R&P Entries
Articles in Journals
Wiafe, I., Koranteng, F. N., Owusu, E., Ekpezu, A. O, & Gyamfi S, A. (2020). Persuasive social features that promote knowledge sharing among tertiary students on social networking sites: An empirical study.. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, ,
Abstract
Persuasive system features have been widely adopted to encourage attitude and behaviour change. Recently, most social networking sites (SNS) adopt some form of persuasive system features that leverage social influence to deliberately induce prescribed behaviours in their users. However, studies on how these features can be used to promote knowledge sharing are inadequate; particularly, regarding how SNS that have been developed solely for academic purposes can adopt these features to promote knowledge sharing. To address this knowledge gap, this study integrates constructs from the social capital theory and persuasive systems design model to investigate the impact of persuasive social features on knowledge sharing among students of tertiary institutions on academic social networking sites. Data are quantitatively gathered from 218 respondents from tertiary institutions and statistically analyzed. The results suggest that perceived dialogue support and perceived social support have strong influences on knowledge sharing behaviour.
Persuasive system features have been widely adopted to encourage attitude and behaviour change. Recently, most social networking sites (SNS) adopt some form of persuasive system features that leverage social influence to deliberately induce prescribed behaviours in their users. However, studies on how these features can be used to promote knowledge sharing are inadequate; particularly, regarding how SNS that have been developed solely for academic purposes can adopt these features to promote knowledge sharing. To address this knowledge gap, this study integrates constructs from the social capital theory and persuasive systems design model to investigate the impact of persuasive social features on knowledge sharing among students of tertiary institutions on academic social networking sites. Data are quantitatively gathered from 218 respondents from tertiary institutions and statistically analyzed. The results suggest that perceived dialogue support and perceived social support have strong influences on knowledge sharing behaviour.
Tarawally, M., Xu, W., Hou, W., Mushore, T. D. and Kursah, M. B. (2019). Land use/land cover change evaluation using land change modeller: A comparative analysis between two main cities. Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment, 16,
Abstract
Owing to the proven capability of remotely sensed data in the extraction and analysis of land use land cover (LULC) change, Landsat ETM+ and OLI imagery of 2000 and 2015 have been used in this research to carry out the LULC change comparative analysis in Bo and Freetown, two major urban areas in Sierra Leone, Africa. The supervised imagery classification with maximum likelihood algorithm method was adopted for the extraction of LULC categories. To demonstrate our idea effectively, we used the land change modeller integrated into IDRISI Selva software package to quantify and map the changes of each LULC category. Employing an error matrix table and estimator of Kappa statistics (Khat), we achieved overall accuracy and Khat greater than 80% for both cities and class level accuracies were also achieved as greater than 70%. The LULC change statistics show dynamic characteristics of LULC in the areas where maximum fluctuation was observed in dense vegetation category in Bo and agricultural land in Freetown. The built-up area shows a continuous increasing trend in both cities. Results of our analysis demonstrated that dense vegetation increased by 1024 ha (ha) in Bo whereas it reduced by 3807 ha (ha) in Freetown between 2000 and 2015 study years. Likewise, agricultural land increased by 545 ha (ha) in Bo and decreased by 9145 ha (ha) in Freetown during the same period. It is worth noting that the built-up area increased in both cities as 1326 ha (ha) and 8543 ha (ha) were recorded in Bo and Freetown, respectively. The spatial trend of LULC transition reveals that most of the transition has been occurring in the central part of Bo; whereas the transition occurs in the northern and southern parts in Freetown. However, both cities witness transition at the southern part with regards to dense vegetation category. These findings could assist in making policies for the efficient use of natural resources leading to the development of sustainable urban environments.
Owing to the proven capability of remotely sensed data in the extraction and analysis of land use land cover (LULC) change, Landsat ETM+ and OLI imagery of 2000 and 2015 have been used in this research to carry out the LULC change comparative analysis in Bo and Freetown, two major urban areas in Sierra Leone, Africa. The supervised imagery classification with maximum likelihood algorithm method was adopted for the extraction of LULC categories. To demonstrate our idea effectively, we used the land change modeller integrated into IDRISI Selva software package to quantify and map the changes of each LULC category. Employing an error matrix table and estimator of Kappa statistics (Khat), we achieved overall accuracy and Khat greater than 80% for both cities and class level accuracies were also achieved as greater than 70%. The LULC change statistics show dynamic characteristics of LULC in the areas where maximum fluctuation was observed in dense vegetation category in Bo and agricultural land in Freetown. The built-up area shows a continuous increasing trend in both cities. Results of our analysis demonstrated that dense vegetation increased by 1024 ha (ha) in Bo whereas it reduced by 3807 ha (ha) in Freetown between 2000 and 2015 study years. Likewise, agricultural land increased by 545 ha (ha) in Bo and decreased by 9145 ha (ha) in Freetown during the same period. It is worth noting that the built-up area increased in both cities as 1326 ha (ha) and 8543 ha (ha) were recorded in Bo and Freetown, respectively. The spatial trend of LULC transition reveals that most of the transition has been occurring in the central part of Bo; whereas the transition occurs in the northern and southern parts in Freetown. However, both cities witness transition at the southern part with regards to dense vegetation category. These findings could assist in making policies for the efficient use of natural resources leading to the development of sustainable urban environments.
Amoah, R. A. and Kursah, M. B. (2019). Geospatial analysis of landfill site selection perspectives using geographic information systems in Bongo district, Ghana. SN Applied Sciences, 1,
Abstract
This study applied geospatial tools in geographic information systems (GIS) to produce five different landfill suitability maps using criteria selection and prioritisation from the governmental guideline, the local technocrats, the indigenes and two optimal options, which are made up of the harmonisation of the three perspectives. The results from the five perspectives are compared and analysed using the error-index technique. The results showed a low spatial agreement (low degree of matching) between the landfill suitability from the governmental guideline and the rest of the perspectives. It also showed a consistent reduction in the areas classified as suitable landfill sites from the governmental guideline to the indigenous perspective. The governmental guideline, thus, exhibits wider spatial discrepancy from the perspective of the local technocrats, and it is even incongruent with that of the indigenes. This study, therefore, exposed a classical case where proponents of landfill sites could meet the governmental guideline and legally acquire a permit, but the site could be socioculturally disruptive to the residents. This is identified as the potential source of residents’ opposition to landfill siting. The challenges of the criteria in the guideline are also highlighted. A revision of the guideline is suggested, as it is risk-seeking in its current form. Based on this, the bottom-up approach for designing landfill guidelines is recommended.
This study applied geospatial tools in geographic information systems (GIS) to produce five different landfill suitability maps using criteria selection and prioritisation from the governmental guideline, the local technocrats, the indigenes and two optimal options, which are made up of the harmonisation of the three perspectives. The results from the five perspectives are compared and analysed using the error-index technique. The results showed a low spatial agreement (low degree of matching) between the landfill suitability from the governmental guideline and the rest of the perspectives. It also showed a consistent reduction in the areas classified as suitable landfill sites from the governmental guideline to the indigenous perspective. The governmental guideline, thus, exhibits wider spatial discrepancy from the perspective of the local technocrats, and it is even incongruent with that of the indigenes. This study, therefore, exposed a classical case where proponents of landfill sites could meet the governmental guideline and legally acquire a permit, but the site could be socioculturally disruptive to the residents. This is identified as the potential source of residents’ opposition to landfill siting. The challenges of the criteria in the guideline are also highlighted. A revision of the guideline is suggested, as it is risk-seeking in its current form. Based on this, the bottom-up approach for designing landfill guidelines is recommended.
Danso-Wiredu, E. Y. and Sam E. F (2019). Commodity-Based Trading Associations at the Agbogbloshie Market in Accra, Ghana. Ghana Journal of Geography, 11,
Abstract
The decentralisation policy in Ghana ensures urban governance is controlled at the local levels. Rules set by state institutions in many cases lack the ability to penetrate into the locality for lack of trust and proper enforcement measures. It is common to find non-state organisations teaming up with the state or independently governing their localities. Such governance extends to market places. The uniqueness of what pertains at the market is the pronounced role women play in it. Agbogbloshie market is one of the largest markets in Ghana. Commodity-trading associations at the market act as governors at the market. The market associations function effectively because they have political power from the state to operate at the local level. The research is based on a qualitative research involving interviews, observation and participant’s observation. The paper discusses the role non-state organisations play at the local level in ensuring sustainable governance, focusing on Agbogbloshie. It stresses on how women possess power in the informal governance systems in Ghanaian markets. It argues that governance system is more effective and well understood at the local level than the state instituted system, and thus concludes on the need for collaboration between the two systems. Keywords Commodity-based-trading-associations; urban-governance; market-women; Agbogbloshie; Accra; Ghana
The decentralisation policy in Ghana ensures urban governance is controlled at the local levels. Rules set by state institutions in many cases lack the ability to penetrate into the locality for lack of trust and proper enforcement measures. It is common to find non-state organisations teaming up with the state or independently governing their localities. Such governance extends to market places. The uniqueness of what pertains at the market is the pronounced role women play in it. Agbogbloshie market is one of the largest markets in Ghana. Commodity-trading associations at the market act as governors at the market. The market associations function effectively because they have political power from the state to operate at the local level. The research is based on a qualitative research involving interviews, observation and participant’s observation. The paper discusses the role non-state organisations play at the local level in ensuring sustainable governance, focusing on Agbogbloshie. It stresses on how women possess power in the informal governance systems in Ghanaian markets. It argues that governance system is more effective and well understood at the local level than the state instituted system, and thus concludes on the need for collaboration between the two systems. Keywords Commodity-based-trading-associations; urban-governance; market-women; Agbogbloshie; Accra; Ghana
Danso-Wiredu, E. Y. and Sam E. F (2019). Commodity-Based Trading Associations at the Agbogbloshie Market in Accra, Ghana. Ghana Journal of Geography, 11,
Abstract
The decentralisation policy in Ghana ensures urban governance is controlled at the local levels. Rules set by state institutions in many cases lack the ability to penetrate into the locality for lack of trust and proper enforcement measures. It is common to find non-state organisations teaming up with the state or independently governing their localities. Such governance extends to market places. The uniqueness of what pertains at the market is the pronounced role women play in it. Agbogbloshie market is one of the largest markets in Ghana. Commodity-trading associations at the market act as governors at the market. The market associations function effectively because they have political power from the state to operate at the local level. The research is based on a qualitative research involving interviews, observation and participant’s observation. The paper discusses the role non-state organisations play at the local level in ensuring sustainable governance, focusing on Agbogbloshie. It stresses on how women possess power in the informal governance systems in Ghanaian markets. It argues that governance system is more effective and well understood at the local level than the state instituted system, and thus concludes on the need for collaboration between the two systems. Keywords Commodity-based-trading-associations; urban-governance; market-women; Agbogbloshie; Accra; Ghana
The decentralisation policy in Ghana ensures urban governance is controlled at the local levels. Rules set by state institutions in many cases lack the ability to penetrate into the locality for lack of trust and proper enforcement measures. It is common to find non-state organisations teaming up with the state or independently governing their localities. Such governance extends to market places. The uniqueness of what pertains at the market is the pronounced role women play in it. Agbogbloshie market is one of the largest markets in Ghana. Commodity-trading associations at the market act as governors at the market. The market associations function effectively because they have political power from the state to operate at the local level. The research is based on a qualitative research involving interviews, observation and participant’s observation. The paper discusses the role non-state organisations play at the local level in ensuring sustainable governance, focusing on Agbogbloshie. It stresses on how women possess power in the informal governance systems in Ghanaian markets. It argues that governance system is more effective and well understood at the local level than the state instituted system, and thus concludes on the need for collaboration between the two systems. Keywords Commodity-based-trading-associations; urban-governance; market-women; Agbogbloshie; Accra; Ghana
Danso-Wiredu E. Y. (2020). Danso-Wiredu, E. Y. (2020). Saving for one another: the informal economy of subsistence among the urban poor in Ghana. GeoJournal, ,
Abstract
Urban space is monetized. Survival in urban areas is therefore largely dependent on the dictates of methodological individualism, capitalist norms and values, which are invariably linked to rentseeking and instrumentalism in most urban transactions. The urban poor in Ghana, who are mostly informal sector workers, face enormous challenges in transacting with banks and other financial institutions. This challenge, however, does not prevent them from participating in the money market. They devise strategies of savings and acquiring loans largely on interest-free basis. They also invest in informal activities to financially secure themselves and their future. This paper discusses the mechanisms that regulate the institutionalization of informal savings and investments in urban poor communities in Accra and Winneba in Ghana. It is based on a qualitative research conducted between 2014 and 2016 with 133 participants in four Ghanaian communities using purposive sampling technique. The study employs the concept of equality matching to discuss urban financial common strategies. The paper attempts to debunk the hegemony of the capitalist profit perspective in urban transactions, emphasizing that the urban poor in Ghana mobilize their finances through established social relations with largely no profitmaking in mind. Keywords Urban poor · Informal savings · Urban-commoning · Financial strategies · Equality matching · Ghana
Urban space is monetized. Survival in urban areas is therefore largely dependent on the dictates of methodological individualism, capitalist norms and values, which are invariably linked to rentseeking and instrumentalism in most urban transactions. The urban poor in Ghana, who are mostly informal sector workers, face enormous challenges in transacting with banks and other financial institutions. This challenge, however, does not prevent them from participating in the money market. They devise strategies of savings and acquiring loans largely on interest-free basis. They also invest in informal activities to financially secure themselves and their future. This paper discusses the mechanisms that regulate the institutionalization of informal savings and investments in urban poor communities in Accra and Winneba in Ghana. It is based on a qualitative research conducted between 2014 and 2016 with 133 participants in four Ghanaian communities using purposive sampling technique. The study employs the concept of equality matching to discuss urban financial common strategies. The paper attempts to debunk the hegemony of the capitalist profit perspective in urban transactions, emphasizing that the urban poor in Ghana mobilize their finances through established social relations with largely no profitmaking in mind. Keywords Urban poor · Informal savings · Urban-commoning · Financial strategies · Equality matching · Ghana
Hanson, R., Twumasi, A. K. & Boi-Doku, A. (2019). Analysis of industrial effluent from some factories in Tema. European Journal of Earth and Environment, 6,
Abstract
This research work analysed the quality of some important physico-chemical parameters of industrial effluents collected from two soap factories (A and B) in the Tema industrial area. In the study, PO4-, NH3, BOD, COD, TSS and turbidity for both factories were high compared to the EPA standards. Measures of NO3-, total hardness, calcium, and chloride, for both factories were below the EPA standard. Alkalinity value for factory A was below the EPA standard while that for factory B was higher. pH value for factory A was within the pH range for EPA while that of factory B was higher. TDS and conductivity for factory A were below the recommended EPA standard while that of factory B was higher. Due to the high amount of PO4-, NH3, and turbidity, eutrophication could occur in the receiving water, thereby affecting aquatic life. The high BOD, COD and TSS contribute to the decrease in oxygen supply in the receiving water which indicates high pollution by organic pollutants. The high alkalinity, TDS, conductivity and pH could contribute to the deformity and death of fishes in the receiving water from especially Factory A. Effluents from both factories were highly polluted in many respects and so EPA audits must be intensified to prevent pollution of water bodies in Ghana.
This research work analysed the quality of some important physico-chemical parameters of industrial effluents collected from two soap factories (A and B) in the Tema industrial area. In the study, PO4-, NH3, BOD, COD, TSS and turbidity for both factories were high compared to the EPA standards. Measures of NO3-, total hardness, calcium, and chloride, for both factories were below the EPA standard. Alkalinity value for factory A was below the EPA standard while that for factory B was higher. pH value for factory A was within the pH range for EPA while that of factory B was higher. TDS and conductivity for factory A were below the recommended EPA standard while that of factory B was higher. Due to the high amount of PO4-, NH3, and turbidity, eutrophication could occur in the receiving water, thereby affecting aquatic life. The high BOD, COD and TSS contribute to the decrease in oxygen supply in the receiving water which indicates high pollution by organic pollutants. The high alkalinity, TDS, conductivity and pH could contribute to the deformity and death of fishes in the receiving water from especially Factory A. Effluents from both factories were highly polluted in many respects and so EPA audits must be intensified to prevent pollution of water bodies in Ghana.
Sam, A. (2020). Students' conceptual difficulties of some selected coordination chemistry topics in higher education. International Journal of Innovative Social & Science Education Research, 8,
Abstract
This study assessed the conceptual gains of students of some topics in coordination chemistry. A case study design within the Model of Educational Reconstruction approach was used. The accessible population was all third-year chemistry students in the University of Education, Winneba (UEW)- Ghana with sample size of forty-six (46) students. The study involved students in a class of 9 groups, comprising 5-6 students each over eleven-week period. The students‟ conceptual understanding was assessed in pre-and post-tests through effect size measurements using the Cohen and the Sawilosky's " h‟ parameters. The findings among others showed that students had some conceptual difficulties inthe selected topics in coordination chemistry.
This study assessed the conceptual gains of students of some topics in coordination chemistry. A case study design within the Model of Educational Reconstruction approach was used. The accessible population was all third-year chemistry students in the University of Education, Winneba (UEW)- Ghana with sample size of forty-six (46) students. The study involved students in a class of 9 groups, comprising 5-6 students each over eleven-week period. The students‟ conceptual understanding was assessed in pre-and post-tests through effect size measurements using the Cohen and the Sawilosky's " h‟ parameters. The findings among others showed that students had some conceptual difficulties inthe selected topics in coordination chemistry.
Sedegah, S., Taale, K. D., Sam, A., & Henewa, R. A. (2019). The influence of cooperative learning approach on SHS students' understanding of ionic bonding in integrated science: The case at Adeiso Presby SHS. International Journal of Innovative Social & Science Education Research, 7,
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to examine the influence of cooperative learning approach on senior high school students’ understanding of ionic bonding in integrated science. The investigation was carried out in Adeiso Presby Senior High School in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The study involved two intact form 2 classes of 85 students and 1 chemistry teacher in the Senior High School. Developmental approach was used in this study. Ionic bonding achievement pretest was administered to the study sample students. The class which obtained higher mean score of 13.52 was designated as control group and the class which obtained lower mean score of 12.35 was designated the experimental group. The prototypes for cooperative learning approach in teaching and learning of ionic bond were developed through four stages before they were implemented in the class of the experimental group. An interactive workshop was organised to discuss the developed prototype materials with the chemistry teacher. The possible advantages and challenges were discussed. During the classroom implementation stage, the teacher taught the experimental group about ionic bonding using the cooperative learning strategy for five weeks. The same teacher taught the control group about ionic bonding using the traditional teaching method. Quantitative data gathering procedures were used to obtain data for the study. The quantitative data involved a pretest and a posttest ionic bonding achievement test items which were reviewed by two chemistry lecturers of the University of Education and one SHS chemistry teacher. The reliability of the pretest and posttest ionic bonding achievement test items was determined after a pilot study, using cronbach alpha. The reliability for the pretest and posttest ionic bonding achievement items was 0.78 and 0.79 respectively. Independent one–tail t-test analysis was performed on both groups. The findings from the study indicated that the experimental group performed better than the control group in the posttest as a result of the cooperative learning strategy applied in teaching the experimental group. Again, the findings showed that the various heterogeneous groupings of mixed ability in the experimental group contributed significantly to the improvement in their performance in the posttest after the implementation of the cooperative learning technique. It is recommended that cooperative learning strategy should be incorporated into the science education curriculum.
The main purpose of this study was to examine the influence of cooperative learning approach on senior high school students’ understanding of ionic bonding in integrated science. The investigation was carried out in Adeiso Presby Senior High School in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The study involved two intact form 2 classes of 85 students and 1 chemistry teacher in the Senior High School. Developmental approach was used in this study. Ionic bonding achievement pretest was administered to the study sample students. The class which obtained higher mean score of 13.52 was designated as control group and the class which obtained lower mean score of 12.35 was designated the experimental group. The prototypes for cooperative learning approach in teaching and learning of ionic bond were developed through four stages before they were implemented in the class of the experimental group. An interactive workshop was organised to discuss the developed prototype materials with the chemistry teacher. The possible advantages and challenges were discussed. During the classroom implementation stage, the teacher taught the experimental group about ionic bonding using the cooperative learning strategy for five weeks. The same teacher taught the control group about ionic bonding using the traditional teaching method. Quantitative data gathering procedures were used to obtain data for the study. The quantitative data involved a pretest and a posttest ionic bonding achievement test items which were reviewed by two chemistry lecturers of the University of Education and one SHS chemistry teacher. The reliability of the pretest and posttest ionic bonding achievement test items was determined after a pilot study, using cronbach alpha. The reliability for the pretest and posttest ionic bonding achievement items was 0.78 and 0.79 respectively. Independent one–tail t-test analysis was performed on both groups. The findings from the study indicated that the experimental group performed better than the control group in the posttest as a result of the cooperative learning strategy applied in teaching the experimental group. Again, the findings showed that the various heterogeneous groupings of mixed ability in the experimental group contributed significantly to the improvement in their performance in the posttest after the implementation of the cooperative learning technique. It is recommended that cooperative learning strategy should be incorporated into the science education curriculum.
Hanson, R. & Sam, A. (2019). Unearthing pre-tertiary students' reasoning patterns about elements, mixtures and compounds. Australian Journal of Chemistry Education, ,
Abstract
This study examined pre-tertiary students’ reasoning patterns about the structure of matter after they received concept-based instruction. The one-group, pre-test, post-test, and delayed-post-test design was employed to assess participants’ understanding before, immediately after, and weeks after the instruction, using particulate representations of matter onworksheets. A focus group interview was applied for corroboration. Data were analysed on the appropriateness of scientific reasoning. Findings showed that the concept-based instruction promoted the development of scientific understanding about the nature of matter, which hitherto was idiosyncratic. Authentic concepts must be introduced in engaging ways for long-lasting concretisation and application.
This study examined pre-tertiary students’ reasoning patterns about the structure of matter after they received concept-based instruction. The one-group, pre-test, post-test, and delayed-post-test design was employed to assess participants’ understanding before, immediately after, and weeks after the instruction, using particulate representations of matter onworksheets. A focus group interview was applied for corroboration. Data were analysed on the appropriateness of scientific reasoning. Findings showed that the concept-based instruction promoted the development of scientific understanding about the nature of matter, which hitherto was idiosyncratic. Authentic concepts must be introduced in engaging ways for long-lasting concretisation and application.
