ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Physical facilities’ conditions and teachers’ commitment to work in public senior high schools in the Cape Coast metropolis

This study aims to determine the relationship between physical facilities conditions and teachers' work commitment in public senior high schools within Cape Coast. The research employed a quantitative descriptive survey design and a questionnaire and checklist to evaluate physical facilities conditions and teachers’ commitment. A sample size of 320 teachers completed a questionnaire to determine their commitment to their schools. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.0 was used to process and analyse the data. In addition, a Pearson, correlation was used to analyse research question one (1) and a Spearman Rank correlation to analyse research questions two (2), three (3), and four (4). The findings indicated that there is a strong positive significant relationship between good physical facilities condition and teachers’ commitment to work. While other factors also contribute positively to teachers' commitment, the study emphasised the importance of recognizing the contribution of physical facilities conditions on teachers' performance and productivity, which ultimately affects the quality of education received by students. Based on the findings, the study recommended that the Cape Coast Metro Assembly should allot a portion of the budget to the Cape Coast Education Directorate to provide good facilities and also ensure maintenance culture on the exiting physical facilities to improve teachers' commitment to ensuring low teacher retention rates to maintain the educational standards in the public senior high school setting.

Source: UCC
Physical Science Students’ Perceptions of Their Chemistry Classroom Environment and the Students’ Resultant Attitudes towards Chemistry

This paper investigates physical sciences students’ perceptions of classroom environment and their attitude towards chemistry in South African High Schools’ in the Ximhungwe circuit of the Bohlabela district in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. The present paper reports on the research findings on associations between the type of school attended by students and their perception of their chemistry classroom environment and their attitude towards chemistry, as measured with a standardised test. A sample of 210 12th grade physical sciences students from the ten public schools in the circuit was conveniently selected to complete a survey on Chemistry Classroom Environment Questionnaire (CCEQ) and Attitude Towards Chemistry Questionnaire (ATCQ). One-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and a follow-up between-group analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted and showed that students in high achieving schools (HAS) had a high perception of their CCEQ inventory, which was influenced by all the five sub-scales. Mean scores and independent samples t-tests showed that students in both school types had a positive attitude towards chemistry. Spearman’s Correlation revealed that there was no relationship between physical sciences students’ perception of their classroom environment and their attitude towards chemistry in both types of schools. The study discusses these findings and compares them to prior learning environment studies.

Source: UCC
Physician-Patient Relationship, Patient Satisfaction, Social Support and Antiretroviral Medication Adherence Among HIV Infected Adults

This research investigated physician-patient relationship, patient satisfaction, social support and antiretroviral medication adherence among HIV infected adults at the Asankrangwa Catholic Hospital. The Survey research design was employed and the convenience sampling technique was used in selecting 257 HIV patients as participants. Four research questions and four hypotheses guided the study. The research questions were answered using means and standard deviations. Hypotheses were tested using the standard multiple regression, hierarchical regression, mediation analysis and bootstrapping approach. The research outcome indicated an overall positive and good physician-patient relationship and patients were satisfied with the relationship they had with their practitioners and the health care system. Social services available to the HIV patients were from the family and significant others, and the study revealed a medium to high level of adherence among HIV patients. Support from significant others as well as patients’ satisfaction was found as a significant predictor of adherence to ART medication. Together, social support, patients’ satisfaction, and physician-patient relationship significantly predicted adherence to medication. Patients’ satisfaction mediated between support from family as well as support from significant others and adherence to ART medication. Gender, marital status and educational level were not found to be associated with adherence to medication. The study recommended that the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, Hospital management and Health care practitioners put adequate measures in place to increase satisfaction among patients, and also involve Clinical health psychologists in the running of the ART centres as part of the clinical team to identify the psychosocial issues of clients and provide needed interventions.

Source: UCC
Physico-Chemical analysis of surface and groundwater in the Ayensu River Basin in the Central Region of Ghana

The hydrochemistry of the Ayensu river basin in the central Region of Ghana has been established. The methodology consisted of physicochemical sampling and laboratory analysis of both groundwater and surface water resources in the Basin and basic statistical analysis of the laboratory results.. Generally, the groundwater is weakly acidic with a mean pH value of 6.33±0.01, had high electrical conductivity and TDS values in the range, 297.65 to 6011.0 and 100.85 to 2746.0 respectively. Three main hydrochemical facies have been identified in the basin. These are Na- Cl, Ca- Mg - Cl and Ca - Mg - SO4 water types. Groundwater is to a large extent potable. However, approximately 24% and 22% respectively of groundwater samples had chloride and sulphate concentrations slightly exceeding the respective WHO maximum acceptable limits for drinking water. The concentrations of aluminium, iron and manganese were the only minor ions that significantly exceeded their respective detection limits. Nearly 43% of the groundwater samples had the Al 3+ concentrations exceeding the WHO acceptable limit of 0.2 mg/l for drinking water, which reflects the acidic nature of the groundwater. The main geochemical process influencing the hydrochemistry of the Ayensu river basin is mineral dissolution

Source: UCC
Physico-chemical and concentration of heavy metals analyses in virgin and used lubricating oils: A Spectroscopy Study

As a result of the changes that occur during their use, lubricating oils from automobiles tend to differ in terms of their physical and chemical composition from virgin and used lubricating oils. The analyses of the heavy metals distribution, contaminants and physicochemical parameters of the virgin and used lubricating oils will guide us to select the possible processes that can alter the oil composition. This research examines the heavy metals distribution, contaminants and physicochemical parameters of the virgin and used lubricating oils using Atomic Adsorption Spectrometer for 7 elements using various ASTM D methods. The results obtained shows that there were significant differences in the virgin and used lubricating oils. The deleterious effects of heavy metals, contaminants and physicochemical parameters on the environment have been known for a while. These contaminants not only causes environmental problems, they also have bio-accumulation effects on living organism, poisoning and fouling of catalyst as well as corrode processing equipment. This study also presents results showing us that contaminants, heavy metals and physicochemical parameters play a major role in discriminating of lubricating oil samples

Source: UCC
Physico-Chemical and microbial water quality assessment of Densu River of Ghana

Water quality assessment conducted in the Densu basin of Ghana between July 2003 and March 2004 identified human, animal and agricultural activities as the main sources of pollution. The pH of the water was neutral (pH range 7.20–7.48) and was unaffected by seasonal variation. The river waters were moderately soft to slightly hard (range of hardness 91.2–111 mg/l CaCO3) with high turbidity due to poor farming practices, which result in large quantities of topsoil ending up in the river after rains. High nutrient loads observed in the basin were due to domestic, agricultural and industrial activities. The waters exhibited a general ionic dominance pattern of Na > Ca > Mg > K and HCO3> Cl> SO4, a pattern which is an intermediate between fresh and sea water systems. The dominance of chloride over sulphate could probably be due to domestic activities resulting from household effluents, fertilizer use and other anthropogenic point sources. Trace metal levels were low suggesting low metal contamination of the river. However, the microbial quality of the river water was poor due to direct contamination by animal and human excreta and other activities such as swimming, washing of clothes, etc. The river water cannot be used for domestic purposes without any form of treatment

Source: UCC
Physico-Chemical and microbial water quality assessment of Densu River of Ghana

Water quality assessment conducted in the Densu basin of Ghana between July 2003 and March 2004 identified human, animal and agricultural activities as the main sources of pollution. The pH of the water was neutral (pH range 7.20–7.48) and was unaffected by seasonal variation. The river waters were moderately soft to slightly hard (range of hardness 91.2–111 mg/l CaCO 3) with high turbidity due to poor farming practices, which result in large quantities of topsoil ending up in the river after rains. High nutrient loads observed in the basin were due to domestic, agricultural and industrial activities. The waters exhibited a general ionic dominance pattern of Na > Ca > Mg > K and HCO 3 > Cl > SO 4 , a pattern which is an intermediate between fresh and sea water systems. The dominance of chloride over sulphate could probably be due to domestic activities resulting from household effluents, fertilizer use and other anthropogenic point sources. Trace metal levels were low suggesting low metal contamination of the river. However, the microbial quality of the river water was poor due to direct contamination by animal and human excreta and other activities such as swimming, washing of clothes, etc. The river water cannot be used for domestic purposes without any form of treatment

Source: UCC
Physico-chemical properties of lutetium phthalocyanine complexes in solution and in solid polystyrene polymer fibers and their application in photo conversion of 4-nitrophenol

The photo physical and photochemical behavior of two phthalocyanine complexes of lutetium peripherally substituted with tetraphenoxy and tetra-2-pyridiloxy groups were studied in solution and when dispersed in polystyrene polymer fiber. The phthalocyanines were found not to fluoresce significantly in solution and not at all within the fiber matrix as compared with standard unsubstituted zinc phthalocyanine. They showed very promising photo activity in solution with high singlet oxygen quantum yields. Their photo activity within the polymer fiber matrix was also demonstrated with the photo conversion of 4-nitrophenol,a water pollutant. The photo degradation process with both phthalocyanines follows first order kinetics similar to that observed for the zinc phthalocyanine and the photo-products were found to be hydroquinone,benzoquinone and 4-nitrocatechol

Source: UCC
Physicochemical and functional properties of bean flours of three cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) varieties in Ghana

Cowpea, an important protein food, is used for its nutritional and functional properties. A study was carried out to determine the physicochemical and functional properties of seeds of 3 local cowpea varieties (‘Nhyira’, ‘Adom’ and ‘Tona’) in Ghana to assess their potential use in the food industry. Seed length, minor diameter, major diameter, and 100-grain weight were in the range of 7.73-7.67 mm, 4.51- 4.86, 5.75-6.30 mm, and 13.16-15.16 g, respectively. Moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, ash, carbohydrate and dry matter were in the range of 9.15-9.83, 26.53-29.00, 2.50-3.99, 2.95-3.22, 4.24 4.80, 50.95-53.98 and 90.17-90.85% respectively. Bulk density ranged between 0.69 and 0.80 g/dm 3. Water and oil absorption capacities ranged between 1.89 and 2.15, and 1.95 and 2.31 ml/g, respectively. Swelling power had values varying from 265 to 268% while foam capacity varied from 10.00 to 21.00 ml. The results indicate that the three varieties of cowpea have great potential as functional agents in the food industry

Source: UCC
Physicochemical characterization of traditional Ghanaian cooking oils, derived from seeds of Egusi (Citrullus colocynthis) and Werewere (Cucumeropsis manni)

Traditional vegetable oils derived from Egusi (Citrullus colocynthis) and Werewere (Cucumeropsis manni) could prove to be an important commodity for Ghanaians, serving as a potential alternative source of common cooking oils. This study measured several physicochemical properties of Egusi and Werewere oils to describe and assess their nutritional quality, susceptibility to rancidity, and potential industrial applications. Physicochemical measurements were also taken on olive oil and coconut oil for comparative analysis and method validation. The solvent extraction yield of oil from seed of Egusi (39.94%) and Werewere (28.82%) fares well against the yields of common cooking oil seeds. Refractive index and iodine value tests for Egusi (1.471, 122.94) and Werewere (1.470, 106.134) reveal that the oils are likely rich in unsaturated fats compared to olive and coconut oil. These measurements also suggest the traditional oils are susceptible to oxidative rancidity. Both Egusi and Werewere oils exceeded the FAO/WHO standards for permissible levels of impurity in edible oils. A high acid value (6.9) was measured for Egusi, suggesting the presence of free fatty acids. A high iodine value (122.9) was also measured for Egusi which suggests high unsaturation, likelihood to oxidation and susceptibility to rancidity. Overall, rigorous extraction and screening processes and additives may be required to produce Egusi and Werewere oils that are aligned with industry standards. The high extraction yield and prospective nutritional benefits of the oils are cause to explore further the use of these vegetable oils

Source: UCC
Physicochemical properties and fatty acid composition of shea butter from Tamale, Northern Ghana

Shea butter is a significant source of fat in the diet of many rural dwellers in northern Ghana. It is produced from the seeds of shea tree and its suitability as dietary fat or use in cosmetic industry is greatly influenced by its physicochemical properties and fatty acid composition. The aim of this study was to determine the physicochemical properties and fatty acid profile of shea butter sold in Tamale Central market and to compare the qualities with other edible oils. The samples of shea butter were analyzed for refractive index, unsaponifiable matter, saponification, iodine, acid and peroxide values and fatty acid composition. Physicochemical properties of shea butter obtained in this study were refractive index of 1.5 at 25oC, saponification value (198 mg/KOH/g), iodine value (45.6 I2g/100g), unsaponifiable matter (19.8 %), acid value (3.2 mgKOH/g) and peroxide value (9.84 meq/kg). The predominant unsaturated fatty acids were: oleic (36.3%), linoleic (5.4%) and alpha linoleic (0.14%). The most dominant saturated fatty acids found were stearic (52.4%) and palmitic acids (3 %), arachidic (1.5%). Data suggests that shea butter sold in Tamale compared favourably with shea butter from countries within the West African sub region and Uganda and also to other edible oils. The implication of all these is that shea butter is a good cooking oil and is safe for human consumption

Source: UCC
Physicochemical, nutritional, sensory and microbial characteristics of fresh and pasteurized pineapplecarrot-ginger beverage

A beverage was prepared from pineapple, carrot and ginger juices using Response Surface Methodology to form a refreshing nutritional drink. Three independent variables were used to prepare the beverage: pineapple-tocarrot juice ratio (75/25-90/10), fibre size distribution (0.6-1.2 mm) and ginger concentration (2-5%). The effects of the variables were investigated and represented using quadratic models on pH, total soluble solids, beta-carotene and sensory attributes as responses. Responses for independent variables and responses were optimized by setting goals to optimize the beverage. The optimized beverage was obtained at pineapple-to-carrot juice ratio, fibre size distribution and ginger concentration of 80/20, 0.6 mm and 3% respectively. Optimized unpasteurized beverage was prepared and stored at -24, -10 and 4 oC and quality changes studied every five (5) days for 40 days. Significant decrease in ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, total antioxidant activity, total soluble solids was observed at the end of storage while total phenolic content remained almost unchanged. Minimal quality changes occurred in frozen samples. In another experiment, pasteurized (80 oC, 15 mins) optimized beverage was treated with 0.1% sodium benzoate and 0.1% citric acid and stored at 4, 28 and 38 oC and quality changes studied every 15-days for 90 days. Significant decrease in total phenolic, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene and total antioxidant activity were observed at the end of storage at rates depending on storage temperature. Frozen storage, therefore, can help slow the degradation in the quality of fresh unpasteurized beverage, while storage at low temperature can slow quality degradation in pasteurized beverage.

Source: UCC
Physics Classroom Interactions: Teaching Strategies and Practices

This study investigated the interactions that occurred as part of the learning from a national survey of high school physics teachers in New Zealand (NZ) in relation to decile ranking. Specifically, the study investigated how often particular teaching strategies and practices such as: teaching approaches, teacher feedback and guidance, and ICT usage, occurred during physics teaching. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical and inferential statistics – MANOVA. Among other things, the study revealed that learners were not exposed to the teaching methods that potentially give them the chance to observe, engage and/or discover expert strategies in context. There was a lack of use of problem-based or inquiry learning models for learning. However, there was no significant difference between teaching in the various decile rankings. The implications of the findings are discussed.

Source: UCC
Physics Teachers’ Views on their Initial Teacher Education

This paper explores New Zealand (NZ) physics teachers’ and physics educators’ views about Initial Teacher Education (ITE). Perspectives of physics teachers nationally indicated that in general, teachers considered themselves not well-prepared in some content areas including electronics, modern physics, and atomic and nuclear physics. This may be because in NZ, physics teachers have usually gained their content knowledge from an undergraduate science degree where they may have only taken one or two courses in physics. One year postgraduate teacher education programmes do not have sufficient time to cover the physics content taught in the final three years of schooling. The implications for ITE of physics teachers are discussed in terms of the shifts needed to help them to identify the gaps in their content knowledge and to develop their conceptual understanding of physics.

Source: UCC
Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of leave extract of Amaranthus spinosus

Identification of the constituents of Amaranthus spinosus was carried out using ethanol extract of the dried leaf of the plant. Microbial detection of zone of inhibition was also carried out. The extract yield from the leaves was 17.40 g while phytochemical screening indicated the presence of saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids and glycosides in the leaf extract. The antimicrobial assay indicated that methanolic extract of the plant were slightly active against the test isolates with the extract being more active against Staphylococcus aureus (15mm), Aspergillus flavus (15mm), E. coli. (13mm) and Mucor spp (10mm). Hence methanol extract of this plant has potent medical values

Source: UCC
Phytochemical Screening & Antimicrobial Activity of Ethanolic & Aqueous Stembark Extracts of Boswellia Dalzielli (Hutch).

Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the stem bark of Boswellia dalzielli (Hutch) were qualitatively screened for phytochemicals and then investigated for antimicrobial activity using agar diffusion method with Escherichia coli ,Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae ,Streptococcus pneumoniae ,and Proteus species as test organisms. Phytochemical components such as Flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, tannins, quinones and cardiac glycosides were detected. The extracts at various concentrations indicated antimicrobial activity against test organisms, with ethanolic extract showing more activity than the aqueous extract. Both aqueous and ethanolic stem bark extracts of Boswellia dalzielli were found to exhibit broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The inhibitory effect of the extracts on the test organisms may be attributed to the much available phytochemical components detected in the stem bark.This plant may be a very good source of antimicrobials for commercial purposes.

Source: UCC