ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effect of depuration on microbial content of mangrove oyster (crassostr ea tulipa) from Benya Lagoon, Ghana

Mangrove oysters and water samples collected from Benya lagoon, located at Elmina in the Central Region of Ghana were investigated for microbial contamination. A total of nine fungal isolates were identified. These were Aspergilus niger, A. sulphurus, species of Penicillium, Rhizopus, Trichoderma, Fusarium, Saccharomycetes and Sterilia mycelia. Accumulations of fungal and bacterial populations in the non-depurated oysters were greater than the surrounding water. However, when mangrove oysters were depurated, populations of fungi and bacteria showed marked reduction, with some of the species disappearing completely. Saccharomycetes had a mean population of 6.3 x 10 2 CFUs/g before depuration of oysters. This reduced to 0.0 CFU/g after depuration for 12 hours; and 7.0 x10 2 CFUs/g before depuration and 4.0 x 10 2 CFUs/g after depuration during the first and second investigations, respectively. Bacterial populations present on selective media (Levine Eosin Methylene Blue agar and MacConkey agar) suggested possible presence of sewage indicators, which are surrogates for water quality assay

Source: UCC
Effect Of Diabetes And Malaria Comorbidity On Naturally Acquired Antibody Responses Against Malaria Vaccine Candidate Antigens

Diabetes impairs the capacity of the immune system to combat liver and blood-stage parasites as well as increases the falciparum parasites' access to glucose. Glycosylation can make antibodies produced by vaccination or natural exposure less biologically effective. Type 2 Diabetes is linked to lowered humoral and T-cell immunity.This research looked at how diabetes and malaria affect the production of antibodies against malaria vaccine candidate antigens.A case control study consisting of 146 individuals took part in the study, of whom (n=40) had diabetes only, (n=27) had both diabetes and malaria, (n=41) had malaria only, and (n=38) did not have any of these conditions. Detection of Plasmodium falciparum and parasitaemia was determined using malaria RDT and the light microscope. Serum samples were examined for the levels of antibody reactions against six malaria vaccine candidate antigens namely; MSP3, GLURP -R2, AMA-1, MSP1, GLURP -R0, and CSP.The type 2 diabetes and malaria comorbidity group significantly recorded higher Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia (10815.8±2540.0, p = 0.02) than the malaria only group (1349.0±1373.6). Increasing age was significantly associated with increase in IgG response against MSP3 (r2=0.027, p = 0.048). Individuals with malaria and type 2 diabetes had significantly higher antibody level to GLURP-R2 (β=0.47,95% CI=[0.10-0.83], p =0.013), GLURP-RO ( β=0.36,95% CI =[0.03-0.68], P =0.034 ) and MSP1 ( β=0.35,95% CI=[0.09-0.61], P=0.008) compared to the negative group.This research revealed that individuals with T2DM and malaria comorbidity had an increased antibody responses (IgG) against the malaria vaccine candidate GLURP-R2, GLURP-RO and MSP1.It was found that people with comorbid malaria and T2DM had significantly higher amounts of parasitaemia.

Source: UCC
The Effect Of Diagrams In Addressing Learners’ Difficulties In Solving Word Problems Involving Algebraic Expressions

This study sought to assess the effectiveness of using diagrams in assisting learners in Basic Seven in solving word problems involving algebraic expressions. The multistage sampling technique was employed to select 171 participants from various schools, and a two-group pretest-posttest design with a delayed posttest was implemented. The participants were divided into low-achieving and high-achieving classes, each comprising control and experimental groups. Mathematics Achievement Test and Think-Aloud Protocols were used to obtain relevant data and were analysed using descriptive statistics, content analysis, and analysis of covariance. The study revealed that the experimental groups, which received instruction with the use of diagrams, displayed a significantly higher level of improvement compared to the control groups. Furthermore, the delayed posttest demonstrated the sustainability of the diagram usage's positive effects, further consolidating this instructional approach's long-term effectiveness. In conclusion, this study contributes to the existing literature by establishing the effectiveness of diagrams in assisting learners in the Basic Seven in solving word problems involving algebraic expressions. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating visual representations into mathematics instruction, particularly in solving word problems. The implications of this research for mathematics educators suggest that the incorporation of diagrams can serve as a valuable instructional strategy to foster learners' problem-solving skills and enhance their comprehension of algebraic word problems.

Source: UCC
The Effect of Different Mineral Compound Fertilizer Blends on the Growth and Yield of Maize within the Birim Central Municipality, Eastern Region, Ghana

The Birim Central Municipality is a major maize growing area in the Eastern region of Ghana. Diverse mineral compound fertilizer blends are common in the Municipality and most of these mineral fertilizers are used in the production of maize. Common among them are NPK 15-15-15; NPK 20-10-10 +3S; NPK 15-20-20 + 0.7Zn; and NPK 15-20-20 + 1S + 0.7MgO + 0.7Zn. The effect of these compound fertilizer blends on maize growth and yield within the municipality has not been extensively studied. This study was therefore conducted to evaluate the effect of these different compound fertilizer blends and an absolute control on the growth and yield of maize (Pannar 12 variety) at Akim Oda. The experiment was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The recommended mineral fertilizer rate of NPK 90-60-60 kg ha-1 N-P2O5-K2O for maize for the forest agro-ecological zone was adopted. Results obtained showed significant differences in yield and yield components due to the application of the different compound NPK mineral fertilizer blends. Grain yield showed significant differences between treatments with the least yield produced by the Control (4.12 t ha-1) and the greatest from NPK 15-20-20 + 0.7Zn (10.63 t ha-1). Weight of ears, un-shelled cobs, husk, stover, harvest index and biological yield all recorded significant differences. The NPK 15-20-20 + 0.7Zn proved to be economically more profitable due to the high VCR of 5.3 obtained. The study, therefore, recommends the compound mineral fertilizer blend NPK 15-20-20 + 0.7Zn should be adapted for the municipality to attain greater growth and yield of maize.

Source: UCC
Effect of different processing methods on the quality of ackee fruit arils

Ackee (Blighiasapida) fruit has a nutritional composition comparable to other commonly consumed fruits although its consumption is limited by the presence of anti-nutrients. This study investigated the effect of processing on some anti-nutrients (oxalate and phytate) as well as on ascorbate, carotenoids and phenolic compounds in ackee arils. Changes in physicochemical (pH, titratable acidity, brix and color) were also analyzed. Ackee fruit was cut into arils and cooked for 15 min either by boiling in water at 100°C or steamed or fried in oil at 180°C. The unprocessed ackee aril had a pH, titratable acidity and brix of 5.79, 0.52% and 2.70, respectively. Significant changes in these physicochemical properties were only observed in the boiled arils while the highest change in color was observed in the steam fruits. Significant reductions in ascorbate levels of 49.27, 32.86 and 56.29% were observed after boiling, steaming and frying, although these processing methods did not significantly affect carotenoid and phenol levels. The levels of the anti-nutrients reduced significantly with oxalate reducing by 22.37, 26.67 and 37.42% and phytate levels reducing by 62.50, 66.67 and 54.17%, after boiling, steaming and frying, respectively

Source: UCC
Effect of different salinity levels in drinking water on growth of broiler chickens

During breaks in supply of treated water, farmers turn to surface and underground sources, such as wells and boreholes. Though seemingly wholesome, such water usually contains dissolved salts of various kinds that may affect productivity in poultry and other farm livestock. Fifteen 2-week-old, imported broiler hybrid chicks were fed a common ration, but offered drinking water from one of three sources, for 21 days, to investigate any effects of water quality on productivity. Three treatments (water source), each with five replicates (individually penned birds) were tested, in a completely randomised designed experiment. The treatments were (i) water from the tap (TAP), (ii) water from a borehole (BH1), and (iii) water from a second borehole (BH2). Birds were raised in battery cages, given water and fed ad libitum and weighed weekly. Water samples from the three sources were analyzed weekly for quality (i.e. conductivity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and total dissolved solids). Mean water salinity level were 0.00, 0.07 and 3.80 per cent for TAP, BH1, and BH2, respectively. Water treatment had no significant effects (P>0.05) on feed intake (110.8, 95.3 and 106.1 g per bird per day), weight gain (45.0, 43.6 and 43.0 g per bird per day), feed conversion ratio (46.8, 50.0 and 47.2%), and final weight of birds after 21 days (1.33, 1.30 and 1.32 kg), for TAP, BH1, and BH2, respectively. However, water intake by birds was significantly (P<0.05) influenced by source of water (222.9, 184.6, and 250.4 cm3 per bird per day) for TAP, BH1 and BH2, respectively. It is concluded that water from all the three sources, though different in quality, were acceptable to broilers over the short duration of the study. The need is to prolong the study to cover a normal broiler production period of 8 to 12 weeks to determine any long-term effects of salinity on productivity and health of broilers. The quality of water given to poultry, especially from underground sources (in place of tap water), should advisedly be analyzed for its quality and suitability

Source: UCC
Effect of Eating Habits on Oral Health among Junior High Students in the Cape Coast Metropolis

Abstract The effect of eating habits on the oral health of 200 students at University Junior High School was assessed using cross-sectional survey. 51.8% of the respondent perceived they have good oral health and 41.7% had never had any dental condition in the last 6 months. However, there was prevalence of 58.2% dental conditions among the respondents. 69.3% had no difficulty brushing the teeth and 56.8% had no difficulty in eating as a result of dental problem. As such, 77% of the respondents never visited the dentist in the past five years. The oral health practices among the respondents were good as 61.4% responded they brush their teeth at least twice a day. The participants generally had bad eating habits as 56.1%, 33.6% and 50%, respectively take fizzy drinks, eat sweets and biscuits with other pastries for more than 3 times in a week. 41.5% had a scores ≤ 15.0 on total eating habit indicating good eating habits and 52.0% had scores ≥16.0, indicating bad eating habits. This accounted for 58.2% having various dental conditions. Therefore, there is the need for an oral health promotion programme to increase awareness of good oral health practices and good eating/snacking habits among the students.

Source: UCC
Effect of Eating Habits on Oral Health among Junior High Students in the Cape Coast Metropolis

The effect of eating habits on the oral health of 200 students at University Junior High School was assessed using cross-sectional survey. 51.8% of the respondent perceived they have good oral health and 41.7% had never had any dental condition in the last 6 months. However, there was prevalence of 58.2% dental conditions among the respondents. 69.3% had no difficulty brushing the teeth and 56.8% had no difficulty in eating as a result of dental problem. As such, 77% of the respondents never visited the dentist in the past five years. The oral health practices among the respondents were good as 61.4% responded they brush their teeth at least twice a day. The participants generally had bad eating habits as 56.1%, 33.6% and 50%, respectively take fizzy drinks, eat sweets and biscuits with other pastries for more than 3 times in a week. 41.5% had a scores ≤ 15.0 on total eating habit indicating good eating habits and 52.0% had scores ≥16.0, indicating bad eating habits. This accounted for 58.2% having various dental conditions. Therefore, there is the need for an oral health promotion programme to increase awareness of good oral health practices and good eating/snacking habits among the students.

Source: UCC
Effect of edible coatings on the postharvest quality of eggplant (solanum aethiopicum l.) Fruits during low temperature storage

Eggplant is an important fruit with numerous health benefits, but it has a relatively short postharvest life. Edible coating in combination with low temperature storage can improve quality and extend shelf life but they are normally imported and are costly. This work, therefore, sought to study the effect of edible coatings prepared from inexpensive, locally available materials on the quality of eggplant fruits during storage. Fruits were coated with beeswax, Aloe vera or cassava starch solution (with or without citric acid pre-treatment) and stored at 10 °C. Beeswax coating was the most effective in minimizing fruit weight loss, maintaining firmness and delaying colour deterioration. Aloe vera coating also improved the fruit quality but starch coating was not very effective. Total phenolic content generally decreased during storage while ascorbic acid levels increased except for beeswax-coated fruits. Total antioxidant capacity was unaffected, irrespective of the coating treatment. Citric acid pre-treatment before starch coating minimized weight loss at 10 °C and in shelf life. The coating conditions for beeswax, starch and Aloe vera were then optimized using Response Surface Methodology Box Behnken Design. The optimized coating conditions were 4.6 % (w/v) coating concentration, 1 % (w/v) citric acid concentration and 3 min coating duration for beeswax coating; 4.99 % (w/v) coating concentration, 2.98 % (w/v) citric acid concentration and 10 min coating duration for starch coating; and 96.92 % (v/v) coating concentration, 1.07 % (w/v) citric acid concentration and 10 min coating duration for Aloe vera. Verification experiment gave a good correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.87 between the predicted and measured physicochemical properties of eggplant fruits coated with beeswax, cassava starch and Aloe vera.

Source: UCC
Effect of Educational Video on Students Wheel Throwing Skills in the Senior High Schools of Cape Coast Metropolis

The principal purpose of the study was to ascertain the effect of educational video on the teaching and learning of wheel throwing skills in Senior High School (SHS) of Cape Coast Metropolis. The researcher used descriptive research method in the form of survey for the study. The main research instruments used to collect data from teachers and students was questionnaire. A sample size of 126 SHS teachers and students were selected for the study through stratified sampling technique. It was revealed from the study that there are differences in the perception of both teachers and students on teaching and learning wheel throwing skills in ceramics education. Also, the results portrayed that there are differences in the opinions of both teachers and students on the availability of ceramics resources for teaching and learning wheel throwing skills in the senior high schools. Finally, the study found out that there are no differences in the effect of educational video in teaching and learning wheel throwing skills in ceramics education. Based on the findings from the study, the following recommendations were made; there should be more time allocation on the schools’ time table to allow for effective Visual Arts practical lessons including the teaching and learning of educational video, management of the SHS should procure state of the art equipment to furnish the Visual Arts studio/ laboratories in their schools and Management of the schools should contact the old students’ associations of their schools to provide funding for the procurement of state of the facilities for the Visual Arts department.

Source: UCC
Effect of effective mass differences on the tunneling current-voltage behaviour of a resonant diode in the presence of space charge build-up

A theoretical study of the effect of differences in effective masses for electrodes and well, on the characteristics of tunneling current against bias voltage, in the presence of charge build-up has been done. It is observed that balanced effective mass (i.e. m*t= m', where m' and m' ire the effective masses for electrode and well respectively, results in the normal expected behaviour of rising current with increased bias voltage. Whereas, a positive difference causes charge saturation and zero current change, while a negative difference invokes excess current flow

Source: UCC
Effect of emerging technology on academic achievement of students in the University of Cape Coast

The main aim of this study was to find out the effect of emerging technology on academic achievement of students in the University of Cape Coast (UCC) in Ghana. The quantitative research survey design was employed to carry out the study. In all, four research hypotheses were formulated and tested using Chi-Square, Spearman’s correlation, independent sample t-test and regression analysis tools with the help of IBM SPSS Statistics software. The instrument was pilot tested at the University of Education, Winneba and a Cronbach’s alpha, α = 0.79 was obtained. Ethical clearance and introductory letters enabled the researcher to collect data, using a questionnaire from 357 respondents out of 400 questionnaires administered (response rate = 89.3%). Results obtained from the five departments selected showed that there was statistically significant difference across departments in the availability of tablets (p=0.004), free online courses (p=0.006), cloud computing (p=0.022), projectors and laptops (p=0.036), and calculators (p=0.000). Also, the study showed that there were weak negative and positive (-0.049 to 0.082) relationships between the extent to which respondents use emerging technologies especially, the use of internet to search for information was statistically significant (0.040). In addition, there is no significant difference in the performance of female and male respondents since p = 0.535 > α = 0.05. Finally, the respondents revealed that a decrease in the availability of emerging technologies increases their performance which supports the conceptual framework of the study. The study concluded that the availability of emerging technology does not affect academic performance.

Source: UCC
Effect of employee engagement on service delivery at University of Cape Coast Hospital

Involving employees physically, emotionally and psychologically by management at work place is difficult. This can be accomplished by introducing the idea of employee engagement into the organisation. The study focuses on employee engagement and how it influences service delivery at the University of Cape Coast Hospital. Making use of primary data gathered through face-to-face interviews with hospital staff and patients. The ethnographic method was used in the design of this research. A face-to-face interview was conducted using a semi-structured interview guide with sixteen participants, and the data collected was analysed using thematic content analysis. Employee involvement in decision-making has a major influence on employee engagement, according to the results of the studies. When their leader expresses interest in their success, employees are particularly engaged. In the corporate stage, some high-performance work practices seem to be put into action within the organisation as well as having an effect on engagement. On the other hand, because they are not well implemented it has a negative impact on engagement. The study discovered that workload and work flexibility have a negative impact on engagement and, as a result on the quality of services provided. The study concluded that, there is lack of engagement which affect the performance of staff. Based on the findings of the report, it is suggested that the hospital's management create a formal plan to serve as a reference to effectively engage all staff to deliver quality care.

Source: UCC
Effect Of Employee Involvement And Innovativeness In The Judicial Service In The Ho Municipality

Employees are critical to the success of any organisation, whether non-profit or for-profit. An organisation cannot survive without individuals. Employee involvement in decision making is a procedure that aims to make employees feel like they are more than just employees of the organisation, but also a vital part of it. Employee involvement and innovation are two ways employees might respond to conditions in today's highly competitive environment. The general objective of the study is to examine the effect of employee involvement and innovativeness in the Judicial Service in Ho Municipality. The study adopted a quantitative research approach. Again, the study adopted a descriptive survey design and using the stratified sampling technique, the study sampled 218 participants from Judicial Service. The primary data was gathered via a structured questionnaire. Questionnaires are popular because they are simple to evaluate and save time while collecting data. The primary source data was collated, sorted, cleaned, edited for quality and clarity, categorized, coded into a coding sheet, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. It was found that, both upward and downward communication between management and subordinates in the Judicial Service recorded the highest average. Based on findings, it was recommended that employees can be innovative not only by employee involvement, but the attention must be on employee participation and employee empowerment.

Source: UCC
The effect of employee training and development on performance of senior staff at the University of energy and natural resources, Sunyani

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of employee training and development on the performance of senior staff of University of Energy and Natural Resources. Employee training has been viewed as a tool for better productivity, general workforce skill development and motivation. The descriptive survey design was employed for the study. Data was collected using questionnaire to select a total of 47 respondents (senior staff, administrators) for the study. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21, and the analytical tool used was a descriptive statistic using percentages and frequencies. The results revealed among others that training programmes are not administered regularly, the University make use of both off-the-job and on-the-job training method, but it predominantly uses on-the-job training method which is mostly facilitated through job rotation, and the job performance of the senior staff, increases whenever training is provided for them. The following recommendations were made; management should involve employees in the job rotation process making sure employees can see how their jobs relate to the organization’s overall mission, training sessions should be conducted more regularly at least once every semester (twice a year) Supervisors/Managers should take the initiative to develop the employee skills in various fields so that total human efforts will be displayed in the respective job tasks to further enhance performance.

Source: UCC