ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Computational study of hydrogen adsorption on lanthanum ferrite (lafeo3) (0 1 0) surface

The electrochemical hydrogen storage mechanism of LaFeO3, a functional material widely studied as potential negative electrode material in nickel-metal hydride batteries, still remains unsettled, and requires more simulation studies to provide molecular-level insight into how the hydrogen adsorbs on the LaFeO3 perovskite oxide surface. Spin-polarized density functional theory calculations with the PBE exchange-correlation functional within the GGA and GGA+U using the plane-wave pseudopotential PWscf code in the Quantum-ESPRESSO package have been used to investigate the bulk structures and electronic properties, as well as the adsorption of H2 on lanthanum ferrite (LaFeO3). Adsorption energy calculations predict that for the use of LaFeO3 as anodic material in Ni-MH batteries, the most preferred adsorption site for H2 is the Fe-O bridge site where the O coordinates to another Fe atom and a La atom, and the Fe in the bridge coordinates to two other O atoms and two La atoms. When one molecule of the H2 is adsorbed at H-H molecular, dihydrogen and dihydride bond distances on this Fe-O bridge site of the LaFeO3 (0 1 0) surface, -Fe(µOH)La and -FeH are formed with adsorption energy in the range -0.455 to -0.456 eV. Similar adsorption sites do not necessarily give the same products on addition of H2. Even though some Fe-O bridge sites give -Fe(µOH)La and -FeH others give LaOH and FeH. At the O top end-on sites, while some give LaOH and FeH, others give H2O or FeOH depending on the H-H distances. All the O-top sites with the exception of that which coordinates to only La at the terminal position form H2O in at least one of the forms of H2 in an end-on attachment to O atom, leaving the surface to create an oxygen vacancy. Nonetheless, it is only at the O site which connects just two La atoms and in the dihydride H-H bond distance end-on configuration that involves dislodgement of H2O from the surface and vacancy hopping oxygen transport. Molecular hydrogen on the LaFeO3 (0 1 0) surface can only form H2O at the O top end-on site where the O coordinates to two Fe atoms and a La atom. Fe and La dihydrogen and dihydride bonds do not form on LaFeO3 (0 1 0) surface and also no hydrogen is adsorbed on the La atom. O atom facilitates the addition of hydrogen on the surface. Adsorbing another H2 molecule on LaFeO3 (0 1 0)/H2 system for a more realistic adsorption reveals that the adsorption at Fe-O bridge* site where the second H2 is at a dihydride bond distance leads to the formation of H2O through an unstable and unfavourable adsorption process. Fe changes oxidation state from +3 to +2 when one and two molecules of H2 are adsorbed. These results improve our understanding of the electrochemical hydrogen storage mechanism of LaFeO3.

Source: KNUST
Computational Modelling of Movement of Water Soluble Pollutants in the Soil

The thesis focuses on two dimensional modelling of water soluble pollutants through soil. Specifically, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach and adapted Navier-Stokes equations for porous flow are used to develop a code for flow of water soluble pollutants through fine sand. The code is used to simulate flow of water soluble pollutants in the soil within the laminar flow regime and to examine the distribution and dispersion of water soluble pollutants through soil layers. In developing the code, several flow equations and assumptions were considered and modified to suit the flow of water soluble pollutant through soil. Some of the equations incorporated in the simulation of the code include the Navier-Stokes equation, the Forchheimer equation and the Darcy’s velocity equation among others. In addition, the code makes use of several flow variables such as Reynolds number and pressure difference. The code was validated qualitatively using an experimental set-up to monitor the flow of dye within a square area filled with fine sand for three different dye sources. The distribution and dispersion pattern of the dye used was then physically examined at various times as simulated in the program and the results compared. It was found that the concentration of the dye decreased qualitatively away from the source. This is evident from the physical observation of the dye colour configuration obtained at the end of all the experiments as it faded in a decreasing manner away from the source but qualitatively increased in concentration with time. All the flow patterns of the experiments were comparable to the simulated results. The code may be used to approximate, interpolate and extrapolate the concentration level of pollutants as well as the distance and time a pollutant could travel from a source within a computational domain.

Source: KNUST
Computer aided design and economic analysis of a solar water heating system

Domestic water heating is important for sanitation in urban African households. Currently, the common sources of energy for water heating are grid electricity, gas and biomass form of firewood and charcoal). Solar water heating can greatly supplement energy required for domestic water heating. Solar energy is a free and environmentally friendly renewable energy resource. This thesis has dealt with a computer aided design of a solar water heating system based on heating load, weather conditions and economic scenarios of the location where it is going to be installed A review of solar water heating technology was made, and mathematical equations for sizing and computing thermal and economic performance were generated. From the mathematical equations generated, a programme was coded in Matlab to design and perform system’s long-term thermal and economic performance The programme uses f-chart correlation method, and P1 and P2 method to compute thermal performance and optimum collector size, respectively while the economic performance is given in terms of fuel savings, solar savings, operating costs, life cycle solar savings and payback period. The programme was used to design the solar water heating system for the College of Engineering Guesthouse of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology as a case study. Dynamic performance of the designed system was simulated using the TRNSYS software. The Guesthouse has an annual heating load of 62 GJ. The programme gives a collector area of 24.367 mm2 with modules connected in parallel and a storage rank capacity of 1828 litres. The system has an annual solar fraction and collector efficiency of 0.867 and 0.33. respectively. The total capital investment of the system is 6,733 US$, giving a simple payback period of 7 years which can he reduced to less than 5 years if the capital investment is less than 4,880 US$ or the unit cost of electricity is 9 cents/kWh. A sensitivity analysis on optimum collector area reveals that the area is more sensitive to optical efficiency (FR (τα)) than to the rate of thermal losses (FRUL). Long-term thermal and economic performance results of the designed system show that the system is worthy of installation.

Source: KNUST
Computer aided design of a long span timber roof truss

The structural engineer has came to rely on the computer as an effective tool for engineering decision making. The design of timber roof trusses is one instance where computing facilities can be effectively utilized. This thesis is primarily concern with the design of a timber roof truss using the computer. The Pratt and Howe types of roof trusses are used as casa studies. A study is made on the suitability and vaiiahi1iy of locally availability timber species Turbo Pascal 5.5 has been used to develop the computer programme to handle the analysis and design of the timber roof truss. An optimization technique has also been included in this programme to enable the design of the truss to be optimized. Results obtained from the program are analyzed and converted into design charts which can be used by roof truss designers

Source: KNUST
Computer assembly plant - Ayigya-Kumasi

Increasingly, governments are realizing that Information Communications Technology (ICT) and computer literacy are key to developing a thriving and competitive economy. They recognize that citizens who use a PC at home are more likely to have the IT skills that are needed for employment. Computer literate citizens find it easier to learn new work skills. They contribute more to the businesses that employ them and are more motivated. Their motivation drives productivity within the business - ultimately fuelling economic growth and a country's ability to compete in the global economy. The Ghanaian government is therefore accelerating economic growth by offering incentives that make it easier for citizens and businesses to purchase or lease PCs for home use. This scheme - known as i-Advance Computer4all, is a Government Assisted PC Program (GAPP) and is being developed in conjunction with Intel, a world leader in silicon innovation, and Microsoft, the global leader in software development. Employers will participate in i-Advance Computer4all because they see the incentives as a way of increasing employee loyalty and boosting the skills base of their business. Schools, colleges and universities are keen to become involved because students with a PC at home can tap into a much wider range of educational resources.

Source: KNUST
Compulsory land acquisition and payment of compensation in Ghana. Case study: DIGYA national park, DIGYA.

Compulsory acquisition of land is basically the process by which the government or the state takes or acquires land belonging to individuals for public use and benefit such as the provision of basic infrastructure that will promote economic, cultural, health and social wellbeing of its citizens. For this development to take place the government needs to acquire land that will act as platform for such interventions. Whereas in the country, land ownership is guaranteed in the lordship of customary interest, the state has no option than to employ eminent domain to acquire private rights in land without complete accepted agreement from the owners for societal benefit. Yet despite being a core and necessary governmental power, compulsory acquisition has always attracted controversy, both in theory and practice. The need to strictly adhere to the rules and procedures of the legislative tool and also non- payment of compensation has become obvious and apparent. Considering these intricacies and complications involved in the compulsory acquisition process in the country requires some perceptible revision that will promote good practices among governments at local, regional and national levels. The methodology applied on this research was drawing on pragmatic and realistic studies pertaining to compulsory acquisition in Ghana through qualitative and quantitative analytical framework. The research design used for the research was the case study approach to put the study in context. Study difficulties as well as wide-ranging nature of research were taking into consideration in employing this research. The main focus of the research is however, on the socio-economic impact on the lives of persons whose parcels of land are acquired but fair and equitable compensation has not been paid by the state. The effects of compulsory land acquisition identified included changes in income levels, land ownership structure, farming practices, family composition and cultural and social values, norms and bonds. Other issues the study considered include, principles underpinning legislative tool, argument in support and against compulsory acquisition. It also goes on to discuss the pattern of land ownership in Ghana and procedures for exercising compulsory acquisition. Some suggestions are made as to how the process can be improved in future. It is hoped that the lessons learned from this case study will be informative to decision makers not only in Ghana but also in other developing countries where government projects caused a lot of discontentment on the part of the people affected on one hand and the government on the other.Hence, the study seeks to outline ways whereby some of these problems can be minimized in order to ensure that compulsory acquisition is effectively carried out in the near future.

Source: KNUST
Computer assembly plant - Tema

Computers and ICT have changed the way people live and work. This global phenomenon has transformed the economies of many countries, increasing computer literacy rates or for that matter ICT knowledge base of a nation have proven to boost economic growth but this unfortunately is not the case for many developing countries such Ghana which has a low Computer literacy rate. Accordingly there is the need for improved computer literacy rate. The main objective of this thesis project is to document and design a Computer Assembly plant which would produce affordable computers in Ghana for both the Ghanaian and West African markets. This Assembly plant would not only cater for the just the assembly of computers but also IT training and job creation for the youth. The Computer Assembly plant would make use of the serial assembly process which is more commonly known as an assembly line where the process is broken into individual steps, and completed by different assemblers in a specific sequence. The Computer Assembly plant would not only have a factory for assembling computers but also other facilities such as a Training centre, a Research lab and an After-sales servicing centre all in the quest to develop the ICT knowledge base of the country. Having Computer Assembly plants would help in the realization of the economic and technological advancement of Ghana through making of computers affordable and also easily available and accessible to the people thereby increasing the computer literacy rate.

Source: KNUST
Computer Assembly Plant — Tema

The world is now global village virtually sustained by Information And Communication Technology which has computers as the backbone.ICT has boosted the economies of many countries in the world and developing countries like Ghana even though with a low computer literacy rate is gradually embracing ICT which is evident in many government policies and the influx of many private IT institutions in the country. This ICT revolution is however becoming gradually unsustainable due to the lack of access to good computers by many Ghanaians. This is due to the cost and also the overdependence on used foreign computers which break up easily. The overdependence of foreign importation is also leaving the Ghanaian economy struggling. The documentation and design of a computer assembly plant to assemble computers locally and also train people and create jobs is the main objective of this thesis. This assembly plant would assemble computers locally for the Ghanaian market and also for exports and help reduce the cost of computer to the average Ghanaian. A serial assembly process is envisaged for this computer assembly plant. The Serial process is a medium by which the entire process is broken into individual steps, and completed by different assemblers in a specific sequence. The plant would not only consist of a factory but also a training school to help train people for the ICT industry.

Source: KNUST
Computer Business Centre, Kumasi

The current development of the Micro-computer has made computers affordable to the ordinary person and small scale businessmen. In view of the current economic recovery program, business and commerce are on the increase in Kumasi and the nation as a whole. Businessmen and entrepreneurs are increasingly switching to computerised methods of managing their accounts and businesses. There is therefore the need for a centre in Kumasi, where organised training of personnel in the use of computers can be achieved. This training will offer standard courses in the use of computers, computer programming, repairs, etc. There is also the need for a business centre, where Businessmen and entrepreneurs can receive financial advice and proper accountancy services for their business. It is in the realisation of this need that as a contribution to the national front, the task of collecting information to present a design of such a centre in Kumasi to help meet the needs of students and the business sector was undertaken. Due to the lack of comprehensive material about such business centres, a lot of data meant for this thesis was collected through reading, holding discussions and interviews as well as photographs for visual survey and documentation purposes The approach adopted for this study was to establish the need for such a business centre in Kumasi to help train people and help boost the business sector in Kumasi. Feasibility studies were then conducted to establish the viability of the project. Comparative studies were then made of similar local computer I business centres which offer similar services mentioned above. The analysis and synthesis of the above studies led to a final comprehensive design brief to supplement the initial ideas of the client.

Source: KNUST
Computer-Aided Design Optimisation of Wind Turbine Airfoil for Low Wind Speed Applications

Low wind speed conditions in various parts of Ghana calls for a wind turbine blade capable of giving maximum circulation to produce a high lift which will turn turbines. In this thesis, a wind speed of at least 3 m/s is used as a benchmark in optimizing the design of a blade airfoil to give optimal performance during low wind speed conditions. Blade-element momentum theory which is the current mainstay of aerodynamic design for horizontal-axis wind turbine blade was used in the optimization process. A couple of design processes were considered to arrive at successful wind turbine design. Ten high-lift-coefficient airfoils, which could give high lift leading to high moment at low wind speed conditions, were selected and their aerodynamics parameters iterated and tested for optimum performance under low wind speed conditions. The iteration of these aerodynamics parameters were computed and analysed using a programmed spreadsheet for all the ten profiles. For each section of the blade, the airfoil that gave the highest power coefficient was used. The sections were then lofted to form a seamless blade. The resulting low wind speed blade airfoil design offers substantial improvements on the reference designs. The application of optimization methods successfully aided the creation of a wind turbine blade with consistent peak performance over a range of design points

Source: KNUST
Computer-aided sizing of direct mode natural convection solar crop dryers

Ghana is an agricultural country. Most crops are seasonal and the need to dry them for preservation and utilisation throughout the year is imperative. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has formulated a policy aimed at promoting simple solar dryers for drying agriculture produce with the view of reducing post-harvest losses which are currently 20- 30 % of the country’s annual food production. There is the need to design simple but effective drying systems suitable for varied crops and different geographical locations. Currently, there are no simple tools that enable the realisation of optimum design and quick sizing of solar crop dryers suitable for Ghana and similar climatic conditions. The aim of this research is to develop a user friendly computer program that could be used to generate dimensions and other design parameters. One major achievement of this study is the development of a set of governing equations and a solution procedure for sizing solar cabinet and tent crop dryers. Also a computer program based on this procedure has been developed. The program enables the sizing of solar cabinet and tent dryers suitable for drying of cassava, maize, cowpea, and rice in four geographical locations in Ghana. The four locations are Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi and Tamale. A sample result of the computer program is presented in this thesis. It appears, after analysing the results that, cassava can be used as the base crop for sizing dryers for drying the four crops listed. The limitations of this study are based on the assumptions. Firstly, the air leaving the dryer is assumed saturated. In practice, this is difficult to achieve. That minimizes the dimensions of the dryer. Secondly, the equation that gives the temperature elevation inside the dryer has been assumed true for solar cabinet and tent dryers; though it was deduced empirically from solar air heaters. At last, the shrinkage, which is the diminishing of the crop volume as moisture is removed in the drying process, has been neglected. This assumption can be a good approximation for low moisture content crops like cowpea, rice and maize; but, for high moisture content crop like cassava, the shrinkage effect has to be investigated.

Source: KNUST
Computerized accounting information systems: lessons in mmda’s in Ashanti region of Ghana

This research has sampled three Municipal Assemblies which has been named AA Assembly, BA Assembly and CA Assembly. Also, this research relied solely on primary data, specifically responses collected through the use of sound recording devices to analysis data using content analysis and thematic analysis. This research sought to assess computerized accounting information system in selected MMDAs in Ashanti region. The findings reveal that prior to the adoption of the GIFMIS, all financial related transactions were done manually or outsourced to consultants at a fee. The findings on this objective from the survey suggest that the creation of audit trails, concern for employees, quality control, the need to increase performance, current trend, complexities in data processes and collection, legal requirements and achieving a mission or vision statement are very important motivating factors on the implementation of CAIS in MMDAs in Ashanti region. The findings of the field survey revealed that the metrics used in assessing effectiveness and efficiency of CAIS is speed, adequate use of limited resources, provision of accurate results and cost reduction. On benefits, the survey revealed that customer satisfaction, making of quick decisions, cost reduction, speed and accuracy and effective employee relation are the main advantages enjoyed with the adoption of CAIS. In responding to the issue of challenges confronting MMDAs in the adoption of computerized accounting information system, poor connectivity of networks, security threats, high cost of installation and maintenance cost as well as lack of people with requisite personnel to handle such matters that makes implementation of CAIS ineffective was noted to be a common hindrance.

Source: KNUST