ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Design, fabrication, testing and evaluation of two aeroponic systems as alternative production methods for seed yams in Ghana.

Yam is one of the most important dietary sources of energy for households in West-Africa. Yam stores relatively longer than most root crops and this attribute have gained it recognition as a food security crop in Ghana. More effort has been put into its research and production as has been seen by numerous government interventions over the years. However, inadequate access and high cost of seed yams have prevented farmers from intensive sustainable production. New technologies to increase and make available quality seed yams to farmers can boost yam production, increase food security and improve farmers’ livelihoods. In this regard, two aeroponic systems were developed and evaluated. The two systems; power-dependent (pressurised) and power-independent (gravity-fed) were evaluated using a split-split plot design at the CSIR-Crops Research Institute. The evaluations were carried out to assess the technical and agronomic performance of the systems. The aeroponic units were the main plots, the nutrient concentrations the sub-plot, and the yam varieties the sub-sub plot. Data collected on performance of the various treatments were subjected to analysis of variance and judged significant at p<0.05. Technical evaluation of the two aeroponic systems gave Christensen’s Coefficient for water distribution uniformity values were 97.52 % and 94.49 % for the power-dependent and power-independent systems respectively. Agronomic performance showed significant differences in number of mini-tubers harvested and weight of mini-tubers under the different aeroponic systems. Field evaluation of harvested mini-tubers also showed significant differences in final yields under the various nutrient concentrations. Economic analysis of the two systems showed a benefit-cost ratio in favour of the power-independent system. Various recommendations were made after a repeat of the experiment. The power-independent system would be disseminated to smallholder farmers for seed propagation.

Source: KNUST
Design, Construction and Evaluation of an Evaporative Cooler for the Storage of Mango in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region of Ghana.

The design, construction and evaluation of a conventional evaporative cooler were carried out in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region of Ghana for the storage of mango. The hexagonal shaped, sloped roofed non-circulating conventional evaporative cooler is of area 3.9m2 and height of 2.5m with a capacity of about 1.6MT. It was made from neem poles and sawn wood, a spear grass roof and a cemented floor. The cooler had a door of about 1.5m × 0.7m dimension, a 25 litres vegetable oil container as a water reservoir and a U-shaped header on top of walls of about 1.5m long and 20cm base diameter to supply water evenly throughout the walls. It has a total constructional cost of about three hundred and sixty-four Ghana Cedis, fifty Ghana pesewas (GH¢ 364.50). The daily ambient and internal temperatures were recorded using wet and dry bulb thermometer, and relative humidity of ambient air, inside the cooler and storage room was measured with a hygrometer. The results indicated that the evaporative cooler’s water requirement was about 8.79 litres of water per hour, with about 82% of the water applied evaporated. The wet bulb depression of the working air was 8.3 and the temperature drop inside the cooler was 7.6 ̊C resulting in a cooling efficiency of 91%. There was about 4.8 ̊C drop in product air temperature and 9.6% humidity increase when compared with the storage room. For Jaffna mango fruits stored in both storageroomand evaporative cooler, out of 300 fruits stored in the storage room 206 well ripened fruits were obtained at the end of a storage period of 11 days, as against 260 out of 300 stored in evaporative cooler at the end of 17 days. Eighty-eight (88) fruits showed signs of rot as against 40 fruits stored in the evaporative cooler, and 19 fruits showed signs of water loss as against zero in the evaporative cooler respectively during the storage period. Out of 300 Keitt mango fruits stored in the storage room, 173 well ripened fruits were obtained at the end of a storage period of eight (8) days, as against 219 fruits obtained from those stored in the evaporative cooler for a period of 13 days. About 101 fruits stored in the storage room showed signs of rot for the same storage period, as against 81 fruits stored in the evaporative cooler.About 16 fruits from the storage room showed signs of water loss as against zero from the evaporative cooler over the period.

Source: KNUST
Design, Manufacture and Test a Nose/Mouth filter for use during the Harmattan

The Harmattan is characterized by massive suspension and deposition of large quantity of Sahara soil dust particles (density 2,650 kg/m3 and diameter 2 0.5 m) in West Africa during the months of November to March each year (Sunnu, 2006). Inhalation of the dust aerosols has been shown to cause adverse effects on human respiratory systems. Even though there are a lot of imported respirators in the local market which are used for various purposes, there is none designed specifically for the Harmattan dust. The purpose of this study is to design, manufacture and test a mouth/nose filter (mechanical respirator) for use during the Harmattan period. To achieve this objective of filtering the dust aerosols, four (4) different locally made filters were tested using an experimental test rig set up to simulate the inhalation of the Harmattan dust. The test was carried out at a constant flow rate of where the salient filter design parameters such as pressure drop, penetration, efficiency and quality factor were observed. The results suggest that the tri-ply of calico, felt and twill is appropriate to be used as mouth/nose filter for the Harmattan dust particles owing to the fact that it had the highest efficiency of 80%, the lowest aerosol penetration of 20%, a pressure drop of 47.67 Pa and a filter quality of 0.0337.

Source: KNUST
Design, development and evaluation of a continuous-flow mixing grain dryer

A low-cost, 250kg to 1-tonne capacity continuous-flow mixing grain dryer (LSU type) was designed and developed. The dryer consists of three main parts: 1) the drying chamber made of inverted V-shaped ducts, to which the plenum inlet is connected; 2) the blower, with a 750 W (1 hp) electric motor and centrifugal fan which provides the drying air; 3) 1 kW electric heater, 4) discharge rollers powered by a 3kW electric gear-motor with a 37.5:1 reduction gearbox. Trials conducted between April and June, 2011 showed that paddy rice, at initial moisture content (MC) of 19.7%- 26.6% dried to 11.8%- 13.5% respectively. Sun drying was also carried out as control. The drying period for the mechanical drying ranged from 4.8-5.7h and that for sun drying was 5h. The moisture reduction rate ranged form 1.16-2.41%/h for the mechanical drying and 2.18% for sun drying. Milling recovery and head rice yield from mechanical drying were better than for sun drying. The heat efficiencies of drying the four consignments ranged from 36.40%-62.70%. Although power consumption was not measured, the operating cost would reduce if a biomass (rice husk) burner is used instead of electrical energy.

Source: KNUST
Design, construction and evaluation of performance of solar dryer for drying fruit

An indirect type solar dryer integrated with a charcoal burning stove that can be used for drying fruits was designed, constructed and evaluated. The study mainly tried to address the problem associated with the fact that solar dryers are efficiently operational only when there is sufficient solar energy. Hence, an additional means of supplying heat was included so that drying can be made continuous during the night time and in rainy seasons. The dryer mainly consists of a solar collector panel, drying chamber, chimney and a charcoal stove. The solar collector is made up of 5 mm thickness single layer glass, 2 mm black painted aluminum absorber plate and 3 mm fiber glass insulation which is enclosed in a casing made from wood. The drying chamber is made from plywood with 2 cm thickness. Galvanized metal sheet of 1 mm thickness was rolled and welded to make the chimney. The backup heater uses a stove commonly known as “Gyapa” stove to burn charcoal and supply heat to the drying chamber. The total cost of the dryer was estimated to be GhC 1047.00 (US$ 327.00*). Different tests were carried out in order to evaluate the performance of the dryer. No load test, i.e. test without keeping any material to be dried, was performed and it indicated temperature could rise up to 53.3 o C in the dryer. Average collector temperature recorded was 56.4 o C. In the evening, the dryer temperature was kept above the ambient and collector temperature by burning charcoal using the backup stove. As a result, after three hours of heat supply the drying temperature reached 50.8 o C. * 1 USD = 3.2 GhC (as of February 2015) v The dryer performance was also evaluated using pineapple and mango. For the different tests carried out the performance parameters used for evaluation included moisture content, drying rate and drying efficiency. The moisture content of pineapple and mango was reduced from 87 % and 85 % to 16 % and 13 %, respectively, within two to three days. When using only solar energy as a heat source, the drying rate for pineapple was found to be 23.7 g/h whereas for mango it was 15.5 g/h. These values were found to be 25.2 g/h and 18.4 g/h, for pineapple and mango, respectively, when solar drying was performed with the backup heater (heater used in the evening only). But a higher drying rate was obtained, 32.5 g/h for pineapple and 19.3 g/h for mango, when the backup heater was used with the solar energy during both the day time and in the evening. The collector efficiency was found to be 31.7 %. Drying efficiency was also found to be 9.7 %, 7.5 % and 8.7 % for solar drying, hybrid mode (backup heater used in the evening) and solar drying in hybrid mode ( backup heater used during day time and evening), respectively.

Source: KNUST
Designing a management system for the co-ordination of research projects at the School of Medical Sciences (SMS), KNUST

“All progress is precarious and the solution of one problem brings us face to face with another.” Martin Luther King. Considerations of social changes such as education, information technology, diversification of health services, the need to spread services to rural folks, coupled with the gross inadequacy of the doctor/population ratio for Ghana, fortifies arguments in favour of research. SMS is an institution with faculty status at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi. The school partners with the tertiary hospital, KATFI, in the training of medical students and also in the delivery of health care to surrounding communities including all regions to the north of the country. Senior Members of the school are mainly clinicians who undertake studies of various kinds that bring economic benefits through averting disease and decreasing health care costs. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with the aim of designing a system/model that can more effectively manage and coordinate research projects in the school. With a focus on researchers, the study employed unstructured interviews, questionnaire and a review of some relevant documents to investigate the current system of undertaking research, research management and coordination and the perceived gaps impeding it. The ultimate in this study, is a design that would effectively manage and coordinate research at SMS. Responses to questionnaire administered to sixty two (62) researchers and interviews with ten (10) key informants were analysed using Stata Version 7 Computer Programme. Findings of the study included evidence that, from the conception of ideas right through to the completion of research projects, most investigators deem research as individual dreams with little or no collaboration with investigators of other projects, let alone the school.. This problem is compounded by perceived management gaps such as bureaucracies, disinterest, lack of institutional funding, lack of policies, lack of avenues for disseminating findings and results and disunity of command. This notwithstanding, successes have been chalked in research at SMS but a missing link is obvious. That link stifles the needed healthy competition, challenges the philosophical incorporation of research into the structure and functioning of SMS and slows down progress and growth. That link bars the culture of quality, continuity and sharing in research. As a subject, that link has received little attention but is potentially more important than other research issues. That link is EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT and COORDINATION. A proposal is made for a standardized research protocol to be institutionalized in the school so as to streamline all studies. Further, a Research and Development Unit, headed by a Coordinator and linked to the Committee for Human Research Publications and Ethics has to be instituted to oversee the management and coordination of studies in the school.

Source: KNUST
Designing algorithm for malaria diagnosis using fuzzy logic for treatment (AMDFLT) in Ghana - A case study of Juaso District Government Hospital.

Malaria is a serious global health challenge hence prompt attention to it is vital especially accurate diagnosis and prompts treatment. The main objective of this study was to design algorithm for malaria diagnosis using fuzzy logic concept, unearth the hospitals' need, establish the requirement of the algorithm, decide on input and output linguistic variables and linguistic values, construct membership function and design fuzzy decision matrices....

Source: KNUST
Designing a teaching strategy to improve student performance in shorthand transcription (a case study of Kumasi Polytechnic)

The aim for undertaking a research in this field was to find a method that could be adopted by all teachers of Shorthand to eliminate errors students make when transcribing Shorthand notes into longhand. When these errors are eliminated, students will produce more acceptable .transcripts and by so doing the percentage number of students who fail Shorthand tests at various examinations would be reduced. When this is done, interest in the subject would be sustained and students sufficiently prepared to suit real working life situations which is the ultimate aim of educating students. This piece is thus meant for use by all institutions offering Shorthand as a course of study. The study is an Action Research Project. Information got for the study was gathered from past and present Shorthand teaches at Kumasi Polytechnic, experienced examination officers, and HND Sec II students at Kumasi polytechnic who were the sample of the study. The report has been grouped under Pre-intervention, Intervention, Post-intervention and Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations. At the pre-intervention stage students were tested with a passage dictated at 60 words per minute for three minutes with a syllabic intensity of 1.24. Students’ scores were recorded for comparison purposes. At the intervention stage the existing methods of teaching Shorthand and transcription were employed. This was followed by the designed strategy. The aim for touching on the existing methods was to find out the difference between those methods and the designed one. The class was divided into three groups, which were under the guidance of a Shorthand teacher. The group met to discuss the principles learnt, apply them and discuss the problems the students encountered. The problems were then discussed with the other participating teachers for a final discussion with a facilitator who helped to find solutions to them. Various tests were conducted as a means of monitoring student progress during the intervention stage. At the post-intervention stage a final test was conducted at 60 words a minute for three minutes with a syllabic intensity of 1 .24. Students’ scores were recorded and compared with the scores at pre-intervention. The mean scores of student performance at pre-intervention and post-intervention were calculated to find out whether in absolute terms there had been any change in behaviour. The scores were then tested at 1% and 5% levels of significance to test whether in terms of statistics there had been any change between the entry and the exit behaviours of the students. The results showed that in terms of statistics there had been no change in behaviour even though in absolute terms there had been improvements. A summary of the study was then made, conclusions drawn and recommendations made.

Source: KNUST
Designing for Aesthetics: tipping the cultural balance to influence choices

This thesis reports on a study that explores ways of enhancing the quality of culturally generated content, as it relates to the design of television brand identity (ident) that have sensibility for its socio-cultural values. This is due to the adoption of digital television broadcasting across the world, which has heavily affected the market size and consumer preferences towards foreign rather than local television programmes. The challenge for stakeholders (governments, regulators, broadcasters, journalists, content producers and civil societies) in developing countries, particularly in Africa is how to preserve the local cultural values in the new digital environment. Where consumers decide when, what and how they watch television programmes. Using the mixed method approach, the study pragmatically employs the Kano theory of attractive quality (Kano et al., 1984) and its methodology, as a frame of reference in designing and collecting of quantitative data from 380 random sampled size television viewers. To inductively analyze the impacts of eighteen (18) relevant aesthetic quality attributes of television brand identity (ident) from consumers’ perspective. So that broadcasters and content producers can align television brand identity (ident) design efforts with the classified consumer’s requirements or need. Sequentially, the Culture-Orientated Design Model adapted from Moalosi, (2007) was also employed as a frame of reference to capture qualitative data from six (6) culturally orientated viewers and eight (8) viewer designers. It reports on the extraction and categorization of relevant Ghanaian socio-cultural values enshrined in the concept of human dignity into emotional, social practices, material, and technology/design values. It also reports on the analysis, compatibility, visualization, and the translation of socio-cultural values into brand identity design features at the early stage of brand identity design. The outcome of the research indicates among other relevant requirements that: iv consumers (viewers) assumed that television brand identities have meaningful (applicable) content and are therefore dissatisfied if the brand is not narrative (meaningful). It further indicates that brand identities that have creative value, reflect socio-cultural values, and are consistent in terms of style; and brands that are technologically advanced in terms of look and feel are mostly desired. Also, the evidence further indicates that fusing associated socio-cultural values into television brand identity design features is like adding spice to soup or food to give it good taste and a memorable aroma that connect consumers to their traditions. Thus, grounding television brand identity (ident) design on associated socio-cultural values in a creative and consistent way will not only make the brand unique and relevant in this ever increasing multichannel era, but will help tip the cultural balance due to its functional value (providing repeated identity to television broadcaster).

Source: KNUST
Designing For Physical Accessibility in Model Vocational Technical School for the Visually Impaired

Discrimination against persons with physical disabilities dates back many centuries. The physically challenged includes the visually impaired, sensory impaired (visual/speech impaired), mentally impaired, emotionally/behaviorally impaired etc. The discrimination cuts across all areas of daily living including education, health, employment, recreation and others. In modern times, there have been improvements in the human rights of disabled persons. Issues concerning the physical accessibility of visually impaired persons as well as those physically challenged (e.g. wheelchair users) have come to the fore. This has been the case in Ghana which culminated in the passing of the disability bill (2007) which is aimed at among others encouraging the provision of increased physical accessibility in the built environment to facilitate easy use by such persons. This thesis sought to come up with a physically accessible model vocational school for the visually impaired student and to document architectural barriers to physical accessibility for visually impaired students in some selected schools in Ghana. These objectives would be arrived at through literature reviews, case studies, development of design concept and a presentation of the proposed school. In the end, important recommendations and conclusions would be drawn which is hoped will serve as literature to enhance physical accessibility for such persons in existing and yet to be built schools in the country and elsewhere.

Source: KNUST
Designing strategies to improve family planning uptake among adolescents in selected schools in Atwima District, Ghana

Family planning service is an important component of adolescent reproductive health. Adolescence is a time of tremendous opportunity and change. There is therefore the need for programmes that provide information, ensure access to services and develop life skills which are crucial to the future of this population. The study is experimental design with before and after type on family planning utilization among adolescents. One hundred and sixty (160) adolescents from four (4) selected schools in Atwima District were involved in the study. The main data collection tool was a questionnaire. This had two components: pre-test and post-test questionnaires. These were administered in the four selected schools. The pre-test was done to collect baseline data on knowledge and utilization of family planning service. Health education on family planning services was carried out to improve students’ knowledge. A post-test questionnaire was administered after 14 days of health education intervention. An in-depth key informant interview revealed organizations and individuals involved in adolescent reproductive health. NGO’s which provided services for adolescents were Africa Youth Alliance (AYA) and Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) but they have had little impact since some schools were not covered in their operations. The results indicated that, of the adolescent interviewed, 56% were in SSS 3 and 44% were in SSS 2. 60% of the respondents stated that their problem was their desire to “experiment” with sex. 77.2% of them said they had not received any information on ARH and did not utilize any family planning services. Among the respondents who had ever visited a youth friendly clinic, 90.3% said they benefited from the visit. The media ranked highest as the channel for information dissemination though drama was the preferred IEC method. 50% of the respondents preferred the latter. Policies and programmes should be put in place to provide access to good quality and teens-friendly adolescent health services, including family planning. IEC programmes should subsequently be intensified to promote utilization of these services. Family laws that compel fathers to provide support for their children should be enforced. Finally, more adolescent peer-counselors should be trained to promote healthier life styles, including family planning among adolescents.

Source: KNUST