ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Noise Levels of Corn Mills in Ablekuma North Sub-Metro, Accra.

Noise pollution generated from industrial and transport activities in Ghana have received considerable attention from regulators and policy makers. However, rising noise levels in light industries like corn mills have received little attention. A major occupational hazard for workers in corn mills is the noise during the operation of the machines. In this study, evaluation of noise levels was determined by measuring the noise produced by corn mills using sound level meter in Ablekuma North Sub-Metro, Accra. Forty different corn mills were sampled from five electoral areas in the sub-metro, which wereOdorkor North, Odorkor South, Darkuman East, Darkuman West and Kwashieman-Awoshie. The corn mills included imported and locally made ones, new and old teeth of grinding plates were also used for the study. Noise levels were measured 20m and 50m away from source. Questionnaires’ were administered to ascertain the age group of people who go to the mills for service, how long the workers have been working there and the ages of the machines. Questionnaires were also administered to know the medical history of the workers and how long the workers have been exposed to the noise.The results showed that corn mills in Ablekuma North sub-metro produced noise levels above the EPA Ghana standard of 85dB. The imported and locally made corn mills produced noise levels ranging from 90db to 106dB. The results also showed that the noise levels of new and old grinding plates of corn mills ranged from 98db to 103db. The study revealed that inhabitants living 20m and 50m away from corn mills are exposed to noise levels above the EPA Ghana permissible noise level of 60dB for area with some commercial and light industry. 200 out of 250 residents and those who go to mill for service and even the workers felt irritated by the noise produced by the numerous corn mills. The reasons given by some of the residents who felt irritated by the noise included disturbance of sleep especially in the afternoon. 25 out of 40 workers complained of hearing impairment and frequent headache. 30 out of 40 operators were found speaker louder when talking to someone.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of orange -fleshed sweet potato (ipomoea batatas (l) lam) clones for yield, disease and pest resistance and consumer acceptability

Fifteen orange-fleshed sweet potato clones selected from a preliminary yield trial of thirty (38) sweet potato clones, (thirty - six (36) from International Centre for Potato-Kenya and two locally improved varieties from Crops Research Institute Fumesua) were evaluated in Advanced Yield Trials (AYT) at two agroecological zones (forest and transition) of Ghana in 2006 major season using Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) and harvested at 4 month^^er planting.The clones were morphologically characterized using CIP/AVRDC/IBPGR Descriptors for Sweet Potato. Evaluation for yield, insect pests resistance and food quality was done after harvest whilst that for disease was done at 90 days after planting. Results showed that both fresh vine and fresh tuber yields significantly differed between the clones. The results also showed that yields and yield components for all the clones were higher at the forest ecozone (3.55-29.25t/ha) than at the transition (1.5-17.5t/ha). The yield of locally improved variety Apomuden was not significantly different from 75% of the introduced clones. Significant (P<0.05) environment (E), genotype (G) and GxE interaction were observed for percent establishment, percent ground cover, total fresh vine yield, dry matter content and other yield components such as number of tubers per plant and tuber weight. The clones exhibited different levels of susceptibility to sweet potato virus diseases (SPVD) ranging from no apparent damage to considerable damage caused with the disease incidence higher in the forest ecozone. The local variety Jukwa Orange was the most tolerant among the clones. Crop damage by Cylas sp and millipedes was more serious in the forest ecozone than in the transition. The clones showed varying degree of susceptibility to the pests. Jukwa orange, Nemanete, NCI560, Excel and CN 1448-29 showed resistance/tolerance to Cylas sp. Sensory evaluation results indicated that 92.3% of the introduced clones had acceptable cooking characteristics (dry mealy flesh, low fibre content and moderately sweet) due to high percent dry matter. In conclusion the clones showed adaptability to the environmental conditions pertaining in the forest and transition ecozones. Beauregard, Excel, Tainung No.65 and TIS2534 which produced yields above 20t/ha and were resistant to Cylas sp should be considered for further testing to be released to farmers.

Source: KNUST
An evaluation of performance appraisal system of the Ghana Prisons Service

Almost universally, where performance appraisal is conducted properly, both supervisors and subordinates have reported the experience as beneficial and positive. Appraisal offers a valuable opportunity to focus on work activities and goals, to identify and correct existing problems, and encourage better future performance. Thus the performance of the whole organization is enhanced. The Ghana Prisons Service as a penal institution has seen major public criticisms as a result of public perception of brutalities meted to inmates by officers. With the coming into force of democracy, people who have been incarcerated before could go to radio stations to tell their stories on air. The public hearings of the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) have also revealed treatment meted to some inmates. Also, escape of an inmate if publicly known is severely criticized by the citizens. In these two scenarios, two basic tenets of prison duties come to question. These are keeping safe custody of inmates and respecting their human rights. Therefore for an officer to perform well in the prisons, special regard to the general prison duties as a trained officer, bed-rocked with deep understanding of the human being as the subject of the profession, should not be underestimated. These, the GPS have sought to intensify in recent times. This research has tried to evaluate the system of appraising prison officers in Ghana by putting into perspective officers from four major prison establishments. These establishments have been extensively profiled to put the findings of the research in its proper context. Directors and other key personnel were interviewed and their opinions duly analyzed. This research revealed the low confidence level in the performance appraisal system by a section of the top management and personnel of the GPS. What makes the result more puzzling is that these four prison establishments are all stationed in Accra and hold strong significance in terms of core and support staffing. The need for well-defined job description, which will determine whether personnel have performed according to the blueprint, or deviated, cannot be overemphasized. The study also unearthed the need for personnel to be abreast with the organizational goals and be part of the process in achieving these goals. It has been suggested that top management of the GPS should lead the entire Service in recognizing the need and importance of performance appraisal in the Ghana Prisons Service. The findings from the study called for appropriate recommendations, which have been duly outlined in the latter sections of this research.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of peanut paste in selected markets in Northern Ghana

Peanut paste is a delicacy in Ghana, but issues about its production quality in Northern Ghana, has been a challenge in recent times. The study aimed to assess peanut paste quality in Northern Ghana. Peanut paste samples (24) were acquired from six major markets. A control sample, using Nkate-sari variety of peanut was prepared in the Food Science and Technology Laboratory of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. A survey was conducted using structured questionnaires to understand the processing methods used. Proximate, aflatoxin and microbial load of the samples were also determined. From the survey, 75% of the producers used untreated stream water during processing. There was no sorting, grading or blanching during processing. The traders (96%) acquire raw peanuts from the market already de-shelled. Moisture, Crude protein and Carbohydrate content of the samples ranged from 5.05 ± 0.07 to 6.45 ± 0.21, 23.67±0.05 to 31.56 ±0.78 and 19.44 ±1.19 to 27.65 ±0.96 respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between ash, carbohydrate and protein content. Aflatoxin analysis of the Tamale central, Bolga central, Wa Gonomuni, Tamale Aboabu and Wa central market samples showed concentrations of 2.89 ppb, 8.6 ppb, 55.39 ppb, 103.44 ppb and 126.55 ppb respectively. Total aerobic count ranged from 2.5×103 cfu/g to 9.9×103 cfu/g. Coliform count were below the acceptable limit of 10 cfu/g. Fungal enumeration was less than 101 cfu/g in all samples except for Navrongo central market samples. Aspergilus parasiticus was isolated in Wa gonomuni, Wa central market and Tamale Aboabu market samples respectively. Blastomyces Dermatitidis was found in Bolga central market samples. Even though some samples had high nutrient composition, contamination levels were significant due to poor production practices.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of performance of the Clariflocculators at the Barikese waterworks

This study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of the Barikese Treatment Plant and to investigate the prospects of introducing sludge recycling into the existing plant. The results of settling column studies, analysis of water production data, and batch laboratory tests conducted have been presented. In the column studies, the low turbidity but highly coloured and algal-laden raw water abstracted for treatment at the waterworks was used to evaluate the performance of the clariflocculators. Results of the analysis of the column tests compared well with the plant performance. Records on raw water flow, treated water pumped to the supply areas, water used in treatment and alum consumption for the period 1978 — 1988 were also investigated to establish trends. Alum consumption was found to be increasing and that it increases with increasing raw water flow and the extent of deterioration in the raw water quality. Water losses within the plant were found to be on the increase for the past three years. Sludge recycling tests conducted to find its effects on the plant operations also showed promising results. Among other process advantages, sludge recycling offers reduction in alum dosage. However, the heavy investment involve especially in the initial stages, makes it less economical to practise it at Barikese.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of perquisites of work force for enhanced productivity in construction projects: A case study of Krowoh Municipal Asembly (kroma), Nungua – Greater Accra

The significance of the construction industry in modern times is undeniable considering the fact that it has become the mainstay of economic development of the nation. The kind of benefits given to the workforce undeniably has a resultant effect on their attitude to work. This is because the workforce regarding their manners, character, willingness and competence among others unquestionably is a determinant towards their readiness to work and ensure productivity at the worksite. The study therefore sought to evaluate the perquisites of work force for enhanced productivity in construction projects. The following constituted the objectives of the study; to identify the perquisites that exist in the construction projects at the Krowoh Municipal Assembly and identify the relevance of perquisites in increasing productivity in construction at the Krowoh Municipal Assembly. The Assembly has an estimated population of about 120 working staff. A 30% of the population thus 30 sample was used for the study. Both purposive sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used for the sample selection. It is conclusive that, enabling workers enjoy the right benefits in construction work has the propensity to affect productivity directly. About 57% and 67% response rate on attractive Salary/Wages and weekly incentives respectively indicated how these factors are needed to affect productivity. It was recommended that workers should be given salaries and wages attractive enough. Also, workers should be incentivized as often as possible. In all these, supervision of workers should be regular. This enables employers have adequate assessment of how benefits given workers are affecting construction projects.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of Population Census Data and Population Growth in Ghana through Demographic Analysis

Ghana takes a census of its population every 10 years. The census has important ramifications for many aspects of society. The study explores the historical contexts of population census through ancient practices to modern development in population studies. It explores Ghana’s population trends over a fifty-year period (1960-2010); examines parameters involved in demographic analysis of the population; explores differences in the results of the same period, using different models; and investigates some limiting factors which inhibit population growth. The research design, the study area, data collection methods and instruments, validation of the instruments, limitations and the procedure for data analysis were discussed. Statistical instruments, Malthus’ Exponential model and Verhulst’s Logistic model, are most useful in determining population growth. Specifically, in Ghana, births exceed deaths by mean 17.86 per 1000 persons, population grows exponentially at 1.78% on average; each addition to population also produces compounding accelerating effect on population size. From the foregoing discussions, logistic growth model is more reliable than the simplified exponential growth model, but together they provide us with the size and growth of Ghana’s population over the study period. To conclude, as the total population continues to rise, there should be corresponding and appropriate methods and sources for calculating population size and growth, which would give a total human population figure at any given time. However, owing to lack of professional demographer, statisticians and seasoned computer analysts, the total population figure should not be taken as the truthful number.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Care in Two Government Hospitals in the Central Region

The study investigated the existence of pharmaceutical care issues among In-Patients in the Cape Coast District Hospital and the Central Regional Hospital all in the Central Region of Ghana. It also identified the pharmaceutical care plans and actions, and determined the feasibility of implementing them to resolve such issues. A total of eighty-seven patients were involved in the study. Patient records and interview were used to collect data for the study. The results indicated that a total of 673 pharmaceutical care issues (PCIs) were identified among the 87 in- patients in the two hospitals, and that the majority of the PCIs were identified from the prescription, and the rest from medical records and patient interview. Pharmaceutical Care Issues ( PCIs) identified include; Potential/Suspected adverse drug reaction , Education and Counseling required, Cost issues , Monitoring Issue Inappropriate dosage regimen, Inappropriate duration of therapy etc. 1485 separate actions were recommended and implemented by the pharmacists to resolve the 673 PCIs identified in the two hospitals. Whereas some PCIs required action which involved only patients, such as the provision of advice, others required communication with a health care professional and even sometimes communication with both. In conclusion, pharmaceutical care issues really exist among in-Patients and that it is feasible to formulate and implement care plans (as well as providing pharmaceutical care) in general practice settings such as the Cape Coast District Hospital and the Central Regional Hospital in line with recommended guidelines to resolve such issues.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of potential botanicals (Virnonia amygdalina and Ipomoea batatas) on the post-harvest quality characteristics of farmer-saved seed maize (Zea mays L.)

ABSTRACT This study was conducted in order to evaluate the potentials of two botanicals, bitter leaf (Virnonia amygdalina) and sweet potato leaf (Ipomoea batatas) on the postharvest quality characteristics of farmer-saved seed maize (Zea mays L.) collected from respondents in the study areas, that is, Ejura, Sekyedumasi and Nkoranza communities. The seeds were treated with the tested botanical materials and stored for a period of four (4) months. The plant extracts, also called botanicals were compared with a synthetic chemical (Insector T45) dust, as a standard, and without chemical treatment as controls The same rates, 5.0% w/w,of each of the two plant extracts in powdered form and a synthetic chemical (Insector T45) at the rate of 0.25% w/w were admixed with one hundred grams seed lots of each of the five different seed maize varieties obtained across the study areas and packaged into high density polythene bags. Seed treatment with synthetic chemical and another without chemical treatment were used as a comparative control for the plant extract treatment. Results showed that all the two tested botanicals, Virnonia amygdalina and Ipomoea batatas have the ability to protect the seed maize quality characteristics during storage. This present finding or study recommend ground powder of bitter leaf (Virnonia amygdalina) and sweet potato leaf (Ipomoea batatas) as a good substitute to the synthetic chemical, insector T45, as a seed maize preservative during storage. The results are also discussed on the need to use plant extracts by resource poor small scale maize farmers as a sustainable and cost effective treatment application of stored seed maize as an alternative to synthetic chemical application treatment of seed maize during storage

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of porosity and permeability of sandstones within the Oti Group of the Volta Basin using petrophysical and petrographic techniques

This study investigates the reservoir quality of sandstones in the Oti Group of the Volta Basin of Ghana. Geological field mapping, petrographic, petrophysical, mineralogical, and geochemical techniques are used to investigate the reservoir parameters of the sandstones by evaluating the fluid holding and transmission capabilities of the rocks. Results from the comprehensive study identified two sandstone formations of interest; viz. the Bimbila Sandstone and Yabraso Sandstone. Both sandstones were found to be quartz sandstones (sub-arkose and quartz arenites). The Bimbila Sandstones proved to have better porosity and permeability as compared to the Yabraso Sandstones. The Yabraso Sandstone showed porosity between 7-22 % with an average porosity of 13 % (helium gas) and permeability of 63.41 mD, which may be linked to intense cementation and intermediate compaction as well as grain size, shape and arrangement. The Bimbila Sandstones showed better porosity and permeability with a porosity range of 6-24 %, an average porosity of 14 % (helium gas) and 131.80 mD permeability. This is seen to be due to lower compaction supported by framework-stable quartz resulting in a well-connected pore system with high permeability. Further mineralogical data show that the clay minerals present are in minor concentrations. Also, the position of the Yabraso and Bimbila Sandstones in the project area as plotted on the geological map show that there is a close proximity relationship between these sandstones and the limestones; hence forming a conducive system such that if hydrocarbons are produced by the possible source rocks (limestones), they can be housed by the sandstones.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of post harvest handling and marketing of mango (mangifera indica) in Ghana (a case study in Northern Region)

ABSTRACT A survey was conducted in the Northern Region of Ghana to evaluate the postharvest handling of mango fruits from the farm gate to the market. Data from the survey were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17 to determine the factors that contribute to postharvest losses of mango fruits in the region. The study revealed that the varieties being cultivated by the farmers in the Region for both export and local markets were; Keitt, Amelie, Kent and Zill. It was also realized that sellers purchase these varieties at the full ripe stage, therefore compelling farmers to harvest at that stage and causing fruits to deteriorate faster. Besides both the farmers and sellers store the harvested mango fruits in baskets, boxes, spread on floor or heaped on the ground, which causes fruit to senescence early. The causes of postharvest losses in the Northern region among mango farmers and sellers were found out to be poor harvesting practices, storage and packaging methods. The results also showed that anthracnose disease affect the matured fruits on the field especially Keitt, which compelled majority of the farmers to remove the plants from their fields. The findings and recommendations of the study will therefore help address the postharvest handling of mango fruits in the Region.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of project works by Higher National Diploma Students of Graphic Design in Takoradi Polytechnic (2004-2009)

The nation has artistic developmental needs, hence the establishment of Higher National Diploma in Commercial Art Programmes at the Takoradi Polytechnic to meet the growing demands in the industry and for students to be self employed after school. Students’ project works play an important role in this regard, however there has not been any form of official evaluation since its inception in 1995 as far as the Graphic Design department is concerned. The main aims of the study were to: identify the project works done by final year students, examine the project works of students to ascertain whether they address pertinent current and future issues to the nation and examine how the works of final year students are executed. The researcher used interviews and questionnaires to collect the data. The tools were employed to ascertain facts, opinions, beliefs, comments and suggestions. The qualitative method enabled the researcher to describe the kinds of project works students of the department do and examine their strengths and weaknesses. The findings revealed that the project works of students are of no doubt a great benefit to the nation. Apart from inculcating in the individuals the skills for the Graphic Design industry, it helps in educating the general public that is, both literates and illiterates on a number of issues. It also helps producers of various items to advertise them and this in turn helps the economy to grow. On the other hand, the steady increase in the admission of students has not reflected in the acquisition of more equipment and the accommodation of the department. Again, more lecturers should be brought on board so as to improve on the lecturer- student ratio.

Source: KNUST