ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Educational value of Boaman stool regalia

Regalia are the aesthetic, ceremonial and symbolic objects or clothing used or worn by chiefs or other office holders on formal occasions. These regalia which are paraded by their respective holders on formal occasions are not only meant to indicate one’s social status or for decorative purpose, but these regalia also have educational values which are inherent in them. Most of the people in Boaman do not know or if even they do, have little knowledge about the educational value of the stool’s regalia. To be able to achieve the objectives set for this research work, the researcher employed the qualitative method. What served as primary source of data for this research work were, interview and observation whiles authorities, newspaper publications and articles served as secondary sources of data. These secondary sources of data were gotten from libraries, museums, and archives. To be able to effectively collect relevant information that were true and credible, the researcher selected some royals of Boaman, palace administrators, chiefs from nearby villages and some people from The Manhyia Palace. Some of the regalia derive their names from special animals, designs, motifs or phenomena which are embossed or incised upon them. It is these incisions or embossments that determine the name given to these regalia. Secondly, the regalia which are worn or used for a particular function or ceremony are not based on just their aesthetic purposes but the symbolic and ceremonial functions are all taken into consideration. Lastly, these regalia which are paraded during ceremonies do not only reflect their functional and aesthetic significance, but they also carry values which educate whoever comes across them. These values may center on moral lessons or wise sayings which encourage people as citizens to work harder or eschew certain negative practices. The special animals, designs, motifs or phenomena have certain degree of educational significance, which educate us as citizens of a state. Therefore, these information should not be classified so much to prevent researchers from getting access to them. Secondly there must be a data base whereby the functional, symbolic and aesthetical values which are embedded within these regalia can be assessed by any researcher, so that these knowledge can be transferred to the ordinary person in the society. The values which are intrinsic in these regalia center on moral, historical, political, religious and other lessons which are informative and should be communicated to the public, so that they can understand and appreciate them, thereby erasing the erroneous assumptions about these regalia.

Source: KNUST
Educational value of Manhyia Palace Museum Artefacts

Manhyia palace museum artefacts have educational values and much of it is not known to the public and visitors. This study seeks to make a comprehensive research into the artefacts of the museum in order to unearth and document their educational values to the general public and the visitors to the museum. Qualitative research was used for the study and this helped the researcher to know the importance of the study especially when there was very little information or when there was no variable known. In this situation, qualitative research provided what needed to be studied and where the artefacts provided the history of Asante without written records. Some Manhyia palace museum artefacts that this study focuses on are the Akonnwa fofuo or the black stool replica, the Akrokrowa and Apakan. They are some of the solid evidence of Asante history, arts and culture that require extensive documentation and interpretation for academia. It is hoped that this study will serve as basis for further studies on Asante artefacts for the further development of this discourse within academia.

Source: KNUST
Educational Videos in Teaching And Learning: Attitudes and Perceptions of Students and Lecturers in the Faculty of Art, Knust.

Video as a multimedia is one of the most important learning media that presents a visually stimulating learning environment. This gives learners the opportunity to understand and memorize information better. However, most teachers give less attention to the relevance of using educational videos in their lessons. Several lecturers at the Faculty of Art, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi seem to be more comfortable with the traditional classroom method of teaching as it is the most commonly and widely used method in Ghanaian schools. This is because not much have been done to create the awareness and to help teachers in integrating educational videos into their classroom lessons. As such, only a few of them occasionally use this vital educational resource in their lessons. This study therefore aimed at creating awareness of the relevance of educational videos in teaching and learning with the following objectives: to assess the attitudes and perceptions of students and lecturers in the Faculty of Art, KNUST regarding the usage of educational videos in teaching and learning, to find out how educational videos impact students’ learning and to propose a model for using educational videos in teaching. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected using online questionnaires and structured interviews respectively. A Stratified random sample of 301 students and a purposive sample of 5 lecturers responded to the questionnaire and the interviews respectively. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics for the questionnaire and thematic discussions for the interviews. According to the findings, students see videos as some sort of motivation which help them in their learning activities whiles the lecturers also see it as teaching aids that help them to explain concepts better to their students. In all, the remarks on video as a medium that can be used to complement classroom instructions were encouraging. Majority of the participants were of the view that the videos they watched impacted their learning positively and enhanced their learning approaches as well. Therefore, it is believed that the learning outcomes of students could be improved by instructors through the use of educational videos as a major aspect of the general educational process. As such, the study has proposed a model that can serve as a guide to aid lecturers to effectively use educational videos as part of classroom instruction in the Faculty of Art, KNUST.

Source: KNUST
Eefects of small-scale mining on food production in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region

Food security is said to exist when; all people, at all times, having physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. One critical element which guarantees food availability and accessibility and ultimately reduces poverty in any country is food production. Food production has been identified to exhibit a continuous improvement in the developed world while developing countries have been experiencing a reduction. This situation to a large extent has been blamed on a number of factors with the most recent ones being deforestation, land degradation, pollution of water bodies and other causes of environmental degradation and deterioration; mostly caused by small-scale mining activities. Such activities normally take place in rural communities where foods are produced. It is based on this premise that the research probes the trends of small-scale gold mining in the Amansie West District and the resulting effect on crop production and supply which is the mainstay of the people. The research made use of both primary and secondary data which were in qualitative and quantitative forms. A total of 398 respondents made up of 245 food crop famers and 153 small-scale miners were randomly sampled in additions to data from three key institutions which were purposively sampled and interviewed. Semi-structured questionnaires containing open and closed ended questions. Interviews guides were used to get the institutional data. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 and Excel of Microsoft Office Application, 2010. The data was presented in tables and diagrams for easy analysis. The study revealed that there are no effective legal and regulatory measures put in place to control the activities of the small-scale mining in the district. It also revealed a reduction in the production of food crops within the five years period (2008-2012) as a result of the small-scale mining activities. These activities were identified to have negatively affected resources needed for food crop production such as land, water, natural Forest and active labour. It is therefore recommended that empowering the local authorities, provision of alternative job opportunities for the youth and ensuring institutional coordination among others will help control small-scale mining activities and its effects on food crop production.

Source: KNUST
Efectiveness of school-based interventions for preventing tobacco smoking initiation among young people in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review protocol

Background: Despite the commendable progress made globally in tobacco control, the world is falling short of achieving a 30% relative reduction in current tobacco use by 2025. The African region remains the least in the eforts in fghting the tobacco epidemic and is most exploited by the tobacco industry. Schools have been continuously used for over three decades as a setting for delivering youth smoking prevention programmes; however, the evidence of the efectiveness of those school-based interventions provides varying outcomes. Also, interventions that proved to be efective, in high-income countries (HICs), may not necessarily be efective in the African region as a result of cultural diferences and other contrasting factors. An existing systematic review that explored school-based tobacco prevention programmes among the youth in Afri‑ can countries from 2000 to 2016 showed partial efectiveness. This review will address the gap by updating the 2016 review to examine studies in LMICs to generate fndings to help target resources which have the potential to save lives by preventing smoking initiation among young people. Methods: The JBI methodology for systematic reviews of efectiveness will guide the conduct of this review. A comprehensive strategic search will be developed to retrieve both published and unpublished studies that evaluate school-based interventions to prevent tobacco smoking initiation among in-school young people in LMICs compared to non-intervention programmes. Published studies would be from databases such as MEDLINE via Ovid, CINAHL via EBSCO, Embase, PsycINFO, PsycEXTRA, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Sources of grey literature would be ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, MedNar, EBSCO Open Dissertations, Open Access Theses and Disserta‑ tions, and Trove. The databases will be searched for published studies in the English language. The processes of study selection, critical appraisal, data extraction, and data synthesis will be in accordance with the JBI approach for reviews of efectiveness with a minimum of two reviewers at each stage. The primary outcome of the review will be the non-initiation of tobacco smoking by the youth. Discussion: The review will provide synthesized evidence on the efectiveness of school-based smoking initiation prevention among young people in LMICs. The fndings of the review would support policymakers and programme implementers to develop targeted interventions for efective tobacco control initiatives. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42021246206

Source: KNUST
The Effect of Small Scale Gold Mining activities on the Birim River in the East Akim Municipality of the Eastern Region

ABSTRACT Ghana has been a producer of gold since the 16th century and boasts of one of the largest and richest gold reserves in the world with a long history of mining. Mining of gold in Ghana is categorized into small scale and large scale minings. The activities of small scale gold mining have been the target of strong opposition in recent years mainly because of its various environmental and social effects, the foremost of these is mercury pollution. The Birim River in the East Akim Municipality of the Eastern Region is heavily polluted due to the activities of small scale gold mining. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of small scale gold mining activities on the Birim River in the East Akim Municipality of the Eastern Region. Twenty-five water samples were collected from the Birim River at the following points: Apapam, Kibi, Pano, Bunso and the upstream of Apapam which served as a control. Sampling of the water started at the beginning of January, 2011 and ended in March, 2011. The water samples were treated and analyzed using Unicam 929 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and Automatic Mercury Analyzer to determine heavy metal concentration in the water samples. The physico-chemical parameters of the water samples were also determined. The values obtained for turbidity, 353.2 NTU; conductivity, 156.2 µs/cm; total dissolved solids, 3254 mg/l; and heavy metal concentration: iron (Fe), 436 mg/l; copper (Cu), 0.908 mg/l; mercury (Hg), 0.301 mg/l; lead(Pb), 0.753 mg/l; zinc ( Zn), 0.735 mg/l; and cadmium ( Cd), 0.067 mg/l; were very high well above the control values. The high levels of the parameters could have been caused by the activities of the small scale gold mining. The high levels may have a detrimental effect on the health of the communities that use the river. It is suggested that the mining activities in the river should stop and alternative livelihood be found for those engaged in the small scale mining activities,2011

Source: KNUST
Effect of water stress on the yield performance of seven dura x pisifera oil palm progenies

Seven Dura x Pisifera (DxP) oil palm progenies were evaluated for yield in three climatic locations with different mean annual water deficit (150 mm, 250 mm a'nd 400 mm) values in order to deter­ mine their tolerance to water stress. The design used was a randomized complete block in 4 replica­ tions with a plot size of 0.48 ha (42 palms). Data was collected on number of bunches and bunch weight (kg) and fresh fruit bunch (FFB) yield (Tonnes/ha) was subsequently calculated. The data was analyzed-using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means separated by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Significant progeny effects at each location on the yield parameters were ob­ served and, based on these results, three stress tolerant progenies were identified. The identification and selection of drought tolerant progenies for planting in marginal areas and the use of drought sensitive ones in optimum and favourable area in Ghana will lead to efficient utilization of available soil moisture and improvement in overall yields.

Source: KNUST
The effect of a crude ethanolic extract of dried pericarp of ripe momordica charantia fruit on some reproductive processes in male and female rattus norvegicus

The reputed traditional claim of an alcoholic extract of the dried pericarp of M. charantia fruit, used as an antispermatogenic agent in the male and an inhibitor of foetal development in the female were evaluated in albino rats (Rattus norvegicus). The ripe pericarp of M. charantia fruits were dried, powdered, solvent (ethanol) extracted and concentrated. The concentrate was made into an aqueous decoction of 100% and 50% and both delivered at 400 mg/kg body weight by intubation to previously sired male and female rats in treatment regimens I & II respectively. In treatment regimen Ill, the rats were offered distilled water (placebo) to ascertain whether handling stress produced any physiological impairment in their reproductive processes. Animals in treatment regimen IV however, received no administration and served as controls. Gross histological examinations of the reproductive system after treatment of female rats showed that treatment 1(100% concentration), did not significantly affect folliculogenesis, ovulation and fertilisation (P> 0.05)/analysis of variance; no significant differences existed among the mean number of corpora lutea counted in females subjected to the treatments. However, it increased ova wastage and caused increased resorption of implants (P<0.05); significant differences existed among the mean number of resorption sites counted and total number of ova / foetal wastage in females subjected to the treatments. These females remained fertile after the treatment, but there was significant reduction in their average litter sizes compared with values obtained in treatment regimen IV (controls); P< 0.05. In the male on the other hand, treatment I caused total disruption in spermatogenesis resulting in failure in the production of spermatozoa. There was also alteration in the structure of the tissues of the seminiferous tubules. These males were subsequently unable to impregnate females of proven fertility after the treatment; significant differences existed among mean number of litter size of females mated to treated males P< 0.05. The decoction nonetheless produced no visible impairment in accessory reproductive structures and glands. Rats on treatment regimen II (50% concentration) had only modest alteration in their reproductive structures. Results obtained from rats on treatment Ill (placebo) showed that stress due to handling did not influence fertility of both the male and female animals. In conclusion, the study gives some credit to the folkioric use of an alcoholic extract of the powdered pericarp of M. charantia fruit as a male contraceptive for which further work needs to be done. The results also confirm the report that the preparation exhibits abortifacient activity in the female. However, it is not an effective contraceptive in the female as it is in the male.

Source: KNUST
Effect of Activities of the VRA Resettlement Trust Fund in Improving the Livelihood of the New Senchi Resettlement Community

The study set out to explore the effect of the activities of VRA Resettlement Trust Fund on improving the lot of New Senchi community. The study objectives included finding out how sustainable the Trust Fund has been since its inception in 1996 as well as whether its activities has been effective in rehabilitating and improving the livelihood of citizens of New Senchi. Various studies reviewed from the very past history and recent history in international circles as well as studies by indigenous Ghanaians has revealed interesting issues bothering on resettlement and rehabilitation. The basic conclusion was that resettlement and rehabilitation had never been completely satisfactory to ressetlers. This will require that long-term planning with community consultation and participation would have to be engaged in to resolve all challenges amicably prior to a development and resettlement programme by Governments and development authorities. Data collected through interviews with seven (7) staff of the VRA Resettlement Trust Fund and survey questionnaires administered to one hundred (100) respondents of various socio-economic and educational status of New Senchi resettlement community seem to suggest the following: Although New Senchi citizens acknowledged the sustainability of the work being done by VRA Resettlement Trust Fund, they are of the view that there is more room for improvement. To them, this improvement must reflect in the quantum and rate of the provision of social amenities, health and sanitation, water and so on. It is recommended that Government and other Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) who are development partners must all play a role in assisting all Resettlement Townships. They must involve those communities in their development programmes since such communities have sacrificed their naturally given real-estate and occupation for the larger good and public interest of the entire society.

Source: KNUST
Effect of acidified alcohol extract of Funtumia Africana (Family Apocynaceae) of some reproductive processes of Albino rats

The acidified alcohol extract of F. africana, Benth (Apocynaceae) was evaluated for its pharmacological potential using brine shrimp cytotoxicity bioassay, its hormonal profile, and its uterine stimulant activity. It was then administered rectally, intravaginally and orally to pregnant and non-pregnant albino rats to evaluate its effects on prenatal and postnatal reproduction variables. The extract was cytotoxic to brine shrimps with an LC50 of 101.4μg/ml indicating a significant potential for pharmacological uses. Oral doses of 450, 900, and 1800 mg/kg body weight for 7 days showed no androgenic or antiandrogenic effects with respect to the relative weight of seminal vesicies and anterior prostate gland. However, the highest dose of 1800 mg/kg body weight was anti-androgenic with respect to the anabolic actions of androgens when administered to castrated rats treated with or without testosterone as it caused significantly lower relative weight of the levator ani muscle. At the oral doses of 450 - 1800 mg/kg body weight, F. africana extract was antiestrogenic when administered to ovariectomised rats which were also treated with or without stilboestrol. An oral dose of 900 mg/kg body weight administered to immature intact female rats had antigonadotropic effect and caused significantly lower relative weight of ovaries. Ten to 80 mg/ml of F. africana extract caused a significant relaxation of uterine muscle and antagonised the contractile effect of acetyicholine on rat uterus. Doses of 300, 600, and 1200 mg/kg body weight administered for 10 days before and after coitus did not cause a significant change in oestrous cycle and early prenatal parameters such as ovulation rate, implantation rate and early resorptions. Again, there were no significant changes in postnatal parameters such as survival of pups up to weaning, growth rates and physical signs of development (notably, the rate of incisor eruption, hair appearance, and eyelid opening) . The higher doses however caused significant increases in late resorption rates, lower foetal numbers, and lower increases in pregnant dam weights. These significant effects on maternal and foetal parameters appear to be due mainly to the estrogenicity of F. africana extract and a potential to redress gynaecological disorders is indicated.

Source: KNUST