ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Fuel characteristics of binder free briquettes made at room temperature from blends of oil palm mesocarp fibre and Ceiba pentandra

This study assessed the fuel characteristics of briquettes made from oil palm mesocarp fibre and sawdust of Ceiba pentandra at room temperature, using low compacting pressure without a binder. Properties of briquettes studied included stability in diameter and length, relaxed density, compressive strength, impact resistance index, gross calorific value, volatile matter, ash content and elemental composition. These properties were determined using standard laboratory methods. The results show that briquettes with better relaxed density, compressive strength and impact resistance index could be produced from a blend of C. pentandra sawdust and oil palm mesocarp fibre at low compacting pressure and room temperature without a binder. The relaxed density of briquettes produced ranged from 377�kg/m3 to 586�kg/m3 which could be classified as medium-density briquettes. The result further indicates that compacting pressure 40�MPa or more could be used to produce briquettes with adequate compressive strength in cleft and impact resistance index from the blend of C. pentandra sawdust and oil palm mesocarp fibre at low compacting pressure and room temperature without a binder. At 5% level of significance, the compacting pressure and mixing proportion had significant effect on the physical and mechanical properties of briquettes produced. The gross calorific values of Ceiba pentandra sawdust and oil palm mesocarp fibre were found to be 20.33�MJ/kg and 19.50�MJ/kg respectively. Even though most of the elemental compositions of the oil palm mesocarp fibre were not adequate, a blend with Ceiba pentandra sawdust could make it suitable to be used as an environmental friendly material for biomass briquettes production. � 2019, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

Source: UEW
The functionality of support systems for the elderly in Gomoa East District

This study sought to investigate the functionality of the support systems for the elderly in Ghana particularly in the Gomoa East District (GED). Purposive sampling technique was used to select the study area whereas snowball technique was adopted for the selection of respondents for the study. In all sixty-four (64) respondents took part in the study. Questionnaires were used to gather data. The study showed that most of the elderly in the area are suffering from low self-esteem, lack of opportunities they had when they were young, health challenges, poverty and loneliness. Additionally, the study revealed that most of the support the elderly receive comes from immediate family members as they find it difficult accessing government support. In terms of treatment given to the elderly, the study showed that most of the children are doing well by returning the help they got from their parents when they were younger. However, the elderly who are unable to receive that kind of support are compelled to work out things on their own in order to make ends meet. From these it was therefore recommended among others that the health insurance policy needs a review especially with the age designated for the aged. A fund be created to help the aged in the society and also, religious bodies need to do more to help the aged with their needs.

Source: UEW
Gender and leadership exploring the lived experiences of female head teachers in the Awutu Senya East Municipality

The purpose of this study was to assess the lived experiences of the leadership challenges of female head teachers in Awutu Senya East Municipality. To conduct this study, interpretive philosophy, qualitative approach with phenomenology design was employed. The population of this study consisted of all female head teachers of public schools in the Kasoa Township in the Awutu Senya East Municipality. The population was made up of twenty-eight (28) female head teachers of public basic schools in the Awutu Senya East Municipality. The sample for the study was ten (10). The ten (10) head teachers were selected using the purposive sampling technique as the respondents were put into three major groups called circuits. The data were collected by using interview guide. Qualitative data analysis was employed in order to reach at results. Specifically, data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed; higher officials make gender bias while selecting school leader; lack of special support to females to win competition for leadership position in the education system of the town; they were strong in making decision; females are less participated as both heads and deputy head teachers: females have capability to lead primary school; men consider women as their equal counterparts; females have misconceptions that they will not be successful in leading school; females do not have plan and set their promotion goals to be school leader. Some of the challenges which could hinder women representation in educational leadership were for instance, pressure of home responsibilities, and men dominance of management position. In the finding, the participants of the study also justified the following as the possible solution for the factors that affect women representation in leadership. These are providing training for women(Mentoring), gender awareness campaign, gender fairness in school leadership position, fighting traditions that hinder the progress of women, discourage societal discrimination, change family traditional structure (societal support), sensitize society to accept women leadership, women should be self-confident women's self -motivation. The study recommended that gender balance of leadership be seen in schools around the country. There should be more emphasis put on promoting more women into administrative level positions. Even though it is set as one goal for equality in the education sector, this is not currently practiced. This approach needs the voice of women in the education sector, and education authorities to give a chance for potential women to hold leadership positions.

Source: UEW
Gender and mathematics achievement of students in Bimbilla college of education Ghana

This study was conducted at Bimbilla College of Education. It examined gender differences in mathematics achievement among students. The descriptive crosssectional design was employed for this study. Thirty (30) college students were sampled via stratified and simple random sampling techniques for the study. Questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.73), and mathematics test items were used as data collection instruments. The data collected were analysed quantitatively using descriptive (frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (independent samples t-test) via Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 21. The study reveals a significant gender differences in mathematics achievement among the students (p ≤ .05) as the male students outperformed their female counterparts in mathematics test. Weak foundation in mathematics as well negative perceptions and attitudes of learners towards mathematics primarily account for the gender differences in mathematics achievement among the students. It is recommended that mathematics tutors in the E. P. College of Education- Bimbilla give female students equal opportunities in the classroom to boost their confidence in the subject. They should also use appropriate media and teaching approaches which are grounded in learner centred pedagogies to make mathematics learning meaningful to the students

Source: UEW
Gender biases against women in the development of popular music in Ghana

This is a descriptive survey aimed at evaluating independently, the contribution of women as regards the development of popular music in Ghana. The purpose is to highlight the fact that women cannot be sidelined in our socio-economic advancement. It seeks to disabuse the minds of people about gender stereotyping and disparities and rather encourage women to come out of their shells and move into prominence in all facets of life. The study makes use of the administration of questionnaire to eighty respondents and interviews with five selected women musicians to address the issue. The questionnaires were the Likert scale type of ratings and the statistics used for the analysis were the frequency, mean and percentages to address the research questions. It is envisaged that the findings of the study will beef up the efforts of many concerned people in the campaign towards the emancipation of women in Ghana. It will create the awareness that women, indeed, need to be considered when national issues are raised and heroes and heroines are honoured. This desire for women to come out of their shells should not be seen as a casual request but treated as a persistent demand. It is still incumbent on society to alter its philosophy, assumptions and practices about women and their roles in life.

Source: UEW
Gender differences in attitude and performance in elective mathematics at Senior High Schools in Accra Metro

The aim of this thesis was to ascertain the gender differences in attitude and performance in Elective Mathematics in the Senior High Schools in Accra Metro. Elective Mathematics, currently, is one of the important subject requirements for admission into attractive programs such as medicine, engineering, business, statistics, mathematics, actuarial science, economics, business administration, and architecture, among others in tertiary institutions in Ghana. To ascertain these differences, a performance test of Elective Mathematics knowledge and a questionnaire on attitude were administered to the targeted group. The performance test was made up of multiple-choice questions. The Likert type questionnaire for the students was in three (3) parts: Part A (Demographic of the respondents), Part B (questionnaire for students’ attitude toward Elective Mathematics), and Part C (Questionnaire for exploring factors affecting students’ attitude toward Elective Mathematics. A total of three hundred (300) elective mathematics students from three (3) SHS, one Boys’ school, one Girls’ School and a Mixed school in Accra metro were used for the study. Survey was the research design adopted for the study. Data were analyzed through the computation of frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, independent sample t-test as well as correlation. The current study found that students have a positive attitude toward the study of elective mathematics when it comes to gender differences in their attitude toward elective mathematics and their performance in elective mathematics. Also, the study found a significant difference in student attitudes based on gender, favoring female students. Again, the findings indicated a significant difference in the factors that students perceived to influence their academic achievement. In addition, the study discovered a weak positive relationship between students' attitudes toward elective mathematics and their academic performance in elective mathematics. It was therefore recommended that there should be a frequent elective mathematics seminars and workshop organized for students with the resource persons educating the students about the correlation between the topics they study in elective mathematics and the real-life situations. Also, topics taught by elective Mathematics teachers should be practical enough for the students to relate to.

Source: UEW
Gender differences in mathematics achievement of senior high school students in selected districts in the Central region of Ghana

The purpose of this study was to investigate gender differences in mathematics achievement of senior high school students in selected districts in the Central Region of Ghana. The study was conducted in four districts in the Central Region of Ghana. The research questions/hypothesis addressed in the study were: The study sought to determine the overall mathematics achievement of senior high school boys and girls in the selected schools and to examine differences in the mathematics achievement of senior high school boys and girls from single-sex and mixed schools and finally to explore gender differences in single-sex and mixed senior high school students‟ perceived ability in, and attitude to, mathematics. The study included an extensive literature survey in order to identify related studies. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods. A sample of 240 students was taken from four districts in the Central Region of Ghana for the study. The data instruments used in the study were test and questionnaire. Test was given to students to test ability and questionnaire also given after the test to help determine the opinions, attitudes, preferences and perceptions of persons of interest to a study. The data analysis procedure used included two main phases: the use of inferential statistics and the qualitative data analysis. The findings of this study revealed girls from the single-sex female schools and girls in mixed schools achieve better than boys in single-sex male school and boys in mixed schools. It also revealed that girls have reached parity with boys in mathematics. It was also in agreement with the narrow gender gap in achievement in other countries where similar studies were done. It was recommended that school authorities, teaching and learning of mathematics at the SHS level should be strengthened in mixed schools. Also in drawing school achievement plans, must endeavour to add exchange programmes internally to help increase the depth and quality of mathematics learning, since at the moment very little of this is seen at the SHS level in Ghana.

Source: UEW
Gender differences in pre-service teachers’ performance in mathematics and factors influencing it a case study of Enchi College of Education

This study was to explore the gender differences in pre-service teachers’ performance in mathematics and related factors influencing it in Enchi College of Education in the Western North of Ghana. For accuracy in the interpretation of the characteristics of participants, a descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. A total of 120 students consisting of 60 males and 60 females were randomly selected for the study. Five mathematics tutors were also randomly selected for this study. A questionnaire and the end of semester examination were the instruments used to collect data which were analysed using both descriptive statistics and inferential. The means of (M=70.70) and (M=64.35) of the male and female students respectively showed that male students performed better than female students in the examination. It was found that female pre-service teachers’ level of Mathematics anxiety was higher than their male counterparts in the college. It was observed that the various student-related perspectives influenced gender differences in performance positively in favour of the males. Also, it was observed that the tutors’ views especially both inside and outside classroom have negative influence on females' performance and positive influence on males’ performance in mathematics. It was recommended that the College of Education Management, in collaboration with the Gender, Equality and Social Inclusion Unit and Quality Assurance, should organize workshops to provide further training in gender sensitive techniques for tutors to transform the negative attitudes and behaviours toward females in classrooms.

Source: UEW
Gender differences in pre-service teachers’ Van Hiele’s geometric reasoning levels and their attitude towards geometry

The purpose of the study was to investigate gender differences in pre-service teachers‟ Van Hiele‟s geometric reasoning levels and their attitude towards geometry under the following variables (usefulness of learning geometry, confidence in learning of geometry and enjoyment of learning geometry) of Northern Region Colleges of Education. Also, the purpose was to investigate whether there is relationship between Pre-Service Teachers (PSTs‟) Van Hiele‟s Geometry Test (VHGT) achievement scores and their attitude towards geometry. In pursuance of this purpose, three research questions and three research hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A cross-sectional survey design was used for the study. A mixed method approach was also adopted to collect the data, specifically the concurrent design where the qualitative and quantitative data were collected together. The population was all level 200 PSTs of Northern Region and sample drawn from Evangelical Presbyterian (E. P.)- Bimbilla, Bagabaga and Tamale Colleges of Education. The total sample was 240 PSTs comprising 120 each of female and male. The sampling procedures were convenient, stratified and simple random. The instruments used were 25-item VHGT and 32 item closed ended questionnaire adapted from Utley and 3 opened ended questions designed by the researcher on PSTs attitude towards geometry. The results of the different data sources: VHGT and questionnaires were used to answer the research questions and the hypotheses. The main findings from the study are captured as follows in line with the research questions and hypotheses. The female PSTs VHGT reasoning levels were 7 (5.9% ) for level 0, 21 (17.5% ) for level 1, 67 (55.8%) for level 2 , 25 (20.8%) for level 3 , 0(0.0%) for levels 4 and 5 while that for the male PSTs were 5 (4.2% ), 23 (19.2% ), 21 (17.5%) ,66 (55.0%), 4(3.3%) and 1(0.8%) for levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. From the t-test analysis there was significance difference between the female and the male PSTs with (t (238) = -3.987, p = 0.000 < 0.05) in favour of the male PSTs. The male PSTs achieved a a higher mean performance (𝑀 = 11.43 , 𝑆𝐷 = 2.27) better than the female with (𝑀 = 10.25, 𝑆𝐷 = 2.33). Both gender PSTs had very weak positive correlation between their attitude towards geometry and achievements in all the VHGT levels. Also, there was no statistically significant relationship between both gender attitude and achievements scores in all the VHGT levels. However, there was significant difference between female and male PSTs attitude toward geometry in favor of the male PSTs. The study recommended that tutors should use the VHGT to assess PSTs levels before any intervention measure in geometry and encourage tutors to adopt Van Hiele‟s phase based model for in teaching geometry to build PSTs confidence and interest.

Source: UEW
Gender inequality among married couples in the Salvation Army,A phenomenological study.

The study investigated the nature of experiences of married female officers in the Salvation Army. Guided by the feminism theory, the study sought to understand whether gender inequality exist in officership of the Salvation Army Ghana territory. The research approach was qualitative. The study adopted a phenomenological research design to explore the lived experiences of eight participants. Data were collected via in-depth interviews and focus group discussion. Seven married female officers and one single female officer who was once married were interviewed. Also five married female officers were also engaged in a focus group discussion. The study found that there is gender inequality in officership in the Salvation Army, Ghana Territory because disparities in existing structures and systems favour male officers than female officers. This is because married female officers are denied equal opportunities in appointments to top positions, in the performance of major ministerial duties and in access to sponsorship for further studies. Additionally the study provided that sensitization of male officers and members of the church and more educational opportunities for female officers are some key measures that can help improve gender equity in officership in the Salvation Army Ghana territory.

Source: UEW
Gender Risk Perception and Coping Mechanisms among Ghanaian University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Recent research has shown that gender is an important driver of the risk of mortality and morbidity rates for people with COVID-19, with case fatality rates being higher for women than men. Despite this pattern, research is sparse on gender risk perception and potential coping mechanisms. This study examined the role gender plays in the relationship between COVID-19 risk perception and coping mechanisms among university students. Through the adoption of traditional and online surveys, 859 students from two public universities in Ghana were conveniently selected to respond to the survey instrument. The results from the multivariate regression analysis revealed that COVID-19 risk perception was positively related to active coping. The outcome of the moderation analysis showed that while males were more likely than females to adopt active and emotional support coping with heightened risk perception, a contrary outcome was observed for behaviour disengagement. This result is an indication that female students are likely to be overwhelmed with a high level of risk perception and easily give up trying to adopt effective strategies to reduce the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic situation. The findings highlight the need for different forms of intervention for male and female students for dealing with the effect of COVID-19. � 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Source: UEW
Gendered Dynamics and Reciprocity in Fishing Communities in Ghana: The Case of Penkye, Winneba

The history of Penkye is linked to that of Winneba township since it is the first place the Effutu people settled in the town. Located along the coast, majority of its residents are employed in the fishing industry. Intriguing about Penkye is how social and economic livelihoods of residents are entangled in gender roles and reciprocity. The article delves into the institutional embeddedness of fishing and community life. It examines how gender ideologies differentially inform men and women�s roles in the fishing economy. Drawing on interviews conducted with community members, the study constructs economic life stories for men and women within the fishing community. It analyzes how they formulate livelihood strategies differently from other parts of the country as a result. The study concludes that such realities defy the ideologies of the impersonal market economy propagated by the capitalist ideology, thereby questioning the basis of neoliberal ideology that market prices are solely determined by demand and supply interactions. � The Author(s) 2017.

Source: UEW