ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Knapsack Problem A Case Study of Metro T.V., A Television Station in Ghana

The Knapsack or Rucksack problem is a problem in combinatorial optimization. Though the name existed in folklore, it might have been derived from the maximization problem of the best choice of essentials that can fit into a bag to be carried on a trip. Supposing a traveler has a traveling bag (knapsack) that takes a maximum of of “items.” The traveler has items (1,2,3, …, n), they weigh and are of value to him. How many pieces of items should be placed in the knapsack so as not to exceed the maximum weight of “b”? The practice of selecting commercials to be played on air from a pile of commercials in most TV and radio stations to generate the maximum revenue given a fixed time, is a clear case of Knapsack problem. In this research, our interest is in the systematic and efficient way of organizing adverts on Metro TV, a TV station in Ghana, with the help of the Heuristic Scheme (simple flip) proposed by Amponsah and Darkwah (2007), a variant of the classical 0-1 Knapsack problem to maximize income. Nevertheless, our methodology focuses among others, on general techniques such as Simulated Annealing, Genetic Algorithm, Branch-bound Method, Dominance Relations, Dynamic Programming and thus may be applicable in implementation of the Knapsack problem. We also pointed out some reasons for the good practical performance of our algorithm. A computer solution developed in Visual Basic Dot Net employed in analyzing the data collected from Metro TV can be used for any problems that can be modeled as a single 0-1 Knapsack problem. The results of the analysis of data showed a 35.19% increase in income of the station; from GH¢21,000.00 when adverts were selected arbitrarily to GH¢28,390.00 daily, at the time the software was used.

Source: KNUST
Knock - down assemblage and construction of sculpture

Sculpture in Ghana is simply monolithic. Images or objects are carved, modelled and assembled from a block of wood, clay, cement and metal. The majority of Sculptures are weighty in their relative size. As a result, Patrons find it cumbersome to patronise. It becomes difficult to convey such works; so, the vocation is not lucrative, and dynamic. OBJECTIVES: 1. To identify materials for Assemblage and Construction. 2. To design or develop a means for knock-down Sculpture. HYPOTHESIS: A structure will collapse if the joints are weak. DELIMITATION: The project limits itself to the use of shaped pieces of wood and paper as media for Assemblage and Construction of Sculpture. JUSTIFICATION: The individual’s creativity would develop further by toying with the scattered materials; Sculptures could be conveyed by detaching components, packing and bundling. Finally the works could be reassembled. METHODOLOGY: Review of related literature was done at the following libraries: - 1. The U.S.T Library, Kumasi 2. College of Art Library (U.S.T) 3. The British Council Library, Kumasi 4. The Ashanti Regional Library, Kurnasi 5. Konongo - Odumasi Library Experiments were conducted with shaped pieces of wood and paper. Three project works were executed in wood; paper and wood combined. The finished works were sprayed with varnish. FACILITIES AVAILABLE 1. THE U.S.T. LIBRARY, KUMASI 2. THE BRITISH COUNCIL LIBRARY, KUMASI 3. COLLEGE OF ART LIBRARY (UST) 4. THE ASHANTI REGIONAL LIBRARY - KUMASI 5. KONONGO - ODUMASI LIBRARY 6 SCULPTURE STUDIO 7. CAMERA 8. ELECTRONIC WOODWORKING MACHINES The report is in five Chapters. The first Chapter is the Introduction followed by Review of Related Literature. The Related Literature discusses the meaning of Assemblage and Construction, showing inter-relationship as well as its development and influence in modern technology. Wood, paper and their working processes, very useful in the project, find treatment under this chapter. Chapter three is about the experiment conducted using pieces of wood and paper with the help of the power-driven machines. Chapter four deals with the main project in Assemblage and Construction as designed and knock-down by sliding and pulling along grooves. The last Chapter is the summary, conclusion and recommendations.

Source: KNUST
Knockdown Resistance (KDR) Genotype Frequencies and Distribution of Molecular Forms of Anopheles Gambiae in some areas of Accra Metropolis and Okyereko

Malaria is one of the most contending diseases of the world with sub-Saharan Africa being the greatest sufferer. There have been several combating procedures; some focus on the causative parasite – plasmodium species, whilst others look into areas like vaccine technology, feasibility of large scale sterilization of the male Anopheles gambiae and vector control of the mosquito. A major constraint to vector control, based on indoor residual spraying and insecticide-treated materials, is the development of resistance by the mosquito vector to insecticides used for their control. This study reports on the distribution of the molecular forms of An. gambiae and insecticide resistance (the kdr mutation) carried out by sampling mosquito larvae from five locations in the Accra metropolis, and one out-group – Okyereko. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for the several analyses, and amplified nucleotide sequences were obtained when reaction products were analyzed by gel electrophoresis. The molecular M and S forms of An. gambiae were found to occur in sympatry in all locations. The M form predominated throughout locations where rice and vegetable fields existed and were undergoing irrigation, with Korle Bu having the highest frequency of 96.7 %. Labadi Wireless had the highest frequency of the S form of 66.7 %. M/S hybrids were detected in three locations, with Madina scoring 70 %. The kdr mutation was observed at very high frequencies within the S form (80-100 %), M form (73.9-100 %), and M/S form (85.7-100 %). A comprehensive study of the mosquito on a large scale would ensure a properly-structured vector control programme in order to curtail the spread of insecticide resistant An. gambiae and also to eradicate the parasite.

Source: KNUST
Knowledge and perceptions of type 2 diabetes among Ghanaian migrants in three European countries and Ghanaians in rural and urban Ghana: The RODAM qualitative study

African migrants in Europe and continental Africans are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes (T2D). Both groups develop T2D at a younger age, and have higher morbidity and mortality from T2D and complications, compared to European populations. To reduce risk, and avoidable disability and premature deaths, culturally congruent and context spe cific interventions are required. This study aimed to: (a) assess perceptions and knowledge of T2D among Ghanaian migrants in Europe and their compatriots in Ghana and (b) identify specific perceptions and knowledge gaps that might predispose migrants to higher risk of diabetes. Data was gathered through 26 focus groups with 180 individuals, aged 21 to 70, from Amsterdam, Berlin and London and rural and urban Ashanti Region, Ghana. Thematic analysis of the data was informed by Social Representations Theory, which focuses on the sources, content and functions of social knowledge. Three key insights emerged from analy sis. First, there was general awareness, across migrant and non-migrant groups, of T2D as a serious chronic condition with life threatening complications, and some knowledge of bio medical strategies to prevent diabetes (e.g healthy eating) and diabetes complications (e.g medication adherence). However, knowledge of T2D prevention and reduction of diabetes complications was not comprehensive. Secondly, knowledge of biomedical diabetes theo ries and interventions co-existed with theories about psychosocial and supernatural causes of diabetes and the efficacy of herbal and faith-based treatment of diabetes. Finally, migrants’ knowledge was informed by both Ghanaian and European systems of T2D

Source: KNUST
Knowledge and practice of family planning among women of reproductive age group in Awutu Senya East Municipality in the Central region of Ghana

Introduction:The effective use of contraceptive methods in the population would help reduce significantly unwanted pregnancy rates, maternal, perinatal and infant mortality rate, unsafe abortion, adolescent pregnancy rate and control population growth. This can be achieved when people have much knowledge and practice of family planning. Objective: The study was conducted to assess the knowledge and practice of current family planning among women in their reproductive age in the Awutu Senya East Municipality. Methods:The study was community-based quantitative cross-sectional study. A multistage sampling method was used to select 316 women in various groups of the municipality using cluster sampling technique. A structured administered questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. SPSS software version 23 was used to analyze the data collected. Univariate analysis was used to describe the variables. Bivariate analysis using Chi-square was performed to test the associations between independent variables and knowledge and practice. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with knowledge and practice of family planning. Results:The results show that the proportion of women with adequate knowledge on family planning was 88.6%. The proportion that practice was 67.4%. Educational level (AOR= 1.23; 95% CI=1.03-6.43), marrital status (AOR= 3.21; 95% CI=1.56- 3.78), number of children (AOR= 2.17; 95% CI=1.32-8.54) were the demographic factors found to be significantly associated with family planning knowledge.Marrital status and number of children also significantly influenced practice.There was however a strong positive correlation between knowledge score and practice score with correlation coefficient of 0.692. Conclusion: This study has revealed that the proportion of women who currently use contraceptive is good. Knowledge level on family planning was very high and knowledge correlates positively into practice as a strong positive correlation was observed between knowledeg and practice.

Source: KNUST
Knowledge and practice of family planning among w reproductive age group in Awutu Senya East Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana

The effective use of contraceptive methods in the population would help reduce significantly unwanted pregnancy rates, maternal, perinatal and infant mortality rate, unsafe abortion, adolescent pregnancy rate and control population growth. This can be achieved when people have much knowledge and practice of family planning.Investigation was conducted to assess the knowledge and practice of current family planning among women in their reproductive age in the Awutu Senya East Municipality. The study was community-based quantitative cross-sectional study design. A multistage sampling method was used to select 316 women in various groups of the municipality using cluster sampling technique. A structured administered questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. SPSS software version 23 was used to analyze the data collected. Univariate analysis was used to describe the variables. Bivariate analysis using Chi-square was performed to test the associations between independent variables and knowledge and practice. Multiple logistic regression analysis was then carried out on the factors at the bivariate level, crude and adjusted odds ratio were computed and statistical significance was accepted at p < 0.05.The results show that the proportion of women with adequate knowledge on family planning was 88.6%. The proportion that practice was 67.4%. Educational level (AOR= 1.23; 95% CI=1.03-6.43), marrital status (AOR= 3.21; 95% CI=1.56- 3.78), number of children (AOR= 2.17; 95% CI=1.32-8.54) were the demographic factors found to be significantly associated with family planning knowledge. Marrital status and number of children also significantly influenced practice.There was however a strong positive correlation between knowledge score and practice score with correlation coefficient of 0.692. This study has revealed that the proportion of women who currently use contraceptive is good. Knowledge level on family planning was very high and knowledge translates into practice as a strong positive correlation was observed between knowledeg score and practice score.

Source: KNUST
Knowledge and Preparedness of teachers in Ejisu-Juaben Municipality on Inclusive Education

Education is a right for all learners and should be made accessible to all learners including special need children. With the introduction of the pilot inclusive education in Ghana, many children with special needs have been admitted in some of these schools together with their peers without special needs and are been taught by general school teachers. For general education teachers to effectively include special needs children in their classrooms, their attitude about inclusion should be positive. It is in the light of this that this research is being embarked on to ascertain general teachers’ knowledge and preparedness for inclusive. The study involved all the five pilot inclusive schools in Ejisu-Juaben Municipality. This case study design utilized qualitative data collection method, and a purposive sampling technique was used to select 20 respondents comprising five head teachers, five resource teachers and ten (10) classroom teachers for in-depth interview. The findings of the study indicated that generally, the teachers had no adequate knowledge of inclusive education before the programme was introduced. Besides this major finding, the study also revealed other setbacks to inclusion such as inadequate preparation on the part of regular teachers and negative attitude of teachers towards special needs children. In conclusion, it is recommended that teachers should have more observation training on teaching special needs children in an inclusive setting to enable them to handle all categories of disabilities in the classrooms effectively. Also, Ghana Education Service, (GES) in collaboration with special education division, should organize workshops, seminars forums as well as symposiums aimed at establishing good rapport and collaboration among the stakeholders of inclusive education. Furthermore, it is suggested that consistent in-service training should be organized for all regular teachers in schools practicing inclusion on pilot bases to refresh their knowledge and equip them with best inclusive practices to enable them manage the pupils.

Source: KNUST
Knowledge and practice of family planning among women of reproductive ages living within the catchment area of Pokua health center.

Background: Globally, family planning services are an essential element of reproductive health care and have saved the lives and protected the health of millions of women and children. Family planning is one of the pillars of safe motherhood and reproductive right. It‟s affected by cultural conditions and social background. While family planning services are available in Ghana, yet there is little information on their uptake by women in the rural areas. Objective: To assess the knowledge and practice about family planning among women of reproductive ages living within the catchment area of Pokuase health center. Method: This is a cross-sectional study. The study participants was selected using random sampling methods. The study population are the women in reproductive ages of Catchment area of Pokuase Health Centre. Face to face interview was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire to collect data from participants. Once the data was collected, it was entered in Microsoft excel and analyzed with SPSS version 20. The results was presented using tables, frequency and percentages. Results: About 150 women participated in the study with the mean age of 31.53(± 7.35). Less than half (54.0 %) of the participants had a good level of knowledge towards family planning whereas (51.8%) of them were not using currently using a contraceptive method. With regards to practice, the participants showed a poor level of practice of family planning at 41 (13%) whereas those with good level of practice of family planning constituted only (10%). Conclusion: This study provides a useful source of empirical information to policy makers to achieve the desired goals in family planning. These findings of the study will help health care providers promote family planning in the catchment area of Pokuase sub-municipality.

Source: KNUST
Knowledge and practice of family planning among women of reproductive ages living within the catchment area of Pokuase health center

Background: Globally, family planning services are an essential element of reproductive health care and have saved the lives and protected the health of millions of women and children. Family planning is one of the pillars of safe motherhood and reproductive right. It‟s affected by cultural conditions and social background. While family planning services are available in Ghana, yet there is little information on their uptake by women in the rural areas. Objective: To assess the knowledge and practice about family planning among women of reproductive ages living within the catchment area of Pokuase health center. Method: This is a cross-sectional study. The study participants was selected using random sampling methods. The study population are the women in reproductive ages of Catchment area of Pokuase Health Centre. Face to face interview was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire to collect data from participants. Once the data was collected, it was entered in Microsoft excel and analyzed with SPSS version 20. The results was presented using tables, frequency and percentages. Results: About 150 women participated in the study with the mean age of 31.53(± 7.35). Less than half (54.0 %) of the participants had a good level of knowledge towards family planning whereas (51.8%) of them were not using currently using a contraceptive method. With regards to practice, the participants showed a poor level of practice of family planning at 41 (13%) whereas those with good level of practice of family planning constituted only (10%). Conclusion: This study provides a useful source of empirical information to policy makers to achieve the desired goals in family planning. These findings of the study will help health care providers promote family planning in the catchment area of Pokuase sub-municipality.

Source: KNUST
Knowledge and Use of Google Educational Tools by Postgraduate Students in a Ghanaian University

This study examined postgraduates’ knowledge and usage of Google educational tools. The study was conducted in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) with 350 respondents. A purposive sampling technique that allows researchers to use their judgments in selecting participants for research was used to select the participants for this study. A questionnaire was used as the data collection instrument, and it was sent to only the participants who attended a series of information literacy training sessions organized by the authors. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS software. The study revealed that most students use Google as their search engine, and Google Scholar was the most popular Google educational tool. The students gained knowledge of these tools through their colleagues, on their own, through workshops, seminars, and conferences, and their lecturers. The respondents also mentioned some challenges, such as requests to pay to access articles and slow Internet. Some recommendations, such as more education by academic librarians to encourage students to use these free tools and efforts by the students themselves to learn how to use these tools, were made.

Source: KNUST
Knowledge management, innovation and performance an empirical study of firms in Ghana.

Generally, firms play a crucial role in supporting the nation‟s economy. In the present turbulent environments, knowledge has been viewed as a major strategic competitive resource. Given the importance of knowledge, entrepreneurs are encouraged to develop their capabilities to manage knowledge which will move them to become more competitive and innovative. The purpose of this study was to examine the causal relationships between knowledge management adoption, innovation and organizational performance. A total of 100 firms were sampled for the study from Chief Executive Officers or owner managers of sole proprietorship, joint venture and public limited liability firms using structured questionnaires. Employing the use of correlation analysis, Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression technique and bootstrap estimation procedure, the study sought to ascertain the relationship between the study variables. A reliability and validity test was performed using the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The findings of the study suggested that there is a positive relationship between knowledge and firm performance. Focusing on the dimensions of knowledge management, the research findings indicate both knowledge distribution and application and knowledge storage have a positive effect on firm performance. There is a positive relationship between knowledge and innovation of firms in Ghana. The study indicates that knowledge distribution and application has a significant indirect effect on firm performance through innovation. The study realized that knowledge management enhances innovation and induces firm performance. The findings also indicate that innovation contributes immensely to firm performance. Consequently, it can be concluded that innovation mediated the relationship between knowledge management processes and firm performance.

Source: KNUST
Knowledge management practices in the quantity surveying firms in Ghana

The output of Quantity Surveying firms is firmly based on the knowledge and experience of Quantity Surveyors that work in this sector. Knowledge management has been proposed as an approach that would help in achieving this purpose by formalizing the way in which firms manage their information and experiences. The study was carried out with the goal of investigating the Knowledge Management practices and to serve as a guideline to enhance development and effective Knowledge Management in Quantity Surveying firms in Ghana and to make recommendations. The study finds out that, in undertaking their roles, Quantity Surveyors face many barriers and challenges that inhibit the implementation of knowledge management within QS firms. Many of the barriers and challenges that organizations face in managing their knowledge assets are influenced by the lack of time and lack of support from management, Also, the best instances and tools to capture knowledge were also looked at during the survey. The best instances were categorized into the methods used to capture knowledge; methods used to communicate knowledge; procedures of transferring knowledge; and the learning styles developed to improve knowledge. Finally, the level of knowledge management in terms of their significance and benefits they have to the development of quantity surveying (QS) firms were assessed. Generally, knowledge management was assessed to have great importance in enhancing professionalism. From the study, it was discovered that, knowledge is normally captured and stored. However, there is no proper processing of this knowledge to allow its disclosure to the entire company, and to capture the knowledge, quantity surveying firms proposed to conduct meetings or revision during the execution of projects where they could share and discuss lessons learned and best practices. Knowledge sharing is seen as a contributory factor in business improvement and the system could therefore be part of the daily work of the people. In addition to, there must be an internal motivation and commitment of those involved to share their knowledge and work experience (whether good or bad) without fear of punishment for having made a mistake or of losing power by the fact of sharing their knowledge with the rest of team members or firms.

Source: KNUST