: UG
Influence of the inter tropical discontinuity on Harmattan dust deposition in Ghana

The Harmattan is a dry dust-laden continental wind, and in the boreal winter Harmattan dust plumes affects many West African countries, including Ghana. When the Harmattan is strongest the southern part of Ghana is affected by the Inter Tropical Discontinuity (ITD). In this study, we investigate if the ITD functions as a barrier, preventing long transported Harmattan dust to settle south of, and below, it. This is done by analyzing a Harmattan dust outbreak, mapped using Earth observation (EO) data from the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) onboard the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) platform, coupled with data from West African AERONET stations, and comparing these observations with wind data from NOAA's Air Resources Laboratory (ARL) program and the mineral suite of samples from seasonal dust deposits in north and south Ghana. In northern Ghana traces of minerals indicate a weak influence of particles from an arid environment, which is found consistent with the mapped dust plumes and NE wind directions. In southern Ghana the mineral composition show no sediments of an arid origin, the mapped dust plumes is less intense, and the surface wind directions and wind mass trajectories are more varying with lower wind speeds. Based on the results of this study it is concluded that dust deposited, or measured near ground, in the Harmattan period under the ITD, and south of it, does not contain material from the Chad Basin due to the local winds conditions. © 2013. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.

Source: UG
The influence of Ti and Nb on solidification cracking of ferritic stainless steels, as determined using self-restrained samples

The susceptibility to solidification cracking of ferritic stainless steels was studied using the self-restrained method. The unstabilised steel was compared with mono and dual stabilised (Ti and/or Nb) steels. Autogenous gas tungsten arc welding at a speed of 6 mm/s, 3 mm/s, and 1 mm/s was done. All the specimens cracked at a welding speed of 6 mm/s. The weld metal of both the unstabilised and the stabilised steels contained a mixture of columnar and equiaxed grains. At a welding speed of 3 mm/s, all the specimens except the unstabilised grade cracked. The weld metal microstructures were mostly columnar, and the dual stabilised grades showed equiaxed grains. At a welding speed of 1 mm/s, the Nb stabilised and the dual stabilised steel containing Mo cracked whilst the other alloys did not crack. At a welding speed of 1 mm/s, the weld metal was dominated by columnar grains. The cracks were interdendritic. The crack surfaces were enriched in Nb, Ti, Mn, Si, Al, Mn, and Mo. The unstabilised ferritic stainless steel was resistant to solidification cracking whilst the stabilised steels were not. Low melting point eutectic phases associated with Ti and Nb might have contributed to solidification cracking.

Source: UG