ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Exploitation of heterosis in sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam)) via progeny testing and use of molecular markers

Genetic diversity and heterosis (mid and better parent heterosis) was assessed in a West African breeding population by using 15 simple sequence repeat markers in 28 parents exclusively and other 10 parents with their 30 progenies in sweetpotato. The polymorphism information content (PIC) of the SSR primers used revealed that all of them were polymorphic except IB-297 and J116 A with PIC less than 50% for the 10 parents and their progenies and 6 primers (IB-248, IBS-10, IBS-18, IBR-12, IBR-16 and IBR-19) out of 15 were polymorphic for the 28 parents. These results mean that most of the primers used in this work can be used for parent and progeny diversity study in sweetptatoto. The progenies were produced from biparental crosses, and heterosis was estimated in some pre-harvest and harvest traits, harvest index and some quality traits. Parents PG12086-18, Nanungungungu and Apomuden occur most in the crosses. Some of the crosses exhibited high heterosis. Correlation among total yield and pre-harvest, harvest and quality traits revealed highly significant positive correlations between total yield and marketable roots, root size, number of marketable roots and harvest index. Vine vigour was also correlated significantly and positively with the weight of marketable roots, root size, number of plants harvested, percentage dry matter, iron and starch contents. Virus severity was significantly correlated negatively with the number of plants at maturity, percentage dry matter, iron content, percentage protein and starch content but not significant with total yield, weight of marketable roots, root size and number of marketable roots. The weevil damage was significantly correlated negatively with total yield, weight of marketable roots, root size, number of marketable roots and harvest index, and Percentage dry matter correlated significantly and positively with iron content, percentage protein, starch and zinc contents. The diversity study showed that the parents could be grouped into five clusters. The progenies from distantly related parent such as Nanungungungu x Bohye, Nanungungungu x Faara, Nanungungungu x Hi-starch, Faara x Nanungungungu, Nanungungungu x PG12086-18, Apomuden x Sauti and CIP440390 x PG12086-18 exhibited high heterosis for total yield, harvest index and the quality traits; and Nanungungungu x Otoo, Sauti x Nanungungungu, Apomuden x Hi-starch, PG12086-18 x Apomuden, Apomuden x Faara and Apomuden x PG12086-18 exhibited high heterosis for some yield related traits and quality traits. This study showed that all the progenies were not close to their parents due to the high somatic transformation in sweetpotato which is a source of genetic variation among genotypes.

Source: KNUST
Explaining the latent shortcomings in the achievement of value for money within the Ghanaian construction industry.

The non-achievement of projects of best value remains a perennial problem within the Ghanaian construction industry. This study adds to knowledge by investigating the methods used in assessing value for money in public construction projects, identifying the latent shortcomings in the achievement of value for money in public construction projects and proposing strategies for addressing the identified shortcomings. From a comprehensive literature review, six (6) methods of assessing value for money, eighteen (18) variables responsible for the non-achievement of value for money and thirteen (13) potential strategies were identified. By administering questionnaires through purposive and snowballing sampling, respondents were made to rate their perceptions of the identified variables. A total of seventy-six (76) questionnaires were administered and fifty-seven (57) responses were retrieved from procurement practitioners involved in public project delivery. Descriptive statistics was used in analysing the methods of assessing value for money. A novelty finding was that the use of these methods in public construction projects was generally low. Factor analysis established the variables measuring aspects of the same underlying dimensions. A total of six (6) components were identified and explained in terms of external factors; institutional culture and policy constraints; management related factors; technical and decision-making factors; human-related factors and accountability and transparency constraints. Relative importance index was used in analysing the strategies to addressing the shortcomings. The top four (4) important strategies were: effective monitoring and evaluation, effective risk management, detailed specifications and accurate assessment of the cost of project. The limitation of this research is the small sample size and methodology used which requires further survey in order to generalize the findings. The present findings however would enlighten procurement practitioners on better ways of delivering public construction projects to help achieve value for money. It is recommended that capacity building on value for money assessment is encouraged, comprehensive project planning is done prior to the initiation of public projects’ and effective monitoring and evaluation is carried out.

Source: KNUST
Exploitation of natural resources and environmental management at the district level: a case study of Mpohor Wassa East District, Ghana

The relationship between development and the environment hitherto unappreciated, is increasingly being realised all over the world. Natural resources are seen as the sound basis upon which development is to take place. Their exploitation over the years, however, has led to the degradation of the environment, threatening the sustainability of development. In Ghana, one of the measures adapted to address environmental problems is the creation of the District Assemblies. They are to promote development with regard to environmental and ecological concerns. The extent to which they can handle these responsibilities is however questionable. In this study, the environmental responsibilities of the Mpohor Wassa East District Assembly were identified. Its capacity to perform them was assessed and problems inhibiting the smooth performance of its functions were outlined. The role of other’ institutions at the national, regional and district levels in the extent -and manner in which they relate with the District Assembly was evaluated. It was realized that the District Assembly, according to the Decentralization Law, is to manage the environment by co-ordinating the activities of the relevant institutions. Its structural Organisation, however, was not tailored to the performance of these responsibilities. There is no unit or committee in the District Assembly responsible for environmental management. The District Assembly could not even co-ordinate thern activities of its decentralised institutions. The latter maintain very strong vertical relations with their parent organisations at the national level. The communities look upon the District Assembly for protecting the environment. Against this background, the environment, especially the forest is under continuous attack from loggers, miners and farmers. It was recommended that the District Assembly should be the centre of environmental management at the local level. The strengthening of its capacity to perform the co-ordination function and control of natural resources are emphasised for the achievement of environmentally sound district development.

Source: KNUST
Exploration and Host Specificity Tests for Potential Natural Enemies of Dioscorea bulbifera L. (Dioscoreaceae) in Ghana.

Dioscorea bulbifera L. (aerial yam) belongs to the yam family (Dioscoreaceae) and produces numerous aerial tubers in the leaf axils. Dioscorea bulbifera is considered the most serious environmental threat. Currently, it is the widespread weed throughout many parts of the southern United States of America where it threatens the stability and biodiversity of native communities. Control interventions such as chemical and manual methods have been ineffective, expensive and laborious, hence the decision to explore for natural enemies to control the weed. A survey to establish the presence of D. bulbifera and its associated phytophagous insects was conducted in Ghana in 2004 and 2005. Field exclusion and laboratory experiments were also carried out to assess the abundance, diversity and herbivory of insects in 2006 and 2007. Rearing and host range studies were undertaken on potential candidates in 2007 and 2008. A total of 40 phytophagous species in 9 orders were encountered on the plant with 24 species attacking D. bulbifera in two feeding guilds in Ghana; foliage and bulbil feeders. The impact of foliage feeding varied from species to species. The mean percent defoliation of aerial yam over all plots was 30%. Coleopterous species fed on only foliage and nearly all the leaves showed damage from these species. Anomala sp. and Adoretus sp. were the most important Coleoptera (Scarabaeidae) found feeding on the plant. Anomala species exhibited a very narrow host range, attacking only D. alata together with D. bulbifera. Even though the damage it caused to aerial yam was relatively small, it appears a potential biological control agent. Lepidopterous species, mainly the Arctiid moths Diacrisia and Estigmene species attack aerial yam leaves and bulbils. They caused considerable damage to the bulbils the principal planting material. They however exhibited a wide host range attacking other Diocorea species. In view of the poor representation of Diocorea species of economic importance in the United States of America, the results of the study will have favorable implications for research programs aimed at searching for long-term intervention of the ecological risks posed by D. bulbifera in the US.

Source: KNUST
Exploiting techniques in Asante indigenous hand embroidery for Adinkra cloth production

Adinkra cloth production is one of the common textiles surface designing found among Asantes today. Adinkra cloths are becoming increasingly useful and people are now developing interest on the use and preservation of this traditional textile. Even though Adinkra cloths serve as a representation of the history, culture, norms and values of the Asante people in symbolic form, this area of Asante traditional textile has not been given enough recognition. Moreover, there are other aspects of the “Nwomu” technique that needs to be exploited. In view of this, the study identified and developed some design concepts as well as incorporates symbols and motifs in the Adinkra cloth using the “Nwomu” technique. Comprehensive studies were made on the origin of Adinkra cloths as well as the art of “Nwomu” among Asantes. Design concepts were developed from existing “Nwomu” techniques, geometric shapes, totems, kente designs as well as adinkra symbols. These designs were carefully selected and exploited to suit the purpose of the study. Some samples were also produced to give more understanding on the subject. The study employed both descriptive and experimental research methods based on the qualitative research approach. As part of the study the researcher observed that the symbols and colours used in the production of Adinkra cloths are representation of the cultural values of the people of Asante and not fully abstracted objects. Indigenous cloths such as Birisi, Kobene, Kuntukuni, and Nwomu are all part of “Adinkra cloth collections”. A study into indigenous cloths such as the Adinkra cloth should be encouraged in vocational schools, colleges and tertiary institutions.

Source: KNUST
An exploration into the knowledge mothers have of food allergy in children under five in two Ghanaian hospitals.

Food allergy is an abnormal response to a food triggered by the body’s immune system. It is a challenge and an important public health concern that affects children and adults and which may be increasing in prevalence. Approximately 6% of infants and young children have food allergies and it is important that mothers know of the condition. The objective of this study was to assess the awareness of food allergies in mothers of children under five (5) in the Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital (MCHH) and the Asokwa Children’s Hospital to ascertain whether they can identify symptoms of the condition and find out their ways of managing the condition. A cross sectional survey was undertaken in the two hospitals in the months of January and February 2015. Purposive sampling was used to select 500 mothers. Data was collected using questionnaires. The study found out that, 63% of mothers had no knowledge of food allergies and mother’s awareness of food allergy was closely linked to their level of education and this was found to be highly significant (p=0.002). The number of tertiary educated women who said they were aware of food allergy was (54%) as compared to the other levels of education ; basic education (31%) and secondary/post-secondary education (42%). The study found out that 4.4 percent of the 500 children had been diagnosed with food allergy and other children who reported symptoms of two or more gastrointestinal reactions (10.6%), respiratory reactions (29.2%) and cutaneous/skin reactions symptoms (17.2% ) had not been diagnosed with food allergy. The foods causing most allergies were hen’s egg (1.6%) banana (0.6%) followed by dairy products, groundnuts, and palmnut (0.4%) with the least being seeds (0.2%).

Source: KNUST
Exploration of textile art as a medium against corruption in Ghana

Textile art possess the ability of communicating with the viewer in as much as the visual images are well understood by the viewer. This can be accomplished by utilizing concept based images that makes meaning to viewers at a glimpse. It is based on this that, this project seeks to mount an artistic campaign against corruption in Ghana through the use of textiles and non-textiles materials in a mixed-media technique. Textile art refers to art made of textiles as well as art made about textiles by employing techniques such as appliqué, patchwork, quilting, embroidery, tapestry, dyeing, and painting among others. The study used practice-based research approach. Observation and interviews were conducted to ascertain the level of understanding on corruption. The responses obtained assisted the researcher to come out with art pieces that met the objective of the study. Purposive sampling technique was adopted for the interview for this project. The various art pieces produced have been appreciated by the researcher in this report. The study utilized mixed-media technique for the production of the art pieces. This project serves as an effective communication tool to create awareness on the dangers of corruption in the country. It also helped in expanding the frontiers of textile art by exploiting various techniques and materials. Moreover, the study recommends that the fight against corruption is not the sole duty of the head of state, the law enforcement agencies, the judiciary and the media house but citizens also have a role to play. Therefore, citizens should expose anybody who engages in corrupt practices irrespective of the person being a family member, friend and a superior.

Source: KNUST
An exploration of consultants-related causes of project delays of road construction contracts in Ghana

The study explores consultants-related causes of project delays of road construction contracts in Ghana. The study employed quantitative research strategy and convenience sampling technique, which was used to ensure that only consultants in the road sector were selected for study. In all 130 respondents, which constitute the sample size were selected and administered with a questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using analytical tool, Relative Importance Significance index of each variable was calculated to identify the major consultants’ - related causes of project delays. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was the software that was used to code and interpret the data for analysis. The findings indicate that the most significant causes of consultant - related road construction project delays with respect to cost and time as perceived by consultants are Poor contract management and Discrepancies between contract documents respectively; majority of these are as a result of economic issues or indicators. The study recommended that delays could be mitigated if construction stakeholders increase working time of workers in order to meet schedules. The government should strengthen the procurement and bidding process when awarding road contract. This should be made available to all stakeholders in the construction sector through open and competitive tendering. The process should have punitive sanctions for consultants with bad reputation. The findings call for urgent attention in improving the Ghanaian road construction industry’s ability and performance to achieve improved cost performance and to mitigate against further project failure.

Source: KNUST
An Exploration of the Approval Process in the Public Procurement Act 663: Identifying the efficiencies and inefficiencies in procurement

The implementation of the Public Procurement Act is very crucial to state institutions since it addresses loopholes within a public administrative system, which sometimes leads to the misapplication of state funds. The study therefore examines the Public Procurement Act in relation to the approval process as well as a robust exploration of the efficiencies and inefficiencies in procurement. As a nascent research, aimed at contributing to the relatively bourgeoning of studies of procurement, academic research and industrial perspectives served as a base to the study. This study adopted the quantitative survey research approach as its research design. This choice was premised on the fact that the study sought respondents’ views, opinions or perspectives on the issues under study. Owing to this, survey questionnaires served as an instrument in the general collection of data from the district and municipal assemblies. These questions were grouped in categories to collect data on nature of procurement systems, state of compliance, as well as the challenges in implementing public procurement. The data obtained during the survey was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential analysis techniques. It was revealed that, the delay in establishing full time operational Procurement units with the full complement of staff, inadequate contract management skills among some service provides, lack of sanctions to public officials for poor performance, delay in payment of works executed by service providers and low bid prices offered by bidders due to award of contract to the lowest evaluated bidder were some of the challenges that threatened the integrity of procurement in Ghana. The study recommended that, the government should endeavor to review the Act to limit the number of steps in procurement process so as to reduce the level of bureaucracy in the system. Bureaucracy delays the smooth procurement process and eventually affects public financial management since it adds more cost to contractors and government if they are to pay interest rate.

Source: KNUST
An exploration of management styles used in Ghanaian construction firms

Management styles have been known over the years to influence the output of employees in various fields of human endeavour of which the construction industry is no exception. The aim of this study is to identify the various management styles popular amongst construction firms in the Accra metropolis and factors affecting their selection. The objectives outlined by the study to help achieve this aim were to identify the major management styles from literature, to identify the popular management styles in construction firms in the Accra metropolis and lastly to identify the important factors managers should consider when choosing management styles. Widespread literature was reviewed and data collected through the use of questionnaire and interview. Respondents consisted of construction managers mainly from registered building contractors in the registration category of D1K1. Relative importance index was the main statistical tool used to analyse data gathered. The study revealed that the respondents had in-depth knowledge on all the management styles under study, it however settled on the participative and the bureaucratic styles as the two most popular styles in the metropolis which could be attributed to the all-inclusive nature of the participative style and the formal procedures that characterise the bureaucratic style. It also emanated from the study that productivity of workers and discipline were the leading factors to consider amongst the seventeen factors reviewed. Attributed to this finding could be the use of employee output as a measure of a firm’s performance. The study concludes by admonishing managers to focus on the desirable characteristics of the management styles rather than use the style wholly. It also recommends further studies on the influence of the ranking factors on management styles.

Source: KNUST
An Exploratory Study into Promoting Construction Health and Safety in Ghana Through Public Works Procurement

The construction industry is commonly associated with high or increasing levels of workrelated hazards with ensuing injuries and fatalities. Studies have shown that procurement can further promote good construction H&S practice as it occurs throughout the life cycle of a project. However, the use of procurement as an instrument to promote H&S practices in construction has received little attention till date especially in developing countries. For this reason, the research aimed to explore practical measures to improve construction H&S through public works procurement in Ghana. Qualitative data was collected through semistructured interviews. Seven respondents (procurement managers, consultants and Quantity surveyors), selected through a non-probabilistic purpose sampling from public institutions participated in the survey. In Ghana, the Public Procurement Act, Act 663 which was introduced in 2003 to ensure sanity and value for money in public procurement provides guidelines for the procurement of public works. In view of this, a case study of the H&S management of project procured using the Act 663 was also carried out. This was done to ascertain how public works is carried out in the Ghanaian public sector setting by determining the various stakeholders involved, the processes the project underwent and the various considerations looked at especially under H&S. The results however indicated that the Act 663 has no clause that addresses construction H&S. The paper also finds that, H&S does not form part of the criteria for evaluating tenders. To address the constraints so as to improve upon construction H&S, certain recommendations are offered. These include the inclusion of nonambiguous H&S requirements as criteria for evaluating tenders and the pricing of H&S items in bills of quantities. Additionally, practical measures to improving construction H&S in Ghana at the key stages of works procurement are also provided. It also includes the specific roles and involvements of other stakeholders in the procurement process.

Source: KNUST