ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Art, science, and technology of outdoor advertising in Ghana

Outdoor advertising has been the most popular form of visual advertising from ancient times till now. The craft has gone through various stages of metamorphosis from crude painted signs to the present highly scientific and technologically characterized signage visible in towns and cities across the world including Ghana. Even though, the craft is regarded as art in Ghana, a close study of the nitty-gritties of the practice of the craft in Ghana reveals that it has been characterized by multiplicity of artistic, scientific and technological processes and methodologies in design, construction and installation. Using case study research method, unstructured observation and interviews, this article delved into the activities of experienced outdoor advertising practitioners in some of the largest and highly developed outdoor advertising agencies in Accra, Ghanato examine the tools, materials and processes they used in designing, constructing and installing outdoor signage and to identify the extent to which they apply artistic, scientific and technological processes and principles in the production chain. The raw data collated were transcribed, coded and presented using the Focused-by-research question approach and analysed through narrative and descriptive qualitative approaches. The major findings that emerged from the data analysis were also discussed comprehensively through inductive and descriptive analysis. The analysis and discussions revealed that more scientific and technological process and principles are applied in the production chain of outdoor signs in Ghana than artistic processes and most graphic design professionals in the local outdoor advertising industry lacked comprehensive knowledge and skills in the scientific and engineering aspects of construction and installation of outdoor signs. It is therefore recommended that communication design curricular at Senior High School and tertiary levels must be reviewed to include the scientific and engineering processes and principles of signage production. Mandatory industrial attachment programme must also be introduced and properly enforced in the programmes, so as to link the curricular and training to industrial practice and production managers who have only engineering background must be given training in advertising, marketing, social psychology and graphic design

Source: UCC
Articulation entre étude de la langue et étude de la littérature dans les manuels de flei

La présente contribution s’appuie sur l’analyse de cinq manuels de français langue étrangère qui tentent d’articuler l’étude de la langue à l’étude des textes littéraires, notamment dans les domaines de la grammaire et du lexique. Notre travail est fondé sur le concept didactique d’articulation et la visée esthétique qui attribue à la littérature le statut d’œuvre d’art. L’analyse, qui adopte une approche méthodique mixte, révèle que le traitement des phénomènes langagiers n’est pas souvent compatible avec les spécificités du texte littéraire. Cette observation pose le problème de la pertinence des textes choisis puisque ceux-ci ne sont presque jamais exploités comme textes littéraires. Nous recommandons alors aux enseignants de compléter leur usage des manuels en accordant une meilleure importance à la dimension esthétique lorsque ceux-ci proposent des activités langagières à partir des textes littéraires

Source: UCC
Artificial fertilization and rearing of Cerastoderma Lamarcki (reeve) in the laboratory

Additiona l data on artificial fertilization and rearing o f the larvae o f Cerastoderma lamarcki (Reeve) are presented. Temperature shock was used to stimulate ripe cockles to release large quantities of viable gametes. Hig h rates of fertilization (>80fo) were recorded in salinities ranging from 15 to 35%o . However, the best salinity for quick embryonic development and larva l hatching success seems to be 25-30% o . No larva l hatching was recorded in salinities below 15%o . Crowdin g of eggs had little effect on fertilization success, but satisfactory embryonic development and larva l hatching occurred at densities lower than c700 eggs/cm^. Th e sizes o f the newly hatched D-larva e decreased with increasing egg density in the size range 111.0-120.7 pm. O f the five different micro-algal food organisms tested on the larvae, Isochrysis aff. galbana (clone T-ISO ) (see Ewart & Epifanio , 1981) produced the best growth rate and minimum mortality. This wor k shows C. lamarcki to be well adapted to bivalve hatchery procedures. Th e relative ease o f maintainin g its laborator y culture s strengthens previous claims that it would be a better choice for controlled commercial production than its sibling species C. edule (L.) .

Source: UCC
Artificial Intelligence Technology Application and Occupational Safety in Downstream Petroleum Industries in Greater Accra

The downstream petroleum industry in Ghana is one among many sectors characterised by the convergence of numerous hazardous exposures that can potentially cause serious catastrophe and work-related accidents. Several studies have been conducted separately on the applications of artificial intelligence technology, occupational safety, the effects of artificial intelligence on safety, and technology and occupational safety. The general objective of the study was to analyse artificial intelligence technology application and occupational safety to improve occupational safety in downstream petroleum industry. The study applied the quantitative research approach. The study relied on primary interval data obtained through questionnaire administration. The data were processed with tools from STATA 15. Data were analysed using descriptive, correlation and synthesis frameworks and descriptive statistics, regression techniques. The results of the study showed that predictive analytics of the environment was found to be the most common area of AI technology application in the downstream petroleum industry, followed by cyber security and compliance with safety rules. Technology attitudes, trust, social norms, and technology adoption culture were observed to be significant determinants of AI acceptance in the downstream petroleum sector. The primary effect of AI technology application in the downstream petroleum sector appears to be precision in decision. A novel framework for model AI technology application for improved occupational safety comprising of the following system characteristics: inputs, AI-based models, occupational safety modes, and efficiency indices. The study findings have implications for how occupational health and safety within the downstream petroleum sector is addressed

Source: UCC
Artisanal gold mining and mercury contamination of surface water as a wicked socio-environmental problem: a sustainability challenge?

In this paper, artisanal gold mining (ASM) and its associated mercury pollution of surface water in West Africa is characterized as a complex (wicked) problem in which stakeholders have conflicting interpretations of the problem and the science behind it, as well as different values, goals, and life experiences. Using fieldwork in 5 west African countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali and Senegal), the paper argues that the multiple framings of ASM as a human health, environmental, socio-economic, man-made hazard, technological, political, and policy issue by various actors and the overlap of these framings underscore the complexity and seemingly intractable nature of the problem. For that reason, policy makers, public policy professionals, and other stakeholders who tackle this ASM and mercury pollution must go beyond conventional expert and technical knowledge in order to effectively resolve it. In particular, effective solution may necessarily require holistic, not partial or linear thinking, innovative and flexible approaches, the ability to work across agency boundaries, increasing understanding and stimulating debates on the application of the accountability framework, effectively engaging stakeholders and citizens in understanding the problem and in identifying possible solutions, a better understanding of behavioral change by policy makers, and tolerating uncertainty and accepting the need for a long-term focus

Source: UCC
Artisanal gold mining and surface water pollution in ghana: have the foreign invaders come to stay?

Artisanal gold mining (ASM) is environmentally damaging and often has deleterious health effects for miners and surrounding communities. The absence of effective legal frameworks and secure rights for miners and communities in Ghana exacerbates this problem. From May 2009 to July 2012, we conducted interviews and focus group discussions with artisanal miners, government ofﬁcials, policymakers, traditional leaders, and large-scale miners in order to examine the conﬂicts over access and land-use. The results show that a number of factors pose challenges to the willingness of artisanal to mine legally: the legal framework is incoherent; the human, ﬁnancial, and material resources to enforce the laws (including decentralized structures) are almost non-existent; and, the political will to execute the laws (including control and sanctions on infractions) is limited. Although artisanal mining is reserved for indigenes, the Chinese, Indians, and Serbs have entered and consolidated their niches in the ASM sector. The metamorphosis of the Chinese and other foreigners from large-scale mining investors into artisanal miners is attributable to collusion with self-seeking citizens to circumvent the Minerals and Mining Act. Interestingly, there is ambivalence, which is expressed in citizen’s complaints of environmental pollution against the Chinese. Also, three gaps in the legal framework account for the proliferation of foreigners in artisanal gold mining in Ghana: deﬁnition of who a mining investor is; lack of provision for mining rights for communities; and ambiguity of some provisions in the framework. The principal reason for policy failure in the ASM sector is that the current intervention mechanisms are predominantly of a technical order and do not take into account the complex socio-political realities in gold mining areas

Source: UCC
As I See It: The Cry of the Community Psychiatric Nurse in Ghana

Background: Community Psychiatric Nurses (CPNs) play a crucial role in the public health delivery system in Ghana. In general, mental health care in Ghana is largely underdeveloped with limited resources, including skilled personnel to improve quality of care. This study sought to explore the needs and challenges of CPNs in the discharge of their duty. Materials and Methods: An exploratory descriptive qualitative design was adopted in this study. A total of thirteen (13) CPNs were purposively sampled and data gathered through semi-structured interviews using an interview guide. Data was analyzed thematically yielding descriptive results of some of the barriers and challenges encountered by CPNs in Ghana. Findings: The major challenges of CPNs included: inadequate logistical support; irregular supply of medications; stigmatization of the CPN; assaults from patients and limited support from families and caregivers leading to relapse of patients. Conclusion: Psychiatric nurses are integral members of the community health delivery team; however, the work of the community psychiatric nurse in Ghana presents a challenge both in terms of personnel and logistics. Furthermore, quality community psychiatric nursing care requires collaboration with other multidisciplinary teams, including the social worker, families and caregiver

Source: UCC
As I See It: The Cry of the Community Psychiatric Nurse in Ghana

Community Psychiatric Nurses (CPNs) play a crucial role in the public health delivery system in Ghana. In general, mental health care in Ghana is largely underdeveloped with limited resources, including skilled personnel to improve quality of care. This study sought to explore the needs and challenges of CPNs in the discharge of their duty. Materials and Methods: An exploratory descriptive qualitative design was adopted in this study. A total of thirteen (13) CPNs were purposively sampled and data gathered through semi-structured interviews using an interview guide. Data was analyzed thematically yielding descriptive results of some of the barriers and challenges encountered by CPNs in Ghana. Findings: The major challenges of CPNs included: inadequate logistical support; irregular supply of medications; stigmatization of the CPN; assaults from patients and limited support from families and caregivers leading to relapse of patients. Conclusion: Psychiatric nurses are integral members of the community health delivery team; however, the work of the community psychiatric nurse in Ghana presents a challenge both in terms of personnel and logistics. Furthermore, quality community psychiatric nursing care requires collaboration with other multidisciplinary teams, including the social worker, families and caregiver.

Source: UCC
‘Asamanasaw’: A twenty-first-century African classicism on the dance of the dead

This thesis used the notion of life after death in the African traditional religion to create a picturesque or an imaginary ‘African classicism’ about the ancestors (Nananom Nsamanfo) coming out of their graves to dance. In addition, the concept of cultural return to roots has been used to blend Ghanaian traditional musical resources (tunes, rhythms, art, etc) and styles with scholarly compositional techniques. Within the present study, Asamanasaw is an instrumental composition for the orchestra, circumscribed to the Piccolo, Flute, Clarinet, Bassoon, Flugal Horn, B flat Trumpet, Piano Glockenspiel, Timpani, Bass drum, Snare drum ,Violins I and II, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass. The music encompasses two musical trends, namely the Intercultural, and the Atonal. This falls in line with theories of musical reconstruction from traditional pre-compositional resources featured by Akin Euba’s creative ethno-musicological approach and Nketia’s syncretic approach to contemporary African composition.

Source: UCC
Asessment of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee’s Report From 2011 to 2020

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research was to evaluate the yearly reports of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) from 2011 through 2020. It was decided to use a cross-sectional quantitative research design and a purposive sample technique for this study. Information from the specified groups and people who were acquainted with PIAC's reports was gathered using this sampling technique. According to the findings of the study, the Petroleum Industry Advisory Committee (PIAC) has released 18 reports (9 semi-annual and 9 annual reports) between 2011 and 2020; however, the committee has faced challenges such as the release of reports in a timely manner, the funding of committee activities, and certain deficiencies in the reports on the use of petroleum funds on projects and initiatives. Despite these difficulties, according to indications from respondents and PIAC's publications, the Petroleum Industry Advisory Council has carried out its mission as outlined in the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, Act 815, 2011. Stakeholder engagement should be improved, activities decentralized to the district level, and more detail provided on the implementation of projects and initiatives to allow stakeholders to better understand the use and management of petroleum revenues, according to the recommendations made by the committee

Source: UCC
Aspects of reproduction of the brown mussel Perna perna at the Iture rocky beach near Cape Coast, Ghana

Aspects of the reproductive biology of the brown mussel Perna perna at the Iture rocky beach near Cape Coast, Ghana, were studied from September 2014 to August 2015. The current study was aimed at providing information useful for managing the mussel fishery in this locality and also that would form the basis for designing appropriate culture methods for the species. Microscopic examination of fresh smears of gonadal material, as well as histological preparations of the gonad, were used to study the sexuality and breeding pattern of the species. Monthly gonadal and condition indices were also determined. Perna perna exhibited gonochoristic sexuality with a sex ratio of approximately 1:1 throughout the study period. Sexes were identifiable at shell lengths of 15.0–19.9 mm. Five stages of gonadal development were identified in both sexes. Gametogenic activity was continuous throughout the year, with two major spawning activities, from April to June and from August to December. These periods coincided with the major and minor rainy seasons, respectively, as well as the major upwelling period in August. Condition indices suggest that the mussels were in better condition for harvesting in March and August prior to the major spawning events.

Source: UCC
Aspects of the biology and length-based assessment of the chub mackerel scomber colias (scombridae) stock off the coast of Ghana

The biology and population dynamics of the chub mackerel Scomber colias (Gmelin 1789), one of four small pelagic fish of high economic and nutritional value in Ghana waters, were studied from February 2016 to July 2017 to obtain information for management of its fishery. Total length of the fish in the artisanal landings ranged between 13.7 cm and 40.7 cm with two modal length classes. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters estimated using the ELEFAN method were L∞ = 42.5 cm TL and K = 0.28 yr-1, and the mortality parameters were M = 0.70 yr-1, F = 0.52 yr-1 and Z = 1.22 yr-1. Monthly analysis of growth marks in the otoliths indicated deposition of an incremental (opaque) zone in August, which happens to be the peak upwelling period in Ghana waters. The species had a maturity size (Lm50) of 25.6 cm TL, maturity age (tm) of 2-3 years, and longevity (tmax) of 10 years. Asynchronous egg development and batch spawning was suggested by the presence of two distinct size groups (0.4 mm and 0.8 mm) of ova in mature ovaries. A mean ( s. e) absolute fecundity of 48,238 ± 2834 eggs and relative fecundity of 240  10 eggs g-1 was estimated for the fish. Spawning was estimated to occur between February and September with peaks in March-April and July-August. Fish were recruited into the stock throughout the year with two peak recruitment periods in April and August. Food of the chub mackerel comprised a wide range of invertebrates with fish, mainly anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus), as the preferred item. Comparison of the current exploitation rate (Ecurr = 0.43) and optimum exploitation rate (E50 = 0.39) suggests that the chub mackerel stock may be overexploited, as generally assessed for the small pelagic fishery in the country. The status of the chub mackerel in trawl by-catch, and proximate analysis of the fish is also discussed.

Source: UCC
Aspects of the biology of the Nile tilapia (oreochromis niloticus L.) in the Weija reservoir (Ghana)

Studies on aspects of the biology of the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) were undertaken in a man-made lake, the Weija reservoir in Ghana from September 2007 to August 2008. A total of 657 specimens of O. niloticus from commercial landings were examined of which 357 were males and 300 were females (sex ratio of 1: 0.84; P < 0.05). GSI was low in December 2007 and August 2008 and highest in March and May 2008. Fluctuations in the GSI, suggested that O. niloticus spawned throughout the year but major spawning occurred in March. Length at first sexual maturity (L50) was 13.49 cm for females and 16.33 cm for males. Observations on frequency distribution of ovum size which measured between 1.2 to 3.1 mm, showed two distinct peaks which were not completely separated from each other. This indicates protracted spawning in the population probably shedding eggs in batches. Fecundity ranged from 563 to 1542 ova for fish of total length 15.6 - 21.5 cm with mean of 851 ± 13.2 eggs. The relationships between fecundity (F) and total length (TL), and fecundity and body weight (BW) were: F = 12.36 TL + 628.5 and F = 0.519 BW + 785.4. The major reproductive activity of O. niloticus in the reservoir based on studies on monthly fluctuations in GSI and occurrence of ripe gonad, coincided with months with increasing total alkalinity, dissolved oxygen and reducing water temperature. The regression co-efficient of 3.1 for the length-weight relationship (for both females and males) was not significantly different from the expected value of 3.0 (P > 0.05), indicating isometric growth of the population. Collection of the species as brood stock or seed for stocking by fish farmers is recommended in March-April. Also appropriate management policies with periodic studies of the fishery and limnology of the reservoir are essential to sustain fishery production

Source: UCC
Aspects of the dynamics of the inshore and offshore populations of Brachydeuterus auritus (Family: Haemulidae) in Ghana

Growth and mortality parameters of the bigeye grunt populations in Ghana were estimated from length-frequency data collected between November 1993 and October 1995. Tlie von Bertalanffy growlli parameters, L„, K and t^, were estimated as 23.0 cm TL , 1.20 yr"' and - 0.14 yr, respectively, lor tiie inshore population, and 22.7 cmTL, 1.16 yr"' and -0.15 yr, respectively, for the offshore population. The growth performance index was calculated as 2.80 for the inshore population and 2.78 for the offsiiore population. Estimates of the mortality coefficients were: Z = 6.40 yr"', M = 2.14 yr"' and F = 4,26 yr"' for the inshore population, and Z = 6.40 yr"', M - 2.10 yr ' and F = 4.30 yr"' for the offshore population. Similar estimates of the exploitation rate (F = 0.67) were obtained for the two populations. This value exceeds the optimum (E„p,) of 0.46 and 0.57 derived by the yield-per-recruit analysis for the inshore and offshore populations, respectively. These observations suggest the over-exploitation of the D. auritus populations

Source: UCC
Aspects of the ecology of Etse Lagoon: Implications for small scale fisheries management at Abandze, Ghana

Aspects of the ecology and spatial context of Etse Lagoon at Abandze, in the Central Region of Ghana were studied from April 2014 and March 2015. Water temperature ranged from 24.0 ⁰C to 36.6 ⁰C (mean = 29.43 ± 0.12 ⁰C). Salinity varied from 0.72 ‰ to 22.30 ‰ (mean = 13.42 ± 0.30 ‰), pH from 4.6 to 8.9 with a mean value of 7.6 ± 0.03, DO from 1.65 mg/l to 11.15 mg/l with a mean value of 5.08 ± 0.08 mg/l and conductivity from 7.35 mS/cm to 43.3 mS/cm with a mean value of 18.58 ± 0.44 mS/cm. Eighteen fish species comprising 15 fin fish and 3 shell fish were sampled in the lagoon. The dominant fish species, Sarotherodon melanontheron comprised 74 % of the total catch and ranged in length from 7.0 cm to 7.9 cm standard length. The following characteristics were estimated for the population: growth constant K = 0.93 yr-1; asymptotic length L∞ = 14.25 cm of SL; longevity tmax = 3.2 years; theoretical length at age zero t0 = -2.23 cm and the growth performance index, Φ′ = 2.28. The total mortality rate Z was estimated at 5.09 yr-1, natural mortality M at 2.15 yr-1, fishing mortality, F at 2.95 yr-1 and the exploitation rate E as 0.58. Recruitment occurred throughout the year with two peaks representing minor and major recruitment seasons. Shannon-Wiener index H‟ ranged from 0 to 2.15 and the mean was 0.76 ± 0.17, Margaleff index d, 0 to 2.28 (mean = 1.07 ± 0.21) and Simpson‟s dominance D, 0 to 1.80 (mean = 0.64 ± 0.13). The fringe mangrove forest at Etse Lagoon can be described as having an intermediate structural development. Geographic information system information shows that the surface area of the lagoon has decreased about 2.86 % between 1973 and 2012.

Source: UCC