ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Growth performance of crossbred naked neck and normal feathered laying hens kept in tropical villages

Two experiments were conducted to develop naked neck (Na/na) and normal feathered (na/na) crossbreds and compare their growth performance, linear body measurements and carcass characteristics in the first and second filial generations. 2. In the first experiment, 4 indigenous naked neck males (Na/na) were mated to 36 Lohmann commercial females (na/na) in a ratio of 1:9. The two genotypes (Na/na, na/na) were allocated randomly according to batches of hatch, sire lines and sex to three different villages. 3. In the second experiment, 10 males and 100 females of F1 Na/na birds were selected and mated inter se in a ratio of 1:10. The three genotypes (Na/Na, Na/na and na/na) were compared in a randomised complete block design experiment, with the three villages, hatch and sex as blocks and the three genotypes as treatments. F1 Na/na birds had significantly higher (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio, body weight, body weight gain, linear body measurements, survivability and carcass yield than their na/na counterparts. 4. In the F2 generation, Na/Na and Na/na birds had significantly higher (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio, body weight, body weight gain, linear body measurements, survivability and carcass yield compared to their na/na counterparts. 5. The birds showing the naked neck phenotype appeared to show superior performance compared to normal feathered birds and could be exploited for potential utilisation in local poultry production

Source: UCC
Growth performance of fry and fingerlings of oreochromis niloticus fed on different agro-industrial by-products

The study was conducted at the Aquaculture Research and Development Centre at Akosombo to observe the growth performance of fry and fingerlings of O. niloticus; and also assess the cost-effectiveness of the different dietary treatments. In experiment 1, four isonitrogenous (36% crude protein) and isoenergetic (gross energy 18 MJ/kg) diets were formulated to contain agro-industrial by-products including: wheat bran (diet 1), pito mash (diet 2), rice bran (diet 3) and groundnut bran (diet 4) and fed to fry of O. niloticus (average initial weight 0.11 ± 0.01 g) stocked at 50 m-3 in out-door hapas for 8 weeks. In experiment 2, four isonitrogenous (30% crude protein) and isoenergetic (gross energy 18 MJ/kg) diets were formulated from the same by-products as in experiment 1 and fed to O. niloticus fingerlings (average initial weight 7 ± 0.23 g) stocked at 20 m-3 for 24 weeks. Growth performance was similar (P > 0.05) for fry O. niloticus among all treatments. However, incidence cost was highest for diet 4 and lowest for diet 2. Fish fed on diet 2 had the highest (P < 0.05) profit index and those fed on diet 4 had the lowest. Growth performance in fingerlings was highest (P < 0.05) in diet 1 and least in the control. Whiles incidence cost was highest (P < 0.05) for fish fed diet 4 and lowest (P < 0.05) for fish fed diet 2. In conclusion, the growth performances were similar (P > 0.05) for fry of O. niloticus among all treatments. For O. niloticus fingerlings, diet 1 produced the fastest growth. Diet 2 was the most cost-effective diet. From this study, diets 1 and 2 for rearing of O. niloticus are recommended for feeding.

Source: UCC
Growth, carcass and meat characteristics of local breed of rabbits fed diets containing soaked and dried mango (mangifera indica) seed kernel meal

This study was conducted to find substitutes for dietary maize in rabbit rations, to minimize competition between humans and livestock over the commodity. Mango seed kernel meal (MSKM) was used to substitute up to 20% of maize in rabbit rations, to assess its effects on growth, carcass and meat characteristics. Fresh mango seeds were obtained, husks were removed and seeds soaked in fresh potable water for 48 hours. The seeds were then dried to a moisture content of about 15 %, and then milled for use. Three experimental diets were formulated, where T1 (control, had no MSKM), T2 (10% of maize was replaced with MSKM) and T3 (20% of maize was replaced with MSKM). A total of 48 six-week-old rabbits of indeterminate breeds (24 males and 24 females) were assigned to the three dietary treatments (16 rabbits per treatment), and were fed adlibitum for 6 weeks, to determine feed intake and growth rates of the rabbits. Water was however provided ad-libitum. At the end of the feeding trial, 24 rabbits were randomly selected (8 from each treatment, equal number of males and females) and were slaughtered humanely after a 12-hour feed withdrawal, for carcass and proximate analyses of the meat. Results from the study indicate that, feed intake and growth rates of the animals reduced significantly (p<0.05) when dietary maize replacement with MSKM increased beyond 10% inclusions. However, crude protein, phosphorus, potassium and zinc contents of the meat increased significantly (p<0.05) as MSKM inclusions increased. That notwithstanding, carcass parameters and organ weights were not affected by substituting up to 20% of maize with MSKM (p>0.05). It can be concluded that MSKM can efficiently be used to substitute up to 20% of maize in rabbit rations, for reduced feed cost, improved crude protein, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc contents of the meat

Source: UCC
Growth, yield and leaf nutrient composition of lettuce grown in a silty loam soil amended with compost at different rates

Application of compost has been reported to influence several soil physical, chemical and biological properties positively to increase food production and reduce or prevent the negative environmental impacts associated with conventional agriculture. Poultry manure and Leucena leucocephala leaf compost were -1incorporated to supply 0, 50, 100 and 200 kg N ha respectively, based on the initial N content (% N) of the compost in three pot trials consecutively conducted between February and December, 2012. The fresh weight, dry weight and nutrient compositions of lettuce grown as a test crop were determined in each trial 6 weeks after transplanting. Fresh and dry matter contents were higher (P<0.05) in the compost amended soils than the control. All the compost treatments showed significantly higher (P<0.05) soil N (0.10 - 0.23%) than the control (0.03 % N). Similarly, leaf N, K, Ca, Na and Mg concentrations were significantly greater (P<0.05) in the samples from the compost treatments compared to those from the control. Only compost -1applied at 200 kg N ha maintained high levels of N concentration in the lettuce leaves consistently in the 3 trials. The study confirmed earlier report that compost is a viable option for soil fertility management in organic vegetable production systems

Source: UCC
Guests‘ Perceptions And Experiences Of Hotel Servicescape In Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis

A hotel‘s physical environment (servicescape) plays a crucial role in attracting guests and has the potential to influence various aspects of guest experience, satisfaction, and revisit intentions. Creating unique and memorable experiences for guests is essential for a successful business. The study assessed guests' perceptions, experiences as well as post-behavioural intentions of hotel servicescape in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design and utilized a quantitative approach to collect data. A questionnaire was administered to 206 respondents (guests) from various categories of hotels. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency tables, means, and standard deviations. Exploratory Factor Analysis, ANOVA, independent sample t-test, and chisquare test of independence were also employed to explore the relationship between key variables and respondents' socio-demographics. The findings of the study indicated that, in addition to other factors, hotel guests heavily relied on different dimensions of the servicescape when evaluating their overall experience. These dimensions especially ambient conditions had a positive influence on guest experience and their intentions to engage in post-experience behaviours. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that hotels should adopt a holistic approach to understanding the servicescape in order to enhance customers' experiences, satisfaction, and loyalty. It is therefore significant to focus more on promoting the cognitive, emotional, and physiological benefits that guests derive from their stay at the hotel.

Source: UCC
GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING FOR PUPILS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS IN ACCRA, GHANA: IMPLICATIONS FOR INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

Pupils with special educational needs require guidance and counselling services to overcome their social and psychological challenges. The study explored available guidance and counselling services in three special schools in Ghana. The concurrent triangulation mixed- method design was used. The samples of pupils (88) and staff (3), comprising administrators and guidance and counselling coordinators were purposively selected for the study. Data were collected with a questionnaire and an interview guide. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics, specifically, frequencies and percentages while in the qualitative analysis, the thematic approach was used. The importance of guidance services was prevalent. The facility enabled discussions regarding pupils’ educational goal construction, career plan development and solving relationship problems among pupils, their staff and parents. Regional Education officers were subsequently recommended to liaise with their counterparts at the Guidance and Counselling and Special Education Regional offices to monitor special schools, which will enable them to ensure widened service access and effective implementation.

Source: UCC
Guidance Needs of Hearing Impaired Students and Their Perceptions of Guidance Services in the Wa School for The Deaf, Ghana

The purpose of this study was to determine the guidance needs of hearing impaired students of the Wa School for the Deaf, and the services that are available to them. Descriptive survey design was used for the research. A total of 163 students were included in the study using the census method. Data were collected using questionnaire and analysed using means and standard deviations, independent samples t-test and One-Way ANOVA. The findings revealed that guidance services were a priority in the school. The respondents also knew of the existence of a counselling unit but their knowledge and awareness of the availability of the school counsellor was lacking. The study also found that the respondents perceived guidance services to be necessary and transformational for students in the school. Regarding the educational guidance needs of the students, the study showed that the students had difficulty retrieving from memory during examinations and also had difficulty preparing for examinations. In terms of vocational guidance needs, it was found that the respondents needed more information about occupations or careers or jobs in their areas of specialization. Concerning the personal-social guidance needs, the study showed that the respondents expressed the need to understand more about themselves. On the basis of the findings, it was recommended that school counsellors in Wa School for the Deaf should increase their visibility to students so that awareness levels of students about their work can be enhanced.

Source: UCC
Guidance needs of senior high schools students in wassa west and east districts of the Western region of Ghana

The purpose of the study was to find out the guidance needs of Senior High School students in the Wassa Amenfi West and Wassa Amenfi East Districts of the Western Region of Ghana. The descriptive survey design was adopted.. Samples were drawn from the three public Senior High Schools in the two districts. Respondents were made up of 250 students and 25 teachers. Data for the study were obtained through questionnaire. The data collected were organized into tables. Frequencies and percentages and t test were the main statistical tools used to analyse the data. Interpersonal relationship, self understanding and career information were the prevalent needs of the students whereas study habits, spiritual needs and employment needs were the least needs of the students. Also interpersonal relationship and career needs were the needs that were found to be adequately met. Study habits and educational information were the needs not adequately met. Inadequate knowledge of students’ guidance needs, negative attitude of students towards guidance and counselling, and lack of funds for guidance and counselling programmes were the major reasons responsible for students’ not having their guidance needs adequately met. The study also found out that there was no significant difference between the guidance needs of male and female students. It was therefore recommended that qualified guidance co-ordinators are appointed for all Senior High Schools and the co-ordinators put in place programmes that will benefit the students.

Source: UCC
Guidance needs of senior secondary school students in the Bulsa and Kassena-Nankana districts of the upper east region of Ghana

The major purpose of the study was to delineate the priority guidance needs of Senior Secondary School students in the Bulsa and Kassena-Nankana Districts of the Upper East Region of Ghana The study adopted the descriptive survey design. The population of the study comprised Form 2 and Form 3 students, teachers and guidance co-ordinators in the eight Senior Secondary Schools in the Bulsa and Kassena-Nankana Districts. Three hundred (300) students were used in the study. The number of guidance co-ordinators and teachers used in the study was 8 and 50 respectively. Questionnaire was the instrument used for the study. Proportional stratified sampling and simple random sampling were used in selecting both students and teachers.Frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations as well as t-test were employed in analyzing the data. The study revealed that study habit, employment, self-understanding, interpersonal relationship and drug information were the greatest needs of students.The study further outlined the major reasons that explain why students' guidance needs are not adequately met. The reasons included lack of qualified guidance coordinators, lack of funds and lack of offices.

Source: UCC
Guidance Needs of Teacher Trainees in Selected Colleges of Education in the Volta Region, Ghana

Knowing students’ guidance needs helps counsellors to discharge their guidance duties more effectively. This paper investigated the guidance needs of teacher trainees in Colleges of Education in the Volta region of Ghana. The study employed the concurrent triangulatory mixed methods research design in which both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from a total of 401 second year teacher trainees (256 males and 145 females) and three (3) counsellors. Two out of the three counsellors were males. Data were collected using a 27-item questionnaire, a semi-structured interview and focused group interviews. The quantitative data were analysed using chi-square statistics while the qualitative data were analysed thematically. The results showed that the guidance needs of teacher trainees in Colleges of Education in the Volta region are academic (study habit, how to further their studies, time management and test anxiety); financial (how to fund their education and how to handle or use money); social (intimate or boy/girlfriend relationship, interpersonal relationship); personal (knowing oneself, problem solving, self-control); and placement (the selection of elective courses, postings, and joining other professions). It was recommended that college counsellors to undertake regular needs assessment of trainees and design guidance programmes based on such needs.

Source: UCC
Guidance Services Among Senior High Schools in the Akuapem North Municipality, Ghana

The study sought to evaluate guidance services in senior high schools in Akuapem North Municipality of Ghana. The study adopted the phenomenological research design. Thirty respondents were purposively selected for the study. The instrument used for data collection was interview guide. Research questions were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The study found that Orientation Service, Information Service, Counselling Service and Placement Service are in existence and well implemented in senior high schools in the Akuapem North Municipality. However, Follow-up Service was not effectively implemented. Challenges such as inadequate facilities and resources, inadequate time for guidance services and lack of support hindered the effective implementation of the guidance services. The study recommended that counselling units should increase awareness of the existence of guidance services and encouraged all students patronize the guidance services. Also, Follow-up Service should be well implemented to identify students who still need help. The Ghana Education Service, in collaboration with management of schools, should provide adequate funds, resources and proper infrastructure to improve the provision of guidance services.

Source: UCC
Guidance Services for Modifying behavioural Problems among Junior High School Students

The study sought to examine the use of guidance services to modify the behavioural problem among Junior High School students in the Ellembelle District of Ghana. The embedded mixed-method approach was chosen for the research. A sample of 274 students and 16 headteachers and teacher counsellors were selected for the survey through cluster sampling, simple random and purposive sampling procedures. The quantitative data were collected using a student questionnaire, while a structured interview guide was used for headteachers and teacher-counsellors. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data. The qualitative data were coded, transcribed, and grouped thematically. The findings indicated that lying, blurting out answers, lateness in school, and fighting/insulting fellow students were common behavioural problems exhibited among Junior High School students. The study revealed that problems at home and peer influence cause students’ behavioural problems. Guidance services, specifically counselling services, are the most used services in modifying the behavioural issues exhibited by Junior High School students. There was a significant gender difference between male and female students regarding behaviour problems. It was therefore recommended that school authorities should enforce school rules. Attention should be given to other guidance services in various schools since they help in the quest to reduce students’ behavioural problems.

Source: UCC
Guidance Services In Some Senior High Schools In The Upper East Region

Guidance and counselling have been interwoven with efforts aimed at advancing the educational discourse of students in all disciplines and levels. This is because of the wide recognition that students’ academic performance is greatly influenced by the guidance offered them. This study looks at the guidance services in some Senior high schools in Upper East Region and it was aimed at achieving five objectives: to identify the level of student’s awareness of guidance and counselling services, to examine the various guidance and counselling services provided at the senior high schools, to identify the role of Guidance services and determine the benefits as well as the challenges. Employing the quantitative method and a descriptive research design, 16 counsellors or teachers that serve as counsellors, 14 head teachers, and 325 students were sampled while structured questionnaires were used to collect information from the respondents. The results showed that the majority of students in senior high schools were not aware of the existence of guidance and counselling services in the schools. With regard to the benefits, guidance and counselling helped to improve academic performance, reduce indiscipline, improve school attendance and reduce truancy, thus increasing graduation rate. Schools faced challenges, such as a lack of professionally trained counsellors, a lack of offices with resources and materials as well as a lack of cooperation from the students and staff. Among other matters, the study recommends that the Ghana Education Service, which supervises guidance and counselling, should charge all school counsellors with ensuring that all services, especially career and vocation counselling services, are offered in every school.

Source: UCC
Guidelines on housing allocation of the University of Cape Coast: Implications for the attraction and retention of senior members

This study looks at the Allocation of Housing Guidelines of the University of Cape Coast and its Implications for the Attraction and Retention of Senior Members. The study seeks to assess the interrelations that exist between housing availability and the attraction and retention of high calibre staff Data was collected through questionnaire from 105 respondents who were selected through a multi stage sampling technique. Information was also gathered from a senior officer through a six-point interview guide. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 10.0 was employed in analysing the data. Frequencies, cross tabulations and percentages were used in the presentation of the results. It was found that, the housing situation of newly appointed staff remains a problem. It was also observed that quite a greater number of staff were not conversant with the housing allocation guidelines in U.C.C. Most of the staff were also not satisfied with the housing allocation procedure in use. The study also revealed that a majority of the senior members would want the university to acquire plots ofland on their behalffor them to put up their own houses. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the university assist staff to acquire plots ofland to enable them put up their own houses.

Source: UCC
Guiding phosphorus stewardship for multiple ecosystem services

The essential role of phosphorus (P) for agriculture and its impact on water quality has received decades of research attention. However, the benefits of sustainable P use and management for society due to its downstream impacts on multiple ecosystem services are rarely acknowledged. We propose a conceptual framework—the “phosphorus- ecosystem services cascade” (PESC)—to integrate the key ecosystem processes and functions that moderate the relationship between P released to the environment from human actions and ecosystem services at distinct spatial and temporal scales. Indirect pathways in the cascade via soil and aquatic processes link anthropogenic P to biodiversity and multiple services, including recreation, drinking water provision, and fisheries. As anthropogenic P cascades through catchments, it often shifts from a subsidy to a stressor of ecosystem services. Phosphorus stewardship can have emergent ecosystem service co- benefits due to synergies with other societal or management goals (e.g., recycling of livestock manures and organic wastes could impact soil carbon storage). Applying the PESC framework, we identify key research priorities to align P stewardship with the management of multiple ecosystem services, such as incorporating additional services into agri- environmental P indices, assessing how widespread recycling of organic P sources could differentially impact agricultural yields and water quality, and accounting for shifting baselines in P stewardship due to climate change. Ultimately, P impacts depend on site- specific agricultural and bio geophysical contexts, so greater precision in targeting stewardship strategies to specific locations would help to optimize for ecosystem services and to more effectively internalize the downstream costs of farm nutrient management

Source: UCC