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Acquaah, S, Amissah, E. R. K. & deGraft-Yankson, P (2017). Dress Aesthetics of Smock in Northern Ghana: Form, Function and Context. Textile Engineering & Fashion Technology, 1,
Abstract
The paper is a study of the dress aesthetics of smock in Northern Ghana; their form, function and context. The study examines the cultural aesthetics of smock in Northern traditional textiles and its role in the preservation, presentation and promotion of Northern culture and makes recommendations for its sustenance. The researchers adopted the qualitative paradigm and used descriptive and visual analytic approaches through the use of interviews and observations as its research tools. Keywords: Aesthetic; Artefacts; Cultural Symbolism; Indigenous Textiles; Regalia; Smock; North; Traditional Rulers; Yensichi; Dagomba; Bingmaa; Kpakoto; Yeble; Balmaasu; Kuyilli Gbagno; Moslem community; Nam-Kpaargu
The paper is a study of the dress aesthetics of smock in Northern Ghana; their form, function and context. The study examines the cultural aesthetics of smock in Northern traditional textiles and its role in the preservation, presentation and promotion of Northern culture and makes recommendations for its sustenance. The researchers adopted the qualitative paradigm and used descriptive and visual analytic approaches through the use of interviews and observations as its research tools. Keywords: Aesthetic; Artefacts; Cultural Symbolism; Indigenous Textiles; Regalia; Smock; North; Traditional Rulers; Yensichi; Dagomba; Bingmaa; Kpakoto; Yeble; Balmaasu; Kuyilli Gbagno; Moslem community; Nam-Kpaargu
Amissah, E R K (2016). Philosophical and Aesthetic Significance of Ceremonial and Anniversary Cloth Designs of Three Ghanaian Universities. Journal of Literature and Art Studies, 6,
Abstract
The study concerned itself with the philosophical and aesthetic evaluation of selected ceremonial and anniversary designed cloths of three Ghanaian universities. The study, which was qualitative in nature, specifically sought to identify, describe, examine and analyze the design patterns of ceremonial and anniversary cloths, appraise their aesthetic values and significance in relation to the ideals, and philosophies of the institutions. The sampled cloth designs were discussed and analyzed in descriptive form. The research revealed that there are several symbolic meanings attached to the corporate identities that sum up the objectives, ideals, values and philosophies of the institutions and corporate cloth design, whether for anniversary, ceremony or otherwise serves as an element of social cohesion.
The study concerned itself with the philosophical and aesthetic evaluation of selected ceremonial and anniversary designed cloths of three Ghanaian universities. The study, which was qualitative in nature, specifically sought to identify, describe, examine and analyze the design patterns of ceremonial and anniversary cloths, appraise their aesthetic values and significance in relation to the ideals, and philosophies of the institutions. The sampled cloth designs were discussed and analyzed in descriptive form. The research revealed that there are several symbolic meanings attached to the corporate identities that sum up the objectives, ideals, values and philosophies of the institutions and corporate cloth design, whether for anniversary, ceremony or otherwise serves as an element of social cohesion.
Samlafo, B.V, Bobobee, L.H, Quashie, E and Sarsah, L.A (2016). Cadmium, lead, arsenic and mercury levels in earthenware clay deposits at Vume, in the south Tongu District of Ghana, using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric Technique. International Journal of Current Research, 8,
Abstract
This paper screened for potentially harmful heavy metals such as As, Pb, Cd and Hg in earthenware clay deposits at Vume in the Volta region of Ghana using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric (AAS) technique. The concentrations of As in the clay samples ranged from 0.90 μg/g to 2.04 μg/g with a mean of 1.49 μg/g, and standard deviation of 0.47. Lead levels ranged from 2.85 μg/g to 4.08 μg/g with a mean of 3.67 μg/g, and a standard deviation of 0.38. Cadmium was below the detection limit of 0.002 μg/g in some samples: however, the levels measured ranged from 0.15 μg/g to 0.51 μg/g with a mean of 0.29 μg/g, and a standard deviation of 0. .13. The concentrations of mercury ranged from 0.18 μg/g to 0.69 μg/g with a mean of 0.53 μg/g, and a standard deviation of 0.15. The levels of Hg,Cd and Pb fell below their respective US EPA(1990) safe levels of 18.0 μg/g, 1.7 μg/g and 80.0 μg/g, except that of As which was above its US EPA(1990) safe level of 0.07 μg/g.The levels of Arsenic in the study area, though higher than the US EPA safe level, were comparable to the worldwide background level of 5 μg/g in soil. The precision and the accuracy of the AAS method were assessed via the use of reference material IAEA Soil-7. The values obtained for the various elements in the standard reference material (by analysing it with the AAS method) compared favourably well with the recommended values as Spearman’s correlation coefficient was + 0.96. The experimental values were within ±5% of the recommended value. The measurement precision determined by the relative standard deviation was within ±4%. With the exception of As levels which need some remediation, the quality of the clay at Vume was found to be generally good for the production of earthenware products.
This paper screened for potentially harmful heavy metals such as As, Pb, Cd and Hg in earthenware clay deposits at Vume in the Volta region of Ghana using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric (AAS) technique. The concentrations of As in the clay samples ranged from 0.90 μg/g to 2.04 μg/g with a mean of 1.49 μg/g, and standard deviation of 0.47. Lead levels ranged from 2.85 μg/g to 4.08 μg/g with a mean of 3.67 μg/g, and a standard deviation of 0.38. Cadmium was below the detection limit of 0.002 μg/g in some samples: however, the levels measured ranged from 0.15 μg/g to 0.51 μg/g with a mean of 0.29 μg/g, and a standard deviation of 0. .13. The concentrations of mercury ranged from 0.18 μg/g to 0.69 μg/g with a mean of 0.53 μg/g, and a standard deviation of 0.15. The levels of Hg,Cd and Pb fell below their respective US EPA(1990) safe levels of 18.0 μg/g, 1.7 μg/g and 80.0 μg/g, except that of As which was above its US EPA(1990) safe level of 0.07 μg/g.The levels of Arsenic in the study area, though higher than the US EPA safe level, were comparable to the worldwide background level of 5 μg/g in soil. The precision and the accuracy of the AAS method were assessed via the use of reference material IAEA Soil-7. The values obtained for the various elements in the standard reference material (by analysing it with the AAS method) compared favourably well with the recommended values as Spearman’s correlation coefficient was + 0.96. The experimental values were within ±5% of the recommended value. The measurement precision determined by the relative standard deviation was within ±4%. With the exception of As levels which need some remediation, the quality of the clay at Vume was found to be generally good for the production of earthenware products.
Sam, E. F. and Osman Hamidu
International Conference for Engineering and Technology. University of London, London, UK 8-11 November, 2016
Paper presented:
Servqual Analysis of Public Bus Transport Services in the Kumasi metropolis, Ghana: Frequent Core User Perspectives
Abstract
Encouraging sustainable transportation, especially public transport use implies the need to make it attractive to commuters through constant service quality evaluation and improvement. Understanding public transport users’ service quality expectations and perceptions are thus valuable in this regard. Using a modified servqual approach, this study sought to examine public bus transport users’ service quality expectations and perceptions, and its effect on overall satisfaction with public bus transport services in the Kumasi metropolis. Data from public bus transport users in Kumasi were used. Field data was analysed using the paired-samples t-test technique. It was observed that there was statistically significant differences between participants’ service quality expectations and perceptions, resulting in a general dissatisfaction with public bus transport services in the city with a large effect size (t (67) = -8.15, p<0.05; 95% confidence interval [-22.94, -13.91]; eta squared= 0.50). Given that participants’ concerns were service reliability and empathy-related, the study recommended among others automation of public transport operations in the city to help address these concerns.
Encouraging sustainable transportation, especially public transport use implies the need to make it attractive to commuters through constant service quality evaluation and improvement. Understanding public transport users’ service quality expectations and perceptions are thus valuable in this regard. Using a modified servqual approach, this study sought to examine public bus transport users’ service quality expectations and perceptions, and its effect on overall satisfaction with public bus transport services in the Kumasi metropolis. Data from public bus transport users in Kumasi were used. Field data was analysed using the paired-samples t-test technique. It was observed that there was statistically significant differences between participants’ service quality expectations and perceptions, resulting in a general dissatisfaction with public bus transport services in the city with a large effect size (t (67) = -8.15, p<0.05; 95% confidence interval [-22.94, -13.91]; eta squared= 0.50). Given that participants’ concerns were service reliability and empathy-related, the study recommended among others automation of public transport operations in the city to help address these concerns.
Sam, E. F., Adu-Boahen, K. & Kissah-Korsah, K (2014). Assessing the factors that influence public transport mode preference and patronage: Perspectives of students of University of Cape Coast (UCC), Ghana. International Journal of Development and Sustainability, 3,
Abstract
Several factors influence the preference and patronage of one public transport mode as against the others. The study set out to assess the factors that influence students of the University of Cape Coast in their choice of public transport service operators. Using questionnaires and interview guides, the study was conducted at five main intercity bus terminals in Cape Coast involving 100 student commuters who happened to be available at the various terminals during the survey (Easter break). The study found that the students gave massive consideration to fare, safety, comfort and reliability before deciding on which transport operator to choose. The study also revealed that the government- owned fleet were the most preferred by the students surveyed compared to the other privately- owned modals. It was thus concluded that service operator preference and patronage was a function of how affordable, comfortable, safe and reliable their fleet and services are and also that the students preferred the services of both the Metro Mass Transit (MMT) Ltd and Intercity STC Coaches Ltd compared to the other operators because they have relatively cheaper fares and are perceived to be safe as well as are comfortable and reliable respectively.
Several factors influence the preference and patronage of one public transport mode as against the others. The study set out to assess the factors that influence students of the University of Cape Coast in their choice of public transport service operators. Using questionnaires and interview guides, the study was conducted at five main intercity bus terminals in Cape Coast involving 100 student commuters who happened to be available at the various terminals during the survey (Easter break). The study found that the students gave massive consideration to fare, safety, comfort and reliability before deciding on which transport operator to choose. The study also revealed that the government- owned fleet were the most preferred by the students surveyed compared to the other privately- owned modals. It was thus concluded that service operator preference and patronage was a function of how affordable, comfortable, safe and reliable their fleet and services are and also that the students preferred the services of both the Metro Mass Transit (MMT) Ltd and Intercity STC Coaches Ltd compared to the other operators because they have relatively cheaper fares and are perceived to be safe as well as are comfortable and reliable respectively.
Sam, E. F. & Sam, L. G (2016). Why can’t you read?: Exploring the predictors of reading difficulties.. International Journal of Educational Leadership, 7,
Abstract
The study explored how students’ attitudes toward reading, access to reading resources at home, class teacher’s attitude towards students’ reading ability, access to and use of video games and TV contribute to students’ reading difficulties. Data was obtained from 42 randomly selected students deemed as experiencing reading difficulties through questionnaire administration. Using the standard multiple regression technique, it was observed that the students’ attitudes toward reading made a statistically significant contribution to explaining their reading difficulties while all other predictor variables recorded less of a unique contribution to the equation relative to previous findings. Given this finding, it is imperative that parents and school teachers identify and target the factors that influence their attitudes to reading. Efforts should be made to help students appreciate the value of reading.
The study explored how students’ attitudes toward reading, access to reading resources at home, class teacher’s attitude towards students’ reading ability, access to and use of video games and TV contribute to students’ reading difficulties. Data was obtained from 42 randomly selected students deemed as experiencing reading difficulties through questionnaire administration. Using the standard multiple regression technique, it was observed that the students’ attitudes toward reading made a statistically significant contribution to explaining their reading difficulties while all other predictor variables recorded less of a unique contribution to the equation relative to previous findings. Given this finding, it is imperative that parents and school teachers identify and target the factors that influence their attitudes to reading. Efforts should be made to help students appreciate the value of reading.
Sam, E. F.
33rd International Geographical Congress. Beijing, China 21-25 August 2016
Paper presented:
Enhancing passenger safety and security in Ghana: Appraising public transport operators’ recent interventions
Abstract
Calls for constant evaluation of safety and security strategies of public transport (PT) operators abound in urban transport literature. This cross-sectional study examined passenger safety and security interventions of PT operators in Ghana. Both the accident-incident theory and routine activities theory served as the theoretical framework within which the study was rooted. Data were drawn from in-depth interviews with six (6) major inter-urban PT operators as well as questionnaires administered to 273 inter-urban PT passengers. Field data were analysed using narratives and both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The study reviewed a number of recent safety and security interventions adopted by the surveyed operators. For the operators, these have resulted in a reduction in road accidents and highway robbery incidence involving their buses and passengers. On the part of passengers, interventions geared towards addressing reckless driving and also police escort on buses were commendable. However, knowledge of the interventions did not impact on passengers’ perceived safety and security on PT in any way. The study emphasised the need for periodic review of the regulatory framework establishing public transport undertaking by the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to reflect changing safety and security circumstances.
Calls for constant evaluation of safety and security strategies of public transport (PT) operators abound in urban transport literature. This cross-sectional study examined passenger safety and security interventions of PT operators in Ghana. Both the accident-incident theory and routine activities theory served as the theoretical framework within which the study was rooted. Data were drawn from in-depth interviews with six (6) major inter-urban PT operators as well as questionnaires administered to 273 inter-urban PT passengers. Field data were analysed using narratives and both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The study reviewed a number of recent safety and security interventions adopted by the surveyed operators. For the operators, these have resulted in a reduction in road accidents and highway robbery incidence involving their buses and passengers. On the part of passengers, interventions geared towards addressing reckless driving and also police escort on buses were commendable. However, knowledge of the interventions did not impact on passengers’ perceived safety and security on PT in any way. The study emphasised the need for periodic review of the regulatory framework establishing public transport undertaking by the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to reflect changing safety and security circumstances.
Hanson, R. (2015). Identifying studnets' alternative concepts in basic chemical bonding- A case study of teacher trainees' in the University of Education, Winneba. International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, 4,
Abstract
The study developed a diagnostic instrument to identify misconceptions that teacher trainees have of chemistry topics in relation to ionic and covalent bonding. Students’ initial ideas on these topics were collated through classroom discourse, Treagust’s (1988) and Tan and Treagust’s (1999) adapted diagnostic tests, concept maps and whole class interviews during the first week of interaction with teacher trainees in 2011. These data were used to produce 20 two-tier multiple choice items in four concept areas. The test had a Cronbach alpha reliability of 0.75. Item difficulties ranged from 0.12 to 0.65. Discrimination values ranged from 0.32-0.60. The diagnostic instrument was administered to 98 undergraduate teacher trainees in their second year of chemistry education at the University of Education, Winneba. The participants’ scores on each item were analysed by simple percentages to identify their misconceptions on basic chemical bonding and structure. The identified alternative concepts have been presented and discussed and possible teaching remedies suggested.
The study developed a diagnostic instrument to identify misconceptions that teacher trainees have of chemistry topics in relation to ionic and covalent bonding. Students’ initial ideas on these topics were collated through classroom discourse, Treagust’s (1988) and Tan and Treagust’s (1999) adapted diagnostic tests, concept maps and whole class interviews during the first week of interaction with teacher trainees in 2011. These data were used to produce 20 two-tier multiple choice items in four concept areas. The test had a Cronbach alpha reliability of 0.75. Item difficulties ranged from 0.12 to 0.65. Discrimination values ranged from 0.32-0.60. The diagnostic instrument was administered to 98 undergraduate teacher trainees in their second year of chemistry education at the University of Education, Winneba. The participants’ scores on each item were analysed by simple percentages to identify their misconceptions on basic chemical bonding and structure. The identified alternative concepts have been presented and discussed and possible teaching remedies suggested.
Hanson, R. (2015). Using microscience equipment to facilitate the study of qualitative analysis- A case study in an undergraduate class. European Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 2,
Abstract
Analytical chemistry is an important aspect of chemistry as it provides a lot of insight into the constituents and measurements of matter in all fields of science and medicine. Thus its study comprises the practice of qualitative and quantitative analysis which allows learners of science to have an experience of analytical work. However, the growing cost of science resources and the increasing numbers of students make the regular practice of such activities difficult. It drains the resources of schools which attempt to expose their students to practical work. In this interpretive study of quality micro analysis, 46 undergraduate teacher trainees participated in the use of microscience equipment in their forth semester for the identification of ions in solutions. Data to assess the feasibility of the intervention was done through observation, a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. About 86% of the sample intimated that the micro activities were interactive, easy to use, yielded faster results and was fun to work with.
Analytical chemistry is an important aspect of chemistry as it provides a lot of insight into the constituents and measurements of matter in all fields of science and medicine. Thus its study comprises the practice of qualitative and quantitative analysis which allows learners of science to have an experience of analytical work. However, the growing cost of science resources and the increasing numbers of students make the regular practice of such activities difficult. It drains the resources of schools which attempt to expose their students to practical work. In this interpretive study of quality micro analysis, 46 undergraduate teacher trainees participated in the use of microscience equipment in their forth semester for the identification of ions in solutions. Data to assess the feasibility of the intervention was done through observation, a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. About 86% of the sample intimated that the micro activities were interactive, easy to use, yielded faster results and was fun to work with.
Hanson, R., Kwarteng, T. A., & 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.
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.
