Relative Effects of Problem-Solving and Concept Mapping Instructional Strategies on Student's Achievement in Economics

This paper examines the relative effects of problem-solving and concepts mapping instructional strategies on students' achievement in economics. The definition of economics as a concept was discussed. The reasons for acceptance of Economics as a subject in secondary school were also looked into. The paper discussed various types of teaching strategies and they can aid the academic achievement of students in Economics. Also problem-solving and concept mapping strategies are also discussed and their significance and importance to students. The research design employed a 3x2 pre test, post test, control group, quasi experimental. The result of the analysis showed that there was no significant main effect of the treatment on students' achievement in Economics. (F(2.50) = 1.517, P >.05). It is obtained that the main effect of gender on students' achievement in Economics is not significant. (F(1,50) = .502; P>.05).However the two way interaction effect of treatment and gender is not significant (F(1.50 = .585, P>.05). It was however recommended that teachers should be trained in the used of learner centered instructional strategies such as problem solving. The periodic use of such and other innovative strategies will promote high-level learning. Teachers should pay attention to the training of their students in the development of problem solving skills before the end of SSCE Programmebr> African Research Review Vol. 2 (1) 2008: pp. 109-12

Physico-chemical Assessment of Mosquito Breeding Sites from Selected Mining Communities at the Obuasi Municipality in Ghana.

A survey was conducted in the Obuasi Municipality in Ghana to assess the impact of some physic-chemicals in waters of mosquito breeding sites from 15 randomly selected communities. The water samples, collected fortnightly for eight months, were analyzed using spectrophotometry and other standard laboratory protocols at the AngloGold Ashanti Environmental Quality Assurance Laboratory for temperature, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity and pH. The physico-chemical parameters which ranged from 17.03 ± 0.18?C - 24.06 ± 0.18?C (temperature), 17.03 ± 4.04mg/L - 96.67 ± 4.04mg/L (TSS), 1.09±3.23mg/L - 35.67±3.23mg/L (TDS), 3.97 ± 0.13mg/L - 7.43 ± 0.13mg/L (DO), 17.00 ± 1.30µScm-3 - 83.00 ± 1.30 µScm-3 (EC) and 7.77 ± 0.0 - 10.70 ± 0.01 (pH) were much lower relative to the EPA Maximum Permissible Limits. It is apparent that under rising temperature conditions of climate change, the mosquito’s habitat may be highly favoured for adaptation and prolific breeding in the tropics and this further creates the opportunity for research partners to get actively involved in finding integrated control measures to counteract the life cycle of the pest. Keywords: Anglogold Ashanti, Obuasi Municipality, Physio-chemical Analysis, Mosquito Breeding Water

Building Sustainable Business Clusters towards Global Competitiveness: Case Study of Furniture Making along Owode-Ajegunle Axis of Lagos State

To countries like Brazil, Pakistan, India, China and many more, business clustering is not new as it has contributed a lot to their economic development. Agglomeration economies as it is otherwise called by some economists have been identified as one of the ways companies bring out innovative products. Because of its potential to affect competition by increasing business productivity, driving innovation and stimulating new businesses, business cluster is a useful tool to create global competitiveness. Currently at Owode-Ajegunle axis along Ikorodu road, Lagos, Nigeria, small uncoordinated groups of furniture makers can be seen producing their wares along both sides of a long stretch of the road. This paper therefore looks at the current position of this natural occurring, disorganized, identified cluster and what can be done for its improvement and sustainability. As a theoretical paper, theories, past works and experiences from other countries of the world will be explored to see how this proposed cluster can be properly established towards creating global competitiveness in this sector. The paper concludes that since industrial clusters have the capacity to rejuvenate local economies, provide competitiveness and create wealth, the formation of these small roadside enterprises into an organized business cluster will significantly improve efficiency, innovation and quality of products in the furniture industry and that the concerned Government institutions, agencies and parastatals must make collaborative effort by creating a synergy among the enterprises of the identified cluster, towards its sustainability for increased global standards. Keywords: Business cluster, Global competitiveness, Furniture

Linking Optical SPOT and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle data for a rapid biomass estimation in a Forest-savanna Transitional Zone of Ghana

The direct estimation of biomass using remote sensing technologies, such as LiDAR, RaDAR and Stereo Data is limited in utility, since it does not allow for historical analysis of biomass dynamics far back in time due to their recency in development. This study links Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-measured tree height and optical SPOT image reflectance in a mathematical model for a quick and less expensive indirect biomass estimation, and the possibility of historical analysis using the earliest captured optical data. SPOT 6/7 images were used to map land-use/cover patterns. A Phantom 4 drone images were used for height and crown width estimation. A stepwise regression analysis was conducted to establish a relationship between SPOT 6/7 channels and the UAV-generated tree heights. The linear model was used to convert the reflectance values of SPOT images into tree heights, and in turn used for crown width estimation. The estimated tree height and crown width images were used to estimate biomass using an allometric equation. There was no statistically significant difference between UAV and manual tree height measurements. UAV-estimated tree height predicted 88.0% of crown width. Regressing the tree height on the SPOT bands yielded an R2 of 66.0%. It is recommended that further studies be conducted to improve on the accuracy of estimation. It is hoped this would facilitate a quick biomass estimation and long term historical dynamics

Cocoa introductions into Ghana

Cocoa breeding and selection programmes in Ghana and other West African countries have been based largely on existing cultivated populations or on few collections of wild cocoa. The most widely used cocoa germplasm derives from the material collected by F. J. Pound during the periods 1937-1938 and 1942-1943 and distributed as the Iquitos Mixed Calabacillos (IMC), Nanay, Parinari, Scavina, and the Pound series of clones. This material collected in the Upper Amazon region has been particularly successful, suggesting that cacao would be greatly improved if more germplasm material were provided for use by breeders. Maintaining adequate genetic variability in cocoa germplasm collection, essential for sustainable cocoa production, can be realised through active and conscious germplasm acquisition. Because there is the risk of accidentally introducing diseases and pests along with cocoa germplasm material, effective indexing procedures, together with the availability of final quarantine houses in individual producing countries, are essential to ensure that introduced materials are free of diseases and pests. To be successful as breeding material for producing improved varieties for farmers, the introductions must have some desirable characteristics acceptable to chocolate manufacturers and farmers.Les programmes de reproduction et de sélection de cacao au Ghana et dans d'autres pays de l'Afrique occidentale ont été fondé en grande partie sur les populations de cultures existantes oú sur un tous petit nombre de collections de cacao sauvage. Le germeplasme de cacao le plus utilisé sur une grande étendue vient de matières ramassées par F. J. Pound en 1937-1938 et en 1942-1943 et distribuées sous les noms d'Iquitos Mixed Calabacillos (IMC), Nanay, Parinari, Scavina et Pound comme des séries de clones. Une succès particulier a été réalisé avec cette matière ramassée de la région de Haute Amazone. Ce succès suggère que même de plus grandes améliorations en cacao pourraient être possible si beaucoup auraient été disponible pour utilisation par les phytogéticiens. Le maintien de variabilité génétique adéquate en collection de germeplasme de cacao est essentiel pour la production durable de cacao et ceci pourrait être réalisé par acquisition active et consciente de germeplasme. Puisqu'il y a le risque d'introduire par hasard les maladies et les insectes nuisibles avec la matière de germeplasme du cacao, les procédures efficaces d'indexation, ainsi que la disponibilité de salles de quarantaine finale dans chaque pay producteur sont essentiel pour assurer que les matietes introduietes sont sans maladies et insectes nuisibles. Pour réussir comme matière de reproduction pour la production de variétés améliorés pour les agriculteurs, les introductions devraient avoir quelques caractéristiques désirables er acceptables aux fabriquants de chocolat et aux agriculteurs. Ghana Journal of Agricultural Science Vol. 39 (2) 2006: pp. 22

The Grasscutter: An Untapped Resource of Africa’s Grasslands

The grasscutter (or Greater cane rat – Thryonomys swinderianus) is a common rodent in Africa, south of the Sahara. Its distribution ranges from The Gambia to southern Sudan, across the continent down to south Namibia and South Africa (Fritzinger 1995). The grasscutter grows to \u3e 0.5 m in length and weighs ~8 kg. It has characteristic rounded ears, a short nose, coarse bristly hair, and forefeet smaller than its hind feet. Grasscutters are herbivores and their natural diet is mainly grasses and cane, but they also eat bark, fallen fruits, nuts and many different kinds of cultivated crops. Grasscutters get their name from the way they cut the grasses and other foods with their incisors, producing a chattering sound that is relatively loud and very distinguishable (Mills 1997). The meat is highly preferred by a wide range of West Africans and is gaining some acceptance in Central and Southern Africa (Van Zyl et. al. 1999a, Adu et. al 2005). The meat commands a premium price compared to other meat sources, with its sale being a major industry in both urban and rural centres (Adu et al. 2005). Grasscutter farming is therefore being promoted in most countries in West Africa as a model for poverty reduction (Baptist and Mensah 1986). Though various aspects of captive grasscutter production have been studied, it has a low uptake rate as a new farming venture (Anang et. al. 211). This paper therefore attempts to create a broader and clearer picture of the potential of grasscutter farming in parts of Africa where the animal occurs

Traced Metals and Nutrients in Mosquito Breeding Sites at the Obuasi Municipality of Ashanti Region in Ghana

A survey was conducted in the Obuasi Municipality to assess the impact of some trace metals and nutrients on mosquito breeding sites from 15 randomly selected communities. The water samples, collected fortnightly for eight months, were analyzed using spectrophotometry and other standard laboratory protocols at the AngloGold Ashanti Environmental Quality Assurance Laboratory. The results on trace metals, and nutrients did not reveal any significant pattern of attendant pollution that would influence the breeding patterns of mosquitoes. However, the trace metals ranged from 0.12±0.01mg/L - 13.42±0.01mg/L and 0.01±0.01mg/L - 0.30±0.01mg/L for Fe and Pb respectively in the waters whilst As and Zn were not detected. For the nutrients - nitrate values which were > 1 ranged from 2mg/L – > 40mg/L. Sulphate levels varied between < 20mg/L and > 200mg/L and were above the EPA Maximun Permissible Limit of 1.5 mg/L  for polluted  natural water bodies. There was no definite pattern in the concentrations of phosphates which varied between 0.1mg/L and 1.5mg/L in the waters. It is apparent that under rising temperature conditions of climate change, the mosquito’s habitat may be highly favoured for adaptation and prolific breeding in the tropics and this further creates the opportunity for research partners to get actively involved in finding integrated control measures to counteract the life cycle of the pest. Keywords: Anglogold Ashanti, Obuasi Municipality, Traced Metal Analysis, Mosquito Breeding Water

The Craft Industry, Oral Literature and Language in the Development of Tourism in Ghana: Prospects and Challenges

This paper examines the role the craft industry, Oral Literature and language play in the development of tourism in Ghana.  From the study, it was found that all the three are important for several reasons, namely economic value, exchange of information, sharing of experiences or world-views and finally changing biases.  However, lack of outlets and finishing of products constitute major problems. Key Words: Artifact, Cosmo-vision, pragmatic interpretation, equiparable, lyrical interpretation

Are Fc gamma receptor polymorphisms important in HIV-1 infection outcomes and latent reservoir size?

Fc gamma receptors (FcγR) are cell surface glycoproteins which trigger specific effector-cell responses when cross-linked with the Fc portions of immunoglobulin (IgG) antibodies. During HIV-1 infection, the course of disease progression, ART response, and viral reservoir size vary in different individuals. Several factors may account for these differences; however, Fc gamma receptor gene polymorphisms, which influence receptor binding to IgG antibodies, are likely to play a key role. FcγRIIa (CD32) was recently reported as a potential marker for latent HIV reservoir, however, this assertion is still inconclusive. Whether FcγR polymorphisms influence the size of the viral reservoir, remains an important question in HIV cure studies. In addition, potential cure or viral suppression methods such as broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAbs) may depend on FcγRs to control the virus. Here, we discuss the current evidence on the potential role played by FcγR polymorphisms in HIV-1 infection, treatment and vaccine trial outcomes. Importantly, we highlight contrasting findings that may be due to multiple factors and the relatively limited data from African populations. We recommend further studies especially in sub-Saharan Africa to confirm the role of FcγRIIa in the establishment of latent reservoir and to determine their influence in therapies involving bNAbs

Assessing the variability and predictability of adipokines (adiponectin, leptin, resistin and their ratios) in non-obese and obese women with anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome

Objectives To assess the variability and predictability of adiponectin, leptin, resistin and their ratios in non-obese and obese women with anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome (aPCOS). Results A total of 52 ovulatory controls (mean age = 31.63 ± 4.88 years, BMI = 25.33 ± 2.68 kg/m2); 54 non-obese (mean age = 32.11 ± 4.25 years, BMI = 25.72 ± 2.95 kg/m2) and 50 obese women with aPCOS (mean age = 33.64 ± 4.14 years, BMI = 39.19 ± 2.99 kg/m2) were recruited. The aPCOS group had lower adiponectin [13.0 (10.49–16.59) vs 18.42 (15.72–19.92) µg/ml, p \u3c 0.0001], adiponectin: leptin ratio (A:L) [0.60 (0.35–0.88) vs 1.19 (0.92–1.37), p \u3c 0.0001], and adiponectin: resistin ratio (A:R) [0.30 (0.21–0.43) vs 0.42 (0.32–0.62), p \u3c 0.0001] but a higher leptin [20.02 (14.54–26.80) vs 16.17 (14.51–18.36) ng/ml, p \u3c 0.0001] and leptin: resistin ratio (L:R) [0.53 (0.37–0.82) vs 0.40 (0.27–0.48), p \u3c 0.0001] compared to the controls. The obese aPCOS group had lower adiponectin [11.04 (5.66–13.25) vs 14.18 (11.04–18.02), p \u3c 0.0001 and 18.42 (15.72–19.92) µg/ml, p \u3c 0.0001], A:L [0.36 (0.27–0.44) vs 0.78 (0.61–1.16), p \u3c 0.0001 and 1.19 (0.92–1.37), p \u3c 0.0001], and A:R [0.24 (0.17–0.38) vs 0.40 (0.23–0.58), p \u3c 0.0001 and 0.42 (0.32–0.62), p \u3c 0.0001] but a higher leptin [26.80 (14.28–32.09) vs 17.95 (14.86–21.26), p \u3c 0.05 and 16.17 (14.51–18.36) ng/ml, p \u3c 0.0001] and L:R [0.63 (0.46–1.03) vs 0.41 (0.30–0.61), p \u3c 0.0001 and 0.40 (0.27–0.48), p \u3c 0.0001] compared to the non-obese aPCOS and control group, respectively. A:L showed the best discriminatory power in predicting aPCOS (AUC = 0.83), followed by adiponectin alone (AUC = 0.79), L:R and leptin alone (both AUC = 0.69). Resistin alone had the poorest discriminatory power (AUC = 0.48)