ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Problèmes de traduction le cas des étudiants à Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi

The focus of this work was to take an inventory of translation problems through an evaluation of translation skills of undergraduate students learning French at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi. Basically, the underlying hypotheses stem from the following: firstly, the translator's translation of an utterance is dependent on relevant choices of information made in the context; secondly, when the translator translates by taking into account only lexical information, the result is literal translation if the meaning of the utterance is left out; thirdly, translation is a hypothetical process where comprehension is important. A model of skills grouped into six sub-skills skills and abilities. subject learnt. was used. These sub-skills constituted the know-how, the body of knowledge, In addition, each touches on the main areas that the translator should master in his work. It has to do with knowledge universally acquired and the Two questionnaires with forty-one variables were coded and entries made into the statistical package for Social Sciences, SPSS 20.0 Then, frequency distribution tables were generated according to levels of study for two consecutive academic years, i.e. the first semester of both the 2015/2016 and the 2016/2017 academic years. Analyses from our findings have enabled us to validate all our hypotheses. We have also discovered that regarding computer assisted translations, computers are not capable of making contextual inferences and this fact marks off the translator from the machine. After completing this study, we are of the opinion that there is still a very wide field in research to be covered in the didactics of translation.

Source: KNUST
Production and characterisation of cocoa pod briquette and sawdust

The demand for wood fuels in rural and some urban areas of Ghana keeps on increasing which could lead to forest degradation. The present study sought to produce and characterise briquette made from cocoa pod husk and a mixed sample which comprised of a mixture of cocoa pod husk and sawdust as an alternative source of fuel to reduce the pressure on wood fuels. Simple methods were used to produce the briquette for the study. The physico-chemical properties of the briquettes were conducted at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) where the proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and calorific value of the briquettes were analysed and compared to the controlled sample charcoal produced from ‘Amire’ species (Terminalia ivorensis) using a completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 replication. A survey was also conducted to determine the usability of the briquettes using purposive sampling technique where sixty (60) respondents were given samples of the two different kind of briquettes produced to use. Results obtained from the ultimate and proximate analysis showed that there were significant differences among the treatments (P < 0.05). Results obtained from the calorific value showed that the mixed briquette (23.6 MJ/Kg) produced significantly (P < 0.05) the highest amount of heat followed by the controlled charcoal (18.5 MJ/Kg) and carbonised cocoa pod briquette (16.7 MJ/Kg). Results from the survey showed that (97%) of the respondent used wood fuels for their heating and cooking activities, (98%) of the respondents were ready to use the new briquettes produced if it is made available. From the results obtained, it could be concluded that the briquettes produced from cocoa pod husk and sawdust could help reduce the pressure on wood fuels, reduce deforestation and also provide cleaner fuel for cooking. The study recommend that more education should be given to the public on the benefit and the use of briquette technologies as a substitute for wood fuels.

Source: KNUST
Public Debt, Public Investment and Economic Growth in Ghana (1980-2017)

Research shows that numerous studies have analyzed the impact of public debt on economic growth. However, existing empirical evidence provides mixed and inconsistent predictions about the effect of public debt on economic growth. This study however explores the critical turning point at which the excessive government debt levels have a positive or negative impact on economic growth in Ghana. It also assessed the trend of public debt in Ghana from 1980-2017, as well as the relationship between the public investment and public debt in Ghana. The research design adopted was the quantitative method. This study utilises models that are based on Pattillo, Ricci, and Poirson (2004) Growth and Debt models due to the existence of subcomponents working unitedly. The research heavily utilized secondary data gathered from the World Development Indicators (WDI) on Ghana from 1980 to 2017. Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test, Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL), time series graph and pairwise correlations were used in presentation of results. The findings show that investment continues to significantly contribute to the increase of output growth. An increase in domestic investment in the short run also increases economic growth. The study shows that there is a negative effect of debt-to-GDP on growth which means that domestic borrowing from foreign capital was used, partially, to finance government expenditure and public investment, thus contributing to the increase in public spending, increases budget deficit and leading to higher public debt in order to finance these deficits. It was therefore recommended that Ghana should employ prudent financial and economic policies that will enhance efficient financial management, promote trade, Control the depreciation of exchange rate and control Inflationary pressure. This will go a long way to promote and sustain the level of Ghana’s economic growth rate in the coming years.

Source: KNUST
Quality of Wastewater used for Irrigation: A case study of selected communities in Accra

The quality of water may be defined by its physico-chemical and micro-biological characteristics. Irrigable wastewater samples were collected from different locations in Accra (Abossey Okai, Alajo, Airport Residential Area, Dzorwulu and Kanda) and analysed to assess their physicochemical, heavy metal concentrations and suitability for agricultural production. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, turbidity, total hardness, alkalinity, and electrical conductivity were determined and values were compared with the World Health Organisation water quality standards for irrigation. Correlation analysis shows that wastewater of some of the areas, such as Abossey Okai and Alajo, was polluted but not at levels that are not suitable for agricultural purposes. Generally, levels of physico-chemical properties such as alkalinity, salinity, TDS, TSS, total hardness, were all within the WHO permissible limits, with the exception of electrical conductivity (EC). Plant nutrients such as nitrates, sulphates, and phosphates were present in quantities that are within the WHO permissible limits. Heavy metal concentrations were also within the WHO standard permissible limits, with lead (Pb) having notably significant levels in samples from Alajo and Abossey Okai. Wastewater sample from Alajo recorded the highest concentration of Pb (0.375 mg/L) while sample from Kanda had the least Pb concentration (0.108 mg/L).

Source: KNUST
Redesigning and Construction of the Semi-Broad Loom for the Physically Challenged (Mobility) in the Northern Region of Ghana

In Ghana, strip weaving is an art in transition inherited from one generation to the other (Frimpong and Asinyo, 2013). The semi-broad loom is a locally manufactured metallic loom which works the same way as the broad loom except with only two shafts and it is used by women. The structure of the semi-broad loom do not inspire the physically challenged (mobility) to indulge in weaving. Hence, the study investigated the possibility of an intervention in art that seem to introduce the physically challenged in the northern part of Ghana to weaving. The study identified and discussed the challenges that prevent the physically challenged persons (mobility) from weaving. It further designed and developed a semi-broad loom for the physically. The qualitative research design was employed for this study. Descriptive research and the Studio/Practice based research method was used. Target Population for the study was ninety while Accessible Population of forty consisting of Master weavers (trainers), and twelve from physically challenged persons, totaling fifty two. Purposive sampling technique was employed with Observations and interviews being the research instrument adopted Tools and materials for Construction of the semi-broad loom were mainly welding tools and materials. It was realized that more women are into weaving than men, due to that the semi-broad loom is the principal loom for weaving in the northern part of Ghana. It was also observed that the physically challenged persons (mobility) do not indulge in weaving due to a number of reasons such as; weaving centers located on the borders of the communities, weaving involving lot of movements, difficulty in creating shed, difficulty in warp let off and dressing of yarns. A new design of the semi-broad loom with levers for creating the shed, locking mechanism and additional shafts was designed and developed which made it possible for the physically challenged persons (mobility) to weave with the loom. It is concluded that available looms for weaving required the use of both legs and hands and most weaving centers were far from the residence. The new semi-broad loom for the physically challenged persons (mobility) was successfully designed and produced. Physically challenged persons (mobility) were able to use the loom to weave, however it took a longer time to complete the task. Weaving centers should embrace the use of the semi-broad loom in their operations in order to contain the physically challenged (mobility). The designed semi-broad loom for the physically challenged persons should be employed by the weavers to help curb the unemployment situation since it is equipped with hand levers and warp beam which enabled them to operate it. Loom developers should consider the semi-broad loom for future development of looms for physically challenged persons.

Source: KNUST
Regulatory institutional environment and operational performance: the roles of inter-firm governance mechanisms and structural network complexity

The regulatory institutional environment (hereafter regulatory environment) has important implications on a firm’s strategies and operations. Accordingly, several scholarly works, over the years, have focused on investigating its influences on business performance outcomes. Yet, how regulatory environment affects business performance outcomes is still not clear as the emerged evidences have been largely inconsistent and inconclusive. Of interest, knowledge of the conditional processes through which regulatory environment may enhance or undermine operational performance appears limited. Drawing on institutional theory and inter-firm governance literature, this study proposes and tests a model that suggests that regulatory environment drives operational performance, via inter-firm governance mechanisms, but that this indirect effect is conditional upon levels of structural network complexity. The study uses a sample of 331 firms from the service and manufacturing sectors in Ghana—a developing economy in sub-Saharan Africa—to test the proposed relationship. Largely supporting the theoretical predictions, the results from structural equation modelling show that under varying conditions of structural network complexity, different dimensions of governance mechanisms (formal control and social control) play differential mediating roles in the relationship between regulatory environment and firm operational performance. Specifically, the study finds that at low and high levels of structural network complexity, the positive indirect effects of regulatory environment on operational performance, via formal control and social control are strengthened respectively. The significance of the findings is that they provide a possible explanation for the divergent and sometimes conflicting results obtained on the direct regulatory environment-performance relationship. The theoretical implication is that different dimensions of governance mechanisms channel the impact of macro level regulatory conditions to firm level operational performance at different levels of structural network complexity. Practical implications for managers who make strategic and operational decisions about inter-organizational business networks are discussed.

Source: KNUST
Reproductive Assessment of Ethanolic Stem-Bark Extract of Khaya Senegalensis on Male Wistar Rat

Khaya senegalensis otherwise known as African mahogany belongs to the family of Melaiceae. It has been investigated for a number of ethnobotanical and folkloric use. It is used for various remedies and has been identified to treat malaria, anemia, wound healing, and many others. The safety effect on non-target systems and organs are limited in scope. Hence this study aimed to consider the scientific bases for the ethnobotanical and folkloric use of Khaya senegalensis as a sexual enhancing agent and its effect on non- target reproductive organs in males. To establish the hypothesis that Khaya senegalensis has no effect on the male reproductive functioning, twenty male rats were divided into three treatment group with a positive and negative controls. They were treated with the extract for twenty- eight-days. Possible effect of the extract on reproductive organ weight was assessed by measuring sexual behavior, reproductive organ weight, serum and ex-vivo hormones. Histology of their testis were also done. Androgenic and anti- androgenic effect of the extract was also measured by castrating peripubertal rats and treating them with Khaya senegalensis extract, testosterone and flutamide for ten experimental days. Hormones were assayed in the treated group and compared to non-treated group with an ELISA for hormones kits. The results showed that, the extract has a higher on the mount frequency at a dose of 500g/kg and 100mg/kg. It significantly increased serum LH and epididymal weight with a corresponding increase in sperm concentration and viability at 1000mg/kg KSE. There was also mild (100mg/kg) to moderate (1000mg/kg) inflammation in a dose dependent manner. It can therefore be concluded that Khaya senegalensis may support folkloric use for sexual dysfunction at 500mg/kg and 100mg/kg but may be detrimental to testicular morphology as the dose increases (1000mg/kg)

Source: KNUST
Studies on strategies to increase national health insurance scheme's enrollment and retention rates; case of Ashanti region, Ghana

The discouraging rates of enrollment and retention on Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) due to non-affordability of the cost of paying premium under the existing payment mode are a persistent source of worry to administrators of the scheme and the nation at large. This study explores a proposed Mobile Phone Payment System (MPPS) that can allow premium payment on pro-rata basis. The study used both qualitative study and quantitative cross-sectional survey to solicit the required information from an ICT specialist, NHIS experts and about 1152 respondents living in Kumasi Metropolis, Atwima Nwabiaya and Sekyere Central Districts of Ghana. The study’s findings indicate that the feasible rate of cost of collecting premiums through the MPPS is between 0-22%. The empirical results have revealed that the insured individual is more than 2 times as likely to remain insured while the uninsured individual is less likely to remain uninsured when payment of NHIS premium is pro-rata. The study findings further reveal that there is a statistically significant relationship between a savings rate of 38% on cost of medical care for outpatient services when insured and enrollment or retention in NHIS (p<0.0001). This finding implies that about 93.98% of individuals who have never enrolled were likely to enroll on the NHIS while 99.53% of those who have ever enrolled were also likely to remain on the NHIS based on the knowledge of the savings rate on medical fee for out-patient services' when insured. It is recommended therefore that the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) consider this payment system that has the potential of increasing the enrollment and retention of uninsured and insured respectively in NHIS especially those in the informal sector.

Source: KNUST
Studies on taxation and firm productivity in sub-saharan Africa (ssa)

Even though governments in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) seek to drive growth and development, they are hard pressed with funds. This is because their expenditures are always and mostly outweighing their revenues. Tax revenue is one major solution to their quest to finding enough funds. However, tax revenue generation is not only low in SSA but it is also beset with low compliance and large evasion. This study therefore sought to contribute to the literature and policy on tax in SSA by looking at how government can increase its tax revenue from three thematic areas. First, this thesis sought to assess the impact of non-pecuniary factors on tax compliance in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Using the Round 5 of the Afrobarometer Survey (2015) across 30 countries, the findings of the paper revealed that perceived tax knowledge limitation reduces the probability of tax compliance in SSA by 5%. Perceived non-compliance by others reduces compliance probability by 2%. Similarly, corruption of tax officials reduces the probability of being tax compliant in SSA by 2%. On the contrary, trust in tax department increase the probability of compliance by 5%, whiles fighting corruption improves compliance by 2%. With respect of fiscal exchange, handling of provision of health, education and road needs, tend to increase the probability of complying with tax laws and obligations in SSA by 2%, 3% and 2% respectively. As far as policy implication is concerned, governments in SSA must complement tax laws which are mainly based on deterrence factors (penalty rate, tax rate and probability of detection) to include non- pecuniary factors.

Source: KNUST
Survival analysis of dropout rate of beneficiaries of Compassion international programme

Compassion International is Christ centered, child focused and church based organization committed to helping and supporting their beneficiaries (children) through local churches in the community. For some time now, Compassion International have been experiencing high rate of dropouts of its programme in spite of numerous benefits for the registered children. The study sought to propose a statistical model for the Compassion International Ghana beneficiaries' dropout rates using the methodology of survival analysis modelling approach. The bio-data on the beneficiaries were extracted from the database of Compassion Connect of Compassion International Ghana. The survival rates of the beneficiaries were traced at the end of each year. It was found out that the dropouts of beneficiaries were influenced by the location of beneficiaries, their gender and age group. Also, beneficiaries from rural communities were more likely to drop out from the programme and that females were more likely to dropout earlier than their male counterparts. This research will be of relevance to Compassion International Ghana and its affiliated stakeholders in planning of necessary interventions to eradicate or reduce dropout rates from such sponsored programmes.

Source: KNUST
Survival analysis of dropout rate of beneficiaries of compassion International programme

Compassion International Is Christ Centered, Child focused and church based organization committed to helping and supporting their beneficiaries (Children) through local churches in the community. For Some time now, Compassion International have been experiencing high rate of dropouts of its programme in spite of numerous benefits for the registered children. The study sought to propose a statistical model for the Compassion International Ghana beneficiaries dropout rates using the methodology of survival analysis modelling Approach. The bio-data on the beneficiaries were extracted from the database of compassion connect of compassion international Ghana. The survival rates of the beneficiaries were traced at the end of each year. It was found out that the dropouts of beneficiaries were influenced by the location of beneficiaries, Their gender and age group? Also, beneficiaries from rural communities were more likely to drop out from the programme and that females were more likely to dropout earlier than their male counterparts. This research will be of relevance to compassion international Ghana and its affiliated stakeholders in planning of necessary interventions to eradicate or deduce dropout rates from such sponsored programmes.

Source: KNUST
Survival analysis of dropout rate of beneficiaries of Compassion international programme survival, analysis, compassion

Compassion International is Christ centered, child focused and church based organization committed to helping and supporting their beneficiaries (children) through local churches in the community. For some time now, Compassion International have been experiencing high rate of dropouts of its programme in spite of numerous benefits for the registered children. The study sought to propose a statistical model for the Compassion International Ghana beneficiaries' dropout rates using the methodology of survival analysis modelling approach. The bio-data on the beneficiaries were extracted from the database of Compassion Connect of Compassion International Ghana. The survival rates of the beneficiaries were traced at the end of each year. It was found out that the dropouts of beneficiaries were influenced by the location of beneficiaries, their gender and age group. Also, beneficiaries from rural communities were more likely to drop out from the programme and that females were more likely to dropout earlier than their male counterparts. This research will be of relevance to Compassion International Ghana and its affiliated stakeholders in planning of necessary interventions to eradicate or reduce dropout rates from such sponsored programmes.

Source: KNUST