ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Standardisation of organic materials as amendment for soil and soilless media in urban horticultural production systems

A survey was carried out in Tamale and Kumasi among horticultural practitioners from March 2012 to June 2012 and subsequently, experiments were carried out from June 2012 to June 2015 to select and standardise organic materials as media for urban horticulture. Following the survey, i) single species sawdust (SS), ii) mixed species sawdust (MS) and ii) Rice husk (RH) were each co-composted with poultry manure in 2:1, 3:1 and 4:1 volumetric ratios of feedstock to poultry manure. This resulted in nine compost-types (formulations) being 2SS, 3SS, 4SS, 2MS, 3MS, 4MS, 2RH, 3RH and 4RH. Experiments were set-up in greenhouse and in the field to determine the rate of application of compost and biochar as amendment in soil and soilless media for vegetables and ornamentals. Treatments included compost-type:topsoil and compost-type:biochar mixes in soil experiments as well as compost-type:biochar mixes as soilless media. Competely Randomised Design was used for greenhouse experiments and Randomised Complete Block Design for the field experiment. The 2SS compost matured earliest (8 weeks) with Carbon: Nitrogen ratio (C:N) of 15 and highest nitrogen level of 2.46 %. The 1-part 2RH compost + 3 parts topsoil as well as 1 part of 2SS compost + 3 parts topsoil were the best for vegetables. The 2 parts of 2MS + 3 parts topsoil was the best for ornamentals. Sawdust compost (at 10 t/ha) + sawdust biochar (at 5 t/ha) was the best compost biochar mix for field production of vegetables. The 1 part of 2RH compost + 2 parts rice husk was the best media for greenhouse zinnia production. The 2SS compost + SS biochar was best media for greenhouse production of vegetables. The present study has clearly demonstrated that common agro-industrial by-products which are currently causing environmental challenges to urban authorities can be developed into nutrient rich media suitable for horticultural production systems and greening of the urban landscape.

Source: KNUST
Standardisation of the grating surface of cassava graters for gari

Cassava is the third largest source of food carbohydrates in Africa after rice and maize. It is drought tolerant and gives reasonable yields where other crops do not grow well, thus, acting as a famine reserve. Nonetheless, cassava undergoes post harvest physiological deterioration (PPD) after three days of harvest. Therefore, there is the need to process it within three days after harvesting. Grating of cassava is one of the popular means of processing. Cassava is grated and processed into gari; a popular meal in West Africa, especially in Ghana and Nigeria. Modifications have been made on graters to improve and increase its efficiency. However, it is observed that, there is no standard in the making of the grating surface (teeth) of these graters. Manufacturers of these graters sometimes produce the teeth in a dense random form. Materials for making these food processing surfaces are usually mild steel which rust with time although stainless steel is sometimes seen. The grating of cassava for gari does not always give the desired size of mash. Replacement of teeth is somewhat cumbersome as there is no laid down procedure for making the grating surface; thus, the need to standardize the grating surface of the cassava grater. In this project, a survey was done to know the existing patterns of cassava grating surfaces in three regions of Ghana; Western, Central and the Ashanti regions. From the knowledge gathered from surveys and review of literature, three grating surfaces were designed and fabricated. They were tested on an already existing grater design. Results after the mash was made all the way into gari by a particular processor (to ensure some level of consistency) were compared to three already existing teeth, two of which were saw toothed and the other punched using a mechanical shaker. In the process of standardizing the grating surface of the cassava grater, important factors such as tooth size, inter tooth spacing, tooth angle and material type were considered. The recommended tooth diameter was ±0.04mm from 3.01mm while the inter tooth spacing vii was ±0.08mm from 8.05mm. The brick form of arrangement of teeth is also preferred to ensure effective contact between the cassava and the grating surface.

Source: KNUST
The state of accountability and control in Public Procurement at Ghana Cocoa Board

Public procurement, a widespread phenomenon across the globe has become a dominant component of most nations’ total public expenditure and Ghana is no exception. It accounts for 50% -70% of total expenditure in Ghana representing 18.2% to 25.48% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. This generates interest in monitoring procurement staff and holding them accountable for their actions and inactions. It is in the light of this idea that our study focuses on “the state of accountability and control in public procurement at Ghana Cocoa Board”. Data for the study was collected via the use of a well-structured questionnaire survey and an analysis of the responses led to a few findings. The study found out that Ghana Cocoa Board is abreast with the Public Procurement laws, rules and regulations. COCOBOD keeps up-to-date records in paper and electronic form and almost all the procurement staffs have been actively involved in procurement administration. COCOBOD also have well trained professionals who occupy various positions and with their long years of service manning the affairs of the procurement entity. Also there is a clear chain of command and a well-defined organizational structure at Ghana Cocoa Board. There is also a clear separation of roles and responsibilities and all staffs in charge of procurement process are responsible for their actions and inactions. The study recommends that training and refresher courses be organized for COCOBOD staff periodically to update them on current procurement practices, appropriate sanctions be applied for defaulting staff and the procurement department of COCOBOD should be strengthened to improve on documentation of procurement actions.

Source: KNUST
State and Parameter Estimation Using Unscented Kalman Filter

The Extended Kalman Filter is a bayesian state estimation used for nonlinear models or systems. This filter may however fail to produce accurate results depending on the degree of nonlinearity of the system. The Unscented Kalman Filter on the other hand can be applied to highly nonlinear systems or models. Comparisons between the two filters are made using two systems. The first system is a four degrees of freedom shear building with time-varying system parameters and the second is a nonlinear hysteric damping system with unknown system parameters. The results indicated that the latter provides consistent as well as more accurate state and parameter estimates than the extended kalman filter for nonlinear systems.

Source: KNUST
Starter culture for corn grist fermentation

Microorganisms involved in the Fermentation of corn dough were isolated frog local products using serial dilution and pour plate techniques. The morphological and biochemical characteristics of the Isolates were studied in pure cultures. The dough microflora comprised Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida tropicalis, Candida kefyr and Candida krusei. These isolates were tested for their ability to utilize soluble carbohydrates as carbon sources of energy for growth. The isolates as well as combinations of them were inoculated into fresh corn grists at a seeding rate of 1 x 106 cells per ml Fermentation was monitored for 96 hours for the following parameters: per cent moisture, total nitrogen, total acidity, solubility, total sugars and dough rise. Also pH, viable yeast count, temperature, aroma, taste and texture were determined daily each for 4 days. Glucose, sucrose and galactose gave the Seat growth for Succharomyces cerevisiae, Candida tropicalis and Candida kefyr whilst Candida krusei multiplication was supported by only glucose. Temperature increased from 25oC to 29oC within the initial 24 hours and remained constant; moisture per cent increased progressively throughout the fermentation period. pH decreased significantly ( 0.05) from pH 6.55 to pH 3.70 4.00 at the end of 96 hours. Also acidity per cent increased significantly (P 0.05) from 0.11 to 0.39-0.54 (in terms of lactic acid) with fluctuations due to ester formation. Percentage sugars decreased significantly (P 0.05) from 5.10-5.00 to 1.10-0.70. Viable yeast numbers increased at a rate of 10 - 60 per cent every 2 hours during the first 48 hours but decreased by 13 - 62 per cent within the next 48 hours. Digestibi1ity improved by 41 per cent. Also observed was per cent total nitrogen which increased by 4 – 14 per cent at the end of 96 hours. Volume of corn dough increased by 10 -33 per cent during the first 24 hours but later fall to 9 – 25 per cent. Sactharomyces cervisiae, candida tropicalic and Candida kefyr produced the best acceptable flavours. For starter culture production to be used for controlled fermentation, the three yeasts can be recommended.

Source: KNUST
The state of supervision of teaching and learning in Public Junior High Schools in Ghana: a case study of selected Junior High Schools in Sekyere East District of Ashanti Region.

This study sought to find out the state of supervision of teaching and learning in Public Junior High Schools in Sekyere East District of Ashanti Region. The study was based on the perception that supervisors in the district face myriad of challenges and statistics on BECE results from 2008 – 2010 in the district showed the consistent reduction in percentage of students who scored between aggregate 06 – 30. All the five circuit supervisors in the district, three headmasters, 38 teachers and 30 students were sampled for the study. The design adopted was the descriptive survey and the analysis of the data collected using a 33-Likert type of questionnaire which involved the use of tables to display frequencies and percentages. The study revealed that mobility of circuit supervisors in the district has improved since all the circuit supervisors have motorbikes to enable them travel around. Notwithstanding the improved mobility, inadequate and irregular supply of fuel for the motorbikes, lack of maintenance, non- payment of maintenance allowance, lack of professional training, inability of district director of Education to take quick action on supervision reports, teachers in the district being transferred frequently by the Regional Managers of Unit schools, pre-financing of activities which are not re-imbursed on time, and other factors were the challenges that were found to hinder effective supervision of teaching and learning in the district. It is recommended that Ghana Education Service should collaborate with Cape Coast University and University of Education, Winneba, to train supervisors in monitoring and supervision of schools. An interim training programme to train those appointed as supervisors should be put in place by the Sekyere East District Education Directorate. Appointment of headmasters should also be based on teaching experience and academic qualifications for they can supervise the schools well.

Source: KNUST
The state of textiles education in Senior High Schools in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana

The SHS Textiles programme in Ghana has been designed to provide Textiles students with adequate basic knowledge and skills for further education in Textiles as well as selfemployment or apprenticeship for those who might terminate their education at the Senior High School level. It is known that some SHS Textiles graduates are unable to acquire and practise the basic skills taught in the SHS Textiles syllabus. This has resulted in a number of them unable to establish for themselves any serious Textiles business at the end of the course. Textiles education is gradually collapsing at the SHS level. The objective of the study however, sought to examine the scope of content of the Textiles syllabus to understand its teaching and learning processes, in order to suggest strategic ways to make Textiles education at the SHS more interactive for students to engage in. The study used mixed methods research approach. The data were collected using convenience and judgemental sampling of 186 students, 12 teachers, three lecturers, three WAEC officials and two CRDD coordinators, in the Greater Accra Region. Data collection instruments were interviews, observations and questionnaires. The descriptive research method was used to report the findings. The study revealed that equipment and tools available in the sampled schools were either damaged or inadequate for effective practical work and demonstration. This makes the teachers to simply describe the tools and equipment that are needed for lessons without the students getting the opportunity to see or use them in class. Teachers are also not able to complete the Textiles syllabus within the stipulated three year-period due to the reduction of the teaching periods from 21 to18 per week even though many more topics have been added to the 2008 Textiles syllabus that was previously in use. These factors have negative effects on Textiles education in the SHS, hence the poor performance of the Textiles students in the WASSCE and ultimately, their inability to engage in entrepreneurship development in Textiles and employment after they graduate from SHS. It is recommended that Ghana Education Service should make provision for schools which offer Visual Arts and Textiles in particular to have the relevant textbooks, permanent iv studios, tools, materials and other equipment such as looms, padded and development tables for practical work in the schools that offer Textiles. GES should also organise periodic inservice trainings and field trips to enhance the teaching/learning methods used by Textile teachers and to introduce them to new topics that have been included in the Textiles syllabus

Source: KNUST
The state of the arts in Ghana – a critical appraisal of Organization and Administration

Culture constitutes a fundamental dimension of development process which helps to strengthen the independence, sovereignty and identity of nations. Growth has frequently been conceived by quantitative terms, without taking into account its necessary qualitative dimension, namely the satisfaction of man’s spiritual and cultural aspiration. The aim of genuine development is the continuing well-being and fulfillment of each and every individual for the betterment of the entire society. Art is indisputably an integral part of culture. Since independence, attempts have been made to promote the art in the cultural establishment. The promotion of the arts has been the task of the Ministry of Education and Culture, in the revolutionary process. Art and culture have been accorded remarkable support by the government. Quite recently, the Provisional National Defence Council (P.N.D.C.) government has established the Commission on National, Culture – a body to formulate policies to be implemented by the Centres for National Culture in the regions. Its main objective includes the promotion, the presentation and preservation of the art. The author of this thesis, who is an official of the Centre for national Culture, Greater Accra region, sees the need to direct the attention of the commission on National Culture towards more effective and efficient organization and administration of the art in the context of Cultural and National Development hence this research effort. This thesis, is an attempt to appraise the current organization and administration of arts in Ghana and bring to the fore its strengths and weakness and to make some suggestions for improvement, the main research method employed is the Descriptive and Analytical approach. The research instruments used are questionnaires and interview. The scope of the research covered the newly established commission on National Culture, the Centre for National Culture – Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions, and practicing artistes and artists in both regions as well. The sample population totaled 97. The report is presented in six chapters as follows: Chapter one; this is the introductory chapter which deals with the problem and its setting. Chapter two, this chapter deals with literature review. Chapter three, this chapter looks at the historical overview of the development of the Art in Ghana fro 1951 – 1986. Chapter four, this deals with the present state of the Art in Ghana touching on organization and administration in the revolutionary era. Chapter five, the analysis and interpretation of field dada obtained have been presented in this chapter Chapter six, this chapter deals with the conclusion, suggestions and recommendation of the report.

Source: KNUST
Statistical Analysis of Road Accidents Fatality in Ghana Using Poisson Regression

Road accident in this country is known to be the second major cause of death after malaria and it is reported that there is an average of 1909 people who are killed by road accidents annually. The most dangerous part of it is that about 60% of these people who die through road accidents are within the ages of 16 and 45 years-the labour force of the country. The ultimate goal of this thesis is to use Poisson regression to fit a model to the secondary data which was obtained from the Building and Road Research Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research on the number of people killed by road accidents in Ghana from 2001-2010, given the type of vehicle which was involved in the accident, the ages of those who were killed, the day that the accident which killed the people occurred and time (in years). The results of the Poisson analysis showed that there was over dispersion in the data. Negative binomial regression analysis was therefore used to validate the Poisson regression model. It was clear that the negative binomial regression model was the best fit for the data. It was observed from the result that in general the number of people killed in road accidents gradually increases with time (as the years go by, the number of people killed by road accidents increases). The type of vehicle involved in an accident was found to be associated with the number of people expected to be killed in the accident with cars and buses as the type that killed most people and heavy duty vehicles such as bulldozer and trucks which were classified as “others” killed the least people in accidents. The day an accident occurred affected the expected number of people killed in that accident because it was identified that Saturday had the highest number of people killed in road accidents. Finally, the age of a person involved in road accident could determine as to whether one would be killed. The results showed that people in the age group of 16-25 were mostly killed in road accidents.

Source: KNUST
Statistical Evaluation of Enhanced Face Recognition Techniques under Variable

Face recognition is a dedicated process in the brain which starts from 24 hours of birth. The idea of mimicking this essential skill in human beings by machines can be worthwhile though developing an intelligent and self-learning system may require adequate supply of information to the machine. This study modified Principal Component Analysis and Singular Value Decomposition (PCA/SVD) face recognition algorithm by incorporating Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and Whitening at preprocessing stages. This study proposed multivariate statistical evaluation of the recognition performance of these face recognition algorithms under varying constraints. In particular, the Repeated Measures Design, Paired Comparison test and Profile Analysis were used for performance evaluation of the algorithms on the merit of efficiency and consistency in recognizing face images with variable facial expressions. The results indicated that, FFT-PCA/SVD is more consistent and computationally efficient when compared to PCA/SVD and Whitened PCA/SVD. Fast Fourier Transform is recommended as a viable noise removal mechanism, which should be adopted during preprocessing stages in image or pattern recognition

Source: KNUST
Statistical models for count data with applications to road accidents in Ghana

Road accidents in Ghana seems to be on ascendency and the root causes of these accidents have been attributed to issues such as human errors and superstitions. Since the occurrence of accidents are discrete, they are often modeled using count regression models. It is therefore the purpose of this study to determine an appropriate count regression model that adequately fits road accidents on urban roads in Ghana and to determine the key predictors of road accidents using the appropriate count model with respect to the expected number of person killed in an accident. Several models fitted using count data (occurrences of road accidents) in the field of transportation were compared.These models include Poisson,Negative Binomial and Conway-Maxwell-Poisson count regression models . To compare the performance of these models, the various model selection methods such as Deviance goodness of fit, Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC)and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) were employed. Because the values of the Deviance goodness of fit, AIC and BIC respectively of the Negative Binomial was the smallest as compared to that of Conway-Maxwell-Poisson and Poisson models, it appeared that the Negative Binomial model performed best as compared to the Poisson and the CMP model. Base on the appropriate count regression model selected (Negative Binomial model) the key predictors that contributed significantly and had a high effect on the expected number of persons to be killed in a road accidents within a particular time were Head-on collision as Collision type, Improper-overtaking and Loss of control as Driver errors, Bus/minibus as Type of vehicle, Fig/midst as Weather condition and Night with street lights off as Light condition.

Source: KNUST
Statistical models of infant mortality due to malaria (a case of Kumasi District and Kath)

The research examines the factors that contribute to infant deaths at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) from 2010 to 2015(March) with malaria being the main focus, assesses the occurrence and incidence of infant deaths in Kumasi district from 2008 to 2014 and determines the survival rate of infants in the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). Poisson and logistic regression models, the Kaplan-Meier estimate and the Cox Regression model are employed. Poisson regression model is used to examine the occurrence and incidence of infant deaths while logistic regression is used to assess the factors that contribute to infant deaths at KATH. The Kaplan –Meier estimate and Cox Regression model are used to determine the survival rate of infants in the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). SPSS statistical software is used to analyze the data. Results show that the mean number of occurrence of infant mortality is higher in 2008, 2009 and 2012 as compared to 2014 (reference year) and also establishes that the mean number of occurrence of infant mortality significantly reduced over the study period 2008-2014. The incidence of infant mortality is higher in 2008, 2009 and 2012 as compared to 2014 (reference year). It is also found that, the mean incidence of infant death cases reduced significantly during the study period. Finally, it is revealed that duration of stay in the hospital contributed significantly to infant death at the KATH. Malaria, did not contribute significantly to the outcome. Infants diagnosed of a disease apart from malaria generally have a higher probability of dying than those diagnosed of malaria. However, an infant with malaria has zero (0) probability of surviving if the duration of stay in the hospital extends to 297 days (approximately 10 months) whereas an infant without malaria has zero (0) probability of surviving at 310 days (a little above 10 months).

Source: KNUST