ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An investigation of the factors influencing the attitudes of students towards the study of mathematics in Asokore DA Trinity Junior High School in the Sekyere East District –Ashanti Region

The study investigated the factors influencing the attitude of students towards the study of mathematics in selected Junior High Schools in the Sekyere East District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana.The study was based on the ABC Attitude Model. Purposive sampling was used to select 102 respondents (students) at the Asokore D/A Trinity JHS in Sekyere East District for the study. Questionnaire was the sole instrument employed in the study. The SPSS software was used to analyzed the data. It was found out that the inability of the students at Asokore D/A Trinity JHS in Sekyere East District to perform well in mathematics is predominantly as a result of the fact that, most of them do not see mathematics as an essential component of daily life activities and therefore do not approach the learning of the subject with any seriousness. The research therefore made the following recommendations; teachers must ensure that their lessons are linked to real life activities, teachers must provide opportunity for all learners to learn by practicing, the headmaster must ensure that the mathematics teachers are equipped with modern pedagogical skills through in-service training, and the Parents must be sensitized during PTA meetings on the need to encourage their wards to learn at home as well as providing their basic needs.

Source: UEW
An investigation of the impact of personal tax reliefs on tax burden a case study of taxpayers in Yendi

This study assesses taxpayers’ awareness, utilization and perceived impact of personal tax reliefs on tax burden, as well as the relationship between awareness and utilization of personal tax reliefs in Yendi. A quantitative research approach, employing a correlational research design, was executed. A population of 260 income taxpayers and a sample of 157 were drawn from three public sector institutions using the cluster sampling technique. An online questionnaire was used to collect primary data, which was analyzed with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Science software using descriptive and correlation analysis. The following conclusions emerged from the findings: The respondents demonstrated a fair level of awareness regarding personal tax relief, showcasing a profound understanding and knowledge of the different dimensions of personal tax relief. However, their engagement in utilizing personal tax reliefs was low, and they generally perceived these reliefs as having a restricted impact on reducing their tax burden. The study further revealed a positive but weak relationship between taxpayers’ awareness of personal tax reliefs and their utilization of the reliefs. It is suggested that variables beyond taxpayers’ awareness may play a significant role in influencing the utilization of personal tax reliefs. In light of these findings, this research highlights the complex dynamics surrounding personal tax reliefs, advocating for further exploration to discern the multifaceted factors that affect their utilization. Such insight is instrumental in the formulation of effective policies and strategies for enhancing the benefit of personal tax reliefs for both taxpayers and tax authorities.

Source: UEW
An investigation of the physical activity profile of colleges of education student-teachers in the northern zone of Ghana

Physical activity plays a crucial role in promoting overall health and well-being, and its impact on cognitive function and academic performance has been widely recognized. Given the importance of the teaching profession and the demanding nature of its responsibilities, understanding the physical activity levels of student teachers was essential for devising effective interventions to promote healthier lifestyles among this cohort. The primary purpose of this research was to assess the current physical activity patterns of student-teachers in the Northern Zone of Ghana. The multi-stage sampling technique was used. The study employed a quantitative research approach. The research design was descriptive survey. A sample of 200 student-teachers from four Colleges of Education in the Northern Zone were selected, and their physical activity habits, exercise routines, and sedentary behaviours were assessed using validated researcher designed questionnaires. It was found from the study that, the forms of physical activity that student-teachers involved in included jogging, brisk walking, running, climbing stairs and spot exercises, the benefits derived from regular physical activity or exercise were found to be enormous and includes longevity of life, improved health and emotional wellbeing. Lack of equipment and facilities are contributing factors to physical inability among student teachers of the Colleges of Education in the north. Lack of regular physical activity causes stress. Student teachers of the Colleges of Education in most cases engaged in regular physical activities alone, or with small groups. Such information was valuable for educational institutions, policymakers, and health practitioners to develop targeted strategies and initiatives that can enhance the physical activity levels and overall well being of student-teachers. With the recommendations, it was stated that any activity for a start is preferable to idleness and people must be encouraged to begin with a pace that suit their level of energy. Considerable time can be used for the beginning since the aim is to progress steadily in the time and intensity. Where these student teachers are coming from can make the provision of fitness centres their priority through their Local Government Authorities or benevolent individuals. Student teachers as individuals from various communities should be encouraged to own simple training equipment in order that they can engage in regular physical activity both at home and in school. Student teachers must be educated on the dangers of sedentary lifestyles and since they are teachers in the making, they can best disseminate that information. This will create some level of awareness among people that, physical inactivity can cause several health problems such as stress and emotional disorders.

Source: UEW
An Investigation of the prevalence of voice problems among teachers in the Bekwai Municipality, Ashanti Region

Teachers face one of the highest demands of any professional group to use their voices at work. Thus, they are at higher risk of developing voice problem than the general population. The consequences of voice disorder may have impact on teacher’s social and professional life as well as their mental, physical and emotional state and their ability to communicate. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of voice disorder and the relationship between voice disorder with associated risk factors such as teaching activities and lifestyle factors among teachers in Bekwai Municipality. A cross sectional study design was used for this study. A total of 100 full-time school teachers were invited to participate in the study. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire addressing the prevalence of voice disorder and potential risk factors. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test was used to measure the relationship between voice disorder and associated risk factors. Statistical test was used to measure the relationship between voice disorder and associated risk factors. The response rate for this study was 80% (80/100). The study found that the prevalence of voice disorder among teachers in Bekwai Municipality was 28.75%. Teachers (1.25%) sought medical care and eventually 47.5% had missed at least 1 day of work because of voice problems. This study strongly recommends that voice education course should be included into the new teacher training program that would provide basic knowledge about normal voice mechanism operation, voice disorders, their possible causes, and prevention.

Source: UEW
Investigation on the Flow Behavior of Side Channel Pumps Based on Vortex Identification

The momentum flow exchange between the impeller and side channel produces highly turbulent flows in side channel pumps. The turbulent flows feature complex patterns of vortex structures that are partly responsible for the dissipation of energy losses and unsteady pressure pulsations. The concept of turbulent flows in side channel pumps requires a reliable vortex identification criterion to capture and predict the effects of the vortex structures on the performance. For this reason, the current study presents the application of the new ?-criterion to a side channel pump model in comparison with other traditional methods such as Q and ?2 criteria. The 3D flow fields of the pump were obtained through unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations. Comparative studies showed that the ?-criterion identifies the vortex of different intensities with a standard threshold, ?=0.52. The Q and ?2 criteria required different thresholds to capture vortex of different intensities thus leads to subjective errors. Comparing the ?-criterion intensity on different planes with the entropy losses and pressure pulsation, the longitudinal vortex plays an important role in the momentum exchange development which increases the head performance of the pump. However, the rate of exchange is impeded by the axial and radial vortices restricted in the impeller. Therefore, the impeller generates the highest entropy loss and pressure pulsation intensities which lower the output efficiency. Finally, the findings provide a fundamental background to the morphology of the vortex structures in the turbulent flows which can be dependent upon for efficiency improvement of side channel pumps. � 2021, The Author(s).

Source: UEW
An investigation to students’ difficulty in composition writing. A case study of Bawku Senior High School

A case study was conducted using a mixed-method approach to investigate students’ difficulty in the composition writing at the Bawku Senior High School. Purposive and simple random sampling was used to select 200 students and 10 English Language teachers for the study. Due to the approach adopted, quantitative data was analyzed and presented in the table and content analysis was done on the qualitative data. Based on the analysis performed, the study found challenges of poor handwriting/ spelling skills/writing illegibly and difficulty in copying work or completing work on printed or written pages. It also found that students have difficulty taking notes from oral presentations and demonstrate writing skills inconsistent with verbal abilities. The study also found based on objective two that students have been negatively affected by the challenges of poor writing skills leading to the development of low Self-Confidence in most students. The study found that most students are unable to express themselves in writing across other subjects. Others are unable to express their ideas through communication with the overall effect being scoring poor grades in test, assignments and examinations. The study found per the West African Examinations Council Chief Examiners reports (2019) issued on the conduct of English Language examinations that four areas are considered: the content, the organization, the expression and the mechanical accuracy. Teachers spelt out strategies that are used in developing the four aspects. The study concluded that there are challenges of poor handwriting/ spelling skills/writing illegibly and difficulty in copying work or completing work on printed or written pages, students difficulty in note-taking from oral presentations and demonstrating of writing skills inconsistent with verbal abilities. Students have been negatively affected by the challenges of poor writing skills and the strategies provided in this are to aid students to compose their writings in a more purposeful way in and out of school. The study recommended the organization of writing contests can be organized and best writers and instructors rewarded, encouragement of learners to write regularly, by giving them tasks that motivate them and guiding them through the topics given with resources for writing should be provided by schools and their use be monitored and GES posting more teachers to the study area since the area suffers an acute shortage of English language teachers.

Source: UEW
An investigation to students’ Influence of violent demonstrations on academic performance at TI Ahmadiyya senior high school

The study examined the influence of violent demonstrations on academic performance in senior high schools, using TI Ahmadiyya Senior High School as a case study. The study was descriptive using a sample size of 210 respondents comprising staff, parents and students. Data was collected using questionnaires and analysed using the SPSS. The study identified the following as factors contributing to violent demonstrations in senior high schools: Inadequate infrastructure, Inadequate teachers, Drug and substance abuse, Inadequate feeding, Lack of effective teaching, Poor leadership, Excessive use of corporal punishment, Abdication of parental responsibility, Adolescent identity crisis, Culture of impunity in the society, and Student electoral system. The study observed that the most likely effect of demonstrations is the destruction to school property. Other significant effects include the loss of study time and school closure. The study found that violent demonstrations results in inability to complete entire syllabus resulting in poor performance, increased examination malpractice, and need to rely on extra tuition creating extra cost. The study identified the following as measures to prevent demonstrations in senior high schools: adequate infrastructure, adequate teaching and learning materials, Improved teacher-student ratio, Reviewing curriculum to address overload, Improved quality of feeding, Incorporating specialization and balanced curriculum, Strengthening guidance and counseling, Regular forums to have students’ views heard, School management system should be participatory, and Effective parental guidance. Key recommendations included the need for functioning counseling units in senior high schools to help address student challenges before they get uncontrollable.

Source: UEW
Investigations into the properties of sandcrete blocks manufactured with pulverized palm kernel shells as a partial replacement for sand

The use of palm kernel shells as aggregate material is attracting research interest. Increasing demand for sandcrete blocks makes it vital to consider the potential of sandcrete blocks manufactured with pulverized palm kernel shells. This study aimed at investigating the properties of sandcrete blocks manufactured with pulverized palm kernel shells as a partial replacement for sand. Materials used for the study were pulverized palm kernel shells, pit sand, ordinary portland cement and tap water. Experiments were conducted on specimens of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%, 20% and 30% pulverized palm kernel shells content. Mixing of the materials was done mechanically and moulding of specimens was also done mechanically. Seventy-two (72) specimens were produced for the experiment. The specimens were cured under wet jute sacks for 28 days. The density of the specimens was determined using ASTM C138/C138M as a guide. Water absorption and compressive strength of the specimens were also determined following ASTM C140. Data collected were analysed using Sigma Plot and Microsoft Excel Software. The results were presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study recorded an increase in water absorption but a decrease in density and compressive strength of pulverized palm kernel shells specimens compared to the control specimen. One-way ANOVA test results show that there is a statistically significant difference between the control group and the construct at p ≤ 0.001 and p ≤ 0.039 respectively. The density of specimens of 2% up to 4% of pulverized palm kernel shell content found in the study places the specimens as lightweight masonry units according to ASTM C 129. The compressive strength for specimens of 2% up to 20% obtained in this study is good for non-load bearing walls application.

Source: UEW
Investment appraisal techniques underlying Ghanaian oil marketing companies investment decisions, a case of Goil Company Limited

Firms’ investment appraisal techniques have become a great area of interest to both academics and practitioners alike. For instance, common opinion among scholars and practitioners is that, a business future success and sustenance largely depend on its ability to get its present investment decisions right. This means that, the decisions inherent to investments are critical to the growth and sustenance of every company be it a private or public entity. Accordingly, this study looked into the investment appraisal techniques that underly Ghanaian Oil Marketing Companies investment decisions. Specifically, the objectives of the study were; to identify the investment appraisal methods used by Goil Ghana in its investment decisions, to identify the main factors that influence Goil Ghana management in the selection of a particular investment appraisal technique and lastly, to investigate the degree of association between Goil Ghana organizational variables (firm size, CEO education and age of the company) and their usage of modern investment appraisal techniques. This study adopted a cross-sectional research study design as such, questionnaire was used as the main data collection tool. The target population for the study came from workers Goil Ghana employees within the Kumasi metropolis who occupied top management position. The study employed probability sampling technique thus, simple random sampling to select the study samples. The study’s data was analyzed on the basis of descriptive statistics and simple linear regression analysis. Findings from the study suggest that to a large extent Goil Ghana Company Limited did not extensively employed most of the available investment appraisal methods to guide its investment decisions. Accordingly, it is recommended to the management of Goil Ghana as a matter of urgency to adopt more of existing investment appraisal methods into its investment decisions since every tool has its own strength and weaknesses as such, employing varied forms of investment appraisal tools will enable the organization achieve optimal results from its investment outcomes.

Source: UEW
Is Infant birth weight and mothers perceived birth size associated with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding in Ghana?

Introduction Despite widespread advocacy for exclusive breastfeeding, and the associated benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for both infants and mothers, there is low prevalence in both developed and developing countries. Additionally, although several studies have been conducted on exclusive breastfeeding, very few of such studies have linked birth weight and birth size to exclusive breastfeeding. This study seeks to examine the influence of birth weight and birth size on exclusive breastfeeding. Methodology This study adopted a sequential explanatory mixed method approach using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative approach used cross-sectional data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) and the qualitative data from interviews with exclusive breastfeeding mothers from two health facilities in La Nkwantanang Municipal Assembly in Accra, Ghana. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine whether infants birth weight and mothers perceived birth size are associated with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding while the qualitative data provided further insights into the findings from the quantitative analysis. Results Majority (85%) of the infants in the study were of normal birth weight while 52% of the infants were perceived by their mothers to be of small birth size. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was found to be 54.8%. The birth weight of infants and mothers� perceived birth size were found to be significant predictors of exclusive breastfeeding. Infants of normal birth weight (OR = 7.532; 95% CI: 2.171�26.132) and high birth weight (OR = 6.654; 95% CI: 1.477�29.978) were more likely to be exclusively breastfed compared to low-birthweight infants. Similarly, infants perceived to be of normal birth size were more likely (OR = 1.908; 95% CI: 1.058�3.441) to be exclusively breastfed compared to infants perceived to be of small birth size. The findings from the qualitative analysis show that birth weight rather than birth size influence mothers� decision to practice exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion The findings of the study underscore the relevance of infant birth weight and perceived birth size in the practice of exclusive breastfeeding and highlights the need to incorporate both actual measurement of birth weight, and perception of infant�s birth size into policies targeted at exclusive breastfeeding. There is the need for deliberate targeted efforts at women who deliver infants of low birth weight and women who perceive their children to be of small birth size to practice exclusive breastfeeding. � 2022 Agyekum et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Source: UEW
Is management accounting mandatory or complimentary function: a case studies of some firms listed on Ghana Stock Exchange

This study examines the perception of non-accounting business major managers about the managerial accounting function. The knowledge of these perceptions will help determine whether business entities need to be concerned about inspiring certain groups of managers to be more aggressive in acquiring the skill or function. We found that all non-accounting major managers, regardless of their major field of work think the managerial accounting function is interesting and has real-world application. The finance and management major managers think that the course is related to their field of work and it should be made a required function, but not the MIS and marketing major managers. The higher the skills (GPA) and the more the work experience, the greater is the manager’s perception that managerial accounting should be a required function and has real-world application. Based on the results, I suggest that development of methods and standards aimed at reinforcing the importance of managerial accounting function to all business majors, particularly MIS and marketing majors may overcome some barriers to obtaining the skill. This research also has implications for Ghanaian business entities and their managers as our findings indicate that listed firms that do not require non-accounting managers to take managerial accounting should make it a requirement for all managers in non-accounting majors to acquire managerial accounting skills

Source: UEW