ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Domestic wastewater characterisation and management at KNUST campus and Asafo suburb of Kumasi

Domestic wastewater in Ghana has been poorly managed for decades. In order to manage it properly, the nature of the wastewater generated must be determined in quality and quantity. In addition problems associated with the management of wastewater must be identified and the necessary mitigation put in place for implementation. It is in view of the above that this study was carried out to characterised domestic wastewater and also looks for problems that have caused the failure for the treatment. KNUST campus treatment plant and Asafo stabilisation ponds were used for the study. The KNUST sewage and some sullage and Asafo sewage were characterised by first determining the flowrate. Based on that composite samples were taken for the characterisation The flowrate, which also gives the flow patterns shows that the KNUST sewage has maximum peak of 22.5m3/h at 7.00 GMT with the minimum peak of 11 .5m3/h at 15.00 GMT with the daily average flowrate of 15 .4m3/h. KNUST sullage has maximum peak of 1 .23m3/h at 10.00 and minimum peak of 0.35m31h at 5.00 GMT with the daily average flowrate of 0.26m/h while Asafo sewage has maximum peak of 77.43m3/h at 6.00 GMT and a minimum peak of 8. 15m3/h at 3.00 GMT with the daily average flowrate being 36.22m3/h. The physical, chemical and biological characteristics of KNUST sullage, KNUST sewage and Asafo sewage were determined. The studies showed that Asafo sewage has the highest values in most characteristics like, Suspended Solids (1151.67 mg/l), BOD (1006.67 mg/l), COD (2540 mg/l), N03- (18.7 mg/l), N02- (0.16 mg/l), Phosphorus (17.00 mg/l), Total Coliform (4.18E+14/l00ml) and Faecal Coliform (5.85E+1 l/ 100ml). Helminth eggs including Ascaris spp (62117/1), Taenia .spp. (25307/l), Fasciola spp. (3473/l), Trichuris spp. (l236/l) and Schistosoma spp.(373/l) were all found to be highest in Asafo sewage. KNUST sewage showed highest values NH3-N (120.83 mg/l) and pH (8.22) while KNUST sullage showed highest values in Temperature (29.24 °C) and Dissolved Oxygen (2.71mg/l). Most of the values of these characters are far beyond Environmental Protection Agency of Ghana standards. The metals in all the samples recorded values ranging below 1.0mg/l except Ca and Mg which gave values of (2.81, 2.44, 2.72) mg/l and (6.05, 4.79, 4.52) mg/1 respectively for KNUST sullage KNUST sewage and Asahi sewage. The study showed that the problems leading to failure of wastewater treatment and its poor management include lack of, proper polices, financial support from the government and monetary contribution from the beneficiaries. Others are long chain of command in sewage administration poor design checks and poor operation and maintenance practices. To crown it all, are lack of, skilled personnel, training for personnel, logistics for work, proper working conditions and adequate salaries.

Source: KNUST
Dominant Modes of Rainfall Variability over East Africa in Response to Multiscale Global Climate Analyses

The main interest was to carry out an analysis of time evolution of global climate during the climatologically prominent phase of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) from 1950-2008 and their relationship to the dominant modes of March-May (MAM) seasonal rainfall variability to provide useful climate information needed by end users for incorporation into sustainable climate change developmental goals. The study utilized monthly data consisting of horizontal global winds at 200 hPa from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction-National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP-NCAR) reanalysis data, Climatic Research Unit (CRU) gridded terrestrial precipitation data and Extended Reconstructed Sea Surface Temperature (ERSST). The three major timescales of investigation in the annual cycle included monthly, bimonthly and seasonal. The study employed Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis, lagged heterogeneous grid point correlation, composite analysis technique and multiple linear regression analysis. The EOF analysis was performed on the East African long rains (MAM) and the four leading modes were retained. Lagged heterogeneous grid point correlation between the time coefficients of the four leading modes and global SST were computed to evaluate, delineate and monitor the specific SST signals that were connected to the long rains. On the monthly timescale, the grid-point correlation showed that, EOF 1, 3 and 4 MAM precipitation modes responded differently to the Pacific ENSO, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. However, the second mode apparently was not well related to the global SST features. Meanwhile, EOF 3 showed an indirect relationship with the Pacific while an Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO)-like feature captured in the North Atlantic was identified as directly linked to the mode. The composite iv analysis revealed that divergent circulations and the centers of action at 200hPa level varied on the monthly, bimonthly and seasonal timescales. The distinction of the circulation patterns were based on their strengths, locations, and spatial extents. Similar observations were made on the combined timescale. The multiple linear regression model outputs between the rainfall modes and the climate indices, revealed the R2 values ranging between 0.0-0.4, 0.01-0.3, 0.01-0.25 and 0.02-0.3 for monthly, bimonthly, seasonal and combined timescales respectively. On all the timescales, the highest R2 values were recorded in January, December and May for EOF 1, EOF 3 and EOF 4 respectively. This is suggestive that the East African long rains variability is greatly modulated by global climate features on a monthly timescale. Overall, the findings provide useful prediction information required for improving capacity to adaptive climate change impacts.

Source: KNUST
Donor-funded interventions in agricultural development in Ghana - a study of projects in the Ashanti Region

The basis of the study was on the realization that agriculture is the backbone of the Ghanaian economy and efforts to improve the economy would imply solving problems and constraints confronting effective and efficient agricultural productivity. The government having perceived the enormity of the sector’s problems and the need to solicit donor assistance has created the enabling environment through sound policies and a defined path for the sector via the vision 2020. Though the response from the donor countries in terms of assistance inflows into the sector has been very encouraging, this is not reflected in increase in productivity, with the resultant importation of food to supplement domestic production. Rural poverty also dominates. The study was therefore to assess the performance of the donor inflows into the sector, and recommend measures deemed essential in making donor assistance effective and efficient. The study revolved around a set of objectives, working hypothesis, a well defined scope of operation and unit of analysis. Adopting an Integrated Agricultural Development Programme funded by UNDP in two districts in the Ashanti region as a reference point, the various stakeholders in agricultural development, their linkages, roles, and the rationale for their involvement were analysed. The analysis was pursued the help of statistical tools after field studies and gathering of secondary data. On completion of the studies major issues that emerged were among others; • the fact that donor-funded programmes tend to be successful during the pilot phase but not sustainable leaving the beneficiary farmers worse off in terms of wealth creation; • very weak institutional capacity of MOFA which affects the implementation and sustainability of donor programmes; and • the potential of the sector to ensure food security, increase wealth creation and foreign exchange earnings for the country through sound socioeconomic policies and quality leadership. It was also clear that despite the fact that farming activities are dominated by the aged and illiterates in rural communities, it is no longer considered as a way of life but rather as a business which requires modern inputs, adequate funding and marketing avenues to maximize profit or break even. The study concluded with recommendations stressing on policy implications of the findings and the expected roles of the stakeholders to make the sector more effective and efficient so as to achieve the objectives of Ghana Vision 2020. In summary, though the agricultural sector is attracting so much donor assistance, the desired impact is not yet felt. A call is therefore being made for the government to negotiate and link up with donors to tackle the major constraints of the sector, for instance: Provision of irrigation schemes, and marketing avenues. These could go a long way to make the sector lucrative, attract the youth, increase agricultural productivity, and improve the economy.

Source: KNUST
Dorsal Onlay Oral Mucosa Graft Urethroplasty: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Urethral strictures in children are uncommon. They may present as lower urinary tract symptoms or acute urine reten tion [1]. The causes could be congenital, iatrogenic, posthy pospadias repair, or traumatic [2, 3]. The diagnosis involves a detailed history, physical examination, and appropriate radiological and endoscopic investigations [4]. Retrograde urethrography (RUG) with or without mictu rating cystourethrogram (MCUG) is the gold standard con firmatory test. In some situations, urethroscopy may berequired for confirmation and treatment. Penile and long bulbar urethral strictures are generally regarded as complexstrictures. This is because they do not lend themselves to simple excision and primary anastomosis [5]. They require tissue transfer in the form of grafts, flaps, or staged repair. Since the 1990s, the use of the buccal mucosal grafts to repair such complex anterior strictures has gained enormous popularity and acceptance due to its reproducibil ity and durable long term success rates of 85% and beyond [6–8]. Of significant debate is whether to place the graft ven trally or dorsally on the urethra. The dorsal approach seems cumbersome but the outcome is definitely better due to the mechanical support offered to the graft by the ventral aspect of the corporeal bodies [9–11]. We report on the successful application of the use of the oral mucosa graft dorsal onlay urethroplasty technique as described by Guido Barbagli [12] in a 14-year-old boy with a 7 cm Peno-bulbar urethral stricture at the Komfo Anokye

Source: KNUST
A Dosimetric Survey in Diagnostic Radiology in Selected Hospitals in Kumasi

This study estimated the performance of X-ray machines and patient dose in chest, abdomen and pelvis radiographic examinations in five hospitals in Kumasi metropolis. TheBarracuda dosimeter was used to carry out this research work and it was observed that direct digital radiography and computed radiography equipment are more contemporarily than screen–film radiography equipment. Reproducibility and accuracy of kilovoltage, exposure time, and tube current for each x–ray machine confirmed the maintenance and optimal use of the equipment except hospital 1. For the five hospitals in Kumasi metropolis, radiation dose for chest, pelvis, and abdomen ranged between 0.631 mGy, 0.283 mGy, 0.449mGy respectively for hospital 1, 2.049 mGy, 1.441 mGy, 1.209 mGy respectively for hospital 2; 0.057 mGy, 0.377 mGy, 0.549 mGy respectively for hospital 3, 0.017mGy, 0.018 mGy, 0.037 mGy respectively for hospital 4, and 0.598mGy, 0.721 mGy, 0.056 mGy respectively for hospital 5. The doses obtained in all the hospitals are within the standard values (of 1.5 mGy for chest, 10 mGy-pelvis and 10 mGy for abdomen) as recommended by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) except patient’s chest examination at hospital 2 which showed an upper threshold dose of 2.049 mGy.

Source: KNUST
Domestic solid waste management practices in the Bekwai Municipality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Solid waste management is a challenge in the cities and towns of the developing countries that have rapid growth patterns. This study investigates how the domestic solid waste management system in the Bekwai Municipality works. Data were obtained through questionnaires, administered to respondents from 150 randomly selected households and supporting information obtained through personal interviews and direct field work. The study showed that key components of the domestic solid waste generated in the study area were paper, food waste (organic materials), plastic and dust/ashes. Food waste and dust/ashes were the components with the highest and lowest quantities generated respectively. Out of the 150 respondents interviewed, 140 of them were using the communal system of waste collection, while only 10 respondents used the house-to-house system. It was also shown that, only 1 out of the 4 zonal council sampled, used a combination of the two systems. The other 3 zonals used only the communal system. Respondents disposed of their domestic solid waste in skips, bush, backyard and open dumpsites. Sixty five percent of respondents indicated inadequate disposal sites as a key limitation to waste management in the municipality. In addition, 30% of respondents mentioned inadequate collection services as a major constraint with 5% attributing bad attitude of the people of the municipality towards the poor solid waste management. The local authority cited inadequate equipment, inadequate funds, poor roads and inadequate trained staff as the key constraints in the management process. Land filling was the only management method available. The local authority needs to educate the inhabitants to reduce waste generation and to desist from disposing waste at unapproved sites. As food waste formed the highest domestic waste component, the Bekwai Municipal Assembly should consider the option of composting the food waste for commercial purposes and encouraging households to compost their organic waste for use in backyard gardens.

Source: KNUST
Double generalization of integral transform

In this work, we extended the one dimensional generalization of integral transform to two dimensions. Thus, we introduce double Generalization of integral trans form (DGIT), GxGy{f(x, y)} = uv R ∞ 0 R ∞ 0 f(ux, vy)e −(usx+pvy)dxdy, ∀(x, y) ∈ {0} ∪ R +, for solving partial differential equations (PDEs). In addition, the convolution, linearity, scaling and convergence properties of DGIT are established in this thesis. We then applied the DGIT to solve some PDEs which confirms the solutions of these PDEs obtained by using other integral transforms.

Source: KNUST
Downdraft kiln fired with palm kernel shells

This work was carried out to construct a downdraft kiln fired with palm kernel shells as an alternate fuel for firing clay bricks in a more efficient way. The work was a quasi-experimental involving the use of both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Interviews and participatory observation were employed to gather data for the study. Data was selected from a purposeful sample that was relevant to this study especially from heavy clay related areas. The study was in three different phase as part of it objectives. The first was the selection of four local soils which were tested be used for the production of insulating firebrick. They included: Mfensi ball clay, Mankranso ball clay, Tanoso ball clay and Kenyasi fireclay. They were mixed in batches and in ratios. Analysis from samples with code B3 and B-3 which represents a combination of 70% Mankraso ball clay with 30 % sawdust and 40% Mankraso ball clay, 30% Kenyasi fire clay with 30% sawdust showed a lower percentage with a total fired shrinkage of 1.67% and 1.0% respectively at 1050oC, compared to other body samples with lower percentage of sawdust which were also fired at the same temperature regime. The following tests showed that, sample with code B-3 with a batch composition of 40% Mankraso plastic clay, 30% Kenyasi fireclay and 30% sawdust which represent a ratio of 4:3:3 was ideal for production of insulating firebricks (IFB) in downdraft kiln linings at lower temperatures of 1050oC -1200oC. The second phase of this project was the construction of the downdraft kiln. Finally, test firing at 950oC showed no deformity in the kiln structure. Sample bricks fired with palm kernel shells showed three different characteristics. They were under-fired (salmon brick as generic word), over-fired brick (clinker brick) and well-fired bricks. These bricks were selected from four different locations in the kiln: the firebox area, the top (close to roof), middle and bottom areas. These were the results of the physical and mechanical analysis identified from the various test. The side wall brick close to the muffle wall or firebox showed the lowest water of absorption value of 4.5% whiles the brick from the bottom showed the highest water absorption with a value of 16.5%. The bottom brick achieved the lowest compressive strength of 10.0 and 18.0% as the highest value for the top brick which is close to the roof of the kiln. The study indicated that the bricks closer to the muffle wall although showed the lowest water of absorption came out as a defected brick. The bricks were glazed and melting because it had vitrified and almost turning glassy. The defect resulted in cracks and bloating of fired bricks.

Source: KNUST
Drawing skills for nursery and kindergarten school teachers

This project was undertaken to introduce drawing skills to kindergarten teachers so that they can illustrate their lesson on the chalkboard, and also prepare learning and teaching materials to enhance their teaching. A training workshop for kindergarten teachers organized by the Ghana Education Service and ECDC co-coordinators was observed to evaluate the art component of the content covered. The observation revealed that the Art component was inadequate to sufficiently prepare the kindergarten teachers for effective delivery. A special drawing workshop was therefore designed to equip the teachers with skills tailored to improve their drawing capabilities. This project report describes the content, processes involved and the results of the workshop. Relevant illustration and pictures covering the activities of the workshop and the works of the participants support the text. The results show a marked improvement in the quality of drawing skills of participants as compared to their drawing skills exhibited at the training workshop organized by the Ghana Education Service observed by the researcher. Some recommendations are made at the end of the report for further work in this area by future researchers.

Source: KNUST
Dreams: a source of artistic creation

This project reveals in both relief and in- the-round, forms of some dream experiences of the researcher. Artistically, prolonged dream experiences may not be easy to describe; however, a scene within it could lend itself as the central idea. A dream experience may or may not have a clear meaning; some cannot even be described. In this research, however, attempts have been made to bring out in the plastic form some dream experiences by the researcher, as his project work.

Source: KNUST
Drainage and dewatering of chujah pit - a case study - Billiton Bogosu Gold Ltd

Water is encountered in majority of surface mines over the life time of the mine or during each stage of development. Water poses a lot of problems to the smooth mining operations. Some of these problems are slope instability, muddy conditions that bogs down equipment, increase in blasting cost, transportation and water pollution just to mention a few. An effectively designed mine dewatering system greatly improves working conditions and other environmental problems. Billiton Bogosu Gold Limited (BBGL) operates the gold concession which lies close to the town of Bogosu which is located in the Western Region of Ghana (a relatively high rainfall region). The present shareholders of BBGL are Billiton (90%), and the Government of Ghana (10%). The company has a production target of 900000 tonnes, and 3856.4 g (124000 oz) of gold per annum. Currently both the suiphide and the oxide ores are being mined from several pits of which Chujah is one. Mining at Chujah has reached the third stage (phase). Mining operations are being hampered by the presence of water in the pit. Both current and future mining depths extend below the water table. This stage however, necessitates further lowering of the ground water to allow future mining operations to go on unhindered. This project work investigates the existing dewatering situation of Chujah pit and suggests ways of overcoming the shortcomings in order to meet production targets.

Source: KNUST
Drinking Water Suitability from the Karaga Dam in the Northern Region, Ghana

The study was conducted on physico-chemical parameters and microbial quality of water from the Karaga dam in Northern region of Ghana from July, 2011 to August, 2012. The study was aimed at assessing its suitability and safety for drinking purposes. Two stations were selected for the study based on where the community fetches water and the type of containers used for fetching the water. Two samples were collected per month from both stations from March, 2012 to June, 2012. The parameters analyzed included pH, temperature, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC) were determined using Jenway 4520 conductivity meter. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) were determined by the Winkler method. Nutrients measured included nitrate-nitrogen (NO3 -N), sulphate (SO4 2-) and Sodium (Na+) which were determined spectrophotometrically. The microbial quality (total coliform and faecal coliform) parameters were determined using membrane filtration method. The results obtained included mean total coliforms ranged between 320 and 4110 CFU/100 ml, faecal coliform 128 and 1540 CFU/100 ml were above the Ghana Standards Board and World Health Organisation guidelines for drinking water. This could be due to direct defaecation and urination by wild and domestic animals that come to drink water, the donkeys used to fetch water and human excreta washed from the surrounding by rain into the dam. However, the microbial numbers were not significantly different (P>0.05) from station one and two. In general, pH values fell within the stipulated range of Ghana Standards Board and World Health Organisation for drinking water except in June which recorded values of 8.8 and 9.0 at both stations. All other values of the physic-chemical parameters fell below the stipulated range of Ghana Standards Board and World Health Organisation for drinking water. Due to the high numbers of total and faecal coliform counts of the water, some form of treatment like boiling could be done before drinking.

Source: KNUST