ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Breastfeeding practices and risks of childhood morbidity in Ghana

In Ghana, child nutrition and health are major public health and developmental challenges. In this study, interpretivist and positivist paradigms were applied to assess breastfeeding practices and risk of childhood morbidity. The GDHS 2014 data and in-depth interviews with mothers were used. Multivariate, geospatial, and inductive analyses were employed to manage the data. The study extracted 2202 respondents and engaged 20 participants. The multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that protective effects of breastfeeding practices against childhood morbidity disappear in the midst of other risk factors. Risk factors accounting for this operated at the individual, community, health, and environmental levels. Major hot spot districts for breastfeeding practices were: Accra Metro (not breastfeeding); Daffiama Bussie-Issa, Wa Municipality, Wa West, and Bolgatanga (exclusive); Gushiegu (predominant); and Bawku West (partial). Hot spot districts for childhood morbidity were: Savelugu-Nanton (diarrhoea); Accra Metro (ARI); Zabzugu (anaemia); and Lawra, Jirapa, and East Mamprusi (fever). Key challenges of breastfeeding practices were related to: household chores; formal and informal work schedules; family influences; low breast milk production; and swollen breasts or sore nipples. Childhood morbidity was commonly attributed to primary teeth development and eating of cold foods. To manage morbidity cases, most mothers preferred present their children at hospitals or clinics. The Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service could use channels such as radio and television to carry out more educative programmes on breastfeeding practices, (noting potential risk factors) to reduce episodes of childhood morbidity in the country.

Source: UCC
Breeding and Selection for Faster Growth Strains of the Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis Niloticus in Ghana

Three wild stocks of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus were collected from three different agro-ecological zones in the Volta system in Ghana., A fourth stock of the same species was obtained from a farm at Nsawam. These were used in a study aimed at generating strain(s) of 0. niloticus with an improved growth rate or performance compared to the wild stocks. Equal aged brood stock were generated under similar environmental conditions from all four stocks and evaluated for growth and reproductive performance in monoculture and polyculture systems. Diallele crossing of the four stocks was conducted. The growth performance of progeny from the crosses were tested in three culture environments. Least square means of body weight and total body length at harvest were computed for each stock combination within the culture environments. Heterosis and breeding values (BVs) were estimated. A genetically mixed base population was established by creating a selection line and a control line. Response to selection in the performance of progenies from the selection and control line was evaluated. The additive genetic variance (62 A), phenotypic variance (62 P) and heritability (h2) were estimated for the base population. Results mainly indicated the following: (i) Reference reproductive performance, the Yeji stock (Transitional zone) produced the highest number of seed (0.17 fry /g female /day) followed by the Nawuni stock (Guinea Savana zone) and then the Kpando stock (Semi-deciduous forest zone). The Farm stock produced the least value (0.10 fry /g female /day). (ii) Growth performance assessment showed that males were significantly heavier compared to females in all stocks. The ratio of the weight of females to males ranged from 0.61 - 0.70 for Yeji and Nawuni stocks respectively. (iii) Observed Sex ratio was skewed towards females, being 1: 1.8 and towards females, being 1:1.8' and 1 :2.2 in the extensive and semi-intensive culture environments respectively. (iv)With respect to growth performance of stocks, the Nawuni stock was superior to the other three stocks. It had the highest mean daily growth rate in almost all growth evaluation trials while the lowest growth rate occurred in the Yeji stock. (v) Expression of heterosis was negative for all crosses. (vi)The genotype-environment interaction was very low (0.1 %) suggesting that it would not be necessary to develop specialized O. niloticus strains for different culture environments. (vii) A positive response to selection of over 10 % in improvement in growth rate of the selection line over the control line was observed. Recommendations for further investigations and implications of selecting appropriate stocks for improving the growth rate of O. niloticus in Ghana are discussed.

Source: UCC
Bridging Boundaries across Genre Traditions: A Systemic Functional Account of Generic Patterns in Biodata

This study explores the benefits of a synergy between ESP research on genre and theoretical dimensions of systemic functional linguistics (SFL). It models genre on SFL dimensions and employs this model to analyze 200 biodata written by Applied Linguistics scholars, 100 each from research articles and seminar posters. Data were analyzed from contextual, logico-semantic and lexicogrammatical perspectives. The findings reveal five generic stages in biodata. The frequency distribution of these stages and the phases that realize them shows variation between research article bios and seminar bios. The most frequent logico-semantic (or rhetorical) relations identified among stages and phases are the expansion type, namely; addition and elaboration, Further, collocational frameworks are used in organizing some generic phases into waves of meaning and in construing different identities. Finally, evaluative resources, in the form of lexical bundles, modification and circumstantial elements in the clause, are employed by writers to boost their professional achievements and promote themselves. These findings contribute to theoretical discussions on genre and the scholarship on the interface between identity construction and academic writing, and also motivate further research

Source: UCC
Bridging the Global Gender Gap: the Role of Women’s Associations in Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Ghana

ABSTRACT This study examined the influence of country level governance indicators on the performance of the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) by controlling the effect of inflation and trading volume. The study used an explanatory research design and a quantitative research approach. Relying on Institutional Theory (IT) and the Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH), using Econometric Views (E-views) and descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis) as well as an ordinary least square regression. The primary findings were that economic stability, state - level performance, legal system, and corrupt practices control all had a significant impact on stock market returns. The conclusion was that politically stable atmosphere and the freedom of the media and citizens to have a say in governance and holding leaders’ accountable yields positive results on stock market returns. The propensity of the government of Ghana to control corruption and ensure sound implementation of rules of governance feeds positively into the performance of the stock market of Ghana. It is therefore recommended based on the findings of the study that; the government of Ghana should intensify the fight against corruption in all aspect of society by strengthening rules that give autonomy to anti-corruption bodies to appropriately discharge their functions without fear, favour or political interference as the study recommends.

Source: UCC
Brief research report: A Monte Carlo simulation study of small sample bias in ordered logit model under multicollinearity

This study investigated the small sample biasness of the ordered logit model parameters under multicollinearity using Monte Carlo simulation. The results showed that the level of biasness associated with the ordered logit model parameters consistently decreases for an increasing sample size while the distribution of the parameters becomes less variable with low extreme values. In the presence of multicollinearity, the level of biasness increases and this issue is particularly severe for small sample size By comparing three different approaches for dealing with the multicollinearity problem in the model, the study demonstrated that the use of penalized maximum likelihood estimation technique provides better results which is interpretable compared to the other approaches considered

Source: UCC
Browning Prevention and Sensory Evaluation of Frozen Yam Slices (Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata Cv Kponan) of Côte D’Ivoire

Aim: To prevent enzymatic browning during the freezing of yam slices of the Kponan variety (Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata). Study Design: The experimental set-up was of a completely randomized design. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Food Science and Technology, Food Biochemistry and Tropical Products Technology Laboratory (BATPTL), University of Nangui Abrogoua, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, between August and December 2018. Methodology: For this purpose, yam slices were either pretreated with a natural agent (lemon juice solution at different pH) or pretreated and blanched (85 °C for 2 min) and then packed in plastic bags and kept in the freezer at -18°C over a period of 4 weeks. Polyphenoloxidase and Peroxidase activities, Dry matter, rate of browning and sensory attributes of yam slices were determined. Results: The results showed a decrease in polyphenoloxidase and peroxidase activities regardless of the treatment. The largest decreases in activity were observed in yam slices that were both pretreated and blanched compared to the control (about 53.49% decrease in the specific activity of the PPOs and 51.46% of POD). The combination of pretreatment and blanching also resulted in lower dry matter yam slices compared to pretreated slices only. After 1 month of storage in the freezer, the lower rates of loss (browning) were recorded for the slices of yams that were both pretreated and blanched compared to the other methods which had very high losses. The pretreated and blanched slices had high dry matter content. The sensory profile of slices processed by the combined technique after one month of freezing had a good appreciation for all sensory characteristics of yam. Conclusion: In order to have a good product, the combined method is recommended for better freezer storage of yam slices.

Source: UCC
Budget compliance and financial sustainability in non-governmental organizations: A case of compassion assisted projects in the central region

The budget compliance and financial sustainability of Compassion Ghana were evaluated in connection with its projects in the Central Region. The study adopted a descriptive research design, employed a questionnaire for data collection, and analyse data with descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Additionally, a sample of 195 project implementors was used for the study. The study findings indicated that Compassion Ghana engages in rigorous budgetary control practices. Also, the organization was ranked by the implementors as financially sustainable. However, the organization has over-reliance on donor funds and low internal revenue generation. Nonetheless, it has good financial management and good donor-management rapport. The study also showed that budgetary controls significantly influence financial sustainability positively. The study concluded that budgetary controls continue to be essential in the budget preparation process. It put management in the direction of ensuring efficient and effective use of resources which in the end helps to achieve the grand objective of improving the lives of people in the community. The study then recommended that non-governmental organizations should ensure strict budgetary control procedures to beat expenditures without affecting their objectives. Key variances should be analysed critically and corrective measures should be taken to resolve them.

Source: UCC
Budget Participation And Performance: The Moderating Role Of Employee Motivation

This study examined the effect of budget participation on budget performance, the influence of motivation on budget performance and the moderating role of motivation in the relationship between budget participation and budget performance. A quantitative research approach was adopted, targeting a population of 75 individuals: Accounts Officers, General Administrators, and Heads of Departments selected from the University of Cape Coast. A sample of 63 participants was chosen with a confidence level of 95%. Data was collected using a survey questionnaire. The findings revealed that budget participation significantly impacts budget performance, and staff motivation significantly influences budget performance. In addition, it was discovered that when employees are more motivated, their involvement in budgeting has a stronger impact on budget performance. It is recommended that schools, actively involve their employees in the budget preparation and implementation process, as this positively affects budget performance. Also, there must be inclusive budget planning and it was crucial to foster clear communication of budget goals and objectives, involve employees in the budgeting process, maintain transparency and open communication in the workplace to enhance effective participation in the budgeting process.

Source: UCC
Budgeting and Budgetary Control and Organisational Performance of Public Institutions In Ghana: a Case Study of Ghana Maritime Authority

ABSTRACT The research examined budgeting and budgetary control as a tool for institutional control in public institutions, using Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) as a case study. The purpose of the research was to determine if there is a connection between budgetary control and administrative control. A descriptive survey design was used for the study. A sample of 100 respondents from the GMA workers' population of one hundred and thirty (130) was chosen using a stratified random sampling technique. Questionnaires were used to gather primary data from respondents. The data was analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) by adopting descriptive and inferential statistics. The study showed that there was a positive relationship between budgetary control and administrative control. The budgetary control and the challenges in the control systems which have a significant impact on administrative control are among the factors examined. Budgetary control also influenced organisational performance but was not as pronounced as the variables in the control process and the problems in the budgetary control systems. It was also observed that the organisation's budgetary control is well regulated, making it impossible to adjust to changes in periods of fluctuating conditions. The study recommends that the management of the Ghana Maritime Authority should continue to review its budget and budgetary control systems to assess its efficacy. The budgetary control system of the GMA should be made flexible, which would help to solve the challenge of complexity in adapting to changes in periods of fluctuating conditions.

Source: UCC
Budgeting and budgetary control practices and performance of metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies in the northern region of Ghana

The study examined the influence of budgeting on the performance of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies [MMDAs] in the Northern Region of Ghana. The study targeted officials responsible for budgeting in 16 MMDAs in the Northern Region of Ghana. Structured questionnaires used to collect the primary data. The study used the explanatory research design. Quantitative research approach was adopted the descriptive statistics results proved budgeting practices are in most instances are moderately effective regarding the perception of workers on the effectiveness of the execution of budgeting among MMDAs. Empirically, there seems to be a significant positive association between all the dimensions of budgeting practices on one hand and the performance of the MMDAs on another hand. Budgeting is significantly accounting for a moderate positive variance in the performance of the MMDAs in the Northern Region of Ghana. Budgeting components including budget implementation, budget preparation/planning and budget participation are making the most significant improvement in the performance of MMDAs although budget communication and budget evaluation also make some significant positive improvement in the performance of the MMDAs. Budget control and budget monitoring functions do not significantly improve the performance of MMDAs. MMDAs should continue to undertake budgeting programmes to plan their operations and improve MMDAs’ performance.

Source: UCC
Budgeting and Budgetary Controls and Operational Performance of Colleges of Education in the Western North Region of Ghana

The study examined the influence of budgeting and budgetary control on the operational performance of the colleges of education in the Western North Region of Ghana. Using the census sampling technique, sixty (60) respondents from the three colleges of education in the Western North region were targeted. Quantitative research approach and explanatory research design were used as the main design of the study. The Statistical Product for Service Solutions (version 25) was used for the descriptive, correlation and regression analysis to test the specific objectives of the study. The study found that the Colleges of Education in the Western North region conform to budgeting best practices. Budgeting and budgetary control practices are highly effective at the Colleges of Education. The study further found that there is a statistically significant positive relationship between budgeting and budgetary controls and operational performance at the Colleges of Education. Budgeting and budgetary controls account for a statistically significant substantial positive variance in operational performance. Specifically, budgetary planning and monitoring and control insignificantly but positively contributes to the operational performance of the colleges of education. The study recommends that measures should be put in place to enhance the budget and budgetary control practices at the colleges of education especially budget planning, budget control and monitoring in order to achieve the full benefits of budgeting and budgetary controls with regards to the operational performance of the colleges of education.

Source: UCC
Budgeting Practices and Performance of Tamale Teaching Hospital

The study examined the effect of budgeting practices on the organisational performance of Tamale Teaching Hospital. The top, middle and lower-level management of Tamale Teaching Hospital were the respondents for this study. The sample size for the study was 50. Census sampling technique was used for the selection of the respondents. Explanatory research design backed by quantitative research approach was employed. Descriptive and regression analysis were conducted on the data collected. The results proved that budgeting practices are highly effective at Tamale Teaching Hospital, have a significant positive relationship with organisational performance and also significantly influence the organisational performance of Tamale Teaching Hospital. Thus, the following budgeting practices; Formulation, approval, implementation, performance measurement and review are significant positive predictors of organisational performance at Tamale Teaching Hospital. The study therefore recommends that the management of Tamale Teaching Hospital should take pragmatic steps to enhance the implementation of budgeting practices at the hospital since that can improve their organisational performance.

Source: UCC
Building a Predictive Model on Maternal Mortality Using Machine Learning: Comparison of Different Modelling Techniques

Maternal mortality remains a critical public health issue in Ghana, influenced by complex socio-economic, health-related, and contextual factors. This study aimed to identify the most effective predictive modeling technique for maternal mortality and elucidate key risk factors. We developed and evaluated three predictive models: Logistic Regression, Random Forest, and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) using data from the Ghana Maternal Health Survey (GMHS) 2017, which included 1,240 deceased women with detailed demographic, socio-economic, and health-related information. XGBoost emerged as the most robust and reliable model, achieving the highest average KFold score (0.8774), test accuracy (0.90), F1 score (0.47), and Jaccard score (0.82), indicating superior predictive performance. Significant predictors identified included place of death, marital status, blood pressure, traditional medication use, fever, season of death, and age at death. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve healthcare access, integrate traditional medicine into formal healthcare systems, and address socio-cultural barriers. Policy efforts should focus on enhancing healthcare access in rural areas, promoting gender equality in health decision-making, and targeting high-risk groups, particularly younger women and those with hypertension. Future research should include additional variables, conduct longitudinal studies, explore advanced machine learning techniques, and evaluate community-based interventions and policy impacts to further improve maternal health outcomes in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Building an Organizational Culture that Promotes Innovation in IT Firms: A Conceptual Framework

Conceptually, new technologies have affected individuals and organisations resulting to the rethinking of all the fundamental operating assumptions of many organisations and the roles in them. Organisations exist in a rapidly changing environment, necessitating responsive and often radical strategic capabilities. This strategic move has allowed organisations to create new demand, open up new market space, apply creative solutions to problems and exploit opportunities to enhance or to enrich people’s lives - innovation. The Information Technology (IT) industry is competitive by any market criteria used. Unlike its counterparts from traditional manufacturing industries, IT products have short shelf-lives (Mody et al., 1987) and appeal for customers and consumers. Survival for IT firms thus depends on a constant stream of new products and/or incremental efficiencies of existing products from the firm’s innovation assembly line. Within the technology industry, the market for IT products is perfectly competitive with little or no barriers to entry. This paper focuses on investigating why matured stage IT firms finds it so difficult to innovate. It will also assess some relevant growth strategies and further review related literature on how matured IT firms can build an organisational culture that promotes innovation. A new conceptual framework necessary to formulate strategies for surviving will also be developed and diagrammatically represented.

Source: UCC