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Hanson, R., Twumasi, A. K., Antwi, V. (2015). Undergraduate chemistry teacher trainees' understanding of chemical phenomena. European Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 2,
Abstract
Knowledge about periodic trends enables students to understand and explain chemical phenomena which they encounter in everyday life and in formal settings such as in chemical activities in school laboratories. The case of first year undergraduate students’ understanding of chemical phenomena was assessed through an interpretive study. The study revealed that almost half of Ghanaian students at the entry point of tertiary teacher education had several alternative conceptions about periodicity in general and chemical phenomena in particular. The highest alternative conception was found to be on the electronegativities within a group of atoms and how they changed as well as how they affected polarity. Keywords: Diagnostic test, Electron affinity, electronegativity, ionisation energy, periodic trend.
Knowledge about periodic trends enables students to understand and explain chemical phenomena which they encounter in everyday life and in formal settings such as in chemical activities in school laboratories. The case of first year undergraduate students’ understanding of chemical phenomena was assessed through an interpretive study. The study revealed that almost half of Ghanaian students at the entry point of tertiary teacher education had several alternative conceptions about periodicity in general and chemical phenomena in particular. The highest alternative conception was found to be on the electronegativities within a group of atoms and how they changed as well as how they affected polarity. Keywords: Diagnostic test, Electron affinity, electronegativity, ionisation energy, periodic trend.
Faculty of Science EducationOct 13, 2015
Hanson, R.; Twumasi, A. K.; Antwi, V.; (2015). Undergraduate chemistry teacher trainees' understanding of chemical phenomena. European Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 2,
Abstract
Knowledge about periodic trends enables students to understand and explain chemical phenomena which they encounter in everyday life and in formal settings such as in chemical activities in school laboratories. The case of first year undergraduate students’ understanding of chemical phenomena was assessed through an interpretive study. The study revealed that almost half of Ghanaian students at the entry point of tertiary teacher education had several alternative conceptions about periodicity in general and chemical phenomena in particular. The highest alternative conception was found to be on the electronegativities within a group of atoms and how they changed as well as how they affected polarity. Keywords: Diagnostic test, Electron affinity, electronegativity, ionisation energy, periodic trend.
Knowledge about periodic trends enables students to understand and explain chemical phenomena which they encounter in everyday life and in formal settings such as in chemical activities in school laboratories. The case of first year undergraduate students’ understanding of chemical phenomena was assessed through an interpretive study. The study revealed that almost half of Ghanaian students at the entry point of tertiary teacher education had several alternative conceptions about periodicity in general and chemical phenomena in particular. The highest alternative conception was found to be on the electronegativities within a group of atoms and how they changed as well as how they affected polarity. Keywords: Diagnostic test, Electron affinity, electronegativity, ionisation energy, periodic trend.
Faculty of Science EducationOct 13, 2015
Ali, C. A. & Akayuure, P. (2014). Mathematics as a Tool for Enhancing Competitiveness and Employability of Vocational Training Institutions in Ghana. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Development, Education and Science Research, 2,
Abstract
The study investigated the extent to which the Mathematics content and curriculum of Vocational Institutions in Ghana could be restructured to enhance the competitiveness and employability of those graduates. The seemingly low level of Mathematical competence and skills has hampered their pursuits for further studies and favourable competition with their counterparts from the senior high schools and the technical institutes in Ghana. This study sampled about 400 students from four Vocational Training Institutes in the Upper East and Central Regions of Ghana to reflect the poor geographical locations and low economic viabilities of these products. The study discovered that students were willing to accept the restructuring and study Mathematics in the Vocational Institutions. Therefore, to revamp the Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Ghana, the Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Education and the bodies responsible for these Institutions should reconsider inculcating Mathematics into their curricula of Vocational Institutes.
The study investigated the extent to which the Mathematics content and curriculum of Vocational Institutions in Ghana could be restructured to enhance the competitiveness and employability of those graduates. The seemingly low level of Mathematical competence and skills has hampered their pursuits for further studies and favourable competition with their counterparts from the senior high schools and the technical institutes in Ghana. This study sampled about 400 students from four Vocational Training Institutes in the Upper East and Central Regions of Ghana to reflect the poor geographical locations and low economic viabilities of these products. The study discovered that students were willing to accept the restructuring and study Mathematics in the Vocational Institutions. Therefore, to revamp the Technical and Vocational Education and Training in Ghana, the Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Education and the bodies responsible for these Institutions should reconsider inculcating Mathematics into their curricula of Vocational Institutes.
Faculty of Science EducationAug 04, 2015
Akayuure, P. & Apawu, J. (2015). Examining mathematical task and pedagogical usability of web contents authored by prospective mathematics teachers. International Journal of Research in Education and Science, 1,
Abstract
The study was designed to engage prospective mathematics teachers in creating web learning modules. The aim was to examine the mathematical task and perceived pedagogical usability of the modules for mathematics instructions in Ghana. The study took place at University of Education, Winneba. Classes of 172 prospective mathematics teachers working in design groups were involved in the study. Data were collected using Mathematical Task Usability Scale and Pedagogical Usability Rubrics. The result indicated 77.8% of the task contents examined contained worthwhile mathematical tasks. Descriptive analysis of data reflected three distinct categories of perceived pedagogical usability. Approximately 6%, 58% and 36% of the modules contained low, moderate and high pedagogical usability attributes. The study concluded that majority of the modules developed by the prospective teachers have considerable instructional value. Implications for involvement of prospective mathematics teachers in authoring web resources were discussed against the backdrop of policy initiatives for integrating emerging technologies.
The study was designed to engage prospective mathematics teachers in creating web learning modules. The aim was to examine the mathematical task and perceived pedagogical usability of the modules for mathematics instructions in Ghana. The study took place at University of Education, Winneba. Classes of 172 prospective mathematics teachers working in design groups were involved in the study. Data were collected using Mathematical Task Usability Scale and Pedagogical Usability Rubrics. The result indicated 77.8% of the task contents examined contained worthwhile mathematical tasks. Descriptive analysis of data reflected three distinct categories of perceived pedagogical usability. Approximately 6%, 58% and 36% of the modules contained low, moderate and high pedagogical usability attributes. The study concluded that majority of the modules developed by the prospective teachers have considerable instructional value. Implications for involvement of prospective mathematics teachers in authoring web resources were discussed against the backdrop of policy initiatives for integrating emerging technologies.
Faculty of Science EducationAug 04, 2015
Omoregie, P. O (2015). CORPORATE OBJECTIVE AS PREDICTORS OF SPORTS SPONSORSHIP MANAGEMENT IN SELECTED ORGANISATIONS IN SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA. International Journal of Multi-Disciplinary Studies and Sport Research, 5,
Abstract
Global sports sponsorship has coincided with increased attention of investment for effective sponsorship management. Thus, the rapid growth of sponsorship has not been paralleled by increased sophistication in management practices. Hence, managers’ reliance on cognitive behavioural frameworks that complicates sponsorship evaluation and unclear objectives. Studies in the areas of corporate objective, influence on sports sponsorship management have showed an in-consistent result in findings, thus providing a gap in research. This study therefore examined corporate objective as predictors of sports’ sponsorship management in South-South, Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was employed and five hundred respondents were selected using multi-stage (simple random sampling, systematic sampling technique and purposive) sampling techniques. Two instruments were used for data collection: Corporate Objective Sponsorship (0.75) and Sports Sponsorship Management Questionnaire (0.85) of 5-points likert scale. Two hypotheses were tested. Data was analysed using multiple regression analysis set at 0.05 significant level. Corporate objectives sponsorship variables was jointly significant to sports sponsorship management F(5, 494) = 438.74, p<0.05) and contributed about 82% to the variance of the dependent variable. Relative contributions were as follows: Broad corporate objectives (â=.363, p<0.05), marketing-related objectives (â=.053, p<0.05), sales objectives (â=.119, p<0.05), media coverage related sponsorship objectives (â=.615, p<0.05) and guest hospitality (â=.139, p<0.05) respectively. This implied that, media coverage-related sponsorship objectives contributed most to sports sponsorship management in the study. Therefore, sports marketers should determine the effect of sports sponsorship on consumers. Also, the needs to focus on different types of sponsorship effect to promote effective sports management objectives.
Global sports sponsorship has coincided with increased attention of investment for effective sponsorship management. Thus, the rapid growth of sponsorship has not been paralleled by increased sophistication in management practices. Hence, managers’ reliance on cognitive behavioural frameworks that complicates sponsorship evaluation and unclear objectives. Studies in the areas of corporate objective, influence on sports sponsorship management have showed an in-consistent result in findings, thus providing a gap in research. This study therefore examined corporate objective as predictors of sports’ sponsorship management in South-South, Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was employed and five hundred respondents were selected using multi-stage (simple random sampling, systematic sampling technique and purposive) sampling techniques. Two instruments were used for data collection: Corporate Objective Sponsorship (0.75) and Sports Sponsorship Management Questionnaire (0.85) of 5-points likert scale. Two hypotheses were tested. Data was analysed using multiple regression analysis set at 0.05 significant level. Corporate objectives sponsorship variables was jointly significant to sports sponsorship management F(5, 494) = 438.74, p<0.05) and contributed about 82% to the variance of the dependent variable. Relative contributions were as follows: Broad corporate objectives (â=.363, p<0.05), marketing-related objectives (â=.053, p<0.05), sales objectives (â=.119, p<0.05), media coverage related sponsorship objectives (â=.615, p<0.05) and guest hospitality (â=.139, p<0.05) respectively. This implied that, media coverage-related sponsorship objectives contributed most to sports sponsorship management in the study. Therefore, sports marketers should determine the effect of sports sponsorship on consumers. Also, the needs to focus on different types of sponsorship effect to promote effective sports management objectives.
Faculty of Science EducationJul 15, 2015
Samlafo, B.V (2015). Iodine, Copper, and Zinc Levels as Indices of Nutritional Status among Residents of Wassa West District, a Mining Impacted Region of Ghana, Using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT, 4,
Abstract
Human hair and nail samples from fifty volunteers were collected from Wassa West district, a mining impacted region of Ghana, and used as biomakers of nutritional status. Activation Analysis (INAA) was employed to analyze for levels of iodine, copper and zinc. The mean concentrations of iodine in hair of experimental subjects was3.34± 0.54μg/g. The control subjects had a mean concentration of 1.21± 0.32μg/g of iodine. These levels were above the ideal level of 1.0μg/g to meet the physiological requirements of the individual. Mean iodine in nails of the experimental subjects was 2.70±0.25μg/g, and that of the control was 1.50±0.12μg/g. Mean Copper levels in hair of experimental subjects were determined to be 28.49±3.40μg/g and the control recorded 15.91±2.15μg/g. Mean copper levels in nail of the experimental subjects was 29.64±1.05μg/g and the control was 19.08±2.21μg/g. Mean zinc levels in hair of the experimental subjects was 105.82±2.12μg/g, and that of the control was 113±3.45μg/g. Mean levels of zinc in the nails of the experimental subjects was 105.51±3.21μg/g and the control was 105.75±2.68μg/g. Generally, there were no striking significant statistical differences between the two groups. The two groups were well nourished The precision and the accuracy of the analytical technique (INAA) were assessed by simultaneous activation of certified standard human hair reference material GBW 09101. The values obtained compared well with the certified values as Pearson’s correlation coefficient was + 0.99. The measurement precision as specified by the relative standard deviation was within ±0.4%. The experimental values were within ±5% of the certified values. T-test was used to establish significant statistical differences(p<0.05) between the two groups. Keywords: Nutrition, human hair, nail, poverty, mining, biomaker, health, diet
Human hair and nail samples from fifty volunteers were collected from Wassa West district, a mining impacted region of Ghana, and used as biomakers of nutritional status. Activation Analysis (INAA) was employed to analyze for levels of iodine, copper and zinc. The mean concentrations of iodine in hair of experimental subjects was3.34± 0.54μg/g. The control subjects had a mean concentration of 1.21± 0.32μg/g of iodine. These levels were above the ideal level of 1.0μg/g to meet the physiological requirements of the individual. Mean iodine in nails of the experimental subjects was 2.70±0.25μg/g, and that of the control was 1.50±0.12μg/g. Mean Copper levels in hair of experimental subjects were determined to be 28.49±3.40μg/g and the control recorded 15.91±2.15μg/g. Mean copper levels in nail of the experimental subjects was 29.64±1.05μg/g and the control was 19.08±2.21μg/g. Mean zinc levels in hair of the experimental subjects was 105.82±2.12μg/g, and that of the control was 113±3.45μg/g. Mean levels of zinc in the nails of the experimental subjects was 105.51±3.21μg/g and the control was 105.75±2.68μg/g. Generally, there were no striking significant statistical differences between the two groups. The two groups were well nourished The precision and the accuracy of the analytical technique (INAA) were assessed by simultaneous activation of certified standard human hair reference material GBW 09101. The values obtained compared well with the certified values as Pearson’s correlation coefficient was + 0.99. The measurement precision as specified by the relative standard deviation was within ±0.4%. The experimental values were within ±5% of the certified values. T-test was used to establish significant statistical differences(p<0.05) between the two groups. Keywords: Nutrition, human hair, nail, poverty, mining, biomaker, health, diet
Faculty of Science EducationJul 15, 2015
Samlafo, B.V (2015). Selenium - Mercury Antagonism in Human Blood Samples from Residents of Wassa West District, a Mining Area in Ghana. The International Journal Of Science & Technoledge, 3,
Abstract
This paper sought to evaluate Se to Hg (Se:Hg) molar ratio in human blood samples from residents of Wassa West district of Ghana, a region which has a long history of gold mining. Determining Hg levels alone in either environmental samples or human body fluids or tissues is necessary but not essential enough to assess the health risk of a given population. The levels of Se in such matrices are the fundamental factor in health risk assessment of Hg exposure and toxicity. Fifty blood samples were collected from volunteers from Wassa West District and were analysed for Hg and Se concentrations. The molar concentrations of each element was calculated and the corresponding Se:Hg molar ratios were determined. The results indicated that, the molar concentrations of Se ranged from 0,35 nM to 62.38 nM with a mean value of 25.26 nM, while Hg molar concentrations ranged from 0.05 nM to 4.65 nM with a mean value of 0.38 nM. The ratios ranged from 0.97 to 958 with a mean value of 155.40. Apart from, one subject, all the Se:Hg molar ratios were above one, which may imply that the residents have enough Se (well nourished) to prevent Hg toxicity.The precision and accuracy of the analytical methods were determined by the standard reference materials, DORM-2 and GBW 09101. The measurement precision which was determined using relative standard deviation fell within 4%.The results of the analysed samples were within ±5% of the certified values of the standard reference materials. Key words: Blood, Selenium, mercury, antagonism, molar ratio, mining, health, risk.
This paper sought to evaluate Se to Hg (Se:Hg) molar ratio in human blood samples from residents of Wassa West district of Ghana, a region which has a long history of gold mining. Determining Hg levels alone in either environmental samples or human body fluids or tissues is necessary but not essential enough to assess the health risk of a given population. The levels of Se in such matrices are the fundamental factor in health risk assessment of Hg exposure and toxicity. Fifty blood samples were collected from volunteers from Wassa West District and were analysed for Hg and Se concentrations. The molar concentrations of each element was calculated and the corresponding Se:Hg molar ratios were determined. The results indicated that, the molar concentrations of Se ranged from 0,35 nM to 62.38 nM with a mean value of 25.26 nM, while Hg molar concentrations ranged from 0.05 nM to 4.65 nM with a mean value of 0.38 nM. The ratios ranged from 0.97 to 958 with a mean value of 155.40. Apart from, one subject, all the Se:Hg molar ratios were above one, which may imply that the residents have enough Se (well nourished) to prevent Hg toxicity.The precision and accuracy of the analytical methods were determined by the standard reference materials, DORM-2 and GBW 09101. The measurement precision which was determined using relative standard deviation fell within 4%.The results of the analysed samples were within ±5% of the certified values of the standard reference materials. Key words: Blood, Selenium, mercury, antagonism, molar ratio, mining, health, risk.
Faculty of Science EducationJul 15, 2015
Omoregie, P. O (2014). ASSESSING CARDIO-RESPIRATORY FITNESS LEVEL OF FRESH UNDERGRADUATE OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, RECREATION AND SPORTS, UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, WINNEBA, GHANA. Journal of Science and Information Technology, ,
Abstract
Low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases and mortality, however, CRF assessment is usually not performed in many tertiary institutions in addition to medical requirements on admittance of students into University. Evidence indicates that the precursors of cardio-vascular disease have their origin in childhood and adolescence. Hence, the assessment of health‐related fitness is of public health and clinical interest. Thus, step tests which is performance based on heat rate during recovery have been widely used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness. A total of one hundred and eleven participants made up of 99 male and 12 female were examined. The 3-mimute bench step measure of 1-minute recovery heart rate (pulse rate) was used for data collection. Data collected was analysed using frequency counts and percentage. The Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research (1999) rating based on norms was used for interpretation. The result shows that male and female participants between 20-25 years had 21.7% and 50% excellent respectively. While between 20-25 years shows 4.4% and 8.3% for male and female were very poor respectively. Furthermore, between 26-35 years male without female counterpart shows 28.9% excellent and 3.3% very poor. While between ages 36-45 years male without female counterpart revealed 40% excellent and 13.3% average. It was recommended that the needs to promote early cardiorespiratory endurance exercise would help the body become more efficient and better able to cope with the physical challenges.
Low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases and mortality, however, CRF assessment is usually not performed in many tertiary institutions in addition to medical requirements on admittance of students into University. Evidence indicates that the precursors of cardio-vascular disease have their origin in childhood and adolescence. Hence, the assessment of health‐related fitness is of public health and clinical interest. Thus, step tests which is performance based on heat rate during recovery have been widely used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness. A total of one hundred and eleven participants made up of 99 male and 12 female were examined. The 3-mimute bench step measure of 1-minute recovery heart rate (pulse rate) was used for data collection. Data collected was analysed using frequency counts and percentage. The Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research (1999) rating based on norms was used for interpretation. The result shows that male and female participants between 20-25 years had 21.7% and 50% excellent respectively. While between 20-25 years shows 4.4% and 8.3% for male and female were very poor respectively. Furthermore, between 26-35 years male without female counterpart shows 28.9% excellent and 3.3% very poor. While between ages 36-45 years male without female counterpart revealed 40% excellent and 13.3% average. It was recommended that the needs to promote early cardiorespiratory endurance exercise would help the body become more efficient and better able to cope with the physical challenges.
Faculty of Science EducationJul 15, 2015
Samlafo, B.V (2015). Selenium - Mercury Antagonism in Human Blood Samples from Residents of Wassa West District, a Mining Area in Ghana. The International Journal Of Science & Technoledge, 3,
Abstract
This paper sought to evaluate Se to Hg (Se:Hg) molar ratio in human blood samples from residents of Wassa West district of Ghana, a region which has a long history of gold mining. Determining Hg levels alone in either environmental samples or human body fluids or tissues is necessary but not essential enough to assess the health risk of a given population. The levels of Se in such matrices are the fundamental factor in health risk assessment of Hg exposure and toxicity. Fifty blood samples were collected from volunteers from Wassa West District and were analysed for Hg and Se concentrations. The molar concentrations of each element was calculated and the corresponding Se:Hg molar ratios were determined. The results indicated that, the molar concentrations of Se ranged from 0,35 nM to 62.38 nM with a mean value of 25.26 nM, while Hg molar concentrations ranged from 0.05 nM to 4.65 nM with a mean value of 0.38 nM. The ratios ranged from 0.97 to 958 with a mean value of 155.40. Apart from, one subject, all the Se:Hg molar ratios were above one, which may imply that the residents have enough Se (well nourished) to prevent Hg toxicity.The precision and accuracy of the analytical methods were determined by the standard reference materials, DORM-2 and GBW 09101. The measurement precision which was determined using relative standard deviation fell within 4%.The results of the analysed samples were within ±5% of the certified values of the standard reference materials. Key words: Blood, Selenium, mercury, antagonism, molar ratio, mining, health, risk.
This paper sought to evaluate Se to Hg (Se:Hg) molar ratio in human blood samples from residents of Wassa West district of Ghana, a region which has a long history of gold mining. Determining Hg levels alone in either environmental samples or human body fluids or tissues is necessary but not essential enough to assess the health risk of a given population. The levels of Se in such matrices are the fundamental factor in health risk assessment of Hg exposure and toxicity. Fifty blood samples were collected from volunteers from Wassa West District and were analysed for Hg and Se concentrations. The molar concentrations of each element was calculated and the corresponding Se:Hg molar ratios were determined. The results indicated that, the molar concentrations of Se ranged from 0,35 nM to 62.38 nM with a mean value of 25.26 nM, while Hg molar concentrations ranged from 0.05 nM to 4.65 nM with a mean value of 0.38 nM. The ratios ranged from 0.97 to 958 with a mean value of 155.40. Apart from, one subject, all the Se:Hg molar ratios were above one, which may imply that the residents have enough Se (well nourished) to prevent Hg toxicity.The precision and accuracy of the analytical methods were determined by the standard reference materials, DORM-2 and GBW 09101. The measurement precision which was determined using relative standard deviation fell within 4%.The results of the analysed samples were within ±5% of the certified values of the standard reference materials. Key words: Blood, Selenium, mercury, antagonism, molar ratio, mining, health, risk.
Faculty of Science EducationJul 15, 2015
Omoregie, P. O., Akuru, G. B & Fatoba, T. M
PSYCHOSOCIAL FIELDS IN SPORT ORAL. The Green Park Pendik Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey 19 - 21 December, 2014
Paper presented:
EFFICACY OF EXERCISE OF DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND MOOD STATES OF INDIVIDUALS
Abstract
Exercise contributes immensely to the well being of humans. Thus, health scientist agree that exercise has a positive effect upon physical well being and upon specific physiological variables associated with health and wellness (such as heart rate and blood pressure). In addition, the large majority of both health professionals and exercisers believe that exercise has benefits for the improvement of psychological problems encountered, especially depression, anxiety and mood. Given that exercise effects both physical and mental health, it would therefore seem important to evaluate research on the efficacy. By extension, given the pandemic nature of such mental health problems as depression and anxiety, in concert with the cost and potential side-effects or after-effects of various drugs in the treatment, it would seem important to review the efficacy of exercise as a treatment. The aim of the present paper is to review recent studies that have focused on the effect of exercise on mood adjustment. Specifically, the evidence regarding the benefits of exercise for depression, anxiety and other states of disturbed mood. Hence, this paper addresses the current literature related to investigations of the link between exercise treatments and depression, anxiety and other mood states. Results from these investigations are supportive of the anti-depressant, anti-anxiety and mood enhancing effects of exercise programs. However, a number of potential methodological problems in many of the research studies; the nature of these were considered. Finally, some possible directions for future research will be outlined.
Exercise contributes immensely to the well being of humans. Thus, health scientist agree that exercise has a positive effect upon physical well being and upon specific physiological variables associated with health and wellness (such as heart rate and blood pressure). In addition, the large majority of both health professionals and exercisers believe that exercise has benefits for the improvement of psychological problems encountered, especially depression, anxiety and mood. Given that exercise effects both physical and mental health, it would therefore seem important to evaluate research on the efficacy. By extension, given the pandemic nature of such mental health problems as depression and anxiety, in concert with the cost and potential side-effects or after-effects of various drugs in the treatment, it would seem important to review the efficacy of exercise as a treatment. The aim of the present paper is to review recent studies that have focused on the effect of exercise on mood adjustment. Specifically, the evidence regarding the benefits of exercise for depression, anxiety and other states of disturbed mood. Hence, this paper addresses the current literature related to investigations of the link between exercise treatments and depression, anxiety and other mood states. Results from these investigations are supportive of the anti-depressant, anti-anxiety and mood enhancing effects of exercise programs. However, a number of potential methodological problems in many of the research studies; the nature of these were considered. Finally, some possible directions for future research will be outlined.
Faculty of Science EducationJul 15, 2015
