ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Detoxification of lead and arsenic from galamsey polluted water using nano synthesized iron oxide from cupola furnace slag

Drinking of water polluted with heavy metals is a means by which heavy metals bio accumulate in the human body. The rise in galamsey (illegal mining) activities in Ghana has resulted in heavy metal pollution in most water bodies in the country. Above the permissible limits, these metals cause health issues such as cancer, brain damage, kidney damage and other respiratory diseases. Hence, a smart solution to this menace is urgently needed. In this study, iron oxides were recovered from cupola furnace slag by magnetic separation and froth flotation. The recovered iron oxide was modified using electrospinning with the aid of polyvinyl alcohol after which it was calcined and used as adsorbent to detoxify lead and arsenic from two galamsey polluted water bodies in Obuasi, Ghana. Samples of the adsorbent were characterized using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-ray Diffractometry (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer-Emmer-Teller (BET) method. The highest recovery for iron oxide using magnetic separation was 99.42% and that of froth flotation was 90.64%. The recovered iron oxide used as adsorbent was composed 53.04% iron oxide, with major phases like magnetite, hematite, goethite and quartz. Moreover, the surface functional group were determined to be Fe–O and OH. Also, the calcined nano fibres which were spherical in shape with rough surfaces had a specific surface area of 1.1331 m2/g. The contaminated and detoxified water were also analyzed using Atomic absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Both adsorbent (beneficiated iron oxide and calcined nano fibre) performed well in the adsorption process, with the recovered iron oxide having 97.33% maximum lead removal efficiency while an 81.00% maximum removal efficiency for arsenic. The calcined nano fibre had a maximum of 99.99% removal efficiency for lead and 88.40% maximum efficiency for arsenic. Additionally, the adsorption fits the Langmuirian isotherm model better than the Freundlich model, indicating mono layer coverage.

Source: KNUST
Developing a data mining classification model to predict the academic performance of students in Public Basic Schools in Ghana using socio-economic variables. a case study of selected publicbasic schools in the Ablekuma West Constituency.

The use of educational related data is often beneficial in data mining applications and it has proven to be useful to both decision-making processes and thepromotion of social goals. Most developing nations are concentrating on ways to use Information Systems as platforms to champion their national development agenda in all areas of their economy, including education. Despite the high percentage of trained teachers in the public basic schools, results from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) indicates that public basic schools fare poorer in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) than their private basic schoolscounterparts. This thesis focuses on using socio-economic variables to develop a data mining classification model that can be used to identify students from poor socio-economic backgrounds and help improve their performance before writing the Basic Education Certificate Examination. The population for this study comprised of 800 junior high school students whilst a convenient sample of 200 studentsare used for this study. The CRISP-DM (Cross-Industry Standard Process for Data Mining) is used as a solid framework for guiding the project because of its non-proprietary and neutral background. Three popular algorithms are discussed and the C4.5 algorithm is chosen as the preferred algorithm because of its level of accuracy on unseen data. These algorithms are Naïve Bayes, ID3 and C4.5. The C4.5 algorithm is used to analyze the training set and build a classifier that is used tocorrectly classify both the training and test examples. A standard machine learning technique is used to analyze the training data and test the accuracy of the hypothesis in predicting the categorization of unseen examples with the test data. This testing process is further boosted by deploying the use of the ROC graph to aid in visualization. This graph is used to present a graphical presentation of the relationship between sensitivity and specificity and to decide on the models optimality through the determination of the best threshold for the classifier. Sensitivity, Specificity and Accuracy are used to measure the correctness of the model by calculating for the True and False Positives and Negatives (Type I and Type II error). The model achieved an accuracy rate of 74%, a recall (R) of 73%, specificity of 75% and a precision of 80%. This study has demonstrated the practicality and feasibility of classifying student academic performance based on the selected socio-economic variables.

Source: KNUST
Developing a differential GPS (DGPS) Service in Ghana

The prerequisite for successful execution of projects, applications, services or products reliant on surveys or geo-information, must be a uniform and reliable coordinate reference system. Provision of control points defining these reference frames by conventional methods are expensive, tedious, limited to intervisibility between beacons and the area of survey, thus reducing the effectiveness of networks at night and in poor weather conditions. Signals from Global Navigation Satellite Systems have proven to be fast, accurate and cheaper alternative to conventional methods, but performance indices for autonomous positioning are not satisfactory and as such for high precision assignments, relative or differential positioning techniques must be employed. However, differential positioning does place additional operational demands (two GPS receivers are required with one on known point and a data link between them when DGPS is to be implemented in real-time). A base station has been established at KNUST to provide GPS logs, reference coordinates, and to disseminate differential corrections for post-processing computations. This base will serve as the second receiver required for differential operations. Using the base station, several observation sessions were conducted and processed to compute 2D transformation parameters to integrate GPS data into the National Mapping System. The parameters computed can be used within a maximum radial error of 0.58ft around campus. Further investigations were carried-out on observation times and the solutions obtained showed that at least three hours was found to be optimum time to be spent when coordinating newly established base stations.

Source: KNUST
Developing a framework for training to build the capacity of small-scale local contractors in Ghana

This study is aimed at discovering the capacity needs of small-scale local contractors in the building sector of the constructions industry in Ghana which plays a pivotal role in the development of the national economy and therefore needs to be sustained. The industry is currently characterized by a large number of small contractors, and a small number of large foreign contractors dominating the construction market. Sustainable capacity needs are required to be built through the strengthening of the local contractors and other actors in the industry without prejudice to their foreign counterparts. The objectives of the study were to examine key constraints and challenges facing local contractors in terms of capacity building, identify aspects of training needs suitable for small contractors as well as design a training framework which addresses their training needs. Literature reviewed indicated that the issue of local contractor management is a topical issue in most third world countries, particularly in Africa. A quantitative form of research methodology was employed, while questionnaires were distributed to 40 respondents made up of contractors and their technical and professional staff. Theory of capacity buildings were applied to the study. The theory indicated that, approaches to capacity building often emphasize a particular dimension like investment in the human capital of individuals, group-oriented development, organizational development or institutional development. Findings indicated that contractors are very keen on their capacity building initiatives while the intervention of government in the capacity building efforts is not a key issue to them. Again, the findings indicate that local contractors are not aware or are ignorant about contractual claims preparation and payment and how it could impact positively on their work. Again, inadequate payment of fluctuations was given a low rating (6th) in the priority list of constraints faced by the small contractors. Working in a volatile economic setting like Ghana where price variation is a common feature, contractors must be skilled in the preparation of adequate compensation for fluctuation payments and contractual claims in order to avoid huge losses at the end of contract periods. Recommendations have been made for contractors’ capacity to be built in the areas of site supervision, administration of construction works, project management techniques, negotiation techniques for claims and leadership skills.

Source: KNUST
Developing a Generic Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) System for the Palm Cream Concentrate Canning Industry in Ghana

A typical indigenous Ghanaian small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) engaged in palm cream concentrate canning was selected for HACCP study and the generic HACCP system was developed which can be adapted for the entire palm cream concentrate canning industry in Ghana. To manufacture canned palm cream concentrate, fresh and ripen palm fruits are inspected, received, weighed and sorted for their quality. The quality palm fruits are washed, cooked at a temperature of 100°C for 30 minutes, de-pulped into paste, fiber and kernels. The paste with the fiber is squeezed and strained to obtain palm cream. The fine cream is collected and blended with 0.5% salt and heated to a temperature ≥ 70°C for 15 minutes. Empty cans are washed, filled with the hot cream, seamed, washed to get rid of stains and loaded into retort baskets and then hoisted into a vertical retort for sterilization. Retorting is done at 121°C for 60 minutes and then cooled to a temperature of 40°C and the product are removed from the retort and incubated at ambient temperature for 7 days. After which labelling is done and the product are cased and palletized ready for sale. The 14 stages of HACCP implementation including the 7 preparatory steps and the 7 principles of HACCP recommend by (Campden BRI, 2009) were applied to the palm cream concentrate canning process. Each processing step was correctly captured in the process flow diagram and subjected to hazard analysis to identify all potential food safety hazards that are associated with each step. The identified hazards were classified as either physical, chemical or biological and subjected to risk assessment process using a quantitative scoring method to determine the likelihood and severity of each potential hazard which helped to determine significant hazards with each step. The significant hazards were then subjected to critical control point determination using the codex decision tree. Three steps of microbiological significance were identified in the process as CCPs. These are can seaming (CCP# 1), retorting (CPP# 2) and retorted can cooling (CCP# 3). Critical limits were established for these limits as follows: CCP# 1 – can seaming (body hook butting (BHB) > 75%, thickness rating (TR) > 75% and actual overlap (AO) > 1.1mm), CCP# 2 – retorting (120 -122°C for 60 minutes at a pressure of 1bar must be achieved during sterilization) and CCP# 3 – can cooling (incoming cooling water into the retort must be chlorinated to 3 - 4 ppm, residual chlorine content and after cooling, the discharge water should contain ≥ 0.5ppm residual chlorine content). Monitoring and verification procedures were developed for each CCP and corrective actions and record keeping systems have been established for the CCPs.

Source: KNUST
Developing a Gnss Suite for Geodetic Applications

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) is one of the most innovative and practical technology developed today. Since its inception it has grown to provide not only world-wide, all-weather navigation, but precise position determination capabilities to all manner of users especially for surveying and geodetic applications. In surveying and mapping, this represents a revolutionary departure from conventional surveying procedures, which rely on observed anglesand distances,for determining point positions. The scope of GNSS is enormous: from data acquisitions and processing, to detailed Computational algorithm in position estimations. Many processing software or applications both scientific and commercial have been developed for GNSS post-processing. These software are developed for general applications or standards and might not meet a country‟s mapping specifications particularly Africa. This means, that the inherent accuracy of a GNSS receiver can be enhanced or degraded depending on which software is used to do the post-processing. Besides, these software tend to be limited to the institutions that wrote them and use of them can require a considerable investment in time to understand the software and how best to use it under various circumstances. Expert training is often recommended by the distributors. In the light of these setbacks and limitations, a GNSS suite, ‘GeoSuite’for geodetic applications such as, GNSS data post-processing, Datum transformationandDirect and Inverse geodetic computationsforGhana,has been developed.The suite is a standalone windowbase application with a user-friendly interface written in Matlab.TheGNSS data post-processing application of the Suite is based on both code andphase observables, and on double differences between simultaneous observations using Rinexfile as an input GNSS raw data.In addition, the Datum transformationapplicationof the Suiteis also centered on the WGS 84 and War Office ellipsoidsusing the 3,5, 7 and 10 transformation parameters, publishedby the Survey and Mapping Division of Ghanaas default transformation parameters or user-defined transformationand ellipsoidparameters. The suite was tested on field measurements and existing coordinates,and from the results obtained it was concluded that, GPS data can be successfully processed using the developed suite for survey workin Ghanaand can perform any form of transformation on the WGS 84 and the War Office ellipsoids or user-defined ellipsoid.The Suite can easily be adapted for other countries particularly within the Africacontinent.

Source: KNUST
Developing a quality assurance framework for public works procurement

Quality of construction is a problem worldwide. The problem is serious and evident in both developed and developing countries. This study aimed to develop Quality Assurance (QA) framework for public works procurement. The specific objectives were to identify practices and problems in works procurement; identify Critical Success Factors (CSF) for works procurement processes; and to develop a framework for enhancing quality assurance through public procurement. The study adopted both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques. Data were obtained through questionnaire survey (N=120 distributed, n=88 received) from Works Officers, Quantity Surveyors, Architects, Quality Officers and Procurement Officers. Data analysis techniques include: descriptive statistics, factor analysis and correlation matrix. The Works Quality Assurance Framework (WQAF) was developed based on findings from literature review and questionnaire survey. The WQAF validation method includes validation questionnaire (N=5) with Quantity Surveyors, Architects and Procurement Managers. Key findings which came out from the study include: three main problems (award of contract primarily on price; single contractor buys all tender documents; and consultant acting on behalf of contractor) and three key CSFs (i.e. procurement system factors, quality related factors and contractor selection and training factors) were the determinants to enhancing quality delivery of works procurement. The developed WQAF enables the determination of the activities, problems, areas/parties for improvement and QA improvement measures for design, bid and build projects. The study recommended that quality assurance strategies should be adopted at the early stage of public works procurement. The content of the study will be of interest to major stakeholders of public procurement, educational institutions, construction professionals and contractors.

Source: KNUST
Developing A Scheme for Stakeholder Participation of Power Transmission Projects at Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo).

This study’s objective was to analyzed GRIDCo’s stakeholder identification issues and subsequently develop a scheme for stakeholder participation of project delivery at GRIDCo. To realise this general objective, the study sought to: determine the stakeholder management processes of GRIDCo; identify the level of involvement of stakeholders with GRIDCo’s projects; determine the consequences of stakeholders’ non-participation in project definition and planning; to determine the challenges of stakeholder management at GRIDCo; and make recommendations to facilitate effective stakeholder participation at GRIDCo. Survey questionnaires were administered via the face-to-face method. The data gathered was coded and translated into an SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science). Data collected was also analyzed in both descriptive and quantitative forms. It also employed frequency tables, percentages etc, and Relative Importance Index (RII) method. Data was collected from 100 respondents and it was found that GRIDCo undertakes a comprehensive identification and analysis of all stakeholders and communities before commencing projects and top management finds stakeholder management necessary. It was also found that major stakeholders are always involved with project definition and planning at GRIDCo and that overall, the level of major stakeholders’ involvement with GRIDCO’s project planning and design is high. It was primarily found that there are several ramifications of failing to engage and involve major stakeholders in the prevention of GRIDCo from gaining support (financial resources) from powerful stakeholders such donors and sponsors; leads to poor personal and/or working relationships during projects; leads to frequent disagreements on purpose and direction (i.e. buy-in) of projects; leads to project delays and cost-overruns. The five main challenges of stakeholder identification at GRIDCo were found to be the lack of clarity regarding how to identify stakeholders and determine their importance and how to identify stakeholders’ expectations; the failure of project managers to maintain frequent contact with key stakeholders; the inability of GRIDCo to clearly and accurately identify certain legitimate stakeholders; lack of resources and some stakeholders being unreasonable with their demands. In addition to the stakeholder scheme developed and recommended for GRIDCo in order to engender efficient and effective stakeholder identification and management process, recommendations made included seeking top management support and commitment, educating all stakeholders on project objectives, milestones and how they will be executed and also building stronger bonds and ties with stakeholders.

Source: KNUST
Developing a Model for Customer Switching for Banks: (A Case Study of Ahantaman Rural Bank)

This study examined the Customer Switching Data of Ahantaman Rural Bank with particular interest in predicting customers who are very likely to switch bank in the near future. The data used was a primary data which was obtained through interviewing of customers of the bank. The objective of the study was to design a model to predict likelihood of customer switching banking services. Logistic regression model was considered as an appropriate statistical tool for analyzing the data since the variables were categorical in nature. Analysis of the data revealed that customer satisfaction, pricing, reliability and employee competence constructs made significant contribution to customer switching intentions in Ahantaman Rural Bank in Ahanta West District in Ghana. The results showed further that 51.3% of customers who do banking transactions at the head office of Ahantaman Rural Bank have intended to switch services with the bank.

Source: KNUST
Developing a strategic plan for the Marketing Department of ABC Brewery Limited

ABC Brewery Limited has recently been experiencing short falls in the meeting of its sales and marketing objectives and has therefore found it necessary to sponsor the author of this project to help find some solution to such problems. The main objective of this research is to design an effective and efficient strategic plan for the marketing department of ABC brewery, through the analysis of the following: 1 - ABC’s P.L.C and product portfolio 2 - Strength/weakness of ABC Brewery Ltd. 3 - ABC’s competitors analysis 4 - Benefit package analysis of ABC Brewery Ltd. 5 - The company’s capability and marketing environment 6 - Review of ABC’s marketing effectiveness. This study will examine and analyze the accuracy of all data to determine their effectiveness as tools for the setting -up of a strategic plan. It will evaluate the processes used in the Brewery by comparison with that which pertains in current literature of strategic theory. This study shall only present at the end, the findings and recommendations of the research based on the analysis. It will not cover all aspects of the strategic hierarchy except the functional level i.e. marketing within the broad context of the corporate strategic management. It will not attempt to evaluate the competence or training of mangers of ABC Brewery Ltd. Finally, this research does not pretend to represent a comprehensive marketing plan for the Brewery; but only as a source of inspiration for future development of the company’s strategic marketing plans. 1.2 Research Methodology The method for this project will consist of primary and secondary research. Data will be collected through the examination of written records both within and outside the company. Questionnaires and interview schedules for follow up study will be designed for the staff of ABC Brewery Ltd. and her major customers. To elicit information on the use of basic models as analytical tools, it will be necessary to interview the heads of department of the Brewery, especially the marketing and operational managers of the Brewery. The findings of the research will be evaluated with respect to what sound theories on strategy suggest. It should be possible, at the end of it all to recommend some ways of improvement based on the findings; that will help chart a successful cause of action for the Brewery as a whole and marketing in particular. 1.3 Scheme Of Work The first chapter which is introductory, lays bare the objectives and methodology of the project as well as providing the background information and history of ABC Brewery Ltd. The second chapter explores the current thinking of strategic planning in relation to what pertains to ABC Brewery Ltd.; and therefore sets the procedures upon which the field work and analysis shall follow The third chapter centres on how the field work was carried out, and evaluates the data from the findings. The last chapter, chapter 4, is a summary of the pervious chapters suggesting ways of improvements in the form of recommendations based on the analysis.

Source: KNUST