R&P Entries
Articles in Journals
Nartey, E., Koranteng, E., Oppong, E. K. & Hanson, R. (2024). Analysis of undergraduate chemistry students' responses to substitution reaction mechanisms: a road to mastery. Chemistry Teacher International, ,
Abstract
This study analyzed third-year undergraduate Chemistry major students’ drawings and written explanations of substitution reactions. Seventy (70) students were purposively selected for this study. The main data collection instrument was a diagnostic test and students’ responses were analyzed using deductive coding. The study aimed to unearth students’ conceptual understanding and difficulties on substitution reactions to provide significant insights into improving teaching strategies and learning outcomes. The findings revealed that:1. Students were more familiar with SN2 reaction mechanisms and could answer questions on SN2 reaction mechanisms better than SN1 reaction mechanisms; 2. Students’ use of ‘chemical vocabulary’ did not translate into an understanding of electron movement and causal mechanistic explanation; 3. About 97 % of the students who gave a correct/partially correct description provided a description of what was happening in the reaction without any further explanation of why the reaction occurred; 4. Students had a slightly better understanding of drawing the correct mechanisms than providing accurate explanations. This study recommends that, in teaching organic reaction mechanisms, instructors should emphasize on electron-pushing formalisms and explain how and why reactions occur to encourage mechanistic thinking in students. Also, students should be given ample practice in organic reaction mechanisms to improve mastery.
This study analyzed third-year undergraduate Chemistry major students’ drawings and written explanations of substitution reactions. Seventy (70) students were purposively selected for this study. The main data collection instrument was a diagnostic test and students’ responses were analyzed using deductive coding. The study aimed to unearth students’ conceptual understanding and difficulties on substitution reactions to provide significant insights into improving teaching strategies and learning outcomes. The findings revealed that:1. Students were more familiar with SN2 reaction mechanisms and could answer questions on SN2 reaction mechanisms better than SN1 reaction mechanisms; 2. Students’ use of ‘chemical vocabulary’ did not translate into an understanding of electron movement and causal mechanistic explanation; 3. About 97 % of the students who gave a correct/partially correct description provided a description of what was happening in the reaction without any further explanation of why the reaction occurred; 4. Students had a slightly better understanding of drawing the correct mechanisms than providing accurate explanations. This study recommends that, in teaching organic reaction mechanisms, instructors should emphasize on electron-pushing formalisms and explain how and why reactions occur to encourage mechanistic thinking in students. Also, students should be given ample practice in organic reaction mechanisms to improve mastery.
Kursah, M. B. (2023). Satellite image analysis of thermal comfort for a sustainable urban ecology of Winneba, Ghana. Urban Climate, 52,
Abstract
To mitigate thermal heat effects for a sustainable urban living environment through planning and interventions, studies on land surface temperature (LST) in urban settings are crucial. Thus, the relationship between LST and surface landscape must be established to accurately assess the impacts of surface temperature changes for planning purposes. This will help gain knowledge about the spatial concentration of the heat effects and to design practical needs of urban planning. The study aimed to analyse and reveal the spatial dynamics of LST and its statistical relationship with two normalised satellite indices using Landsat satellite data. The Landsat-derived LST is validated using the MODIS surface temperature data. It also mapped the heat spots (HS) and evaluated the ecological evaluation index and thermal comfort using the thermal field variance index (TFVI). The results showed spatial variation in LST even within the built-up areas due to heterogeneity in the surface characteristics. Thus, localised heat islands (HIs) exist within short distances. The analysis established an inverse correlation for LST-NDVI and a direct correlation for LST-NDBI. The vegetation and water surfaces served as important heat reduction sinks while heavily built-up areas and the hardened-clayey bare surfaces served as heat-enhancing sources. More than half (52.80%) of the study area enjoys an excellent (48.57%) and good (4.23%) ecological evaluation index, indicating excellent to good thermal comfort. Much of these areas are in the urban periphery. Also, more than one-third (38.96%) enjoy the worst (34.85%) and worse (4.11%) ecological evaluation index and thus high thermal discomfort. Identifying these HS areas and evaluating the thermal comfort will help the planners and decision-makers to fully evaluate the thermal consequences of different landuse or land development scenarios and therefore improve the scientific basis of future planning and regulations.
To mitigate thermal heat effects for a sustainable urban living environment through planning and interventions, studies on land surface temperature (LST) in urban settings are crucial. Thus, the relationship between LST and surface landscape must be established to accurately assess the impacts of surface temperature changes for planning purposes. This will help gain knowledge about the spatial concentration of the heat effects and to design practical needs of urban planning. The study aimed to analyse and reveal the spatial dynamics of LST and its statistical relationship with two normalised satellite indices using Landsat satellite data. The Landsat-derived LST is validated using the MODIS surface temperature data. It also mapped the heat spots (HS) and evaluated the ecological evaluation index and thermal comfort using the thermal field variance index (TFVI). The results showed spatial variation in LST even within the built-up areas due to heterogeneity in the surface characteristics. Thus, localised heat islands (HIs) exist within short distances. The analysis established an inverse correlation for LST-NDVI and a direct correlation for LST-NDBI. The vegetation and water surfaces served as important heat reduction sinks while heavily built-up areas and the hardened-clayey bare surfaces served as heat-enhancing sources. More than half (52.80%) of the study area enjoys an excellent (48.57%) and good (4.23%) ecological evaluation index, indicating excellent to good thermal comfort. Much of these areas are in the urban periphery. Also, more than one-third (38.96%) enjoy the worst (34.85%) and worse (4.11%) ecological evaluation index and thus high thermal discomfort. Identifying these HS areas and evaluating the thermal comfort will help the planners and decision-makers to fully evaluate the thermal consequences of different landuse or land development scenarios and therefore improve the scientific basis of future planning and regulations.
Sam, E. F., Odame, P. K., & Amoah-Nuamah, J. (2023). Predictors of distractive activities to walking in Accra, Ghana. Urban, Plannng and Transport Research, 11,
Abstract
Walking is a fundamental mode of transport for many people globally, with immense health and environmental benefits. However, increased walking is associated with an increased risk of road traffic crashes and injuries, especially where traffic enforcement is poor, and pedestrians could easily be distracted. Despite this, a plethora of evidence exists on driver distraction; however, there is a dread of evidence of pedestrian distraction (i.e. distracted walking), particularly in Africa. This paper uses a quantitative methodology to examine the predictors of distractive activities to walking in Accra, Ghana. The study surveyed 400 pedestrians within Accra’s Central Business District (CBD). A questionnaire was deployed via Kobo Toolkit and Jamovi was used in analysing the data. The study observed that three of the top four distractive activities to walking were digital devices-related (e.g. the use of mobile phones). We found that listening to music, making, receiving phone calls, and conversing with other people while walking are the main distractive activities. The binary logistic regression model found sex, age, level of education, occupation, reasons for walking, weekly time for walking and time for common trips as significant predictors of distractive activities to walking.
Walking is a fundamental mode of transport for many people globally, with immense health and environmental benefits. However, increased walking is associated with an increased risk of road traffic crashes and injuries, especially where traffic enforcement is poor, and pedestrians could easily be distracted. Despite this, a plethora of evidence exists on driver distraction; however, there is a dread of evidence of pedestrian distraction (i.e. distracted walking), particularly in Africa. This paper uses a quantitative methodology to examine the predictors of distractive activities to walking in Accra, Ghana. The study surveyed 400 pedestrians within Accra’s Central Business District (CBD). A questionnaire was deployed via Kobo Toolkit and Jamovi was used in analysing the data. The study observed that three of the top four distractive activities to walking were digital devices-related (e.g. the use of mobile phones). We found that listening to music, making, receiving phone calls, and conversing with other people while walking are the main distractive activities. The binary logistic regression model found sex, age, level of education, occupation, reasons for walking, weekly time for walking and time for common trips as significant predictors of distractive activities to walking.
Odame, P. K, Sam, E. F., Amoako-Sakyi, R. O & Arko, B (2023). State of public transport services to Ghana's disability population: lessons from public transport operators in the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 7,
Abstract
Access to public transport services is crucial to the enjoyment of various life-enhancing opportunities by persons with disabilities (PWDs). However, the attainment of such services is confronted with varying levels of difficulties due to the non-conformity between transport service delivery and PWDs’ needs. While many players like transport operators and vehicle manufacturers contribute to the delivery of transport services, this study examines the responsiveness of public transport operators to the travel needs of commuters with disabilities in Accra. Using a qualitative research approach, 24 public transport operators were conveniently sampled from 3 popular and busy transport terminals in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. Thematic content analysis was employed using key constructs that emanated from the transcripts. The findings reveal that none of the public transport providers/operators had any knowledge of Ghana’s Disability Act of 2006 and its transport provision. By this, all activities tailored to the disability population were generally informed by common sense despite refuting calls to acquire disability-friendly vehicles or support systems. It is recommended that sensitization on the transport provision of Ghana’s Disability Act should be heightened by the Ministry of Transport given its ability to improve transport services to the disability population.
Access to public transport services is crucial to the enjoyment of various life-enhancing opportunities by persons with disabilities (PWDs). However, the attainment of such services is confronted with varying levels of difficulties due to the non-conformity between transport service delivery and PWDs’ needs. While many players like transport operators and vehicle manufacturers contribute to the delivery of transport services, this study examines the responsiveness of public transport operators to the travel needs of commuters with disabilities in Accra. Using a qualitative research approach, 24 public transport operators were conveniently sampled from 3 popular and busy transport terminals in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. Thematic content analysis was employed using key constructs that emanated from the transcripts. The findings reveal that none of the public transport providers/operators had any knowledge of Ghana’s Disability Act of 2006 and its transport provision. By this, all activities tailored to the disability population were generally informed by common sense despite refuting calls to acquire disability-friendly vehicles or support systems. It is recommended that sensitization on the transport provision of Ghana’s Disability Act should be heightened by the Ministry of Transport given its ability to improve transport services to the disability population.
Ankudze B., & Samlafo, B.V (2022). Repeated Use of Cyperus esculentus Tubers, Towards Sustainable Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles. BioNanoScience, 12,
Abstract
For green synthesis to be a sustainable approach for preparing nanoparticles, efforts must go into the search of methods that can guarantee effective and efficient use of bio resources. Most conventional approaches require fresh bio-reducing and stabilizing agents for every synthesis cycle. This study demonstrates that Cyperus esculentus tubers can serve as efficient bio-reducing and stabilizing agents’ source for multiple syntheses of silver nanoparticles. The simple approach for extracting reducing agent from Cyperus esculentus tubers reported in this study offers the possibility to reuse the tubers for multiple syntheses. Reductants from Cyperus esculentus were obtained by soaking the tubers in deionized water for 24 hours, without the need of crushing. Addition of silver ions to the extract resulted in a rapid formation of silver nanoparticles. Effects of sunlight exposure, temperature, and pH on the formation of silver nanoparticles were studied. Silver nanoparticles were obtained in seconds under sunlight exposure, minutes at basic conditions, and hours under room and elevated temperatures. In addition, the Cyperus esculentus tubers could be used multiple times for the preparation of silver nanoparticles, thus serving as a sustainable bio reducing and stabilizing agents’ source for the preparation of silver nanoparticles. The results from this study offers a simple, convenient, and economical approach for sustainable green synthesis of silver nanoparticles.
For green synthesis to be a sustainable approach for preparing nanoparticles, efforts must go into the search of methods that can guarantee effective and efficient use of bio resources. Most conventional approaches require fresh bio-reducing and stabilizing agents for every synthesis cycle. This study demonstrates that Cyperus esculentus tubers can serve as efficient bio-reducing and stabilizing agents’ source for multiple syntheses of silver nanoparticles. The simple approach for extracting reducing agent from Cyperus esculentus tubers reported in this study offers the possibility to reuse the tubers for multiple syntheses. Reductants from Cyperus esculentus were obtained by soaking the tubers in deionized water for 24 hours, without the need of crushing. Addition of silver ions to the extract resulted in a rapid formation of silver nanoparticles. Effects of sunlight exposure, temperature, and pH on the formation of silver nanoparticles were studied. Silver nanoparticles were obtained in seconds under sunlight exposure, minutes at basic conditions, and hours under room and elevated temperatures. In addition, the Cyperus esculentus tubers could be used multiple times for the preparation of silver nanoparticles, thus serving as a sustainable bio reducing and stabilizing agents’ source for the preparation of silver nanoparticles. The results from this study offers a simple, convenient, and economical approach for sustainable green synthesis of silver nanoparticles.
Ofosu Ankrah, J. & Amoako-Gyampah, A. K. (2021). Prophetism in the wake of a pandemic: charismatic Christianity, conspiracy theories, and the Coronavirus outbreak in Africa.. Research in Globalization, 3,
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 subjected prophets and the prophetic ministry to ridicule and taunts by both disenchanted Christians and non-believers alike. This study examines responses to these challenges posed by COVID-19 to prophets and the prophetic movement in Africa. The study shows that Charismatic Christianity on the continent may serve as useful resource for public education amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, but also, a source of public health misinformation and thus, create doubts, uncertainties and fear. The paper argues that, the Covid-19 pandemic has both prospects and challenges for prophecies, as well as greater implications for Char- ismatic Christianity in Africa
The outbreak of COVID-19 subjected prophets and the prophetic ministry to ridicule and taunts by both disenchanted Christians and non-believers alike. This study examines responses to these challenges posed by COVID-19 to prophets and the prophetic movement in Africa. The study shows that Charismatic Christianity on the continent may serve as useful resource for public education amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, but also, a source of public health misinformation and thus, create doubts, uncertainties and fear. The paper argues that, the Covid-19 pandemic has both prospects and challenges for prophecies, as well as greater implications for Char- ismatic Christianity in Africa
Amoako-Gyampah, A. K. (2022). Sanitary Inspection, Mosquito Control and Domestic Hygiene in the Gold Coast [Ghana] from the late nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century.. Social History of Medicine, 35,
Abstract
Mosquito control was the focus of many public health interventions in the Gold Coast because, during the colonial period, malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases remained a leading cause of European and African morbidity and mortality. Tagging along with theories of racial ecology that portrayed Africans and their surroundings as the nidus of infection, and therefore, perceiving African homes as a source of danger, colonial officials targeted the fight against mosquito at African households and surroundings. Sanitary inspectors were deployed to African households to search, prosecute and fine householders whose environment harboured larvae. By examining the connection between household sanitary inspection, mosquito control and domestic hygiene, this article demonstrates how sanitary inspection was not limited to finding larvae. Instead, it became a tool for checking general cleanliness in African households, and therefore, provided the colonial administration, the means to regulate, and manipulate African habits and practices in the domestic sphere.
Mosquito control was the focus of many public health interventions in the Gold Coast because, during the colonial period, malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases remained a leading cause of European and African morbidity and mortality. Tagging along with theories of racial ecology that portrayed Africans and their surroundings as the nidus of infection, and therefore, perceiving African homes as a source of danger, colonial officials targeted the fight against mosquito at African households and surroundings. Sanitary inspectors were deployed to African households to search, prosecute and fine householders whose environment harboured larvae. By examining the connection between household sanitary inspection, mosquito control and domestic hygiene, this article demonstrates how sanitary inspection was not limited to finding larvae. Instead, it became a tool for checking general cleanliness in African households, and therefore, provided the colonial administration, the means to regulate, and manipulate African habits and practices in the domestic sphere.
Amoako-Gyampah, A. K. (2022). The Public Health Question and Mortuary Politics in Colonial Ghana.. Social History, 47,
Abstract
British colonial rule in Ghana profoundly affected the interment of corpses. The practice of home burials was widespread in nineteenth-century Ghana. Guided by prevailing Euro-Western discourses on sanitation and public health, colonial officials banned home interment and introduced cemeteries. This article examines the imposition of cemetery burials in colonial Ghana, the responses of the local population, its impact on indigenous burial practices, and its ramifications beyond the public health imperative. I argue that, despite initial opposition, the colonial administration succeeded in imposing cemeteries and this reoriented the people’s beliefs and practices regarding burial rituals, with spiritual and pragmatic implications for health, identity and the use of space; it also reoriented the people’s perceptions of the relationship between the living and the dead. The widespread acceptance of cemeteries was accompanied by a penchant by chiefs and other notables to create private cemeteries exclusively for their families. This threatened the spatial planning policies of the colonial administration, especially in urban areas, forcing them to strictly regulate the creation of cemeteries, limiting burials to public cemeteries, and closing already demarcated ones. Chiefs exploited cemeteries to flex power by imposing customary fees and sanctions, and by forcing their opponents to exhume their buried relatives.
British colonial rule in Ghana profoundly affected the interment of corpses. The practice of home burials was widespread in nineteenth-century Ghana. Guided by prevailing Euro-Western discourses on sanitation and public health, colonial officials banned home interment and introduced cemeteries. This article examines the imposition of cemetery burials in colonial Ghana, the responses of the local population, its impact on indigenous burial practices, and its ramifications beyond the public health imperative. I argue that, despite initial opposition, the colonial administration succeeded in imposing cemeteries and this reoriented the people’s beliefs and practices regarding burial rituals, with spiritual and pragmatic implications for health, identity and the use of space; it also reoriented the people’s perceptions of the relationship between the living and the dead. The widespread acceptance of cemeteries was accompanied by a penchant by chiefs and other notables to create private cemeteries exclusively for their families. This threatened the spatial planning policies of the colonial administration, especially in urban areas, forcing them to strictly regulate the creation of cemeteries, limiting burials to public cemeteries, and closing already demarcated ones. Chiefs exploited cemeteries to flex power by imposing customary fees and sanctions, and by forcing their opponents to exhume their buried relatives.
Amedeker, M. K. (2022). Simple pendulum experiment: Angular approximation revisited. European Journal of Education and Pedagogy, 3,
Abstract
The acceleration of free fall should be realised by students as dependent on one’s location rather than as a constant in all locations. Thus, there is no one way of determining g in the laboratory. For ease of science teaching it is important to let students know that one may not need to use small angular displacement of the pendulum bob in order to obtain g to an accuracy of three significant figures, comparable to, for example, the universally acceptable value of g = 9.81 metre per second squared in London. A simple mathematical derivation enabled the determination of g = 9.93 metre per second squared, which was 1.2 % higher than the universally accepted value. Keywords: Angular Displacement, Free Fall, Gravity, Pendulum, Period
The acceleration of free fall should be realised by students as dependent on one’s location rather than as a constant in all locations. Thus, there is no one way of determining g in the laboratory. For ease of science teaching it is important to let students know that one may not need to use small angular displacement of the pendulum bob in order to obtain g to an accuracy of three significant figures, comparable to, for example, the universally acceptable value of g = 9.81 metre per second squared in London. A simple mathematical derivation enabled the determination of g = 9.93 metre per second squared, which was 1.2 % higher than the universally accepted value. Keywords: Angular Displacement, Free Fall, Gravity, Pendulum, Period
Twumasi, A. K., Hanson, R., Sam, A., Quayson, C., & Nartey, E. (2021). Teacher trainees’ alternative conceptions about intermolecular forces. International Journal of Innovative Science and Technology, 6,
Abstract
The study assessed the alternative conceptions that first-year teacher trainees have about intermolecular forces. Descriptive research design was adopted to examine the current situation as it exist. The sample involved 82 first-year chemistry major teacher trainees in the University of Education, Winneba. Purposively sampling technique was used to select students for the study. This is because most of them performed poorly in a pre-assessment test organised for them. Test was the main instrument for data collection. Simple percentages was used to analyse the data. The results indicated that 26% and 37% of the teacher trainees had alternative conceptions on Ion –dipole interaction and London dispersion forces, respectively. Also, more than 50% of the teacher trainees demonstrated alternative conceptions on hydrogen bonding. Some alternative conceptions identified in this study included: interactions between oppositely charged species give ionic bonds, London dispersion force occurs within a single molecule rather than between molecules, Covalent –ionic interaction is the major intermolecular force that exists in different I2 molecules, and the perception that any molecule which contains ‘O’ and ‘H’ forms hydrogen bonding irrespective of their position in the molecule (especially with organic structures used in the study). Another was that Hydrogen bonding only exists between ‘O’ and ‘H’ but not between N-H and F-H. It is recommended that science educators should develop appropriate interventions to improve students learning in intermolecular forces. Keywords:- Intermolecular Forces, Alternative Conceptions, Hydrogen Bonding, London Dispersion Forces.
The study assessed the alternative conceptions that first-year teacher trainees have about intermolecular forces. Descriptive research design was adopted to examine the current situation as it exist. The sample involved 82 first-year chemistry major teacher trainees in the University of Education, Winneba. Purposively sampling technique was used to select students for the study. This is because most of them performed poorly in a pre-assessment test organised for them. Test was the main instrument for data collection. Simple percentages was used to analyse the data. The results indicated that 26% and 37% of the teacher trainees had alternative conceptions on Ion –dipole interaction and London dispersion forces, respectively. Also, more than 50% of the teacher trainees demonstrated alternative conceptions on hydrogen bonding. Some alternative conceptions identified in this study included: interactions between oppositely charged species give ionic bonds, London dispersion force occurs within a single molecule rather than between molecules, Covalent –ionic interaction is the major intermolecular force that exists in different I2 molecules, and the perception that any molecule which contains ‘O’ and ‘H’ forms hydrogen bonding irrespective of their position in the molecule (especially with organic structures used in the study). Another was that Hydrogen bonding only exists between ‘O’ and ‘H’ but not between N-H and F-H. It is recommended that science educators should develop appropriate interventions to improve students learning in intermolecular forces. Keywords:- Intermolecular Forces, Alternative Conceptions, Hydrogen Bonding, London Dispersion Forces.
