ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Distance Education Centre UST, Kumasi

In response to finding lasting solutions to the current problem of student intake into the various universities in the country, a government initiative of a Distance Education Centre has been proposed. This proposal which is an expansion of education at the university level is seen as one of the possible solutions. The Distance Education Centre is to be of a Faculty status and is to be run by all universities in the country. The Distance Education system which is off -sight is quite different from the traditional university system which is on-sight. Distance Education is aimed at providing the same quality of university education and offering qualified applicants who could not gain admission into the traditional universities, the opportunity to obtain the same university degree whilst studying of their own off-campus. This is to be achieved through study materials and off-campus instructions. Exercises and assignments are to be given on a consistent basis and marked in detail with comments for student’s reaction. The possibility of losing the emotional aspect of the on-sight studying is made up through occasional meeting between students and lecturers to interact and pick up basic information left. It was against this background that studies and a survey was conducted to facilitate a procedure for a design thesis topic for a Postgraduate Diploma programme in Architecture to prove with documented evidence that the need for the introduction of Distance Education into Ghanaian universities is imperative since the bulk of professionals and middle level manpower has to be trained in line with Ghana’s Vision 2020, to achieve the status of a middle level income earning nation. In view of this, the university of Science and Technology was chosen as one of the Distance Education Centres to undertake this programme to promote the development of science and technology through Distance Education. This documentation was analysed and finally synthesised into a comprehensive design brief to supplement the initial clients brief concluding in an effective and efficient design proposal for the proposed Distance Education Centre for the University of Science and Technology.

Source: KNUST
Distributed Database Architecture for Data Privacy Using Partitioning Algorithm (A Case Study of Social Security and National Insurance Trust)

Over the past three decades, the trend in computing, database, networking and internet technology has enabled the collection of data as well as the access to and the utilization of this data in a way that was previously unimaginable. Each individual may exist in numerous databases in different geographical location from government agencies to purchases online to confidential medical records and financial information. Because this data is digitalized, it is stored in a way that is cheap, easy to locate, searched using sophisticated queries and easy to make perfect copies. Due to potential abuse and vulnerability of the data subject, this trend has raised data privacy concerns all over the world and motivated governments to pass laws and legislation that seek to protect the individual’s personal data. But government legislation alone is not enough and needs to be supported by technical solutions. Previous solutions have been based on data encryption causing a large overhead in query processing. Other approaches using distributed database techniques for secured database management services combine it with data encryption or some form of data encoding. This study proposes an architecture using database distribution technique without traditional encryption methods and a vertical partitioning algorithm for a near optimal partitioning of a database schema across multiple servers. The SSNIT database schema and legislation passed by governments representing five continents were used to provide a model to (1)identify privacy requirements from existing government legislation, (2) model confidentiality constraints from the privacy requirement, (3) feed the algorithm with the confidentiality constraints to come up with the vertical partitions. The challenge of singleton data confidentiality constraints and how it can be handled in the proposed architecture without any form of data encoding is discussed.

Source: KNUST
DISTINGUISHING LAND USE TYPES USING SURFACE ALBEDO AND NORMALIZED DIFFERENCE VEGETATION INDEX DERIVED FROM THE SEBAL MODEL FOR THE ATANKWIDI AND AFRAM SUBCATCHMENTS IN GHANA

Distinguishing land use types is mostly done through field surveys which does not easily capture the spatial changes in the land use/cover types. In this study, the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL) model was used to estimate surface albedo and NDVI, for different land use/cover types for two sub-catchments (i.e., Atankwidi and Afram) in the Volta Basin of Ghana. The mean coefficient of variation (CV) for individual land use/cover types compared to the mean CV for a given site was then used to distinguish among the land use/cover types. It was found that these parameters derived from the SEBAL model can be used to distinguish among different land use/cover types in the two subcatchments. SEBAL estimates for surface albedo and NDVI across the different land use/cover types varied from 0.05 to 0.22 and -0.41 to 0.38, respectively. The range of CVs for surface albedo and NDVI, were 5-22% and 7-175%, respectively across the different land use/cover types for the two catchments. The results of this study demonstrate that SEBAL’s derived surface albedo and NDVI can be used to distinguish land use/cover types in catchments similar to those of the study areas with few ground measurements.

Source: KNUST
Distributed Renewable Energy Systems in Ghana – a Techno Economic study of Solar Home Systems

Ghana’s urban population in the middle and high-income segments often seek electricity alternate power systems either as a solution in the face of power outages, or as a reliable second option. Some middle- and high-income household users seek to know what options there are, in relation to a second electricity source, and what the techno-economic implications could be. The study sought to assess the technical feasibility and economic benefits of investments in diesel generators and solar PV systems with battery storage. The cost-benefit scenarios of diesel generators were compared to those of Solar-PV systems with battery storage, using a daily base electrical load of 3.3kW peak. Simulations were run with HOMER, comparing options of combined grid and solar home systems, as well as combined grid and diesel generator systems. Running a household solely (considering the base load) on Ghana’s national grid offers a yearly operating cost of $839, translating to a monthly electricity bill of $70 (about GHc 330) and a total NPC of $10,732. Investing an initial amount of $1,332 in an SHS for the same household offers a yearly operating cost of $665, translating to a monthly electricity bill of $55 (about GHc 260) and a total NPC of $9,828. The difference between the total NPC of the grid-only system and that of the recommended SHS (i.e. $10,732 - $9, 828 = $904) offers a payback period of about a year and a half on the initial investment. Given the above results, an investment of $2,000 or less in a Solar PV system with battery storage is better than making that same investment in purchasing a diesel generator. The results show that an investment in purchasing a diesel generator to supplement the national grid provides very little or no benefits. Maintenance cost for each kilowatt of solar installation done is an average of USD $4 as compared to an average of USD $40 for a diesel generator system. There are also benefits in the inclusion of a renewable fraction (16% or more) in the energy supply of homes that invest in solar systems, contributing to goal 7 (affordable and clean energy) of the UN’s sustainable development goals.

Source: KNUST
Distribution and potential risks of heavy metals in fish, water and sediment

Heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystem impacts negatively on the organisms that depend on the water. Concentrations of some heavy metals in water, fish and sediment samples from Lake Bosomtwi in Ghana were determined to assess the extent of pollution in the lake. Concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and Ni in the lake were within the permissible levels recommended by World Health Organization. However, Cd and Pb exhibited higher concentrations possibly due to pollution events. The accumulation pattern in the study is in the order of Ni>Fe>Cu>Mn>Pb>Zn>Cd. Concentration of heavy metals in tilapia samples were all below the WHO guidelines. The sediment samples registered pollution load index of 3.317 indicating the sediment was polluted. Bioaccumulation in fish relative to the water was less than unity for all the metals except Mn. With respect to the sediments, bio-concentration factor for Cu was the highest (2.40) followed by Mn (1.72). All other metals recorded values < 1 indicating the fish species have not accumulated significantly from the environment. Except for Pb that registered a target hazard quotient of 1.030, all other metals had quotients well below 1. Consumption of tilapia from the lake can therefore be said to constitute no health risks so far as the heavy metals investigated are concerned.

Source: KNUST
Distribution and Seasonality of Microbial Indicators and Salmonella in Lake Bosomtwe

This study aimed at assessing the influence of point and non-point sources of pollution on the microbiological quality of Lake Bosomtwe and its compliance with internationally recognized water quality standards. A total of 180 water samples were collected from five sites on Lake Bosomtwe and tested over a 12-month period and analyzed for total coliforms, faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli and enterococci. Bacterial indicator counts ¥ (geometric mean per 100ml) varied from 150 to l.lOxlO12 for total coliforms, 40 to 1.30xl010 for faecal coliforms, 40 to 2.10x10* for Escherichia coli, and 0 to 4.20xl03 for intestinal enterococci. Salmonella counts varied from 0 to 7.25x103 covering a 6-month period, August 2007 to January 2008. There was high bacteria numbers during the rainy season compared with the dry (harmattan) season. Though changes in indicator numbers were not always statistically significant, they were sufficient to affect compliance with the EU Bathing Water Quality Guideline and Imperative standard Directives « (2006/7/EC); while compliance with the WHO intestinal enterococci guideline standard was fair for the water quality. The microbiological quality of Lake Bosomtwe is poor and not suitable for recreational and other human activities. Inland recreational waters in Ghana should be monitored for microbiological contamination, in order to avoid potential risk to human health.

Source: KNUST
Distribution management of statutory electrical materials in Ghana: a study of the ECG in Kumasi

The basic objective of every distribution system in any organization or institution is that right goods and services are delivered to customers at the right time and at the lowest possible overall cost. This leads to not merely satisfaction of customers but delighting them. This empirical study assessed the distribution management of statutory electrical materials in Ghana using the Electricity Company of Ghana in Kumasi as a case. Specifically it assessed how stock and inventories are managed, assessed how statutory electrical materials are distributed to consumers and lastly, identified the challenges faced in the distribution of electrical materials. The design of the study was a cross-sectional survey of 50 workers of the Ashanti West Project Office of the ECG in Kumasi who were sampled conveniently. Data for the study was collected through a questionnaire which was administered during the lunch break of workers. The data collected was coded, entered, cleaned and analysed descriptively using the SPSS (v20) software programme. The results of the analysis showed that the Ashanti West Project Office of the ECG in the Kumasi metropolis engaged in effective and efficient stocking and inventory management practices. Statutory electrical materials were well stocked and inventoried. Results of the study in relation to the distribution of electrical materials to consumers also revealed that stores through third party distribution and stores direct to homes/institutions were the channels of distribution adopted by the Office. Statutory electrical materials were mainly transported by road. The nature of the materials, size, as well as the size level required by customers/clients influenced the decision of the staff to resort to this mode of transportation. The most prominent challenge facing the Project Office was the shortage of statutory electrical materials which upon further investigations was due to lack of funds to procure these items. The study on the basis of this finding recommends that the government through the sector ministry for energy make funds available to assist the ECG in the procurement of its statutory electrical materials to meet the ever growing demand of consumers.

Source: KNUST
Distribution And Risk Assessment Of Heavy Metals In Peri- Urban Areas Of Kumasi

The occurrence of heavy metals in urban soil is of great environmental concern due to the effects associated with excessive exposure. The main purpose of the work was to measure the levels and determine possible health risks due to excessive exposure to some selected metals. A total of 73 soil samples were collected from the top soil of Peri- Urban areas of Kumasi at a depth of 0-10 cm and subjected to the X - ray fluorescence spectroscopy analysis. Soil pH, conductivity and total organic content were also determined. pH and electrical conductivity were in a range of 6.5 - 8.5 and 153 S/cm - 8990 S/cm respectively for all samples. The mean concentrations of metals analyzed were Pb (18.60  0.53 mg/kg), Cu (20.20  2.34 mg/kg), Ni (29.33  2.0mg/kg), Cr (77.97  4.35 mg/kg), Zn (49.27  3.56 mg/kg), Fe (23031  10.56 mg/kg), Mn (158.68 8.56 mg/kg) ,V (78.21 5.34 mg/kg), Sn (8.83 4.85 mg/kg), Cd (12.91 52 mg/kg) and As (10.11 2.93 mg/kg). The enrichment factor (0.2090.004), contamination factor (0.4830.003) and Pollution Load Index (0.057 0.004) indicated that soil in the study area is not polluted. The Potential Ecological Risk Index projected low risk effect whereas Hazard Index and Carcinogenic Risk Index indicated no human health risk associated with exposure to these metals. Bioaccessibility of surface soil samples was estimated using the modified in vitro physiologically based extraction test (PBET), with the results indicating that the bioaccessibility of the metals were all below 100%. However, to regulate bioaccumulation effect, constant monitoring is required

Source: KNUST
Distribution of Heavy Metals in Organs of Sheep and Goat Reared in Obuasi: A Gold Mining Town in Ghana

The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of metals in some organs of goat and sheep and assess the distribution of these metals in the sample tissues. Samples were digested with 60% nitric acid and concentrations of the heavy metals measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer while the concentrations of Hg were measured with mercury analyzer. Concentrations of Zn, Cu were very high in the organs followed by Cr, Ni, Co, Pb, Cd, As and Hg. Total rank score assessment showed that liver, kidney and lung had accumulated high levels of metals while brain accumulated lowest. Mean Zn concentrations in all organs ranged between 24.88±11.22 in goat brain and 97.06±19.66 mg/kg in liver of goat. Mean Cu concentrations ranged between 7.96±1.20 (small intestine of sheep) and 106.63±111.24 mg/kg in liver of sheep. Cd concentration in liver and kidney in both species were above the EU set limit of 0.05 mg/kg. Concentrations of Co in liver, kidney and lungs of the two different animals did not vary significantly. As and Hg concentration were homogenous in all the organs of both animals and did not show any significant variation. Prolonged consumption of kidney, liver and lungs of goats and sheep having high concentrations of Zn Cu and Cd may lead to accumulation of these metals in humans and cause metal toxicity.

Source: KNUST
Distribution of heavy metals in soils from abandoned dump sites in Kumasi, Ghana

This study investigated the heavy metal content and the extent of pollution in soils from abandoned dump sites in Kumasi, Ghana. Concentrations of heavy metals in the 70 soil samples were determined using a Niton XL3t GOLD field portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer and confirmed on an Agilent 7800 inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer. Mercury was determined with a Lumex mercury analyzer. Mean concentrations of metals in soils were in the order: Zn (166 mg/kg). Cr (67 mg/kg) > Cu (32 mg/kg), Ni (22 mg/kg) > Pb (11 mg/kg) Cd (8.9 mg/kg) > As (4.2 mg/kg) > Hg (0.04 mg/kg) for Kronum; and Zn (558 mg/kg), Cu (347 mg/kg), Pb (288 mg/kg) > Cr (77 mg/kg) > Ni (35 mg/kg) > As (11 mg/kg) > Cd (3.0 mg/kg) > Hg (0.19 mg/kg) for Amakom. Pollution indices (geo-accumulation, contamination factor, pollution load and potential ecological risk) indicated very high contamination for arsenic, cadmium and lead at Kronum and arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead and zinc at Amakom. Mercury recorded the least level of pollution for both dump sites. Regular monitoring of these abandoned dump sites is required. Remediation programs in these sites should also be instituted.

Source: KNUST
Distribution of Heavy Metals in the Fosu Lagoon (Cape Coast)

Mining and industrial processing are among the main sources of heavy metals contamination in the environment. Heavy metals concentration may accumulate to toxic level which can cause a potential risk to human health. Continuous discharge of industrial and residential waste water into the Fosu lagoon is a potential source of environmental pollution. Water, sediment and fish samples from the lagoon were used to assess the extent of heavy metals concentration in the lagoon. Heavy metal concentrations in the samples were measured using the Perkin-Elmer Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer. Some physicochemical parameters were also measured to know the level of the water quality. Twelve samples of water and sediment were collected from the lagoon at six different points to represents the wet and dry seasons. Results obtained for water samples were compared with USEPA National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. Geoaccumulation index was used to determine the extent of heavy metal pollution in the sediment samples whiles the heavy metal concentrations in fish samples were compared with US Food and Nutrition Board daily recommended intake levels. Pearson’s correlation was also used to determine how correlated the metals are to each other and their possible sources. The results obtained revealed that heavy metals concentrations were significantly higher during the dry season for both water and sediment samples but nutrients concentration in water samples were higher in the wet season. pH values for water and sediments revealed that the lagoon is neutral during the wet season but basic in the dry season. Only lead and cadmium were recorded in water samples for the wet season with lead concentration exceeding the USEPA threshold level of 3.0 mg/kg. The sediment samples contained high concentration of metals. Fe, Mn, Zn and Pb recorded mean concentrations of 1275.25 mg/kg, 236.72mg/kg, 22.72 mg/kg and 14.22 mg/kg for the dry season respectively. Geoaccumulation indices showed that the lagoon sediments were highly contaminated with iron, manganese, zinc and lead. Metal concentrations in fish samples were also detected and again, iron, manganese, zinc and lead recorded high concentrations. Examination of health of the fish by Fulton’s formula showed that all fish samples were in good condition. However, the presence of lead and cadmium in the fish samples is a health threat since these two metals are of no nutritional value and also have the tendency to bio accumulates in the fish and also be biomagnified along the food chain.

Source: KNUST
Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Air and Surface Soil: Case Study Kumasi, Ghana.

PAHs are organic compounds connected in ring like forms. Their presences in air and soil matrices deserve attention because they are highly stable, toxic and can produce carcinogenic and mutagenic effects. The objectives of this study are to determine the concentrations, distribution, and the sources of emission of PAHs in air samples and surface soils from the Kumasi metropolis. Concentrations of total and 22 individual PAHs in air and soils samples in Kumasi were determined. In all, 34 air samples were collected from KNUST campus and the Kejetia lorry station and 129 soil samples were also collected from 36 communities in the Kumasi metropolis. These samples were extracted with a 1:2 v/v acetone: hexane mixture for 6 h prior to clean-up and GC-MS analyses. The highest concentration of total PAHs in air samples from KNUST campus and Kejetia lorry station were 16.58 ng/m3 and 38.72 ng/m3 respectively. The mean concentration of total PAHs in surface soils ranged from 10.85±4.84 at Ahinsan to 2084.87±2210.05 ng/g dry weight at Adum. The Benzo(a)Pyrene concentration in the air samples from KNUST campus and Kejetia lorry station ranged from below detection to 0.08 ng/m3 and 1.69 to 5.66 ng/m3 respectively. From the results Adum is the most polluted community with total PAHs concentration with mean value of 2084.87 ng/g dry weight. The diagnostic ratios of the results show that PAHs in the air and surface soil samples are mainly from fuel combustion.

Source: KNUST
Distribution of species of the anopheles gambiae complex and their pyrethroid insecticide knock down resistance status in the Kumasi metropolis.

The Anopheles species play a central role in malaria transmission. Several methods are available to map out the distribution and distinction of various species of the Anopheles in the tropics and sub-tropical regions of the world. However the advent of molecular technology, polymerase chain reaction assay, which is faster and based on genotypic diversity of the species, simplified this research. This study was set out to identify and determine the distribution of Anopheles gambiae s.s, (the most prevalent malaria vector) within the selected communities in Kumasi. DNA was extracted from Anopheles mosquitoes larvae and used as template in polymerase chain reaction (PCR), for each specimen. Knock down resistance (Kdr) was further carried out on the samples. Seventy six out of 100 larvae collected were identified as gambiae s.s. Twenty six out of 50 An. gambiae samples were found to posses Kdr gene with remaining 24 samples being susceptible.

Source: KNUST