ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
A Computerized System for the Choice of Trucks at Ghana National Manganese Corporation, Nsuta

The contribution of material haulage to the operational cost of open pit mines is significantly high. This has been found to range from 40 to 60 % of the direct mining cost by many experts. Truck haulage system has been applied in many pits of average and high productivity and has become an important cost element in open pit mining. Ghana National Manganese Corporation (GNMC) is an open pit mine located at Nsuta, about 6km from ‘Tarkwa, in the Western Region of Ghana. The mine exploits manganese oxides for export. Truck haulage constitutes the major transportation system in the material haulage at Ghana National Manganese Corporation. The manganese ores occur on five hills, namely A, B, C, D & E. Selective mining is practised to obtain the required grade of ore from all the operating pits. The choice of trucks to handle the large quantity of waste materials and different types of manganese ores efficiently from the pit is a major constraint in the operation. The need therefore to minimize this attendant problem, using computers, cannot be over-emphasized as this would increase fleet productivity and reduce haulage cost. This thesis describes the application of artificial intelligence techniques to provide effective means of truck selection, and their efficient utilization and also work out the plan by which trucks can effectively be dispatched. A knowledge base comprising lexicons was developed and imported into a prototype expert system to assist in the selection of trucks and to validate the use of trucks for all haulage operations in the pits. The study covers the general haulage network and the operations at Hill E neck in particular.

Source: KNUST
Computing Powers of Positive Integers Using the Modified Detached Coefficients Method and the Staircase Method.

The Modified Detached Coefficients Method is used to find power numbers ,say Q = (d1d2…dm)n to any positive nth power. The power number is first converted to a multinomial, Say Q= (d1d2d3)3 Q = (d1pm-1 +d2pm-2 +dmp0)n…(1),where m is the number of digits and n is a positive power of the expansion. Then equation (1) is expanded using the multinomial expansion. The coefficients (d’s) of the p’s are extracted to become the result of the power number if and only if all the coefficients are single digits otherwise convert the coefficients which are more than 1 to p’s by replacing 10’s by p. For example, supposing 54 is a coefficient it is replaced by 5p+4,i.e. 5*10+4 =5*p+4. Where 10=p. The Staircase Method is also used to find power numbers. The procedure is the same as the Modified Detached Coefficients Method but after the expansion of the converted form of the power number. The coefficients (d’s) of the p’s are arranged in the staircase form. The result of the power number is then gotten by adding the staircase numbers arrangement column wise as done in multiplication of two numbers. Results of both methods were done manually.

Source: KNUST
Concentration Levels of Copper(Cu0, Zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd) And Lead (Pb) in Surface Water, bottom Sediment, and Black chin tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron) of Fosu Lagoon, Cape Coast

Fosu lagoon, located in Cape Coast in the Central Region of Ghana, serves as a source of livelihood and a great cultural heritage for the people of cape Coast...

Source: KNUST
Concentration of some heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, As) in the water and sediment of lake Tadee at Ashanti Mampong in Ashanti Region of Ghana

The aim of this research was to assess the water quality of Lake Tadee with respect to heavy metals pollution. The water and sediment samples were collected from Lake Tadee at Ashanti Mampong in the Ashanti Region of Ghana during October, 2010 and February, 2011. The water and sediment samples were analyzed for Zn, Cu, Cd, Hg and As, using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). The results of this study showed that there were significant differences in concentrations of the metals in the surface water and bottom sediment of Lake Tadee except mercury in which there was insignificant different. The higher concentrations of heavy metals in the sediment of the Lake Tadee than its overlying water may be due to factors such as changes in temperature, pH, sediment matrix, and redox condition as well as effluent from domestic, municipal and agricultural waste might have contributed to the release of higher contaminants in the bottom of the sediment. The mean concentration of heavy metals (mg/L) in the water ranged from 0.066 to 0.174 for zinc, 0.021 to 0.036 for copper, less than 0.001 to 0.015 for cadmium, and those mercury and arsenic were below detection limits. The concentration (mg/Kg) of the heavy metals in the sediment ranged from 8.683 to 10.041 for zinc, 8.560 to 10.072 for copper, 0.036 to 0.096 for cadmium, 0.553 to 0.658 for arsenic, and that of mercury was below detection limit. Heavy metals concentration in the Lake Tadee was significantly higher than that of Kyiremfa. However, Concentrations of heavy metals in the two water bodies are currently within acceptable limits of USEPA and WHO recommended guidelines. Care must be taken to reduce the amount of pollutants released into the Lake to prevent future increase in heavy metals concentration in the Lake so that its concentrations would not exceed the national and international standards.

Source: KNUST
Concealling defects on indigeneous tanned leather surfaces: Colouring measures as techniques

Good leather surface quality is very vital in leather artefact production. Having a bad or unpleasant leather surface for artefact production hinders patronage and appreciation of such products at large. Leathers produced locally by tanners and local leather craftsmen in their attempt to satisfy customers and also meet market demand encounter some surface disorders of some of these leathers that are used for producing artefacts. In light of this, this research aimed at concealing leather with colour as management techniques towards improving the surface quality of the leather and its products at large hence, addressing the following objectives; To identify and classify surface defects on locally tanned leather and leather artefacts, to explore the various colouring techniques to conceal defects on the indigenous tanned leather surface and to produce articles using the concealed indigenous tanned leather. The researcher in achieving the set objectives employed the qualitative research design where the experimental and descriptive approaches were used respectively to help identify, experiment and describe vividly towards its assessment and recommendation in that regard. Concealed leathers including insect bites, pale surfaces and stains were the most managed leathers. The study identified various surface defects associated with Ghanaian indigenous leathers and were categorized under two major areas namely Ante-mortem and Post-mortem defects. Defects such as scratches, insect bites, stains, pale surfaces or un-even dyeing and flay cuts. The researcher experimented with dyeing method, screen printing method and spraying method as strategies to conceal identified surface defects.

Source: KNUST
Concentration of Organochlorine Insecticide Residues in Tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum) Fruit: a case study at Akumadan in the Offinso North District of Ashanti Region

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of pesticide use, sources of information on pesticide use, attitudes underlying failure to use protective equipment and levels of pesticide residues in tomatoes at Akumadan, in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Liquid-Liquid extraction procedure was employed and extract clean up was done using ethyl acetate, sodium bicarbonate and solid phase extraction. In all 200 tomato samples were collected from 10 farms and analyzed for pesticides residues by gas chromatography equipped with electron capture detector. Fifty farmers were selected to respond to a questionnaire. Seventeen (17) different organochlorine pesticide residues namely p, p-DDT, p, p-DDE, o,p’-DDD, p,p’-DDD alpha – HCH, beta – HCH, Hexachlorobenzene, Aldrin, trans-Nonachlor, Heptachlor, trans – Chlordane and trans – Heptachlor epoxide were detected. The temperature of injector operating in a split less mode was held at 225o C and electron capture detector was set a 300o C. The concentrations of organochlorines pesticide residues in the tomato ranged from 0.0079 to 40.97 ug/kg. With the exception of Aldrin with a mean concentration (0.0079ug/kg) below the WHO maximum residue limit (MRL) of (0.01 μ/kg) the mean concentration for all the other organochlorines detected were above their respective permissible limits. The continuous consumption of such foods with high pesticide levels can accumulate and could result in detrimental chronic effects of the consumer.

Source: KNUST
Concentration of Pesticide Residues in Fermented Dried Cocoa Beans in Asukese and its Environs in the Tano North District of Brong Ahafo Region, Ghana

The concentrations of pesticide residues in fermented dried cocoa beans in ten inorganic sampling sites and one organic sampling site in Asukese and its environs were determined using partially modified multi-residue method for Agricultural chemicals by GC/MS. The Organochlorine pesticides residues found in samples of cocoa beans were aldrin, p,p-DDD, p,p-DDE, p,p-DDT, endosulfan Sulphate, beta-endosulfan, alpha-endosulfan, chlorpyrifos and dimethoate. Aldrin, p,p-DDD, p,p-DDE, p,p-DDT and endosulfan are insecticides banned for use in the cocoa industry by the European Union (EU) and Japan. The mean concentration of aldrin was found to be above the EU MRL of 0.05 mg/Kg, ADI of 0.0001 mg/Kg bw/day and the no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 0.01 mg/Kg bw/day. P,p-DDD, p,p-DDE, and p,p-DDT were within their various MRLs but above the Acceptable Daily Intake of 0.001 mg/Kg bw/day. The Organophosphate Pesticides residues registered in cocoa samples were Ethophosphos, Fenitrothion, Malathion and Parathion. Fenitrothion and Parathion insecticides have been banned for use in the cocoa industry by the EU and Japan. Parathion, malathion and ethoprophos recorded mean residue concentration higher than their various MRLs except fenitrothion which recorded highest mean concentration lower than the EU MRL and ADI of 0.2 mg/kg and 0.002 mg/Kg bw /day respectively. The pyrethroids pesticide residue recorded in the cocoa beans samples analysed from all the 11 sites were fenvalerate, Deltamethrin, Cypermethrin and Permethrin. The highest mean concentration of fenvalerate (0.0898 mg/Kg) was found to be above the EU MRL and ADI but lower than the NOAEL value of 1.7 mg/Kg bw/day. The highest mean concentration of cypermethrin occurring in a sample was slightly higher than the EU MRL and would be unacceptable at the EU markets. The highest mean concentration of deltamethrin was 0.0035 mg/Kg which is far below the EU MRL and the Acceptable Daily Intake. Permethrin mean concentration of 0.0144 mg/Kg was moderately higher than the EU MRL and the ADI value of 0.05 mg/Kg bw/day. The study conducted showed no significant difference between pesticide residues in inorganic cocoa farms and the organic cocoa farms (Control) in Tano North of Brong Ahafo as indicated in the statistical results. Residues of Chemicals approved for use in the cocoa sector under the CODAPEC (mass Cocoa Spraying exercise) were not detected in the fermented dried cocoa beans samples analysed.

Source: KNUST
Concentrations of Organochlorine Insecticide residues in selected vegetables in the Sunyani West District of the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana

A major practice in agriculture over the last decade is the use of pesticides to protect crops from insects and other pests that negatively affect crop quality and yield. That notwithstanding, these pesticides are often harmful to more than just their target species. Many of the most widely used pesticides have been classified as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). They are applied directly to the crops and some may still be present as residues in or on vegetables and fruits after their harvest, especially where there is abuse, misuse and overuse of the pesticides. The present study was undertaken to determine the concentrations of organochlorine insecticide residues in selected vegetables (carrots, cabbage and green pepper) from three farming communities in Sunyani, in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. Sixty eight farmers were interviewed on insecticide use practices. The field survey revealed the use of some banned insecticides and approximately 38.2% of the respondents mixed two or more insecticides without considering the health implications on humans, animals and the environment. A total of 120 pieces of all three vegetables were obtained from farmers’ fields for analysis. Samples were subjected to extraction, clean-up and analysis by Gas Chromatograph Electronic Capture Detector for organochlorine insecticide residues. Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of organochlorine insecticide residues in some of the samples analyzed. Overall, percent insecticide residues in carrot, lettuce and cabbage samples were 38%, 28% and 34%, respectively, levels which were below the limits set by the EU, except for heptachlor and mirex which exceeded the limits in some cases. Therefore, vegetables from these farming communities are considered safe for consumption but there is the need for constant monitoring since there could be bioaccumulation of residues in the food chain when vegetables are consumed over a long period.

Source: KNUST
The concept of priesthood in Ghana with a particular reference to the Catholic Church

The study sought to examine the concept of the Catholic priesthood in the light of its historical development, theology, vocation and challenges associated with it. The study made use of qualitative and quantitative methods of research. It used the descriptive research design in a social survey, with the Catholic Archdiocese of Kumasi as a case study. Non-probability (quota and purposive) sampling technique was used to select Catholic priests from the Archdiocese for interview (via the use of questionnaires). The findings were analysed manually and descriptively. For the Catholic Church, priesthood is a divine call to service through which the individual participates in the priesthood of Jesus Christ through the ministry of the Church in spite of the challenges associated with it. It was also revealed that the evangelical counsels; vow of poverty, obedience and chastity/celibacy were some of the challenges in the priestly ministry. The vow of obedience stood out as the most common challenge to most priests. The study recommends that the Church should continue assisting priests in times of challenges. Parish priests and priests in hierarchical positions should maintain a brotherly relationship with assistant priests.

Source: KNUST
The concept of value for money as applied in public procurement in Ghana. The case of Ho Municipal Assembly

Procurement is a new area of learning that specializes in attainment of value for money. In this case, issues of ethics, technical Know-how and project management again come to play as they are important in procurement ethics, techniques, principles, procedures and systems. The aim of this study was to investigate the application of the concept of Value for money in public procurement processes in Ghana. With regards to aim, objectives were set which included the identification of critical elements and various approaches under the public procurement Act and to propose the application of best practices and standards by public procurement entities to ensure value for money in the procurement processes. Research findings helps to reveal the extent of knowledge and application of the concept of value for money by public procurement personnel (entities) in the country. Results from questionnaires distributed to a sample size of 76 procurement professionals showed some of the driving tools in facilitating the achievement of value for money. The study concluded by advocating for VFM analysis to be integrated with overall public investment planning and recommended among others that professional education, on the dimensions, practices and procedures in the public procurement system is given to practitioners and all stake holders in the supply chain to ensure public funds are spent in a transparent, efficient and fair manner to attain best value in the works procurement industry in Ghana. Also, there should be regular procurement activities appraisal, checks to observer for passivity with procurement actions in the firm by the internal auditor and public procurement authority for consistent enforcement of the prevailing rules and regulations in procurement.

Source: KNUST
A Conceptual Framework of Knowledge Transfer from The Construction Company To the Host Community

Knowledge transfer and management in organizations throughout the world is a competitive advantage. It is what the organization knows, how it uses what it knows and how fast it can discover something new, be it in acquisition of technology for innovation, or business activities development, studies have been undertaken in this area to examine knowledge transfer and management process in the organisation. But little is known about the effectiveness of knowledge transfer by construction companies to the project host communities. Therefore, this paper builds on existing concepts of knowledge transfer and diffusion of new ideas and offers a conceptual framework of knowledge transfer and its diffusion from the construction industry to the project host community. The conceptual framework identifies stages of Knowledge conversion and diffusion and factors that are expected to enable the transfer process at different stages. The framework also shows the inter-relation between Knowledge transfer and diffusion by combining the theory of Nonaka & Takeuchi on knowledge creation and shearing with Everett Rogers’s innovation decision theory. This has been achieved by first, reviewing and discussing theories relating to diffusion of new idea (NI) and knowledge transfer (KT). Secondly, the paper evaluates the interrelation between knowledge transfer and diffusion of new ideas. Thirdly, it establishes a connection between knowledge transfer and diffusion of new ideas. Finally, it brings the latter in the context of construction industry. This paper has demonstrated that a construction firm that is able to create and improve its Knowledge base and transfer such new Knowledge to the community in which it finds itself, would have much collaboration and a peaceful atmosphere to carry out its corporate goals or complete its project within schedule.

Source: KNUST
Concepts of aesthetics, appreciation and criticism among indigenous Asante carvers

Concepts on Aesthetics, Appreciation and Criticism are areas of study in Art education, but unfortunately, they are mostly neglected or mistreated art programmes. Aesthetics as a form of knowledge involving appreciation rind criticism is an important human experience or activity which is carried out not only in an isolated school environment, but in the wider context of the community and the whole universe at large. Aesthetic education is an important vehicle for educational and cultural process which contributes positively to individual and national development. It is in this vein that the writer attempts to research into the indigenous carving of Asante and how it can serve as a source of aesthetic education. This thesis seeks to document arid critically analyze, synthesize and evaluate the concepts of Aesthetics, Appreciation and criticism among indigenous Asante carvers and moreover to use the concepts as a tool to improve the teaching of Art in Ghana. It 18 aimed at educating the general public, students, Art tutors, art educationists, teachers and researchers on the need for creating, producing, critically analysing, clearly understanding and be able to express oneself aesthetically about carved objects. Through the aesthetic education, our cultural heritage could be inculcated into our youth in order to maintain, protect, project, preserve and to modernize it. This study will be valuable and a humble contribution to education in its entirety. The main research method employed is the Descriptive Survey Method. The research tools used are:- questionnaire, Interview and Observation. The scope of the study convered the concepts of Aesthetics, Appreciation and Criticism among Indigenous Asante carvers concentrating on twelve carving centres as sample areas, The production processes an functions of Some selected carved objects have been identified and analyzed. The population of study was 70 carvers of which 21 master-carvers were selected at random using Simple Random Technique. The report is presented in seven chapters as follows:- Chapter one: This is the introductory chapter which deals with the problem and its setting. Chapter Two: The chapter surveys the related literature. Chapter Three: This chapter deals with the general procedure used in getting the research completed. Chapter Four: This chapter expatiates on the background of wood-carving in Asante under which the following sub-headings have been treated: Centres of Production, Tools and Material, Sources of Ideas, Methods of Production, Carved Objects, Intrinsic and Extrinsic va1ue of some selected works produced and the Future prospects of the carving industry. Chapter Five: The Analysis and Interpretation of findings from the field study obtained during the research have been presented in this chapter Chapter Six: Traditional Wood-carving as a source of Aesthetic Education is critically looked at under this chapter. This is the concluding chapter and deals with the summary, Recommendations and Conclusion.

Source: KNUST
A Conceptual Framework for a Cogeneration Plant at the KNUST Campus

Ghana is currently plagued with a persistent trend of inadequate power supply, which has a ripple effect on all sectors of the economy. Efforts are being made at the national level via the Ministry of Energy and Ghana Energy Commission to arrest the current situation, through policies and agreements with multinational investors. Modular biomass-based generation of electricity presents a promising avenue to harness locally available fuel resources in order to increase the national installed capacity. In this study, the technical and economic viability of a 6MWe cogeneration plant to be sited at KNUST campus was assessed as a model of community based electricity generation system. In addition to analysing the cost and thermodynamic efficiencies of the proposed system, an exergy analysis was also performed in order to establish a correlation between the exergetic measures of performance and the overall system’s performance in terms of cost, energy savings and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A 6MWe biomass-based cogeneration plant is proposed with a capital cost of 11.21 US$ million and a levelised generation cost of US$ 0.08079/kWh. It has a second law efficiency of 50.6% and exergy destruction of 0.45 kW per KW of useful power generated. It is observed that second law thermodynamic assessment of a thermal system gives diverse ways of quantifying its performance because measures like the second law efficiency and the rates of exergy destruction depend on the extent of irreversibilities in the system.

Source: KNUST