ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms for financial management and sustainability: the case of St. Joseph’s Hospital Koforidua

The policy context of health care has undergone rapid changes during the last few decades. Governments are now seeing their resources base for the health provision dwindle, and in many countries churches are seeing their health care efforts being shifted back to the private sphere. Thus health care is no longer seen as a public responsibility but rather considered a commodity in the market place. CHAG institutions which work in partnership with government are also seeing their resource base dwindle which may in the long run affect efficient provision of services. The principal objective of the study was to assess the mechanisms for financial management and sustainability at the St. Joseph’s Hospital. Proportions of income from the different sources (IGF, GOG, Donations) were computed to establish the importance of each component. Financial management practices involving their mode of disbursement, monthly income and expenditure patterns, cost recovery rates and documents covering these transactions were assessed. Important to all these are the mechanisms in place to ensure continuous provision of health services. Hospital’s history, the quantity and quality of staff, cash collection and control measures in place were studied. The case study employed qualitative and quantitative methods. The sampling was purposive and the technique for data collection included, review of records, interviews involving key informants and individuals. An observation was carried out at the two revenue collection points and the accounts office. Results obtained indicated that donor support is indeed dwindling, from 41% in 1999 to 33% in 2000. However, generation of IGF seems to make up for the reduction. There are controls on financial management transactions. Moreover, the staffs have requisite skills but they do not have enough staff to keep all the necessary books of accounting. Although the hospital seems to be doing well in its IGF generation to cover up for reduction in donor support, increment is not possible all the time. Consequently, it is recommended that other forms of sourcing for funds is necessary to ensure continuous provision of efficient services to those who need them.

Source: KNUST
The mechanical properties of bamboo reinforced sawdust composite briquettes

The flexural modulus (elastic modulus), flexural strength (bending strength), fracture load, maximum deflection, bulk density and the percentage apparent porosity of sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum) sawdust and bamboo strip composites have been determined using the static bending test and porosity measurement. The sawdust particles were sieved into three different particles sizes (d): coarse (1400 pm < d < 2000 pm), medium (500 pm< d < 1400 pm) and fine (d < 500 pm). Composite briquettes were formed by arranging bamboo strips in different orientation (planar, oblique and vertical stacking) in a wooden mould of dimension 50 cm x 10 cm x 2.5 cm and the sawdust matrix of approximately the same particle sizes were formed around them, using wood glue as a binder. Pressure was exerted to ensure good bonding. Sawdust briquettes without reinforcement were first formed followed by the composite briquettes. They were then subjected to bending tests. The porosity values of the composite briquettes were also determined. The composite briquettes made from medium stacking configuration with eight strips (M«) were found to have good application in high-performance structure work. It actually produced the combined properties of light weight (low bulk density of 438.21 kg m"3), high flexural modulus of0.240 GPa, high flexural strength of 5.77 MPa, maximum deflection of 3.90 cm and fracture load of 600.71 N. The results indicated that the lighter weight composite briquettes depended on the density of the bamboo strips and the particle size of the sawdust matrix. The incorporation of bamboo strip into the sawdust matrix introduced some degree of flexibility into the composite, but the introduction of too many of them decreases the strength. The changes in the strength and flexibility of the composite briquettes have been explained by stress distribution, interfacial bonding and spacing between the bamboo strips.

Source: KNUST
Mechanical Properties of Plantain Pseudostem

Variations in some mechanical properties of plantain pseudostem for three main varieties in Ghana were examined in the rainy and dry seasons. Apantu pa, Apem pa and Apem hemaa were selected in farms in the Kumasi metropolis during the rainy and dry seasons. Samples of the plantain pseudostem were obtained by cutting down matured plants bearing fruits, 20 cm from the ground and at the petiole. The strength properties namely; Young’s modulus, yield stress and ultimate stress were determined using three - point bending test method which followed the International Standards Organisation (ISO) 178. The test results showed that the Young’s modulus, yield stress and ultimate stress were remarkable high in the rainy season and low in the dry season for all three varieties. Apantu pa samples proofed superior to the other two in the rainy season, having the highest value for Young’s modulus of 26.49 GPa, yield stress of 1.3 MPa and ultimate stress of 2.17 MPa. In the dry season, the Apem pa samples proofed resilent than the other two, having the highest values of 1.41 GPa, 0.32 MPa and 0.64 MPa for Young’s modulus, yield stress and ultimate stress respectively.

Source: KNUST
The mechanisms of gallium-catalysed skeletal rearrangement of1,6-enyneseInsights from quantum mechanical computations

The transition metal-catalysed skeletal reorganization of 1,6-enynes can lead to three types of productsea typeIproduct occurring via the cleavage of the alkene CeC bonds and the migration of the terminalalkene carbon to the terminus of the alkyne; a typeIIproduct arising from cleavage of both the doubleand the triple bonds followed by insertion of the terminal alkene carbon into the alkyne CeC triple bond;and a typeIIIproduct which is obtained when there is a cleavage of the olefinic bond followed byformation of two new bonds from each carbon to each of the acetylenic carbons. The course of thesereactions is highly dependent on the metal catalyst used and type of substitution at the alkene andalkyne moieties of the enyne. In this mechanistic study of the re-organization of 1,6-enynes catalysed byGaCl3, performed at the DFT M06/6-311G(d,p) level of theory, the parent reaction selectively leads to theformation of the typeIproduct through the formation of the open cyclopropane ring. The presence ofsubstituents at the acetylenic moiety governs the preferred position of the metal along the alkyne bondwithin the pi-complex: with electron-withdrawing groups (EWGs), the metal prefers the terminal carbonwhile electron-donating groups (EDGs) lead to the metal preferring the internal carbon. EWGs at thealkyne moiety efficiently favour the formation of the typeIproduct. Substituents at the olefin moietyalter the mechanism of the reaction which may favour the selective formation of the typeIorIIIproductdepending on the type of substituent. EWGs at the olefinic moiety favour formation of the typeIIIproduct when the alkyne moiety is unsubstituted whiles EDGs forms the typeIproduct selectively.Solvent and temperature have no substantial effects on the energetic trends and product distribution.Hence, gas-phase calculations are deemed adequate for the problem at hand.

Source: KNUST
Mechanisms Underlying Nutrient Interaction of Compost and Mineral Fertilizer Application in Maize (Zea mays L.) Cropping System in Ghana

Mechanisms underlying interactive effects of nutrient inputs on crop yields are poorly understood especially throughout sub-Saharan Africa. This research thus sought to evaluate the possible mechanisms causing the interaction effects from compost and mineral fertilizer and quantify the relative contribution(s) of the mechanisms to added benefits in grain yield. The research involved a 3-year field experiment followed by a greenhouse incubation study. Both field and incubation experiments were 5 × 5 factorial arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design and Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications, respectively. The factors considered were five levels of mineral fertilizer (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of 90:60:70 kg ha−1 N:P2O5:K2O) and compost (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of 5 Mg ha−1 compost). The mechanisms evaluated were nutrient synchrony, priming, general soil fertility improvement (GFI), and balanced ratio of nutrients. The conjoint application of compost and mineral fertilizer significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced grain yields of maize, with 50%RRMF + 100%RRCo producing the highest average grain yields in 2015 and 2017 with relative average grain yield increases of 167 and 98% over the control (no application), respectively. The conjoint application of nutrients resulted in synergistic and antagonistic interactions. Synergistic interactions were observed in the first 2 years of the study, followed by antagonistic interactions in the third year. Three principal components cumulatively explained 86% of the variation among the mechanisms. The mechanisms which contributed most to the added benefits were priming effect, balanced nutrient ratio, and nutrient synchrony

Source: KNUST
Media inputs in health information and education - the case of the Kumasi Metropolis

All over the world, both private and public media have been used for information, education and entertainment. Private print and electronic media have come to stay in Ghana. These have played a very important role in informing and educating many people about health and other issues. The health information given by the media has not been assessed. It is, therefore, not known whether the media is providing guided, correct and adequate health information that is easy to understand or not. This study set out to find out what inputs the media houses in Kumasi have put in place for health information. The study was descriptive and cross sectional, involving 5 television stations, 12 FM radio stations, 7 widely patronised newspapers, 30 health personnel in decision-making positions at the facility level and 4 focus groups of 12 to 13 individuals each. Questionnaires, observation and focus group discussion schedules were used for data collection. The variables were scored and graded. The study revealed that the media did fairly good in using understandable language, providing correct information and making health information easy to understand. However, there had not been enough effort to ensure collaboration with health authorities, monitoring and assessment of health information, provision of guidelines for broadcasting of health information and the use of a high calibre of media personnel for health programs and articles. It was concluded that the performance of the media in Kumasi was fairly good. Recommendations were made towards improving the performance of the media in health information and education. Key words: Media, time, language, guidelines, collaboration, assessment, feedback.

Source: KNUST
Mechanistic Studies and Mathematical Models for Mycolactone Toxin and Autoinhibitory WASP: Model Mechanisms for Buruli ulcer Initiation and Spread.

The Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome Protein (WASP) has been implicated in many diseases such as Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS) and Buruli ulcer. Mycobactrium ulcerans is the main causative organism of Buruli ulcer (BU) disease. The bacteria secretes a polyketide lipid toxin (Mycolactone). The toxin not only di uses through the cell membranes, but also binds, hijacks and disrupts the normal functions of WASP in the cytoplasm leading to over polymerization of actin lament, cytoskeletal rearrangement and eventually cell death through necrosis. In pre-ulcerative BU disease, toxins extend beyond the actual size of the lesion. A mathematical model is developed to describe the binding mechanism of the two conformations of WASP and the complexes formed using the idea of isomerization. The formulation utilizes ligand concentration-dependence (ligand-receptor), equilibrium and conservation principles. By this approach, we are able to determine the fractional response of WASP against change in concentration of its activators;

Source: KNUST
Mechanistic studies on tandem cascade [4þ2]/ [3þ2] cycloadditionof 1,3,4-oxadiazoles with olefins

The mechanism of the reaction of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles with alkenes (ethylene) and cycloalkenes (cyclo-butene, cyclopentene, cyclohexene and cycloocene) have been studied computationally at the DFT M06e2X/6-311G* level. The reaction is found to proceedviaa concerted [4þ2] addition followed by nitrogenextrusion and then [3þ2] addition in a tandem cascade fashion, which in the case of cycloalkenes leadsto exo-fused or endo-fused subframes, the exo of which is kinetically and thermodynamically favored.The [4þ2] step is the rate-determining step of the reaction. CF3as a substituent on the 1,3,4-oxadiazoledecreases the activation barriers of the rate-determining step, while CO2Me on the oxadiazole increasesthe activation barriers of the rate-determining step, markedly in the case of the reaction with cyclo-pentene and only marginally in the reactions with ethylene. Increasing temperature decreases the barrierof the rate-determining step and stability of the products but increases the rate of the nitrogen extrusionstep. The low barriers of the second and third steps of the reaction compared to thefirst step means thatthe intermediates will not be isolated in the reaction, confirming the experimental observations of earlierworkers. Based on calculated activation barriers, the reactivity of the various cycloalkenes considered inthis study follows the order: cyclooctene>cyclopentene>cyclohexene>cyclobutene which isconsistent with the trends in product yields obtained in earlier experimental studies.

Source: KNUST
The mediating effect of employee commitment on service quality and client satisfaction among selected hospitals in Ghana

In Ghana, despite the numerous challenges encountered by health professionals such as doctors and nurses in the performance of their duties, patients still expect quality health services. Poor conditions of service especially on the part of doctors have the tendency to limit their level of commitment at the hospitals hence affecting the quality of health care expected by patients. In light of this, this study seeks to unearth the mediating role of employee commitment on the relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction among Ghanaian hospitals. The study used a quantitative, correlational exploration approach as the study plan, where questionnaires were the main instrument for the collection of data. In all 700 participants using a convenience sampling technique were drawn from the population for the study. The sample comprised of 373 patients and 327 health professionals from 8 different hospitals. The analysis of the data collected using the SPSS software revealed the following findings; there was significant positive correlation between employee commitment and customer satisfaction. There was also significant positive correlation between service quality and customer satisfaction. Finally employee commitment partially mediated the relationship between service quality and customer satisfaction. The limitation and implication of the current study however is that the research was limited to patients and health professionals in the Brong-Ahafo, Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions of Ghana. The study provides an empirical analysis on patient satisfaction in Ghanaian hospitals thereby allowing policy makers to evaluate the level of public healthcare delivery service in the country and therefore assist in policy decision-making and implementation.

Source: KNUST
Mediation effect of procurement planning on the relationship between information technologies and procurement performance in manufacturing firms: case study of manufacturing firms in Ghana

This study investigates the impact of information technology on procurement management in Ghanaian manufacturing enterprises. This research employs a quantitative-descriptive approach to investigate the intricate dynamics of public procurement effectiveness. Quantitative-descriptive approach to investigate the intricate dynamics of public procurement performance and planning. The study adopted purposive and convenience sampling to sample 150 respondents from supply chain and procurement roles is chosen. Spss version 27 and Andrews Hayes process macro module 4.0 facilitated the descriptive, reliability, correlations, regression and mediation analysis. The study found out that information technology had a significant and positive influence on procurement performance (beta = 0.653, p < 0.05). Information technology had a significant and positive influence on procurement planning (beta = 0.700, p < 0.05). Procurement planning significantly and positively influence procurement performance (beta = 0.838, p < 0.05). Procurement planning mediated the relationship between information technology and procurement performance. It is recommended that organizations prioritize the strategic integration of information technology and efficient procurement planning processes

Source: KNUST
Mechanistic studies on Diels-Alder [4þ2] cycloaddition reactions ofa,b-substituted cyclobutenones: Role of substituents in regio- andstereoselectivity

Diels-Alder reactions of substituted cyclobutenones with 6-methoxy-1-vinyl-3,4-dihydronaphthaleneand methoxy-substituted-1,3-butadiene have been studied with DFT. In the reactions of 6-methoxy-1-vinyl-3,4-dihydronaphthalene with cyclobutenone anda-bromocyclobutenone, the formation of themetaandorthoisomers have the same barriers, indicating that the two isomers might be formed in equalproportions, contrary to earlier reports. The regiochemistry of the reaction is mainly controlled by theketone functionality at C1 on the dienophiles. In the reactions of methoxy-substituted-1,3-butadienewith cyclobutenone anda,b-substituted cyclobutenones theortho/endoandpara/endostereo-isomericpathways are the most favorable pathways, changing toexoselectivity when OH, Br, CH3are placedon theb-carbon of the cyclobutenone, but still withorthoandpararegioselectivity. The stereoselectivityis independent of the bulkiness of substituents. The stability of substituted cycloadducts are lowercompared to unsubstituted adducts and this explains why thea-cyanoketones anda-bromoketoneproducts readily undergotrans-methylation and angular-alkylation as electrophiles.

Source: KNUST
Mediation Effect Of Procurement Planning On The Relationship Between Information Technologies And Procurement Performance In Manufacturing Firms: Case Study Of Manufacturing Firms In Ghana.

This study investigates the impact of information technology on procurement management in Ghanaian manufacturing enterprises. This research employs a quantitative-descriptive approach to investigate the intricate dynamics of public procurement effectiveness. Quantitative-descriptive approach to investigate the intricate dynamics of public procurement performance and planning. The study adopted purposive and convenience sampling to sample 150 respondents from supply chain and procurement roles is chosen. SPSS version 27 and Andrews-Hayes Process Macro module 4.0 facilitated the descriptive, reliability, correlations, regression and mediation analysis. The study found out that information technology had a significant and positive influence on procurement performance (Beta = 0.653, P < 0.05). Information technology had a significant and positive influence on procurement planning (Beta = 0.700, P < 0.05). Procurement planning significantly and positively influence procurement performance (Beta = 0.838, P < 0.05). Procurement planning mediated the relationship between information technology and procurement performance. It is recommended that organizations prioritize the strategic integration of information technology and efficient procurement planning processes.

Source: KNUST
The mediating role of customer satisfaction in the relationship between service quality and customer retention in the rural banks in Ashanti Region

The study primarily focused on evaluating the mediating role of customer satisfaction in the link between service quality and customer retention in the rural banks in the Ashanti Region. Customers of 20 rural banks operating within and around the Kumasi Metropolis were targeted for the study. Data were collected using questionnaires. Out of 200 questionnaires administered, 179 were received and used for the analysis. This represented a response rate of 89.5%. Ordinary Least Square Regression Analysis was used to estimate the proposed theoretical model. Due to the multiple inter-dependent relationships to be estimated, hierarchical models were built and evaluated. The results of the study indicated that customer satisfaction partially mediates the relationship between service quality and customer retention. The study also revealed that within the research context, the direct effect of service quality on customer retention is greater than its indirect effect which further supports that service quality is a significant antecedent of customer retention and its effect on the latter construct does not fully work through customer satisfaction. Further results indicated that service quality significantly accounts for 30.9% and 6.2% variations in customer satisfaction and customer retention respectively while customer satisfaction significantly explains 14.1% variations in customer retention. In this study, it was found that aspects of service quality that are of greater concern to customers which significantly affect both customer satisfaction and customer retention was ‘assurance’. This finding support recent observation in the country where most customers of rural and micro-finance institutions have been alarmed and developed less trust and are sceptical about their bankers’ ability and integrity to safeguard their accounts and investments given that some of these banks continue to fail and or ‘run away’ with their investments. Based on these findings it suggested that rural banks should focus more on making customers feel safe in their transactions with them and also by having employees who are knowledgeable in and have professional control over their jobs.

Source: KNUST