ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
News sharing behaviour of students on social media

The reception of news and information is diverse and has been evolving. There has been a rapid alteration in the news environment and news consumption practices. The society is moving from the conventional news cycle which is controlled by journalism professionals to a more composite information cycle that integrates ordinary people within its processes. Social media has been increasingly used to gather and share news stories from mainstream news websites. Studies have found young people who are tech savvy, especially, students to be particularly interested in exploring the media options that come along with technology. In order for the traditional news media to understand how to better appeal to young people, studies have recommended that, attention must be given to how young people value and use news in different ways. While research on online news sharing abounds, most of the research to date has not focused on the attitudes and behaviour of users of social media. This study, therefore, investigates the case of news sharing practices on Facebook and WhatsApp of students of University of Education, Winneba (UEW). It investigates the types of news stories students of UEW share on social media; examines their motivations for sharing news stories and explores how students evaluate the credibility of the news stories they share. Employing the Uses and Gratifications (UG) and the Epistemology of Testimony theories, the study through interviews and focus group discussions analysed data from purposively selected students from the School of Communication and Media Studies of UEW. The findings indicated that, the participants particularly share entertainment/celebrity, politics, crime, sports and local/campus news. The analysed data further revealed that, entertainment and socialisation are the most dominant motivations of participants for sharing news on social media. The study concludes that, news stories shared on Facebook and WhatsApp are predominantly ‘soft’ news due to their virality and the participants aim to relax, release tension and interact with others. Also, the study concludes that participants employ heuristics like assessing the source of news stories, confirming from other independent sources, relying on reasoning and presentation when analysing the credibility of news stories as they prefer verification techniques that require the least time and mental effort. An interesting finding of the study is the discovery of the flaming news type which is now popular with young people in Ghana.

Source: UEW
newspaper coverage of corporate Social responsibility in Ghana a content analysis of the Daily Graphic

The study investigated the coverage of CSR in two Ghanaian newspapers – the Daily Graphic and the Business & Financial Times (B&FT). In particular, the study examined the CSR issues the newspapers covered; assessed the nature of stakeholders addressed in the newspapers; and finally, examined the tone used in the CSR coverage in the newspapers. The study employed the qualitative content analysis method, and used 398 CSR stories from both the Daily Graphic and the B&FT. Guided by the agenda-setting, stakeholder, and agenda-building theories, the study revealed that CSR issues covered in the newspapers were predominantly on health, development, and education. The study also revealed that the stakeholders in both newspapers either served as beneficiaries of CSR activities or as sources used in the coverage of CSR. While stakeholders including community members, customers, shareholders, employees, and suppliers were found to be stakeholders considered as beneficiaries of CSR, company representatives, the media, and academics emerged as the stakeholders used as sources in CSR coverage. In addition, the findings suggest that the two newspapers predominantly employed positive tone in their CSR stories. The study recommends that journalists source their CSR stories from a variety of stakeholders such as CSR activists, environmentalists, government representatives, and policymakers among others to get a better understanding of the true nature of CSR in Ghana.

Source: UEW
Newspaper framing of the electoral processes leading to the 2012 general elections in Ghana

This study examinedhow the Daily Graphicand the Daily Guide framed the coverage of the electoral processes leading to the 2012 general elections in Ghana. The communication theories of agenda setting and framing were used to conduct the study. Media coverage of the electoral processes leading to elections are of critical relevance in determining the outcome and acceptance of election results and that is why this research seeks to analyze how the media covered the framing of the electoral processes of training of election officials, voter education, demarcation, registration, exhibition, transfer of votes and filing of nominationsin Ghana during the period leading to the 2012 elections. A total of 3,559 paragraphs was analyzed in both newspapers for this study. Through content analysis, the study showed that registration was the electoral process that received the most coverage in both newspapers. The study also found out thatnine frames were used by both the Daily Graphic and the Daily Guide to frame the electoral processes and out of these nine frames, seven frames were used to frame the registration process alone. The study also revealed that both newspapers focused much of their attention on the registration process to the neglect of the other processes hereby setting the agenda for the public to see registration as the most important of all the processes. Again, the study revealed that whiles the Daily Graphic took an informative stance most of the times in its coverage of the electoral processes, the Daily Guide tend to sensationalize its coverage of these electoral processes.Finally, the study showed that both newspapers did not only tell the electorate the electoral processes that are important but also subtly influenced the general public’s perception of the electoral processes by the use of frames.

Source: UEW
Newspapers reportage on the right to education in Ghana a content analysis of Ghanaian Times and Daily Guide

Globally, education has been recognised as a human right since the adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights in 1948. It has since been affirmed in numerous global human rights treaties, instruments, and documents including the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation, Conventions against Discrimination in Education, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (UNESCO & UNICEF, 2007). The Topic- Newspaper Reportage on The Right to Education in Ghana: A Content Analysis of Ghanaian Times and Daily Guide, sought to investigate how the print media in particular the above mentioned newspapers reported on the right to education. This was aimed at finding out the right to education themes they used in their headlines to promote the subject matter amongst Ghanaians from January, 2012 to September, 2015. The study made use of the qualitative research method and the data came from an in-depth and systematic content analysis of the Ghanaian Times and Daily Guide newspapers while the Agenda Setting and Social Responsibility Theories of the Media were employed for the analysis. The findings of the study revealed that even though the two newspapers reported on education, the human right aspect of education in the headlines was less in both newspapers. These were corroborated in the content analysis undertaken by the researcher on the two newspapers. The study therefore recommends that newspapers should use the right to education themes in their educational headlines to promote the subject matter as human rights amongst Ghanaian. The study will open the door for future researchers to delve more into issues on the right to education promotion by the media including radio and television to expand the frontiers of academic literature on the subject matter.

Source: UEW
Newsroom convergence in Ghana, a case study of Kessben media

Journalism practice is experiencing several changes in its operations. Scholars have studied and attributed these changes to media convergence due to digitisation. However, in Ghana, media convergence studies are scant. This study, therefore, explores the practice of media convergence in Ghana using Kessben Media as a case study. It examines the model of newsroom convergence practised at Kessben Media; investigates the motivation for the practice of newsroom convergence at Kessben Media; and analysed the perspectives of journalists on the practice. Employing the media convergence theory and the multimedia models of newsroom convergence, the study used observations, interviews and focus group discussions to gather data from journalistic operations as well as purposively selected journalists in Kessben Media’s newsroom. Thematically analysed data revealed that Kessben Media’s newsroom practised a hybrid convergence model that has aspects of both the integrated and cross media models under the multimedia models of newsroom convergence. The study established that profitability was one of the key motivations for the practice of newsroom convergence at Kessben Media. Findings also showed that journalists at Kessben Media share both positive and negative views on the practice of newsroom convergence. Journalists see the practice as a challenging practice and at the same time a skill-enhancing practice. The study recommends that management should consult journalists to have their inputs in the policy framework that would govern the implementation process to address any form of resistance towards the implementation.

Source: UEW
Newsroom representation and discrimination against female journalists in Ghana

In journalism, there are still growing concerns about the ratio of men to women, even though women's presence in the newsroom have increased progressively. The issues of gender stereotyping and discrimination against women have emerged over time and still remain an issue of great concern. In view of this, using the gender theory, this chapter aims to interrogate the issues of female representation in the practice of journalism in Ghana, in terms of numbers, portrayals, and discriminations. To achieve the aim, the study employs a qualitative approach through in-drpth interviews. The study reveal that men still dominate the journalism profession in Ghana. Also women in the newsroom are portrayed on one hand as capable and hardworking and on the other hand as emotional and immoral. Furthermore, women in journalism in Ghana are discriminated against in terms of salary structure and job roles. It was also revealed that female journalists in Ghana are employing strategies like apathy and rebelliousness to deal with the negative portrayals and discrimination against them. � 2021, IGI Global.

Source: UEW
Nkrato} akwanhodo}, nhwehwɛmu a ɛfa ahyɛn ho ntwerɛeɛ ho w} Sefwi Wiawso Mansini mu

Nhwehwjmu yi botaej ne sj jbjhwehwj nkratoc akwanhodoc titire no, ahyjn ho ntwerjej a jwc Sehwi Wiawso mansini mu. Afei jbjhwj nkyerjasej ahodoc a ahyjnwuranom, ahyjnkafoc ne ahyjntiafoc de ma, mfomsoc a jwc ntwerjej no mu ne jmu nsiesie. Megyina kwalitetif akwankyerj so na jdii me dwuma no. Mefaa ahyjn ahanu (200) a wcn ho ntwerjej no yj Asante Twi ne Sehwi kasa. Afei mene nnipa ahanu aduonum- num (255) a wcn mu ahanu (200) yj ahyjnwuranom ne ahyjnkafoc, aduonum yj ahyjntiafoc na num yj wcn a wctwerjtwerj ntwerjej gu ahyjn ho. Menam nkcmmc twetwej na nhwjej kwan so na jnyaa nsjmmoano no. Nhwehwjmu no jdaa no adi sj ntwerjej a jgu ahyjn ho no dodoc ara yj Asante Twi. Bio, nkyerjasej a wcde ma ntwerjej no gyina cdc, gyidie, ahiyie ne afotuo so. Nsunsuansoc no so daa abotare, nkuranhyj, anidasoc ne cdc wc asetsena mu adi. Ne korakora no, yehunuu sj mfomsoc taa wc ntwerjej no mu a ne nyinara gyina atwerjtwerjfoc no nwomanim ne wcn nimdej wc kasa atwerj mmara no so

Source: UEW
Noise exposure and hearing capabilities of quarry workers in Ghana: A cross-sectional study

Introduction. Although quarry operations have high economic significance, the effects they cause to the workers in terms of excessive noise production cannot be overlooked. This cross-sectional study assessed the extent of noise exposure and its influence on hearing capabilities among quarry workers in Ashanti region. Methods. The study involved 400 workers randomly selected from five quarries in Ashanti region from April to June 2012. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, physical examination, and audiological assessments. A logistic regression model was fitted to assess independent predictors of hearing loss. Results. All the machines used at the various quarries produced noise that exceeded the minimum threshold with levels ranging from 85.5 dBA to 102.7 dBA. 176 (44%) of study respondents had hearing threshold higher than 25 dBA. 18% and 2% of these were moderately (41-55 dBA) and severely (71-90 dBA) impaired, respectively. Age, duration of work, and use of earplugs independently predicted the development of hearing loss. Use of earplugs showed a protective effect on the development of hearing loss (OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.25, 0.84). Conclusion. This study provides empirical evidence on the extent of damage caused to quarry workers as a result of excessive noise exposure. This will support the institution of appropriate protective measures to minimize this threat. � 2016 Charles Kwame R. Gyamfi et al.

Source: UEW
Nominal classification in Mabia languages of West Africa

The literature on the nominal classification system of Mabia languages reveals a consistent pattern where nominals are often classified based on their morphology, phonology and semantics. What has not received mention is the role of ethnolinguistics and linguistic anthropology in the classification of nominals in these languages. This study offers a comparative analysis of the nominal class systems of three Mabia languages: Dagbani, Kusaal and Mampruli. The main purpose is to examine the role of semantics from the angles of both ethnolinguistics and linguistic anthropology in the nominal classification system of these languages. The hypothesis is that the morphophonology of nominal classes in these languages is triggered by a shared semantic network and pragmatic association of member elements influenced by the beliefs, traditions and world views of speakers of these languages. The sameness or near sameness of beliefs, and world views of these people explains the observation of identical items from all the languages in specific groups. Nouns in the various categories behave the same morphologically, phonologically and semantically. Nouns are classified under 5 concepts: Human-beings and kin relationship, spirituality, protection, shape and Non-count nouns. This work is entirely qualitative. � 2022 Elsevier Ltd

Source: UEW
Non-performing loan and liquidity of universal banks: Does minimum capital requirement matters?

This study departs from empirical studies which had focused on the effect of non-performing loan on the performance of banks to the neglect of liquidity of banks. In the wake of the recent collapse of universal banks which has engulfed the Banking sector of Ghana, this study analyse the effect of non-performing loan on liquidity of universal banks in the context of the constant revision of the minimum capital requirement by the central bank. The cross sectional time series design was adopted and the census sampling was used to collect data from twenty banks for the period of 2008 to 2017. The outcome of the study showed that, Non-performing loan (NPL) and Capital adequacy ratio (CAR) positively influence the liquidity of the universal banks using working capital management practice, poor provision, ownership structure, bank size and loan growth as controlling variables. From this backdrop, it is empirically established that, minimum capital requirement indeed matters in the liquidity management of universal banks. It is therefore strongly recommended that the central bank should organise training programmes for the universal banks on fund management in other to have a balance funds in non-current asset and cash to avoid the negative effective on bank panic on their operation. � 2018 Academic Research Publishing Group.

Source: UEW
Non-performing loans and bank performance, the case of rural banks in Ghana

The long-term viability of rural banks is heavily reliant on their profitability, which is affected by a variety of factors, including firm-specific and macroeconomic variables. Previous research on the impact of these factors has mainly concentrated on mainstream banks, often overlooking the context of rural banks in Ghana. The inquiry examined the relationship between NPL and financial performance of rural banks, investigate the effect of liquidity risk on the financial performance of rural banks and finally, to examine the nexus between policy rate and financial performance of rural banks in Ghana. The investigation used the explanatory research design, quantitative approach and employed the purposive sampling technique to draw 14 rural banks. The robust least square estimation technique was employed to analyze 11years data. Results revealed a positive statistically significant relationship between NPL and financial performance. Again, the inquiry discovered a negative effect of liquidity risk on financial performance. Finally, the investigation found a positive statistically significant nexus between policy rate and financial performance of rural banks. The outcome of the study shed more light in the bank performance literature while enlightening managers of rural banks in Ghana. The inquiry implores rural banks should invest in advanced risk management systems and training to better anticipate and respond to changes in policy rates. Also, the bank of Ghana should ensure rural banks regularly comply with regulatory standards and maintain adequate capital reserves to manage the risks associated with high NPLs and sustain profitability.

Source: UEW
A note on the effect of Gliricidia sepium leaf meal on the growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens

A five-week feeding trial was conducted using 180 Cobb commercial broiler chickens to study the inclusion of sun dried Gliricidia sepium leaf meal (GLM) in broiler diets. The 21-day-old chickens were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments. Fifty, 100 and 150 g kg-1 levels of GLM were included in a nutritionally balanced diet. The control diet did not contain GLM. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. Feed intake, feed conversion efficiency and body weight gains were significantly (P&lt;0.05) depressed by the addition of GLM to the diets. Dietary treatment had a significant impact on liver and gizzard weights. The abdominal fat content of carcass decreased progressively with increased levels of GLM. The carcass dressing percentage in the group fed diet with 15% GLM was lower (P&lt;0.05) than in control group. No mortality was recorded throughout the study. As the level of dietary GLM increased, there was a corresponding increase in the intensity of yellow pigmentation of the skin, shanks, feet and beaks of birds. It seems that 50 g kg-1 GLM can be included into diets of broiler chickens.

Source: UEW
Noun class system in Nawuri

This study provides an overview of the Noun Class System of Nawuri; one of the Guang languages which is a closely related group of languages, spoken largely in Ghana, Cote d‟Ivoire, Togo and Benin. The study presents the analyses of nouns into classes in Nawuri. It examines the various mechanisms and motivationg factor for Nawuri nominal classification. The study further looks at the patterns of inflection and derivation in Nawuri. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources. The primary data were collected through interviews, self-generated and recordings of spontaneous speech, daily conversations, folktales and songs in Nawuri. The secondary data were collected from Nawuri books. The study shows that Nawuri nouns can be derived from other lexical word classes such as verbs, adjectives and other nouns. It also shows that Nawuri Noun Class employs a mix of phonological and morphological assignment criteria to divide Nawuri nouns into twelve classes based on the similarity of both the singular and the plural affixes. The study showed that Nawuri has eight singular prefixes, ten plural prefixes and one plural suffix. It was established that the motivation for noun classification in Nawuri is mainly morpho-phonological. It is hoped that the findings will contribute to studies on the typology of noun classification

Source: UEW
A Novel Computer Vision Model for Medicinal Plant Identification Using Log-Gabor Filters and Deep Learning Algorithms

Computer vision is the science that enables computers and machines to see and perceive image content on a semantic level. It combines concepts, techniques, and ideas from various fields such as digital image processing, pattern matching, artificial intelligence, and computer graphics. A computer vision system is designed to model the human visual system on a functional basis as closely as possible. Deep learning and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) in particular which are biologically inspired have significantly contributed to computer vision studies. This research develops a computer vision system that uses CNNs and handcrafted filters from Log-Gabor filters to identify medicinal plants based on their leaf textural features in an ensemble manner. The system was tested on a dataset developed from the Centre of Plant Medicine Research, Ghana (MyDataset) consisting of forty-nine (49) plant species. Using the concept of transfer learning, ten pretrained networks including Alexnet, GoogLeNet, DenseNet201, Inceptionv3, Mobilenetv2, Restnet18, Resnet50, Resnet101, vgg16, and vgg19 were used as feature extractors. The DenseNet201 architecture resulted with the best outcome of 87% accuracy and GoogLeNet with 79% preforming the worse averaged across six supervised learning algorithms. The proposed model (OTAMNet), created by fusing a Log-Gabor layer into the transition layers of the DenseNet201 architecture achieved 98% accuracy when tested on MyDataset. OTAMNet was tested on other benchmark datasets; Flavia, Swedish Leaf, MD2020, and the Folio dataset. The Flavia dataset achieved 99%, Swedish Leaf 100%, MD2020 99%, and the Folio dataset 97%. A false-positive rate of less than 0.1% was achieved in all cases. � 2022 Stephen Opoku Oppong et al.

Source: UEW
Novel Numerical Estimates of the Pneumonia and Meningitis Epidemic Model via the Nonsingular Kernel with Optimal Analysis

In this article, we investigated a deterministic model of pneumonia-meningitis coinfection. Employing the Atangana-Baleanu fractional derivative operator in the Caputo framework, we analyze a seven-component approach based on ordinary differential equations (DEs). Furthermore, the invariant domain, disease-free as well as endemic equilibria, and the validity of the model's potential results are all investigated. According to controller design evaluation and modelling, the modulation technique devised is effective in diminishing the proportion of incidences in various compartments. A fundamental reproducing value is generated by exploiting the next generation matrix to assess the properties of the equilibrium. The system's reliability is further evaluated. Sensitivity analysis is used to classify the impact of each component on the spread or prevention of illness. Using simulation studies, the impacts of providing therapy have been determined. Additionally, modelling the appropriate configuration demonstrated that lowering the fractional order from 1 necessitates a rapid initiation of the specified control technique at the largest intensity achievable and retaining it for the bulk of the pandemic's duration. � 2022 Saima Rashid et al.

Source: UEW