ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Using violet laser-induced chlorophyll fluorescence emission spectra for crop yield assessment of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp) varieties

The use of violet laser-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (LICF) emission spectra to monitor the growth of five varieties of cowpea in the University of Cape Coast Botanical Garden is presented. Radiation from a continuous-wave violet laser diode emitting at 396 nm through a fibre is closely incident on in vivo leaves of cowpea to excite chlorophyll fluorescence, which is detected by an integrated spectrometer with CCD readout. The chlorophyll fluorescence spectra with peaks at 683 and 731 nm were used for growth monitoring of the cowpea plants over three weeks and analysed using Gaussian spectral functions with curve fitted parameters to determine the peak positions, area under the spectral curve and the intensity ratio F683/F731. The variation in the intensity ratio of the chlorophyll bands showed sensitive changes indicating the photosynthetic activity of the cowpea varieties. A discussion of the fluorescence result as compared to conventional assessment is presented with regard to discrimination between the cowpea varieties in terms of crop yield performance

Source: UCC
Using violet laser-induced chlorophyll fulorescence emission spectra for crop yield assessment of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp) varieties

The use of violet laser-induced chlorophyll fuorescence (LICF) emission spectra to monitor the growth of fve varieties of cowpea in the University of Cape Coast Botanical Garden is presented. Radiation from a continuous-wave violet laser diode emitting at 396 nm through a fibre is closely incident on in vivo leaves of cowpea to excite chlorophyll fluorescence, which is detected by an integrated spectrometer with CCD readout. The chlorophyll fluorescence spectra with peaks at 683 and 731 nm were used for growth monitoring of the cowpea plants over three weeks and analyzed using Gaussian spectral functions with curve fitted parameters to determine the peak positions, area under the spectral curve and the intensity ratio F683/F731. The variation in the intensity ratio of the chlorophyll bands showed sensitive changes indicating the photosynthetic activity of the cowpea varieties. A discussion of the fluorescence result as compared to conventional assessment is presented with regard to discrimination between the cowpea varieties in terms of crop yield performance

Source: UCC
Utilisation de la vidéo dans l’enseignement/apprentissage du fle dans quelques lycées de la Métropole de Cape Coast et perspectives didactiques

This study focused on the use of videos as teaching/learning materials in the study of French as a foreign language (FFL). Our main objectives were to find out the frequency of the use of videos in French teaching/learning, as well as the difficulties associated them. We also aimed at finding out the perceptions of teachers and students concerning the effective integration of these videos in the teaching/learning of FFL. We conducted an exploratory study in two secondary schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Here, data were collected by means of questionnaires, interview guides and a non-participant observation of FFL oral classes which used videos in French as their main teaching/learning material. Our major findings were that, although some teachers admitted using videos in French occasionally to teach, the use of these materials were seen as rare in the FFL classroom. This was due to certain difficulties such as lack of suitable multimedia devices, unavailability of adequate classroom space and lack of adequate time. Despite the setbacks, the teachers maintained very favourable perceptions about the use of videos in the teaching/learning of FFL, agreeing to give more attention to it. Students also readily encouraged the use of videos in the teaching/learning of French, as they said it made learning French more practical and interesting. We therefore encouraged teachers to develop classroom-based activities related to videos. We recommended that students make active efforts in finding and using videos in French on their own.

Source: UCC
Utilisation Des Strategies D‟Ecoute Pour Une Meilleure Performance En Comprehension Orale. Le Cas Des Futurs-Enseignants De Français A Mount Mary College Et Bagabaga College of Education

The study of French as a foreign language poses a lot of challenges to Ghanaian learners. Right from the strict rules of concord and the issues of gender of nouns in written French to challenges associated to the oral French, especially the oral comprehension activities, Ghanaian learners struggle with the study of the French language. The use of listening strategies was strongly recommended for a progressive reduction of listening difficulties among foreign learners in general. In the Ghanaian educational settings however, explicit strategy instruction seems not to have attracted enough interest among teachers and researchers. Consequently, this study sets out to determine the effect of conscious use of listening strategies on the performance of teacher- trainees in listening comprehension test in French classrooms. The study therefore used an experimental approach to conduct listening strategies intervention lessons to help teacher- trainees learn to use strategies consciously in listening comprehension activities in French. Listening comprehension test scores were used to measure the success of the strategy lessons. The results show that the experimental group adopted consciously more frequent use of strategies than the control group after the intervention. The conscious and frequent use of strategies during listening comprehension tests was found to have led to comparatively higher mean scores for the experimental group than the control group. These results suggest that conscious use of strategies has an essential contribution to the development of effective and successful listening skills. The study therefore recommends that teachers explicitly integrate listening strategies into listening comprehension activities of the oral French lessons.

Source: UCC
Utilisation du passèe composè dans les ècrits des apprenant en fle au niveau JSH: Ètude de cas aupres des apprenants de Greater Care International school et de Queen's model school Ltd à Accra

This research aims at finding out the difficulties encountered by JHS learners of Greater Care International School and Queen’s Model Schools Ltd in Accra regarding the use of « passé composé » (present perfect tense) in written French as a Foreign Language (FFL). The study postulates that JHS 2 learners have difficulties, in the choice of the auxiliary avoir (to have) / être (to be) and in the construction of the past participle of irregular verbs. They also have difficulties with the agreement between the subject and the past participle, in terms of the use of the « passé composé ». Their previous knowledge in English (L2) influences their way of using the « passé composé » in FFL. Data were collected through questionnaire for teachers and learners and a written test for learners on the « passé composé ». The analysis have shown that majority of learners were confused in the selection of the auxiliary verb avoir or être. Learners found it difficult to form the past participle of irregular verbs and to do agreement between the subject and the past participle in gender and in number. They were also influenced by their previous knowledge in English, when forming the « passé composé » in French. It is therefore suggested, among other remedies, that different types of exercises on the « passé composé » in the form of drills be proposed to learners, reading of text books and simple story books - taking into consideration meaning and the linguistic elements -, group discussions and an increase in the allocated time of teaching of French from the current three periods of 35 minutes a week as indicated in Ministry of Education (1999, Sept.) to at least five.

Source: UCC
Utilisation of Applied Behaviour Analysis Intervention In the Management and Education of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders in Ghana

The purpose of this study was to examine the utilisation of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) as a management and educational intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Ghana. The qualitative case study design with purposive and convenient sampling technique was employed to sample 19 participants. Semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data from participants. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The finding revealed that ABA intervention is yielding positive impacts on the children receiving the intervention in Ghana. It was found out that children receiving the ABA intervention were able to perform tasks independently, gained mastery of self-help skills, social skills, motor skills, communication and attention. Additionally, they experience declined in challenging behaviours. Teachers indicated that ABA had equipped them with skills to be able to manage children with ASD. Family stress, worry and workload of parents were reduced. The findings further revealed that acceptability of ABA in Ghana increased among parents due to its positive results and modification done in ABA techniques by practitioners to modify programmes to suit the Ghanaian context. Participants also expressed satisfaction with the appropriateness of ABA techniques used. Lack of resources and high of cost running the intervention were found to be factors affecting the dissemination of ABA in Ghana. The study recommended that the government of Ghana through the Ministries of Education and Health should adopt ABA as treatment for ASD in Ghana. Finally, it was recommended that universities running Special Education programmes should include ABA in their training curriculum and greater focus should also be given to research in this area.

Source: UCC
Utilisation of information and communication technologies in hotel operations in the central region of Ghana

This research was conducted in the central region of Ghana to investigate the utilization of ICT in hotels business operation. Primary data collections employed in the study were obtained from 200 respondents using well-structured questionnaires. Findings of the research study revealed that telephones, computers, internet, printers and fax machines were ICT applications in hotels business operation. Telephones were the most common ICT application used, and then followed by fax machines were the least ICT applications used in hotels business operation in the Central Region. Findings of the research study further revealed that the majority hotels in the region were using the internet as the latest developments in telecommunications. Hotels in the Central Region have benefited from the uses of ICT in their business operations through accessing hospitality information, improving customer service and increasing patronage. The main conclusion drawn from the research study is that there is still a need to promote ICT utilisation in hospitality industry in the Central Region and Ghana at large

Source: UCC
Utilisation of information communication technology In the training and education of students with visual Impairment in tertiary institutions in Ghana

The study examined the utilisation of information communication technology in the training and education of students with visual impairment in tertiary institutions in Ghana. The study employed the cross-sectional descriptive survey design using questionnaire for data collection to provide answers to the research questions. The study population included resource persons and all students with visual impairment across three Public Universities in Ghana namely: University of Cape Coast, University of Ghana and University of Education, Winneba. In all, 20 resource persons and 116 students with visual impairment were valid to participate in the study. Data were analysed using Means, frequencies and standard deviation. The study revealed that ICT tools are available but inadequate in the three tertiary institutions in Ghana. It was established that ICT tools were fairly accessible in some locations in the various tertiary institutions. Again, it was revealed that ICT tools (hardware and software) are difficult to be used by students with visual impairment and that the students lacked the necessary skills to utilise ICT tools. It was further revealed that utilisation of ICT in the training and education of students with visual impairment has been hindered by various barriers of which inadequate training opportunities was the leading barrier. Students with visual impairment believed that ICT will assist them to learn independently and suggested that more ICT tools should be procured. It was recommended to the Ministry of Education and tertiary institutions to procure more ICT tools. Also, students should be introduced to more ICT skills.

Source: UCC
Utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services among young people with disabilities in Ghana

Employing the health care utilisation model, the study sought to assess the utilisation of sexual and reproductive health services (SRHS) among young people with disabilities (YPWDs) in Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out among 2127 young people with disabilities who were purposely selected from 16 special schools in Ghana. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses were done to examine the associations between some background characteristics and utilisation, challenges and barriers of accessing SRHS. The results provide evidence that there is high utilisation of SRHS by YPWDs in Ghana. Religion, ecological zone and self rated health status were found to be the main factors associated with utilisation of SRHS among YPWDS. It was also evident that YPWDs face challenges and barriers in their quest to accessing SRHS. The major challenges and barriers were financial constraints, problem of communication and physical barriers. These challenges and barriers were associated with sex, educational level, ecological zone, disability type and self-rated health status. It was recommended that to sustain high utilization of SRHS, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Education (MOE) should strengthen health education to YPWDs on the need to use SRHS, government of Ghana should make it an intervention priority to produce some of the SRH information in electronic forms for young people who are visually impaired to have access to SRHS, the MOH collaboration with the MOE should make it an intervention priority to strengthen the training on the use of sign language to a special group of nurses to attend to the needs of the hearing impaired when they visit health facilities for SRHS and the Government of Ghana should strengthen the free healthcare services that YPWDs access as this can reduce SRH problems they face including HIV and AIDS.

Source: UCC
Utilisation of the nursing process for patient care in Ghana: The case of nurses of Tamale teaching hospital

Globally, the quality of health care relates closely with the quality of nursing care. The nursing process is widely adopted as an evidenced-based tool that guides the practice and delivery of quality nursing care. To improve its use, a number of studies have been conducted into the extent of use of the nursing process and its associated challenges in several countries. In Ghana, however, the extent of use of the nursing process, as well as, barriers associated with its use have not been thoroughly examined. This study sought to assess the extent of use of the nursing process, as well as, barriers associated with its use at the Tamale Teaching Hospital. A cross-sectional survey of 286 registered nurses and midwives, chosen by stratified random sampling technique, was undertaken using a self-completing questionnaire. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 23. Statistical tools used were Frequencies, Kruskal-Wallis H Test of association and Multiple Logistic Regression. Most participants were highly knowledgeable in the nursing process (71.0%), while usage of the nursing process was low (32.3%). Major barriers of the nursing process were stressful work environment (96.8%), absence of nursing process policy (94.7%), lack of further nursing process training (91.5%), inadequate supply of consumables (81.2%), and lack of nursing process clinical skills (42.9%). Age, educational level and years of experience were significantly associated with the use of the nursing process. Nursing process policy and supply of consumables/stationery were found to be significant predictors of the use of the nursing process. The hospital should, therefore, develop a nursing process policy, supply adequate quantities of consumables and conduct periodic clinical re-training of nurses on the nursing process.

Source: UCC
Utilisation of ‘IEPA’ graduates in sectors of the Ghanaian economy: insights from a nation-wide tracer study

This article reports on a nation-wide tracer study conducted by the Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA), which examined how her graduates were utilised by employers in sectors of the Ghanaian economy. Considering the nature of the research context and the dearth of information regarding placement and utilisation of IEPA graduates in the labour market, the concurrent mixed methods design was employed, whereby qualitative data in the form of insights from semi-structured open-ended interviews with 16 employers was elicited for analysis. This was complemented by quantitative data derived from self-administered questionnaires distributed to 407 IEPA graduates employees on the purpose of the study. The data from these two sources were analysed using a thematic approach and descriptive statistics, respectively, to allow for key lessons, observations and conclusions to be drawn to the context of the study. The findings show that IEPA graduates were engaged in leadership, management, administrative and planning roles/tasks in their respective posts. The findings suggest, however, that although IEPA graduates performed these roles frequently, they were utilised in other ‘supplementary tasks/roles’ different from those they had received professional training and/or qualifications to perform. Against the backdrop of the findings, the article concludes that IEPA needs to revise its curricula and modes of training and course delivery to ensure that she churns out graduates who meet the 21st century demands and aspirations of her clientele.

Source: UCC
Utility of university curricula in contemporary times: Perspectives of employers in the Cape Coast Metropolis

The majority of studies and reports on university education in Africa have focused mainly on issues related to access, quality, teaching and learning environment, and so on. Although these issues are undoubtedly critical, even more germane to the discourse is the desired utility of university education to society. The authors present the perspective of employers on their expectations from university graduates. The authors employed the qualitative research approach. Four financial institutions from the Cape Coast Metropolis were purposively sampled. An in-depth interview guide was employed for data collection, which was analyzed using thematic content analysis. The authors found that graduates are strong in theory but deficient in application of knowledge.

Source: UCC
The Utility Value Of Ultrasound As An Investigative Tool In Colloid And Malignant Thyroid Disorders

Although the diagnosis of cancer can only be confirmed by histology, other diagnostic modalities such as ultrasonography, which is cheap and readily available, can be used as alternatives particularly where histology is not readily available. This study was carried out to assess the usefulness or otherwise, of some ultrasonographic appearances in predicting certain thyroid pathologies including cancer. Ultrasound of thyroid masses was carried out with appropriate positioning in patients with neck swellings, referred to the radiology department, using either 3.5 or 5 MHz linear or sector probe. The histologic diagnosis was obtained for comparison where available. Using histology as gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound appearance in diagnosing thyroid malignancy are 0% and 0% respectively. There was significant discordance between histological diagnosis and ultrasonographic appearances in benign thyroid disorders using established criteria. The utility value of ultrasound in the diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid diseases is however found to be limited , given its low sensitivity and specificity at the available power range (3.5 or 5.0MHz) in this centre.

Source: UCC
Utilization of Eye Care Services among Ghanaian Elderly Population: Evidence from a Peri-Urban Community

Introduction: Despite being more affected by visual impairment and blindness than any other population age group, the elderly are least likely to seek help when faced with eye problems. Eye care utilization among the aged is influenced by a number of predisposing, enabling and need factors. Aim: To assess the eye care needs and utilization of eye care services among Ghanaian elderly population. Methods: A cross sectional survey of 170 elderly persons (52.0% of those eligible) aged 60+ years in a peri-urban community in the Central Region of Ghana was conducted. They were purposively sampled and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire to collect information regarding demographics, eye care use, barriers and eye care seeking behavior. They also underwent ophthalmic examination. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 70 years with 58.2% of them being females. About one third 61(35.8%) had never had an eye examination in their lifetime. Among 137 (80.5%) individuals identified with eye problems that needed care at the time of the examination, 76.9% self-reported eye problems before examination but only 51.2% had utilized eye services in the previous five years. Nearly three out of four (75%) were registered with the national health insurance scheme (NHIS). Conditions identified were cataract in 117 (29.2%) eyes, uncorrected refractive error 75(18.8%), pterygium/pinguiculi 55(13.8%), presbyopia 40(10.0 %), and retinal disorders in 23(5.8%) eyes. By proportion, more males (59%) than females (45.5%), increasing age and those with higher level of education utilized eye care. The study showed that sex, education but not age were statistically related to the utilization of eye care services (P = 0.05). Conclusion: A large proportion of the elderly who require eye care are currently not utilizing eye care services. The barriers that lead to the low utilization of eye care services among the elderly should to be explored to reduce the burden of visual impairment.

Source: UCC