ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Convergence Analysis of Massive MIMO Antenna Arrays Using a Geometry-Based Stochastic Channel Model

In order to reap the full benefits of massive MIMO, the Base Station (BS) anten- nas must be significantly large to converge to favorable propagation condition or attain convergence (the state where the effect of noise and fast fading vanishes). However, increasing BS antennas results in closely spaced antenna elements which inadvertently leads to the detrimental effects of Spatial Correlation (SC) and that can affect the convergence of Massive MIMO System. So far, research works on Convergence have been investigated using Correlation-based Stochastic (CBSCM) channel models, which does not reflect accurate massive MIMO channel. This channel model does not take into consideration channel parameters such as the Pathloss, power delay profile as well as the characteristics of the antenna ar- ray needed for the practical massive MIMO system implementation. Therefore analysis of massive MIMO convergence regarding the Geometry-Based Stochastic Channel model (GBSCM), which reflects real practical massive MIMO channel and the effects of SC is needed. In this thesis, the convergence of massive MIMO based on GBSCM is studied. The effect of 3D SC of uniform rectangular and cylindrical array (URA and CA) based on the Maximum Power of Arrival (MPA) is incorporated. In the analysis, the Diagonal Dominance and Mean Absolute Deviation convergence metrics, were considered to study the effects of the SC on the asymptotic behavior of the channel matrix. The results support exist- ing development that, increase in azimuth and elevation spreads of the angular distributions of arrival and antenna element spacing reduces the SC and thereby increases convergence rate of massive MIMO. Results also show poor performance for the Laplacian and Von Misses distributions in GBSCM, even for higher AS and ES, and angular spreads. Further it was realized that, in GBSCM, the con- vergence of massive MIMO was sensitive to antenna array topology regarding Gaussian and Student’s t-distributions. This contradicts previously established results that convergence is insensitive to antenna topology in CBSCM. iv

Source: KNUST
Coordinating humanitarian logistics through ICT - case of NADMO

The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) is responsible for the management of disasters and similar emergencies and has been mandated by the Parliament of Ghana to perform the following functions: Coordination of the activities of various bodies in the management of disasters; Rehabilitation of persons affected by disasters; Social mobilization, especially at the community level to support various Government programmes, the last but not the least is to ensure that the country is prepared to prevent disasters and manage them well when they occur. This daunting task of NADMO, coordination of many different aid agencies, suppliers, and local and regional actors, all with their own ways of operating and own structures can be very challenging (Long and Wood, 1995). Nonetheless lack of coordination often leads to confusion at the last mile; however it can be reduced through the smooth collaboration and communication among stakeholders to share the little resources available. Information Communication Technology (ICT) database can be very useful and handy tool with its repository in terms of collaboration to support coordination successfully in disaster management especially during the preparedness stage of the disaster management (Murray, 2005), Open ended questionnaire and interview were used to assess all the primary data while reports and records were used for the secondary data. Percentage cumulative frequency tool of SPSS software and graph tool of Microsoft Excel software were used to analyse the data obtained. SQL Microsoft software was used to develop Information communication technology database repository. The study revealed that in times of disaster, there is slow response both on the part of NADMO as well as other governmental and non¬governmental relief organizations. Secondly, the people living in this disaster prone areas have very little or no education on disaster preparedness and mitigation except for occasional mass media education. Moreover, there was little or no coordination between NADMO and other relief agencies operating within the country. Though records of logistics are kept, its management was done manually. It is therefore recommended that ICT infrastructure and capacity building of the human resource be put in place in all districts of the country to enable NADMO fulfill its mandate. Further studies must be done into the operations of NADMO in aftermath of disaster management.

Source: KNUST
Conversion efficiency of log into lumber (a case study)

Most sawmills in Ghana operate under low efficiency in converting logs into lumber. This invariably, does not augur well for the management of forests on sustained yield basis. To assess this situation, Swiss Lumber Company and Fabi Timbers in the Western and Ashanti Regions, respectively were used to study conversion efficiencies. The results indicate that the recovery rates in converting log into lumber for Swiss Lumber and Fabi Timbers are 31% and 52%, respectively with a combined mean recovery of 41.25 ± 4.56% with 95% confidence. Factors such as log storage practices, log quality, lumber losses at machine centres, sawing methods, end—use requirement and differences in grading rules affected lumber recovery. Results may be used to make improvement in processing lumber.

Source: KNUST
Conversion Of Okomasa-A Normal Open Pollinated Maize Variety to Quality Protein Maize Using the Backcross Breeding Approach.

Biofortification of cereals especially maize which is the major cereal consumed in Ghana will help increase the health status of Ghanaians. A study was conducted with the main objective of enhancing the nutritional qualities of Okomasa, a normal high yielding open-pollinated variety by introgressing the opaque-2 gene, which confers high lysine and tryptophan into the said variety. The study was conducted at the breeding nurseries of the Maize Improvement Programme at the CSIR-Crops Research Institute at Fumesua which is located on Lat 6o 451N and Long 1o 361W from 2007 minor season to 2009 minor seaon. Obatanpa, a quality protein maize variety was used as the gene source to improve the nutritional status of Okomasa. The F1 was advanced to the F2 by self pollinating good F1 plants. Kernels from each cob were screened under the light box. Three levels of kernel modification were observed, less than 25% opaque, between 25%-50% opaque and completely opaque or over 50% opaque. The Chi-square test was employed to test the goodness of fit of the observed ratios to the expected genetic ratios in the F2 segregating material. The frequency of completely opaque (homozygote dominant) and heterozygotes were lower than the homozygote recessives. Additive genetic variance for plant height, ear height, cob length, cob diameter and rows per cob recorded low values of 8.76, 8.87, 0.13, 0.0, and 0.10 respectively. 95% of the phenotype was attributed to genetic variance, and 5% attributed to genetic variance which implies genetic gain will be maximized. Broad sense heritability values for plant height, ear height, and cob length were high: 0.95, 0.81 and 0.75. Narrow sense heritability values were low for the same traits which is an indication that environmental factors influenced maize production in this particular study. Correlation among parameters studied showed positive values in the two parents with plant height and ear height in both parents being significant. The F1 generation also showed significant values between plant and ear height.

Source: KNUST
Coping With Paediatric Cancer: Improving Care With Information Communication Technology Especially Mobile Health At The Pediatric Oncology Unit Of The Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (Kumasi, Ashanti Region).

ABSTRACT Mobile health (mHealth) is a branch of health Information Technology which provides the opportunity to receive health care whenever, wherever. This is mostly done through the most affordable and accessible information communication technology; the mobile phone. The objective of the study was to assess the use of information communication technology, especially the mobile telephone in improving caregiving in paediatric oncology in the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi. The primary focus was to gain first hand reactions and perceptions of the informal caregivers (parents/guardians, and relations) in the use of the mobile technology in sending and receiving information during paediatric cancer support and caregiving. A cross sectional design using qualitative methods was used to conduct this study. 26 participants were purposively selected for Focus Group Discussions and in-depth/key informant interviews. Discussions with informal caregivers centered on; 1. The typical caregiver roles, challenges, and concerns, 2. The coping mechanisms caregivers employ, 3. The use of ICT, and 4. The effectiveness of the mobile phone to improve caregiving. It emerged in the analysis that the typical caregiving roles were duly undertaken by female parents/guardians and relations, while the level of education played a part in the use of the computer for purposes such as information finding on the internet, or the e-mail in sending and receiving information. The use of the mobile phone knew no educational, geographical, employment, nor financial boundaries. All participants in both the focus group discussions and the in depth interviews had used the mobile phone either to make a complaint, clear a doubt, or to remind/confirm a doctor’s appointment. Participants applauded the paediatric oncology department for making available such a medium to facilitate the improvement in pediatric cancer support. It was recommended that periodically health workers should extend their care duties to the homes, and communities of families living with paediatric cancer. This would serve as a monitoring process as well as a psychological support to these caregivers. It was also recommended that the leadership of the hospital provide Clinical Decision Support Systems in paediatric cancer support. The final recommendation was for the inclusion of pediatric cancer illness in the National Health Insurance Scheme and its scope of disease coverage.

Source: KNUST
Coping with Urban Poverty; an Examination of Household and Individual Livelihood Strategies in Ghana: (A Case Study of Sunyani Municipality)

The issue of urban poverty in developing countries has attracted research attention in recent times as the major urban centers in these countries face tremendous pressure of population with insufficient infrastructure and social services, poor housing, insanitary conditions, low incomes, slums, etc leading to low standard of living. Sunyani Municipality as an urban area has experienced significant urban poverty over the decades and continues to do so. The main objective of this study was to examine urban poverty through the analysis of household and individual livelihood strategies in Ghana, zeroing on the Sunyani Municipality. From the results of the analysis, it was found out that households in the Municipality were aware of the meaning and causes of poverty which is evident in the livelihood of households and individuals. Though most of the households are employed, their incomes were not able to meet their needs. They therefore supplement their livelihood through either family support, employing both orthodox and unorthodox methods in obtaining essential social services, increased patronage of food sold by street vendors, and multiple membership of social, ethnic and religious associations. The inhabitants need to be part and even offer suggestions as to how their lives could be improved for the better. The very philosophy of the Local Government System of Ghana which is to enhance the participation of the citizens of the communities in decisions affecting their lives should be adhered to. Data for the study was obtained mainly through the administration of questionnaires. The data gathered was electronically analyzed.It has been recommended that the Sunyani Municipal Assembly should increase its poverty alleviation fund to tackle poverty.

Source: KNUST
Coping with Vulnerability to Environmental Hazards in Central Gonja District: Case Study of Buipe and Yapei

The study investigated how the migration and characteristics of the people of Buipe and Yapei affect their access to key assets and their ability to cope with vulnerability to flooding. The variables investigated included gender, ethnicity, age and religion. The residency period of the people were also investigated. Direct observation, focus group discussions, questionnaires and interviews were methods employed for data collection from a sample of 152 households at Buipe and 65 households at Yapei. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analyzing the data. The test used to determine the relationship of the variables was the chi square. The analysis showed that most of the respondents lacked access to key assets. Lack of access to these key assets affects their ability to anticipate, resist and recover from floods. At both Buipe and Yapei the most vulnerable groups were females, the aged and migrants. However, Traditionalists were the most vulnerable at Buipe whilst at Yapei the most vulnerable were Christians. The study showed that respondents at Yapei were more vulnerable to floods than those at Buipe.

Source: KNUST
Copper jewellery at sewia, story told, statements made

The art of copper smithing at Sewia in the Ashanti Region has become a profession of the people especially of the youth. This branch of metal work, which is passed on from generation to generation has been overlooked. It is therefore very important to bring the industry to limelight as it has been with the other arts such as woodcarving, pottery making, brass casting and so on. The researcher, to do, this has given an introduction into the art of copper smithing at Sewia and has outlined the statement of the problem and the objectives for the study. Literature related to copper and copper smithing have also been reviewed. The descriptive and historical research methods employed by the researcher to come out with the study have also been described. This includes stepwise procedures undertaken by the researcher in arriving at the information contained in this thesis. Presentation and analysis of findings have also been discussed. This includes a brief history of copper smithing at Sewia, tools and materials used, design methods and the fabrication and finishing techniques of the art. Ways of improvement of the art by the introduction of new ideas for designing and other production techniques which would help develop copper jewellery produced at Sewia to be more competitive in the international market as well as to enable the art to be practiced in its modern terms have been suggested.

Source: KNUST
Corporate Branding and Consumer purchase preference in mobile phone telecommunication

This thesis was carried out to determine the impact of corporate branding on consumer puchase preference in the telecom industry. Other reasons were to find out the key factors that motivate consumer purchase decision regarding a particular network choice. The researcher also intended to determine consumers switching attitudes towards performing and non performing brands. Finally the researcher wanted to find out if customers’ loyalty and trust are determined by service quality or brand. In order to achieve these objectives, a set of opened and closed ended questionnaires were administered on a sample of 100 mobile phone subscribers in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The data was analyzed using univariate analysis. The finding revealed that corporate branding plays a crucial role in communicating the company marketing and product mix information to consumers. However, corporate branding was found not to be the main determinant of consumers’ choice of a network but rather factors such as price, customer service and network quality. It is recommended that corporate branding should be adopted when designing the company corporate strategy but emphasis should be placed on price, good customer service and network quality as well. To achieve these qualities and stay competitive companies need to pursue low cost strategy which will replicate in affordable prices and with consistent network quality and good customer service programs, customer loyalty and trust will be built.

Source: KNUST
Copyright awareness at KNUST

The study examined the level of copyright awareness in educational institutions from the context of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The study focuses on the measures put in place by Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology to prevent copyright infringement and the good practices that are being followed to ensure that copyright is properly observed at the university. The study gathered enough data to examine the impact of copyright awareness on the use, creation and protection of copyright materials. The study showed that most of the students in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology think of copyright as an instrument that prohibits others from using information resources without the authors’ permission. One of the major observations that call for a serious concern, in this study, is the fact that Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology lacks proper Copyright Policy and this policy gap is a potential vacuum likely to hold back access to knowledge and stifle innovation in the long run. That notwithstanding, based on the research findings and review of related literature of the study, it was highly recommended that the university should have a copyright policy to address copyright issues that arise from the use of copyright materials by Students and Lecturers.

Source: KNUST
Corporate compliance with International Financial Reporting Standard of listed Banking Financial Institutions in Ghana

Is been 7 years since Ghana adopted International Accounting Standard(IAS) / International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS), in place of Ghana National Accounting Standard for all listed companies of which banks are of no exception. There have existed compliance gap by listed companies who claimed compliance. This has been supported by previous research. This study, investigated the extent of compliance with IFRS disclosure requirements of listed banks. Additionally, the study sought to identify factors associated with the level of compliance. The study resorted to secondary data which were obtained from annual reports of the listed banks. The period earmarked for the study was from 2010 to 2014. These years were chosen since much work has not been done on compliance for the years under review for banks on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE). The population for the study was listed firms on GSE. The sample size was the banking financial institutions with a total of nine banks, however, sample of six (6) banks were chosen using the judgemental sampling technique. This technique was used since it allowed for exercising judgement to select cases that enable the researcher achieve the objective of the study. Based on the sample of the six (6) listed banks for the 5 years period, an average of 83.7% compliance with IFRS disclosure requirements was made, with profitability and size statistically associated with the level of compliance. As the forces of globalization allow countries to open their doors to foreign investment and business expansion across borders, the need for a common reporting has come to stay and it has therefore become eminent to ensure full compliance with the use of the IFRS. Full compliance can be achieved if there is strict regular monitoring by the regulatory bodies such as (Bank of Ghana, Security and Exchange commission, GSE). Also ICAG which is the solely responsible for regulating the accounting profession should ensure that regular training are organised for auditors in order for them to get the practical update on the standard to ensure compliance.

Source: KNUST
Corporate governance and capital structure dynamics in the manufacturing sector in ghana

Corporate governance and capital structure are two key concepts in any company. For this reason, corporate governance policies are structured and developed by regulators to enhance organizational outcomes. This study therefore assessed the impact of corporate governance on capital structure in quoted manufacturing firms in Ghana. The study specifically focused on the effect of board independence, gender diversity, board size and institutional ownership as corporate governance indicators on capital structure. Data were gathered from audited financial statements of Aluworks Limited, Benso Oil Palm Plantation Limited, Greatwall Plastic Company Limited, Dannex Ayrton StarwinPlc, Unilever Ghana Limited, Permafix Industries (GHANA), Tinatett Herbal Manufacturing and Marketing Company Limited, Latex Foam Rubber Products Limited, Fan Milk Limited and Camelot Ghana Limited, from 2010 to 2020. Based on Hausman Specification test, Random Effect Model was used for the estimations. All estimations were done with STATA, version 16.0. The study further revealed that board size has a significant positive impact on the capital structure at a 10% significant level. The results revealed that quoted manufacturing companies with more females on their boards significantly have lower capital structure dynamics. Board independence did not have a significant impact on the capital structure dynamics of quoted manufacturing companies in Ghana at a 5% significant level. institutional ownership has a significant positive impact on the capital structure at a 5% significant level. Thus, the quoted manufacturing company should have a reasonable board size, composed of more females with the right technical knowledge to improve capital structure dynamics.

Source: KNUST
Corporate governance and capital structure of banks in Ghana

Banks play an essential financial function within the economy. The economic growth is a function of an efficient and stable banking system while governance in industries have been explain as how organizations are control. Corporate governance has a link with organization capital structure. When corporate governance is poor, it affects firm’s performance and financing decision. The recent financial crises in the banking sector have made it necessary to examine the role of governance and financing pattern in banking industry. The study employs a secondary data from 208 years of observation consisting of 21 banks from 2008 to 2017 using cross sectional fixed effect analysis to establish the association between corporate governance and capital structure. The finding suggests a significant positive association ownership, return on equity and firm size to capital structure. These indicate that banks in Ghana purse debt using these as a mechanism while board size and return on asset also record significant but negative. Though they are negative, it affirms the pecking order theory that state that firms should first finance its project with internal funds before sourcing for alternative. The finding also suggests that board diversity significant and negatively related to capital structure which support the pecking order theory that states that firm should rather use internal funds before they seek for alternative funds.

Source: KNUST