ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Need for Developing Impact-Based Forecasting in West Africa

While conventional weather forecasts focus on meteorological thresholds for extreme events, Impact-Based Forecasts (IBF) integrate information about the potential severity of weather impacts with their likelihood of occurrence. As IBF provides an indication of local risk, there is an increasing uptake of this approach globally. Despite the vulnerability ofWest Africa to severe weather, and the potential benefits of such a risk-based approach for informing disaster risk reduction, IBF remains rarely used in this region. To meet this need, three national workshops were held in Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal with forecasters, project researchers and users of Climate Information Services (CIS) from key sectors (e.g., agriculture, water resources, disaster, risk reduction). In addition, a more localized district level workshop was held in Northern Ghana to explore needs at a subnational scale in Tamale District. The objectives of these workshops were to evaluate the current use of forecast products provided by National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and to explore the potential for applying IBF. Findings indicate a recognition that the quality of forecast products provided by NMHSs in West Africa has substantially improved in recent years. However, challenges remain related to user understanding, clarity about forecast uncertainty, insufficient spatial and temporal resolution of forecasts leading to limited trust in forecasts. The workshops identified high demand for weather information related to storms, droughts and heatwaves in all the three countries. Dust storms were identified as having strong potential for IBF application in both Nigeria and Senegal. To increase the uptake of CIS by users in West Africa, NMHSs will need to develop and implement user-tailored IBF in their normal weather forecast approaches and improve communication channels with user communities. There is an urgent need for governments in West Africa to enhance the capacity of NMHSs to incorporate IBF as a routine forecast activity by first establishing a National Framework for Climate Services with user engagement as a key first pillar.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the pathogens and antidotes of construction projects among selected Municipal Assemblies in Greater Accra Region

This study sought to explore the pathogens and antidotes in relation to construction projects ongoing at the local assembly level of Ghana. The pathogens refer to the problems faced construction projects while antidotes refer to solutions to these identified problems in project construction. In order to achieve this aim the study set out some specific objectives. They include; to explore the challenges faced during the construction of social amenities in local assemblies, to ascertain the most significant challenge affecting success in project completion and to assess the most appropriate solutions needed to curb these challenges in construction projects. The quantitative approach to research was used with the help of descriptive design. The data gathering was conducted with the help of structured questionnaires with specific sections tailored to the objectives of the study. The simple random sampling technique as well as the convenience sampling techniques were used to obtain 54 respondents from specific departments of six (6) local assemblies in Greater Accra region. After about few weeks of data gathering the response rate was more than 95% which provides some level of confidence in the data obtained. After data was gathered IBM SPSS (version 23) was used to deduce the right analysis for the specific objectives outlined. The results obtained showed that there are health and safety pathogens as well as financial constraints faced during the construction of social amenities in local assemblies. The study also reveals that health or safety issue is the most significant challenge affecting success in project completion at the local assembly level. The study concludes that the most appropriate antidote is standby health units mounted at construction sites to promptly deal with health challenges during construction projects at the local level. The study recommends that mandatory check-up policy should be instituted so that staff in the project management sector are well looked after so that they are able to provide quality projects.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the opportunities for using public private partnerships (PPP) in the Ghanaian housing sector

In recent times there has been an increased discussion on various national platforms across the country on the manner in which the Ghanaian Government is Partnering the Private Sector in the provision of Infrastructure and service such as sanitation, water, roads, railways, Housing, Harbor, and airport. Studies all over the world have constantly shown that infrastructure is anessential pre-requisite for economic growth and therefore the need for a consistent provision of infrastructure as well as social services to maintain such growth is very paramount. This has resulted in the development of a new and innovative approach to the provision and financing of public infrastructure, hence the adoption of a Public Private Partnership (PPP) framework which reflects government desire for improved quality, cost-effective and timely provision of public infrastructure and services in Ghana. The aim of the study is to explore the progress and application of Public Private Partnership (PPP) implementation in the Ghanaian housing sector. The research made use of questionnaires as means of gathering useful data for the study. Out of the target population of 50 respondents, a sample of 30 was chosen for the study.A self-developed questionnaire was used through simple sampling technique to collect data from the respondents. The collected data were analyzed using a program called Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 16, to perform basic descriptive statistics. Analysis from the study identified legislation on the use of locally available materials for the housing sector, provision of land to private sector developers by government, lack of awareness of the PPP policy and lack of computerized database of land owners to minimize land and property litigationas some of the factors (key words) hindering the smooth implementation of the PPP policy. Finally, publicity/education to increase the awareness of the PPP policy, the policy implementation should be structured fairly to cover all sectors of the economy, local real estate developers should be considered for priority government contracts, conscious efforts and financial dedications should be given to the housing sector and improve efficiency and effectiveness were recommended as the way forward if the policy is to succeed.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the peri-, chemo-, and regioselectivity of addition oftechnetium metal oxides of the type TcO3L(L=Cl–,O–, OCH3,CH3) to substituted ketenes: a DFT computational study

The addition of TcO3L(L=Cl,O–, OCH3,CH3) to substituted ketenes along various addition pathways was studied withdensity functional theory calculations to explore the peri-, chemo-, and regioselectivity of the reactions. In the reactions of TcO3L withdimethyl ketene, the results show that forL=O–and CH3, [1 + 1] addition to form a triplet zwitterionic intermediate is the preferredfirst step; for L = Cl, the [3 + 2]C=Caddition across the O–Tc–Cl bond is the preferred first step and forL=OCH3the [3 + 2]C=Cadditionacross the O–Tc–OCH3 bond is the preferred first step. In the reactions of TcO3Cl with substituted ketenes, [1 + 1] addition to form atriplet zwitterionic intermediate is the preferred first step for X = Ph, CN, and Cl; the [3 + 2]C=Caddition across the O–Tc–O bond of thecomplex is the preferred first step forX=H,while the [3 + 2]C=Caddition across the O–Tc–CH3 bond is the preferred first step. Reactionsinvolving a change in the oxidation state of metal have high activation barriers, while reactions that do not involve a change inoxidation state have low activation barriers. Reactions of ketenes with TcO3L complexes have lower activation barriers for thepreferred addition pathways than those of the ReO3L complexes reported in the literature. Thus, the TcO3L complexes may be bettercatalysts for the activation of the C=C bonds of substituted ketenes than the reported ReO3L complexes.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the Potential of Azadirachta Indica Extracts for Preservation of Sympodial Bamboo

Due to the high amount of starch and sugar in the Bambusa vulgaris, it makes it easy for pests, fungi, borers and other biodegrading organisms to attack the bamboo making it less durable and unattractive for production of any artifact by the local craftsmen. (Baah, 2001). Bamboo is a renewable natural resource that is woody, precious, physically powerful and exceptionally fast- growing grass. Bamboo plays an important role in the world‘s economy; however, in Ghana, most bamboo industries use chemical preservative which are toxic example dusban, an imported and expensive product for the preservation of bamboo which has ripping effects on the users of bamboo products and the environment as a whole. Ghana Standard Board and other environmental protection agencies are preaching for the use of biological and organic means of preservation of bamboo and other woody materials so as to protect our lives and planet earth. Neem plant (Azadirachta indica), as some people call the ―the village pharmacy‖ because of its ability to treat certain illnesses in both humans and animals, again as pesticides and mosquito repellant. This study has experimented the potential of neem leave extracts in the production of preservative in preserving Bambusa vulgaris in Ghana coupled with other traditional methods of preserving bamboo and also to make it environmentally friendly method of preservation.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the peri-, chemo-, and regio-selectivity of additionof manganese metal oxides MnO3L(L=Cl ,O , OCH3,CH3)tosubstituted ketenes: A computational study

Ketenes are interesting reactive intermediates that find a wide range of synthetic applications. Densityfunctional theory calculations at the MO6/LACVP⁄and B3LYP/LACVP⁄levels of theory have beenemployed to explore the peri-, chemo-, and regio-selectivity of the addition of manganese oxo complexesMnO3L (L = Cl, O , OCH3,CH3) to substituted ketenes O@C@C(CH3)(X) [X = H, CH3, Cl, CN, Ph] with the aimof elucidating the effects of substituents on the mechanism of the reactions. The results show that theconcerted [3+2] addition of the C@C bond of the ketene across the metal complex is the most preferredpathway in all the reactions studied (with respect to changing ligand L on the metal complex or sub-stituent X on the ketene) except in the reaction of MnO4 (i.e. for L = O ) with dimethyl ketene, which fol-lows only a stepwise addition pathway. [2+2] addition is found to be possible only in the reaction ofMnO3–OCH3with dimethyl ketene where the activation barrier for [2+2]C@Oaddition is 23.79 kcal/mol,which is far greater than the barrier for the [3+2] addition. The reactions of dimethyl ketene withMnO4 will most likely lead to the formation of an ester precursor and the reaction of MnO3Cl with thesubstituted ketenes would lead to the formation of an ester precursor, chlorohydrin precursor, acetalde-hyde and carbon monoxide (for X = H, Cl). Generally, reactions involving an increase in oxidation state ofmetal have higher activation barriers. For both [3+2] and [2+2] addition, low activation barriers areobtained when the substituent on the ketene is electron-donating while high activation barriers areobtained when the substituent is electron-withdrawing. The reactions of ketenes with MnO3L complexeshave lower activation barriers for the preferred [3+2] and [2+2] addition pathways as well as fewer sidereactions than those of the ReO3L complexes reported in the literature, a trend which was seen in our ear-lier work with reactions of group VII metals with olefins, implying that manganese oxo complexes effi-ciently and selectively catalyze specific reactions in oxidation of ketenes and olefins than do Re oxocomplexes and therefore Mn oxo complexes may be better catalysts for specific oxidation reactions ofketenes and olefins than Re complexes are.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the potential of open competition for achieving value for money in public sector procurement.

An effective and efficient way of achieving value for money in the procurement process is by open competition, which is allowing all eligible contractors and suppliers to tender for contracts without any restrictions once the contractors and suppliers are qualified. The purpose of the study was to explore the potential of open competition for achieving value for money in public sector procurement. The objectives were; identify the factors considered in adopting competitive tendering methods, to identify the types of competitive tendering methods, to determine the challenges in achieving value for money when using open competition and finally to identify some measures put in place in achieving value for money. The data collection tools included questionnaires and interviews whiles the target population included procuring officials and other stakeholders. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 25) was used in the analysis, taking into consideration the mean score ranking to analyse the data obtained from various respondents. Limitations from the research were of the geographic focus and due to time constraints the study was limited to only one region and on the ministries. This impacted the population and sample size. Implications for the study is a step towards achieving value for money in public procurement through open competition as a default method of procurement. The findings revealed that procurement thresholds as a major factor influencing the use of open competition, national competitive tendering was the most commonly used open competitive tendering method, value management as a major factor that achieves value for money, on challenges recorded, political and management interference was a major challenge and on measures to enhance value for money, procurement audits was most recognized, The findings will help in enhancing the practise of procurement in public

Source: KNUST
Exploring the potentials of mfensi clay for the production of garden stool

Furniture and stool production have been in various shapes and forms usually with materials which are resistant to the harsh weather conditions such as wood, metal, plastic, bamboo and cement. Nevertheless, beauty and strength have become an integral part of outdoor furniture due to their numerous technological innovations and marketing. Today, cement has become the basic material for garden stool production with wood being the most dominating raw material. Critical observations and analysis into the mineralogical composition of Mfensi clay, compelled the researcher to aim at exploring the potentials of Mfensi clay for clay garden stool production. As a result, this research seeks to test for the potential properties of Mfensi clay, feldspar and silica for suitable clay body composition for the production of clay garden stools. To achieve these set objectives, the researcher used the qualitative research method, coupled with the experimental and the descriptive research designs to analyse and draw meaningful conclusions. The following three clay body compositions were subjected to shrinkage test, water absorption test and atterberg limits respectively. Clay body ‘A’ constituted 70% Mfensi clay, 10% feldspar and 20% silica. Clay body ‘B’ constituted 80% Mfensi clay, 10% feldspar and 10% silica whiles, clay body ‘C’, constituted 60% Mfensi clay, 20% feldspar and 20% silica. Conclusions drawn from these tests revealed that, clay body ‘A’ which constituted 70% Mfensi clay, 10% feldspar and 20% silica exhibited creditable physical and chemical properties that renders it more potent for clay garden stool production. It is recommended that, the Department of Integrated Rural Art and Industry, takes advantage of the properties in Mfensi for clay garden stools production.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the professional competencies of quantity surveyor in retrofitting and adaptation of existing building

The Construction Industry (CI) worldwide involves many professionals, notably among them is the Quantity Surveyor (QS), whose role is key to project success of which retrofitting and adaptation of existing building is no exception. QSs are cost-literates concerned with financial probity in the conceptualization, planning and execution of projects in the pre–construction, construction and post-construction stages. Their role contributes to overall construction project performance by acquiring, developing and deploying appropriate competencies and the need to maintain high level of ethics in recent times. Thus, the aim of the study was identifying the professional competencies of QS in retrofitting and adaptation of existing building projects in Ghana. In achieving the aim the following objectives were set; identifying the level of involvement of QS in retrofitting and adaptation of existing building projects in Ghana; identifying the challenges QS, face in retrofitting and adaptation of existing buildings; and identifying QS competencies in retrofitting and adaptation of existing buildings. Following a thorough literature review, a quantitative research design was adopted. Adopting a snowball sampling technique, a representative sample of forty (40) QS within Kumasi provided data for the study, through a self-administered structured questionnaire. Data gathered was analyzed using descriptive statistical tools including frequencies and mean score ranking with the help SPSS version 21. The findings of the study revealed that QS involvement in retrofitting and adaption of existing building projects were very high. Notwithstanding the fact that QS faces various challenges ranging from poor quality drawings, to low remunerations for services in retrofitting buildings, continuous professional development of their competences in the areas of construction technology and environmental services; project financial control and reporting; conduct ethics, rules and professional practice; is essential to the success in retrofitting and adaptation of existing buildings.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the reasons why adversarial procurement has Failed to deliver in public procurement

Adversarial (bidding and tendering) or traditional sourcing procedures are often used in the procurement of public infrastructure and the delivery on budgets remains a challenge. Developing nations are now including a variety of alternative sourcing methods that are based on collaborative principles in enhancing their supply chains. This methods are non adversarial in nature and are characterized by a medium to long term relationships with suppliers and constructors. The aim of this research is exploring the reasons why adversarial procurement failed to deliver in public procurement. Its objectives being: To identify the adversarial procurement methods adopted by the officials, to identify the challenges of adversarial procurement in the public sector and to identify other procurement methods to achieve successful procurement procedures in the public procurement. The data collection tools included questionnaires and interviews whiles the target population included procuring officials and certain stakeholders involved. Statistical package for the social sciences (version 25) was used in the analysis, taking into consideration the mean score ranking to analyse the data obtained from various respondents. The findings revealed competitive tendering, two-stage tendering, restricted tendering, single or sole source procurement and request for quotation were all adversarial procurement methods mostly adopted. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made in order to enhance the choice of procurement methods adopted by the public procurement. The procurement officers must undergo regular training to refresh their skills on non-adversarial procurement methods, Automation to prevent political and management interference in the procurement process. There must be accountability and transparency in the procurement process in preventing corruption.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the safety climate and performance of roof construction in Ghana

Roof construction is the most vital component of a building since the roof serves as a shelter for all life and properties. Workers in roof construction are prone to many accidents mainly due to the height involved. This study aimed at exploring the safety climate and performance of roof construction in Ghana. The objectives of the study are; to explore the safety precautions for workers in the roof construction industry, to identify the factors that affect the quality of workers safety in roof construction and to identify effective safety climate practices in the roof construction industry were set to achieve the aim of the study. Purposive sampling was used in sampling the respondents. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from the respondents for the analysis. The analysis was done using the relative importance index, one sample-test and mean score ranking. Mean score ranking was used in the analysis of safety precautions for workers to rank them from the most to the least important. A one sample t-test analysis was conducted to affirm that these precautions were indeed safety precautions being used by roof construction workers. The use of mean score ranking and relative importance index was used to rank the factors that affect the quality of workers safety from the highest to the lowest. The factors that ranked as the first five are lack of training, lack of personal protective equipment, lack of management commitment to safety, lack of inspection procedures on site and lack of skilled labour. To distinguish compelling wellbeing atmosphere hones in the rooftop development industry, the gathered information from the respondents were dissected utilizing the mean score positioning and the one example t-test. The analysis revealed the most important practice as the provision of personal protective equipment. The research recommends that, practitioners make sure employees abide with the safety rules and regulations when executing their daily works and the fact that safety officers should also educate workers on the importance of abiding with safety precautions on site for safe working environment.

Source: KNUST