ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Designed and Developed Low Cost Raman Spectroscopic System

ABSTRACT Raman spectroscopy (RS) is a well-known optical technique for the study of molecular constituents of samples. However, many RS systems designed are usually immobile, quite cumbersome, and/or relatively expensive limiting the extensive use of this technique. In this study, we report a simple low-cost RS system designed with a 445 nm diode laser source, an absorptive edge filter, a USB2000 spectrometer and other relatively affordable auxiliary optical components. This makes our system suitably cost efficient for non-invasive, non- destructive objective evaluation of a sample matrix to determine its molecular constituents. Additionally, a computational procedure known as the Second Derivative Method for Raman Peak Recognition and Range Independent background subtraction Algorithm (SDM-RPR-RIA) was included for the recovery of Raman Signals from the fluorescence contaminated signals observed with the system. The low-cost RS system was employed to determine the Raman spectra of several known chemical samples. Identified functional groups including Amide (NH), organic acid (COOH), alcohol (ROH), hydroxyl (OH), methyl (CH3) and methylene (CH2) have all been established, based on their peak parameters, which is consistent with known results in literature. Measurements from our developed system, besides molecular identification, indicate that the developed low cost RS system setup is equally useful for polarisation and calibration studies. It is expected that the developed low cost RS system setup will become a suitable cost effective alternative to commercial Raman systems for use in academic, industrial settings, and for other novel applications among developing countries.

Source: UCC
Designing for period plays: Challenges and opportunities for the costumier of Androcles and the lion

The pleasurable spectacle in theatrical performances is one to behold by audiences. Undoubtedly, the cast and crew have to work assiduously to achieve this. Admittedly, designers play key roles in realizing the visual panorama in theatrical productions. It is the responsibility of theatrical designers to interpret the playwright’s literal ideas into visual concrete form. Among these designers is the costume designer who is responsible for designing and constructing costumes and also see to it that actors are properly costumed to reflect the mood of the production. However, opportunities and challenges of costumiers especially as they relate to period plays are in most cases swept under the carpet. This paper therefore brings to light, some opportunities and challenges in costuming the period play, Androcles and the Lion

Source: UCC
Designing of a Prototype Intelligent Arduino-Based Metal Debris Collector System

This thesis presents a proof-of-concept of the designing of a prototype of an Intelligent Arduino-Based Metal Debris Collector System (InAMDeCS). The InAMDeCS is made up of the following: a metal detector system, a microcontroller and an electromagnet, as well as an audio system. The prototype employs the principle of Noncontact Active Debris Removal Techniques (NADRT) which encompasses real-time detection of metal debris (MD) using the pulse induction metal detection principle and electromagnetic attraction. A microcontroller coordinates the activities of the metal detection and a subsequent actuation of the electromagnet to remove the MD. The simulations of the metal detection system and the electromagnet’s specifications were performed in a laboratory setting. A change in inductance as a result of MD acting as core for an air-cored coil was observed as a change in tone of the audio system and read as a voltage change in an Arduino Integrated Development Environment. The data obtained was used in training the controller. The electromagnet could attract a six-inch nail at an average distance of 5 cm when a direct current voltage of 6 V to 12 V flows through it. It works by broadcasting a pulsating magnetic field, receiving a returned field and analysing it to ascertain the presence of MD by determining a change in the time constant of an inductor-capacitor oscillator. It can be used as attachment to vehicles used in cleaning roads or it can be developed into an automobile for road maintenance services. The results confirmed the applicability of the prototype in detecting and removing MD from roads and other work site.

Source: UCC
Designing self-evaluation instruments for academic programmes: lessons and challenges

A study was conducted to design valid and reliable self-evaluation instruments for periodic evaluation of academic programmes of Bolgatanga Polytechnic in Ghana, using evaluation experts and relevant stakeholders of the polytechnic. This paper presents some of the challenges, including those of institutional support, the technical demands of designing the instrument and that of culture. How these challenges were met and the lessons learnt illustrate how selfevaluation was introduced to an institution where previously no course evaluation had been carried out.

Source: UCC
The desire for last birth among Ghanaian women: The determinants

This study examines the desire for last birth among Ghanaian women and the determining factors associated with such desire. The study used a data set based on a longitudinal study from the fourth round Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS). This was a national survey conducted by Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) in 2011 to monitor progress of women and children. A sample of 10,963 women within the reproductive age (15 –49) years across the country between 2009 and 2011 were selected for the survey. In this study, a multiple logistic regression and bootstrap techniques were used to determine the relationship of maternal factors and desire for more children. The estimated women who expressed no desire for the last birth was about 33.7% out of the 2873 women who gave birth within the survey period. This means that more than 3in 10 women get pregnant when they are not prepared. The factors observed to be highly significantly associated with desire for more children among Ghanaian women included marital status (p-value = 0.000), parity (p-value= 0.000), mothers’ age (p-value = 0.000) and region of residence (p-value = 0.000). The results show that childbearing among more advantaged women are better planned than less advantaged women. The findings further reveal that about 30.7% of married women have an unmet need for family planning (unmet need for family planning defined as the percentage of married women who want to space their next birth or stop childbearing entirely but are not using contraception)

Source: UCC
Destruction of urban green spaces: A problem beyond urbanization in Kumasi city (Ghana)

Urbanization remains a single predominant factor that is continuously linked to the destruction of urban green spaces. This has created a knowledge gap of limited attention to other critical factors that deplete urban green spaces in diverse ways. Using Kumasi city (Ghana) which is suffering from rapid deterioration of its green spaces as a study area, this paper sought to fill this gap by exploring other key factors aside urbanization that are responsible for the destruction of urban green spaces. The paper relied on a case study research approach and triangulated data collection techniques such as in-depth interview, focus group discussion, personal observation and retrieval of archival data. In all, 30 in-depth interviews, 10 focus group discussions and numerous personal observations were carried out. It was observed that apart from urbanization, laxity in the enforcement of development controls, problem of ownership of green space lands, low priority to green spaces, uncooperative attitudes of the general public, poor culture of maintenance and lack of coordination among the allied bodies on green spaces play a critical role in the destruction of urban green spaces. The paper therefore concludes that for a city to have a preserved and sustainable urban green space, a broader public policy or city development plans that take into consideration the factors highlighted by the paper in addition to urbanization is essential

Source: UCC
Detection of Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase Producing Enterobacteriaceae from Tuberculosis Patients

Antimicrobial drug resistance is a global issue that affects health, economic, and social development. This study therefore set out to determine the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) in bacteria isolated from tuberculosis patients in three selected hospitals in Ghana. A total of 53 isolates consisting of 36 Escherichia coli, 6 Klebsiella pneumoniae, 3 Enterobacter cloacae, 3 Morganella morganii, 1 Citrobacter freundi, 1 Enterobacter asburiae, 1 Klebsiella varicola ,1 Proteus mirabilis and 1 Serraatia marcescens were obtained from rectal samples and tested for their susceptibility to seventeen (17) commonly (due to easy accessibility and affordability) used antibiotics at the selected hospitals, ESBL production was determined by double disc synergy test and the ESBL genotypes were determined by PCR. A greater proportion 83.4% of isolates were resistant to the beta lactam antibiotics ranging from 5.6% for meropenem and ertapenem to 83.4% for amoxicillin/clavulanate when tested against E. coli. All the other isolates showed 100% resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanate. Also, five (5) isolates showed 100% resistance to trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole. All the isolates were susceptible to imipenem and dorepenem. All of K. pneumonia, E. cloacae and M. morganii were resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanate. ESBL phenotypes were detected in E. coli and E. cloacae. BlaTEM genotype was present in E. coli and K. pneumoniae. BlaSHV and BlaOXA-1 genotypes were also detected in K. pneumoniae and E. coli respectively. The overall ESBL prevalence was 15.1%. From the results, imipenem and doripenem will be the recommended drugs of choice. However, the use of amoxicillin/clavulanate and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole should be regulated.

Source: UCC
Detection of human papillomavirus genotypes and epstein-barr irus in nasopharyngeal carcinomas at the Korle-bu teaching hospital, Ghana

Nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC) are endemic in Far East Asia and commonly harbour Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) which is known to serve as a key oncogenic promoter. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is known to contribute to the pathogenesis of NPC. However, in Ghana these two Viruses have not been linked to NPC prevalence. Tis study was designed to determine the HPV genotypes and EBV involved in NPC tissue biopsies. A retrospective study design involving 72 formalin-fxed parafn-embedded tissue (FFPET)samples of NPC from 2006 to 2012 were retrieved from the Department of Pathology, University of Ghana School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences. Sections were taken for histological analysis and for DNA lysate preparation. The DNA lysates were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis to determine the presence of HPV genotypes and EBV. HPV specifc primers were used to type for fourteen HPV genotypes (HPV-16, 18, 6/11, 31, 33, 35, 44, 42, 43, 45, 56, 52, 58, and 59). Out of the 72 NPC biopsies analyzed by PCR, EBV DNA was present in 18 (25%) cases and HPV DNA in 14 (19.23%). High risk HPV (HR-HPV) genotypes 18 and 31 were associated with the NPC. There were 3 (4.2%) cases of coinfection by both viruses. The EBV DNA present in the undiferentiated ariant of the NPC and the histopathology of the NPC in Ghana is similar to the type described in endemic areas

Source: UCC
Detection of Human Papillomavirus Genotypes and Epstein-Barr Virus in Nasopharyngeal Carcinomas at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana

Nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC) are endemic in Far East Asia and commonly harbour Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) which is known to serve as a key oncogenic promoter. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is known to contribute to the pathogenesis of NPC. However, in Ghana these two viruses have not been linked to NPC prevalence. This study was designed to determine the HPV genotypes and EBV involved in NPC tissue biopsies. A retrospective study design involving 72 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPET) samples of NPC from 2006 to 2012 were retrieved from the Department of Pathology, University of Ghana School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences. Sections were taken for histological analysis and for DNA lysate preparation. The DNA lysates were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis to determine the presence of HPV genotypes and EBV. HPV specific primers were used to type for fourteen HPV genotypes (HPV-16, 18, 6/11, 31, 33, 35, 44, 42, 43, 45, 56, 52, 58, and 59). Out of the 72 NPC biopsies analyzed by PCR, EBV DNA was present in 18 (25%) cases and HPV DNA in 14 (19.23%). High risk HPV (HR-HPV) genotypes 18 and 31 were associated with the NPC. There were 3 (4.2%) cases of coinfection by both viruses. The EBV DNA present in the undifferentiated variant of the NPC and the histopathology of the NPC in Ghana is similar to the type described in endemic areas.

Source: UCC
Detectionof trace gas (water vapour) using quantum cascade laser open - path system (qclops) version 2 sensor and the analysis of smoke from some selected wood species

A Quantum Cascade Laser Open-Path System (QCLOPS) version 2 sensor has been set-up and used to measure water vapour in the troposphere. The QCLOPS version 2 sensor was compared with a commercial humidity sensor. A positive correlation of 71.46 % was established between the coefficient of variation of the version 2 sensor and the mass concentration of the commercial humidity sensor. Ten different wood species namely Kroma, Dwindwinaba, Esia,Yaya, Konkroma, Emire, Mango, Esakoko, Cocoa and Aborday were studied to ascertain the chemical compounds emitted during combustion. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as Acetone, Acrolein, 2-Butanone and Benzene were found in these wood species with gas concentrations ranging between 65.2898 - 20.6254, 131.9121 - 9.4528, 20.6529 - 5.6554 and 1.8760 - 0.3982 respectively. Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) such as Benzyl alcohol and 2-Methylphenol were also found in these wood species with gas concentrations ranging between 119.7127 - 10.9159 and 5.3206 - 0.2796 ppm respectively. Finally, direct absorption method and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectrometer were used to measure Benzyl alcohol and 2- Methylphenol in the laboratory. The infrared absorption spectra of Benzyl alcohol and 2-Methylphenol showed absorption at 1020, 1036, 1080 and 1108, 1176 cm-1respectively. This compares well with the Know-it-All infra-red database. The results show the capability of a future sensor to measure these gases in the field.

Source: UCC
Determinant of divided payout ratio of firms listed on Ghana stock exchange

Profitability has always been considered as a primary indicator of dividend payout ratio. There are numerous factors other than profitability that affect dividend decisions of an organization, namely, earning per share, current ratio, debt to equity ratio and price to book ratio. Available literature suggests that dividend payout ratio is positively related to profits, cash flows and it has inverse relationship with debt to equity, retention ratio and price to book ratio. This dissertation aims at investigating the factors which determine the dividend decision among the firms that are officially listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Factors such as the current ratio, price-to-book value, earnings per share, retention ratio, debt to equity ratio and market capitalization rate per sector were considered. Using a sample of 20 listed companies on the GSE, the cross sectional analysis revealed that current earnings, retained earnings and liquidity are among the most significant determinants of dividend payout. Market capitalization rate per sector and price- to-book value turn out to be statistically insignificant while debt to equity ratio turns out to be negatively related to dividend pay-out ratio. As previous research has shown, it is very difficult to find model that you can apply to all companies, since all companies are different from each other. However, the author has been able to identify some key factors that derive dividend payouts. Amongst these factors, earning per share, current ratio and debt to equity ratio are important factors that determined the dividend payout ratio.

Source: UCC
Determinants of access to credit by women retail traders in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region

The underlying objective of this study was to analyse the determinants of access to credit by women retail traders in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region. The main aim was to provide a better understanding of the individual’s socio-economic characteristics and institutional factors, not only because they influence the individual’s access to credit but also due to the fact that potential lenders are likely to base their assessment of borrower’s creditworthiness on such characteristics and factors. Data for the study was obtained through a survey using an interview schedule designed to elicit information on variables of interest specified in the empirical model. In all, 196 respondents were selected randomly from the study area. The analysis was conducted using descriptive analysis and logit regression. The empirical estimation of the logit regression model revealed that junior and senior high school education, interest rate, collateral requirement, length of affiliation with financial institution and savings account significantly influence access to credit. The study suggests that the least “exit point” for female education in the Mfanteman Municipality must be senior high school level. Financial institutions must find innovative ways to minimise default rate in loan repayment in order to bring interest rate down, make strict book-keeping or financial records mandatory for retail traders as collateral substitutes. Women retail traders should build healthy interpersonal relationships with credit officers as a way of building social capital for loan acquisition. Finally, women retail traders should embrace the habit of saving

Source: UCC
Determinants of agricultural extension agents’ internet competencies in Eastern Region of Ghana

Internet has been introduced by Ministry of Food and Agriculture to improve extension delivery in Ghana. However the extent to which extension agents have acquired the knowledge and skills to use it was not known in Eastern Region. The study looked at the determinants of Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs) Internet competencies in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The study used descriptive survey design, stratified proportional sampling technique and validated questionnaire to collect data from 217 AEAs in ten districts of Eastern Region. Statistical tools such as frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviation, appropriate correlation coefficients were generated to describe or identify relationships among variables of the study. The study revealed that age, educational level, marital status, rank, location, years of experience, monthly salary, duration of use, years of using Internet, and training of AEAs relate significantly to Internet competencies of AEAs. The best predictors of Internet competencies of AEAs were training, location, duration of use, age and educational level

Source: UCC
Determinants of Audit Fee: Evidence From the Gse-Listed Firms

This research examined the determinants of audit fee using listed firms in Ghana. The justification emanates from the notion that the audit industry has been under increased pressure for their high fees paid to them by their clients and the contributory bearing on the auditor's objectivity. The research examines the impact that client characteristics, audit firm characteristics, and corporate governance have on the audit fee in Ghana. The study used panel data and employed generalised least square in analysing the secondary source of data (annual financial statements) from 2008-2017. A sample of thirty-two (32) companies was drawn from thirty-nine (39) listed firms for this study. Descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and multiple regression were used to analyse the data. The client characteristics revealed that client size, client profitability, client risk, complexity, and industry positively and significantly impact audit fees. Audit firm size and audit tenure positively and significantly impact on audit fees for audit firm characteristics. For corporate governance variables, the board size, board independence, board diligence, CEO duality, audit committee independence, and audit committee expertise inversely and significantly effect on audit fee. The study recommends that businesses strengthen their corporate governance characteristics to bring the audit fee to a reasonable level. Also, the total of oversight board committees must be at the desired minimum as companies conformed to guidelines and directions of the regulatory establishments, and more businesses have to be invigorated to get listed so that regulations can oblige them to display appropriate conduct

Source: UCC
Determinants of Bank Staff Motivation in the Cape Coast Metropolis

Staff motivation is one of the key drivers of success in today’s competitive environment. The paper seeks to determine the factors that influence bank staff motivation in the Cape Coast Metropolis. In specific terms, this paper aimed at analysing the variance explained by variables in staff motivation as well as determining whether there are statistically significant differences in the levels of the factors that affect staff motivation. The census sampling method was employed for the study. The responses of 81 staff members were gathered through questionnaires from seven banks in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Descriptive statistics was used for mean levels of the factors whilst a dependent (sample) t-test was used to determine the differences between the levels of the factors. Multiple regression technique was used to identify the factors (determinants) that best explain variance in staff motivation. It was explained from the study that there were statistically significant differences between the levels of the factors that affect staff motivation except between staff supervision and staff perceived competence and staff recognition and job satisfaction. Also, the results of the study revealed that determinants of motivation were recognition and job satisfaction. Thus, they significantly influence bank staff motivation in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The staff recommended that improvement in verbal and tangible recognition of good work as well as interesting and challenging work through job enlargement and enrichment would logically lead to high motivation

Source: UCC