ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effects of Training on the Performance of Senior Administrative Staff of University of Cape Coast

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of training programmes and opportunities for transfer of training on the performance of senior administrative staff of UCC. The descriptive survey design was employed for the study. The survey employed purposive and simple random sampling techniques in selecting a total of 158 respondents (senior administrative staff) for the study. The study revealed among others that training programmes are not administered regularly, perceptions/views of senior administrative staff about training programmes were not evaluated and their skills as well as behaviours were not assessed after training, there was inadequate practice during training and knowledge of staff were not measured after the training, the university does not place much emphasis on the application of training on the job and as well portals were not available to help store and share information with staff. The following recommendations were made; There should be regular training programmes for the senior administrative staff of UCC, more time should be allotted for practice during training, measures should be put in place by the university management to ensure that there is much emphasis on the application of knowledge acquired from training programmes, the perceptions/views of senior administrative staff about training programmes should be evaluated, skills and behaviour of senior administrative staff should be assessed/evaluated after training, an informational maps should be developed and published to be used by staff.

Source: UCC
Effects of transactional analysis and solution-focused brief therapy on improving marital satisfaction of christian couples in Accra metropolis, Ghana.

Marriage is the foundation of all communities, societies and the nation at large. If marriages do not succeed, there is bound to be problems in society. Divorce cases in Ghana have been reported to be very high in Accra Metropolis. These reports are said to stem from issues relating to marital dissatisfaction. In view of this, there was the need to ascertain what the marital satisfaction levels of married persons were and to provide ways of improving marital satisfaction. Using the descriptive and experimental research designs, this study sought to find out the levels of marital satisfaction of Christian couples in the Accra Metropolis, and to investigate the effects of transactional analysis and solution-focused brief therapy on improving the satisfaction levels of couples. Four hundred respondents were sampled for the initial survey. Based on the analysis of their responses, 15 ‘dissatisfied’ couples were selected and placed into control and experimental groups. There was one control group and two experimental groups (the Transactional Analysis and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy groups). The study found that Christian married men and women in Accra Metropolis were relatively satisfied in their marriages. With regard to the experiments, both transactional analysis and solution-focused brief therapy were effective at improving the marital satisfaction levels of participants. Based on the findings it was recommended that counsellors should learn more about the two theories and apply them in helping their clients out of their marital relationship concerns.

Source: UCC
Effects of two-step fermentation on protein enhancement and nutritional composition of rice (oryza sativa l.) and wheat (triticum aestivum l.) using lactobacillus bulgaricus and saccharomyces cerevisiae

The effects of two-step fermentation on the protein content and nutritional composition of rice and wheat and their formulated blends (1:1, 1:3, and 3:1) have been studied in vivo. The rice and wheat substrate and their formulated blends were subjected to two treatments; (i) fermentation with mono-cultures of S. cerevisiae and L. bulgaricus and (ii) two-step fermentation for up to 10 days at 25 °C. After 10 days of fermentation, the protein content increased in all substrate. Fermentation with S. cerevisiae only and L. bulgaricus only increased the protein content varying from 22.56 % - 77.50 %, whereas, two-step fermentation increased the protein content varying from 43.48 % - 86.67 %. Therefore, two-step fermentation produced a synergistic effect in increasing the protein content in all substrate. The ash content increased in all substrates while carbohydrate content reduced. These findings show that employing a solid-state fermentation technique using S. cerevisiae and L. bulgaricus either as mono-culture or in two-step fermentation, could effectively enhance the protein contents and the nutritional composition of rice and wheat and their formulated blends for possible use as weaning and supplementary food for infants, adults and the aged. Results obtained in this study are being reported for the first time for rice and wheat and their amendments in a solid-state fermentation using S. cerevisiae and L. bulgaricus singly or in reverse order to improve nutritional status of grains and cereals in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Effects of Urban Land-use Type on Avifauna Assemblage Structure in Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly

ABSTRACT Given the global trend of increasing urbanization, the need to preserve and improve urban biodiversity has become critical. This study examines the relative influence of different land-use types as well as environmental resources (small trees, large trees, flowering trees, fruiting trees, shrubs, telecommunication mast, pylons, electric poles, buildings) on bird diversity indicators in the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly in Ghana. Remote sensing was used to estimate the extent of conversion of natural habitats into urban settlements. Using point count survey, bird species were recorded and compared in randomly selected plots of four land- use types of farmlands, remnant forest, residential and commercial areas. The relative influence of habitat resources on bird diversity indicators as well as the comparative use of natural and artificial resource by birds in built-up areas within the study area was also evaluated. The study found a significant extension of built-up areas into natural habitats in the study area with a significant increase in sparse vegetation coupled with a drop in the area covered by dense vegetation over the last three decades. Avifauna diversity indicators differ significantly across the four land-use types with urban farmlands being the most species diverse, followed by remnant forest, then residential and finally commercial areas. Findings from the study suggest that avian species diversity indicators decreased significantly with increasing land-use intensity and revealed that the study area still possesses significant conservation potentials for urban birds and by extension biological diversity as long as vegetation fragments are maintained within a sustained urban expansion framework. Biodiversity can be improved by improving the complexity and quantity of plant cover in residential areas by supporting citizens to establish private yards to increase the city’s green networ

Source: UCC
Effects of urbanisation on coastal wetlands: the case of the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis

Wetlands play important role in the sustenance of humankind but it seems the reciprocal gesture of protecting this ecosystem is on the decline. The result is the loss of wetlands, especially in the urban areas. This study set out to examine the effects of urbanisation on coastal wetlands in the SekondiTakoradi Metropolis of the Western Region. Using a mixed-method research design, 358 respondents were sampled from the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis to respond to the data collection instruments: questionnaire, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guide and interview guide. Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 14 was used to facilitate quantitative data analysis while content analysis was used for qualitative data analysis. The major finding was that, urbanisation has affected wetlands in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis which has resulted in the loss of some portions of the wetlands. Again, people perceived wetlands as ‘wastelands’ which should be put to other use. One major recommendation is that residents should be sensitised by the Metropolitan Assembly and the Environmental Protection Agency for them to appreciate the value of the coastal wetlands in the metropolis. Again, there should be the co-management of the wetland resourced and the provision of alternative sources of livelihood by local authority, central government and concerned non-governmental organisations.

Source: UCC
Effects of using english and local language on the study of mathematics at the lower primary in the Suhum Kraboa Coalter district of Ghana

The study was conducted to compare the effects of using the local language (L 1) and English (L2) on achievement in Mathematics at the lower Primary. The study, which was conducted in the Suhum Kraboa Coaltar District in the Eastern Region of Ghana adopted a quasi experimental design. Primary 3 pupils were used in the study. Convenient and purposive sampling techniques were used to select four primary schools for the sample. Two of the schools were selected from Suhum (urban town) and the other two were from rural schools. The random sampling technique was also employed to determine the type of language to use for instruction in each of the sampled schools. Lessons on addition and subtraction of fractions were prepared and presented to the four sampled schools in the respective languages of instruction. A post-test was administered after the treatment. The results were presented and tested by employing the independent samples t-test and the two way ANOV A. The hypotheses were tested to determine if there is a statistically significant difference in Mathematics achievement at the lower primary between using the local language (L 1) and the English language (L2) as media of instruction. The level of significance was set at 0.05. The results revealed that there is no significant difference between the use of the local language (L 1) and English (L2) as medium of instruction on Mathematics achievement at the lower primary. It was, however, established Mathematics achievement at the lower primary. It was, however, established that the use of the English language favours urban schools more than the use of the local language while in the rural schools the local language is more effective for instruction in Mathematics at the lower primary than English (L2). It was also found that the use of the local language (L2) improves pupils' performance in problem solving more than the use of English (L2). It was recommended that the choice of using either the local language (L 1) or the English (L2) as a medium of instruction in Mathematics at the lower primary should be left with the staff of the schools to decide. The choice should be based on pupils' mastery of the language. It was, however, suggested that in urban schools English should be preferred to the local language while in rural schools the local language should be preferred to the English.

Source: UCC
Effects of waste management on local governments revenue : A case of Assin North municipal assembly

There have been continuing debates over the allocation of fewer funds for waste management by most metropolitan/municipal/district assemblies in the country. This work however, examines how waste management affects the economic base of the Assin North Municipal Assembly. The study also finds out; how the assembly generates its revenue, the types and volumes of waste generated, how the assembly funds waste disposal, other alternative means to fund waste disposal and how waste management has affected the assembly’s resources and development. In all, 250 were targeted for the study, 242 responded. Both primary and secondary data were used. Proportionate random sampling was employed to generate the sample (primary data). The main tools employed in gathering the data were questionnaires, interview schedules and personal observation. The study revealed that a huge chunk of the Assembly’s financial resources was used to manage waste. For five consecutive years, the expenditure on waste kept on increasing as against the amount budgeted. As a result of this disturbing trend, many developmental projects embarked upon by the Assembly have stalled, since waste management competes for the same resources that are supposed to be used to develop the Municipality. The work contends that, in order for the Municipality to develop, alternative means for funding waste management should be found so as to reduce the expenditure on waste. The institution of programmes such as communal labour, educational awareness campaigns, contracting out, and others have been suggested as measures that could help reduce the expenditure on waste management.

Source: UCC
The effects of water salinity and potassium levels on yield, fruit quality and water consumption of a native central Anatolian tomato species (Lycopersicon esculantum)

The effects of four irrigation water salinities (0.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 dS m 1) and three potassium fertilizer levels (0, 5 and 10 mmol l1) on yield and some quality parameters of a native Central Anatolian tomato species (Lycopersicon esculentum) were investigated under greenhouse conditions. A fully randomized factorial experiment was conducted between 13th of June and 11th of October 2002 at the Faculty Agricultural Experimental Station of Ankara University. Yield, fruit quality, drainage water salinity and evapotranspiration data were collected. It was found that both salinity and potassium fertilizer levels affected fresh fruit yield. The yield decreased with increasing salinity starting at salinity level of 2.5 dS m 1and continued to 10 dS m 1treatment. The interaction between salinity and K levels was signifcant,p < 0.05, but the changes in yield did not exhibit any clear result to state that K+ levels had a direct effect on salinity induced yield decrease. Plant biomass was affected only by the salinity levels of the irrigation water: the biomass decreased with increasing salinity. Increasing salinity levels resulted in smaller fruit size, higher soluble solid content (SSC) and decreased the pH of the fruit juice

Source: UCC
Effects of water, sanitation and hygiene facilities on academic performance of basic school pupils in the Ketu North Municipality

The study investigated the effects of water, sanitation and hygiene facilities on academic performance of Basic School Pupils at Dzodze in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region. Through cross sectional survey, a total of 100 basic school pupils and 20 Teachers were sampled through simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the respondents 96 (96%) of the pupils stated that they had water and sanitation facilities in their schools. Most of the respondents 55 (55%) of the pupil stated they had pipe water as common sources of water in the school and as such most respondents 47 (47%) stated that, the state of water was good in the school. Most of the respondents 66 (66%) used KVIP toilet facility in their schools, 51 (51%) of them said their toilet facilities were in a good state, 98 (98%) have access to hand washing facilities in their schools, Veronica buckets 82 (82%) were predominantly used as the hand washing facilities in their schools. The presence of WASH facilities helped them to participate in academic activities 98 (98%) and teaching and learning activities 47 (47%). About 28 (28%) said they performed better in the end of term exams than previously whiles 27 (27%) stated they have become more active in class which is promising. Copying strategies include buying water from vendors 47 (47%), 49 (49%) used public sanitation facilities. There should be renovation of WASH facilities to get the facilities back to shape to make them more user friendly for the pupils.

Source: UCC
Effects of wealth and exercise on blood pressure: evidence from Ghana

This study determines whether or not the effect of physical exercise on blood pressure is only direct as most studies posit or is also mediated by some socioeconomic factors, including the wealth status of the household. The study used data on 13,784 individuals from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) and employed two models, namely the multinomial logit and the multiple regression models. The multinomial model was used to determine, while controlling for other variables, the likelihood of individuals being hypertensive or prehypertensive, given that they exercise. It was found that exercising reduces the likelihood of an individual becoming systolic hypertensive or prehypertensive relative to having a normal blood pressure. The study also found that physical exercise helps reduce the systolic blood pressure of individuals directly. The effect of physical exercise on both systolic and diastolic blood pressure is also found to be mediated by the wealth status of the individual. The wealthy who exercise are found to have their systolic blood pressure fall by 5.786 mmHg higher than the poor. While physical exercise does not directly affect the diastolic blood pressure of an individual, its effect on diastolic blood pressure is mediated by the wealth status of the individual. Just as in the case of systolic blood pressure, wealthy individuals who exercise benefit from a greater fall in their diastolic blood pressure by 2.158 mmHg than the poor who exercise. The study, thus, concluded that while all individuals benefit from exercising, the wealthy in society benefits the most. It is, therefore, recommended that all individuals in the quest to decrease the risk of becoming hypertensive should exercise. This is truer for the wealthy in society.

Source: UCC
Effects of wetland management on social, cultural and economic development in the Assin North Municipality

The study was a case study framed in a descriptive research design intended to examine the effects of wetland management on the social, economic and cultural development of five communities in the Assin North Municipality in the Central Region. Probability and non-probability sampling techniques, namely simple random, purposive and quota, were used. Interview schedule was used on the respondents in the communities, while questionnaire was used to collect data from the Municipal Assembly, Forestry Commission and Wildlife Department. The Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) (Version16.0) and Microsoft Word softwares were used to facilitate data analysis. The results were presented in tables and charts The Abunu, Abusa, periodic rent and long lease systems were the main forms of land tenure. The land tenure practised in the area was not structured, but widespread, with a lot of destructive tendencies. This had adversely affected the services the wetlands provided the people.The effect was such that sources for income generation, recreation and entertainment and performance of cultural rituals had reduced drastically and, in some cases, had been wiped out. The communities continued to derive economic, social and cultural benefits from the remaining wetlands. The constraints, inhibiting the wise and efficient use of the wetlands had allowed room for indiscriminate use of the wetlands without any punishment to offenders. It is recommended that the government, Municipal Assembly, Wildlife Department, Forestry Commission and the community should work together to ensure that the challenges, which threaten wetlands, are removed to ensure sustainable wetland services.

Source: UCC
Effects of widowhood rites on the psychological distress and life satisfaction of Konkomba widows in the Saboba District, Northern Ghana.

The study investigated the effects of widowhood rites on the psychological distress and satisfaction with life of Konkomba widows in the Saboba District of the Northern region of Ghana. Specifically, the study assessed the common widowhood rite practices and the extent to which it impact the psychological distress and the satisfaction with life of widows. The descriptive cross- sectional survey design was adopted for the study. The purposive sampling technique, stratified sampling technique, snowball sampling technique and convenience sampling techniques were used to select 120 widows from the Saboba District. Data were analyzed using frequency distributions, means and standard deviations, regression analysis, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal Wallis H-Test. Findings indicated that Konkomba windows who underwent widowhood rites experienced high levels of psychological distress and low life satisfaction. Also, psychological distress of widows significantly predicted their life satisfaction. It was also realized from the study that widowhood rites by the Konkomba tribe are dehumanizing and gruesome. Generally, it is recommended that government institutions, NGOs and health practitioners should incorporate a more comprehensive approach where the attention is not only on the physical needs of widows but also their psychological and social wellbeing which are also affected. This will optimize the services and aids widows receive. Also, the government and other stake holders should intensify their campaign on the reformation or abolishment of these horrible practices of widowhood.

Source: UCC
Effects Of Work From Home On Employee Performance During Covid-19: A Case Of A Selected Educational Institution In The Greater Accra Region

This study sought to determine the perceived effect of working from home on employees‘ performance during COVID-19 in selected educational institutions. The cross-sectional descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. Through the use of the multi-stage (cluster and proportionate) technique and the simple random sampling procedures, 267 administrative staff were involved in the study. A questionnaire was used to gather the requisite data for the study. Data were analysed through the computation of descriptive and inferential statistics such as frequencies, percentages, mean of means distributions, multiple regression, independent samples and independent t-tests. The results reveal uncertainties among employees regarding perceptions of remote work. Despite this uncertainty, employees demonstrated high task and contextual performance levels, suggesting the effectiveness of remote work arrangements. Challenges associated with remote work, such as task completion and home environment suitability, were also uncertain among employees, emphasizing the importance of organisational support mechanisms. Surprisingly, remote work positively impacted task and contextual performance but negatively impacted counter-productive behaviour. Gender differences in perceived challenges were insignificant, warranting gender-inclusive support mechanisms. Recommendations include implementing flexible work policies, fostering ongoing feedback, and providing resources to support remote work effectiveness. Further research could explore regional differences and reasons for gender disparities in remote work challenges by using open-ended questionnaires and interviews.

Source: UCC