ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Using health education and promotion for tuberculosis management and control in Atwima District: an assessment of factors responsible for tuberculosis patients defaulting

According to World Health Organization (WHO) 70% or more of the current diseases would have been prevented from infecting other people, if the health promotion and health education activities are well done and are accessible to every individual. Since the Ottawa declaration on health promotion, it has come to stay and to help people to gain control over their own health. Globally, 8.8 million new cases of tuberculosis in 2002 of which 3.9 million were smear- positive were reported (Global Tuberculosis Control Report, 2003). Data about defaulting and non compliance are quite high, above 24% in sub-Saharan Africa (WHO, 2003). Information of TB defaulting in Ghana is not available. With this background, the research was geared towards identifying the factors that might have led to the alarming TB defaulter rate of 30% in Atwima district and how health education could be used as a tool to control TB defaulter rate and to design a health promotion tool for the control of TB defaulting (Atwima District Health Service Report, 2003). The study was descriptive cross sectional. It involved 57 TB clients on one side and 8 ITC’s and 8 sub district heads of Atwima district. The main objective of the study was to assess the factors leading to TB defaulting, to assess the health promotion activities and design a health promotion tool, in the district. The study showed that the major factors involved in TB defaulting in the district were inadequate information about TB, inadequate counseling, stigmatization, family support, distance to health facility, waiting time at the hospitals, side effect of drugs, and inadequate health promotion activities.

Source: KNUST
Using House of Quality (HOQ) to integrate energy efficiency decision making among stakeholders of mass housing projects

Design for the built environment is essentially collaborative and demands effective communication between the various stakeholders who in most cases have varying and opposing perspectives on how, when and why a building should be energy efficient. Studies indicate conflicting stakeholder requirements is a major barrier in implementing sustainability in buildings with decisions often made based on short-term economic grounds. However, the important role that different building stakeholders play in determining the type and extent of impact of building stakeholders on Building Energy Efficiency (BEE) requirement and the alignment among these stakeholders have not been accounted for in most studies. This research presents a unique investigation into evaluating the impact of different groups of stakeholder requirements on sustainable and technical aspects of building energy efficiency decisions in the mass housing sector. In this research, a House of Quality (HOQ) model was developed to synthesize the differences among the stakeholders and integrate their competing objectives to establish BEE ranking that meets stakeholder requirements in the mass housing sector. The HOQ analysis revealed that the stakeholder type in the study did not affect the ranking of their requirements, and in general, all the groups of stakeholders involved in this study did not affect the ranking of their requirements. All the stakeholders involved in this study, agreed that the primary reasons for implementing energy efficiency decision-making is based on economic grounds. The study also established that a top-down owner commitment to sustainability is needed to align the many competing stakeholder requirements and eliminate barriers that could potentially prevent efficient project decisions and results.

Source: KNUST
Using Information and Communication Technology as a Strategic Tool in Enhancing Students’ Performance in Economics: A Case Study of the students in Ghana International School (GIS)

The introduction of ICT has revolutionarized almost every aspect of human life including education. A plethora of studies has been conducted on the effects of ICT on teaching and learning. However, authorities have differed on the impact of ICT on teaching and learning. This study, therefore, draws on previous research evidence to identify relevant research strategies to address the gaps in our knowledge about ICT and students' learning. This study adopted the experimental research methodology whereby experiment and control situations are established and outcomes from the situations are compared and analyzed.ICT can be used in the teaching of Economics to build leaners’ confidence and to save time. Teaching and learning with ICT helps to support a range of learning styles. The research concluded that ICT can, indeed can be used as a strategic tool to enhance teaching and learning outcomes. The research, therefore, recommended that appropriate institutional plan, strict supervision and training as well as good motivation must be in place for maximum performance outcomes.

Source: KNUST
Using Item Response Theory to Understand Item-Nonresponse (Missing Data) in Ghanaian Surveys

After reviewing the theoretical and empirical literature on Item Response Theory (IRT) and Item-Nonresponse, this study investigates three issues: Firstly, to identify the most appropriate IRT model for understanding item-nonresponse. Secondly, to find out the reason behind ''don't know'' responses and missing data; whether respondents don‟t really know, don‟t care, or don‟t want to tell. Finally, to find out the characteristics of nonrespondents in Ghanaian surveys. Secondary analyses were done on questionnaire data collected in the 5th wave of the world values survey. All items were dichotomously scored. 0 was assigned to missing or „don‟t know‟ responses, and 1 was assigned to answered items. The data was analysed based on four item response theory models namely, the constrained Rasch model, the unconstrained Rasch model, the two parameter logistic model, and the three parameter logistic model. These models were explored to determine the most appropriate model for the data. The unconstrained Rasch model appeared as the best model for understanding item-nonresponse. It was found that, giving a „don‟t know‟ answer to an item is because of the item‟s difficulty, which means that respondents don‟t really know the answer to the item. The results also revealed that, item-nonresponse can be predicted by some item and respondent characteristics. In a typical application, politics and income related questions recorded the highest item-nonresponse rates. Female respondents and respondents with no formal education also recorded very high item-nonresponse rates.

Source: KNUST
Using Logistic Regression Model to Identify Key Socio –Demographic Variables of Child Labour Vulnerability in Ghana

This study examined the Ghana Child Labour Survey (2003) data with particular interest in children aged 5-17 years, since children within this age group are the vulnerable. The objectives of the study were to (i) identify key socio-demographic variables among the speculated ones that can contribute significantly to child labour in Ghana. (ii) Examine how these variables vary across the ten regions of Ghana. (iii) To suggest solutions to child labour in Ghana based on the findings. Logistic regression model was considered an appropriate statistical tool for analysing the data since the selected variables were both categorical and continuous in nature. With child labour (that is work or no work) as the dependent variable and a set of socio-demographic variables as explanatory variables. Analysis of the data using the logistic regression model revealed that Age of child, literacy of head of household and Residence made strong significant statistical contribution to child labour in all the ten regions of Ghana. The results showed further that in exception of three variables (sex of child, marital status of parents and relationship of child to head of household) that made insignificant contribution to child labour all the variables made significant statistical contribution to child labour in Ghana. This showed that 70% of the selected variables made significant statistical contribution to child labour whilst 30% of the selected variables made no statistical contribution to child labour in Ghana. It was also discovered that only three out of the ten regions namely Greater Accra, Ashanti and Upper East recorded low levels of child labour when the analysis was performed combining all the ten regions of Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Using laminated bamboo in the production of selected traditional Ghanaian artifacts

Although bamboo has made dramatic impact on many Ghanaian communities, its potentials have not been fully exploited to enhance the economy. One major reason is that most Ghanaians do not have adequate technological know-how on the use of bamboo in producing wooden items. This has resulted in the over dependency on local species of wood for art and other end uses. The potential of using bamboo for the production of some traditional Ghanaian artifacts has not been fully explored in Ghana. For this reason, the local wood species are being depleted, wildlife is getting more and more endangered, and the impact of this depreciation of the forest and wildlife is taking a progressively higher toll on human life in Ghana. It is against this background that the researcher has studied and produced some traditional Ghanaian artifacts which hitherto, were done in wood. This would help to reduce the pressure on wood and wooden products. The research methods used are descriptive and experimental. The research tools employed are observations and interviews. The project revealed that bamboo could be used as near perfect substitute for timber. Recommendations were made to draw attention to policy makers on how to use bamboo to help arrest the current situation of depending solely on our local wood resources in producing wooden artifacts or products and also to improve the people`s living standard.

Source: KNUST
Using mackerel (Scomberomorus tritor) and catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in frankfurter-type sausages

In this study essential amino acids, minerals, proximate composition, pH, water holding capacity, and microbiological safety of meats (Mackerel, Catfish and Pork) and their corresponding sausages were determined. Amino acids were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) Mg2+, Ca2+, K+, NH4+ and Na+ were determined by Cadmium.mtw and ASUP5–100 marvin.mtw was used for determining the anions (Fl-, Cl-, N03-, S042- and P043-). Proximate compositions were determined using the methods recommended by Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Sensory evaluation was also conducted in order to evaluate consumer acceptability of the sausages. Hedonic scale rating was used to score sensory attributes (appearance, taste, texture, juiciness, flavour, mouthfeel, and overall acceptability) of the sausages. Total Viable Counts and isolation of Escherichia coli were performed using methods of the International Commission on Microbial Specification for Foods (ICMSF). Catfish sausages recorded higher protein levels (18.86% to12.52%) and were low in fat (10.45% to10.87%) compared to pork and mackerel sausages (19.06 to 19.48 and 23.21 to 23.39) respectively. Pork and catfish sausages were able to hold more water than mackerel sausage in both emulsion and sausages. The pH of mackerel and catfish were higher (P<0.05) than pork in both emulsion and sausages. Aspartic acid, glutamic acid, serine, arginine, methionine, threonine and leucine levels in pork were higher than those of raw fish (catfish and mackerel). Though raw pork recorded higher values in most of the essential amino acids than raw fish (mackerel and catfish), sausages from mackerel, and catfish recorded higher values, compared to pork sausages. Raw mackerel recorded the highest values in most of the ions determined (except ammonium, potassium and magnesium) followed by catfish and pork, however mackerel and pork sausages without corn starch performed better numerically in the ion deposits. Most of the sensory panelists preferred pork sausages to fish sausages. Very high scores were obtained for the overall product acceptability and for most of the individual sensory attributes. Overall product acceptability was significantly lower (p<0.05) in mackerel sausage. Total Viable Count (TVC) recorded was within the accepted limits (106 and 107cfu/g) for fish and pork respectively. E.coli was not detected in any of treatments during frozen storage for 6 weeks. It was concluded that catfish frankfurter has high nutritive value because it contained less fat with high crude protein and has high cooking yield.

Source: KNUST
Using homotopy analysis method for solving fredholm and volterra integral equations

In this thesis,we focus on using the Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM) to Fred- holm and Volterra integral equation of the second kind.The HAM is based on homotopy,a fundamental concept in topology and di erential geometry.After the classi cation of these integral equations ,we take a look at a review of integral equation and Homotopy Analysis Method (HAM) coupled with theories and def- initions of homotopy theory.The description of the method (HAM) to solve Fred- holm and Volterra integral equations is analyzed.In this method one constructs a continuous mapping of an initial guess approximation to the exact solution of considered equation.Application of the HAM to some examples of Fredholm and Volterra integral equations is carried out together with the auxiliary parameter } ,which controls the convergence rate of the series solution. After the realization of the exact solution of the various considered equations, MATLAB,a computa- tional software is used to produce graphs of the various exact solutions which shows the convergence of the series solution.

Source: KNUST
Using mass media for health education: a case study of FM stations in the Tamale Metropolis

Though endowed with a variety of mass media through which the Tamale Metropolis is informed, educated and entertained, the specific use of FM stations to reduce the high prevalence of preventable diseases has not been investigated. With the objectives of ascertaining how FM stations are being use to promote health education; assessing whether health education on the FMs are sustainable; identifying ways to stimulate interest for health programmes through the FMS; assessing the level of collaboration between the FM stations, health related institutions and communities; suggesting ways through which the health professionals and media personnel can be improved; and to ascertain efforts made by major stakeholders in the promotion of heath education the research employed a descriptive survey with a cross sectional design. Using a sample size of 100 respondents from various communities in the metropolis, four FM stations and twelve health related institutions questionnaires, interviews and literature review were use to gather both primary and secondary data. The series of analyses revealed that there is high the usage of FM stations for health education; the sustainability of health education programmes is dependent on various factors; a lot of potentials exist for stimulating listenership of health education programmes on FM stations; the collaboration among the stakeholder could at best be described as partial and inadequate in promoting quality health education broadcast; and that the promotion of health education programmes on the FM stations in the metropolis is quite high. It is therefore recommended that FM stations be provided special attention to ensure that health education programmes benefit the entire public; all stakeholders support the health related institutions in their effort to improve the health of the people; community members should be given the support and encouragement to participate in health education programmes on the FMs so as to promote the use of FM stations for health education; The Tamale Metropolitan Assembly should adopt measures that will enhance the reach of health education programmes to people under its jurisdiction; and that the metropolitan health directorate should give special attention to the health education division towards the broadcast of health education programmes on the FM stations.

Source: KNUST
Using Marker Assisted Selection Technique as A Tool to Identify Cassava Mosaic Disease Resistant Cultivars in First- Backcross Populations

Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD), the most important disease of cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a potential threat to Ghana’s cassava production. The disease is implanted in most landraces resulting in low yields. Host plant resistance has been found to be the best control strategy. A breeding programme using genetic hybridisation and Marker Assisted Selection was initiated in 2007 to improve the resistance levels of farmer-preferred landraces and reduce the long breeding cycle for developing improved cassava varieties. Thirty farmer-preferred landraces were selected and crossed with a high yielding and mosaic resistant cultivar, TME 11, from IITA. The resultant progenies found to have a level of resistance to the CMD were AW 18, Nyamebekyere 273, NK 43, AW 3, NK 26, K 25, Dabodabo, Ahwengyankwa, 674 Debor, Degarti, Agric Bankye, and NK 57. These resultant progenies were backcrossed to the recurrent parent. The backcrossed one (BC1) progenies totalling 224 were screened with molecular markers that are associated to the CMD 2 gene. DNA was extracted from leaves of the 224 BC1 progenies and 13 parents. Two SSR markers (SSR 28 and NS 158) and one SCAR marker RME1 were used to screen and select for the resistant BC1 progenies. Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) revealed that 82% of the genotypes had at least a marker allele for the CMD 2 gene, indicating resistance. The study further revealed that by using MAS, the breeding cycle of cassava in the generation of varieties could be reduced from 8 years to 2 years. The resistant genotypes identified will be evaluated in future breeding work.

Source: KNUST
Using Max-Min Ant System (MMAS) , to Model the Inspectional Tour of Main Sales Points of GHACEM, Ghana A Case Study of GHACEM, Ghana

This research presents Max-Min Ants System (MMAS) under an Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) to solve a company’s problem of checking the main sales points of Ghacem, Ghana starting from Tema (initial city). This problem is formulated as a travelling salesman problem (TSP).TSP involves finding an optimal route for visiting cities and returning to point of origin. The problem formulation of the TSP in this work is based on symmetric TSP. This work presents the solution based on Max-Min Ants System (MMAS) approach. The MMAS algorithm proposed by Stuutzle and Hoos (2000) was coded in the matlab language in solving the problem of Ghacem, Ghana inspectional team tour of the main sales points of the company, in the country. The result that came out the work showed that the optimal route that can be considered by the company in order to maximize profit is The total cost distance of their usual tour is 2310 km.

Source: KNUST
Using multiple linear regression to predict banks performance in the Ghanaian economy.

Globalization and technological advancement has created a highly competitive market in the banking and finance industry. The level of offshore banking in both developing and developed countries today is evidence to this fact. Since the financial wheel is critical in any development paradigm, the role of banks is even more critical. Therefore the survival and performance of banks is of much interest not only to policy makers and shareholders, but it is also of interest to researchers too. Performance of the industry depends heavily on the accuracy of the decisions made at managerial level. This study uses multiple linear regression technique in predicting the performance of banks in Ghana. The study then evaluates the performance of the techniques with a goal to find a powerful tool in predicting bank performance. Data of three banks for the period 19912015 was used in the study. Return on Asset (ROA) was used as a measure of bank performance, and hence is a dependent variable for the multiple linear regression. Eight variables including LNTA, NII/TA (Log-interest income divided by total assets), NIE/TA (total overhead expenses divided by total assets),LLP/TL (loan loss provisions to total loans),EQUASS (Shareholders’ equity as a fraction of total assets) and External determinants: LNGDP (natural log of GDP), MSG (money supply growth rate), and INFL (inflation rate) were used as independent variables. Results from the study reveal that the performance of the Banks has been highly volatile with the banks recoding negative profits during some periods within the two decades under study. The study also revealed that non-interest income, non-interest expense, bank's capital strength, natural log of total assets, growth of money supply, and annual rate of inflation are significant key drivers of banks‘ profitability in Ghana. However, the size of the Ghanaian economy and loan loss provision or provisions for bad debt did not have any significant impact on the banks profitability.

Source: KNUST
Using Natural Reproduction Processes (Crossover, Mutation And Evolution) To Solve Some Special Complex Functions

In recent years, Genetic Algorithms (GAs) have become increasingly robust and easy to use. Current knowledge and many successful experiments suggest that the application of GAs is not limited to easy-to-optimize unimodal functions. This work has as its objective to demonstrate the suitability of Genetic Algorithms in optimizing complex, multivariable and multimodal functions. In the quest to establish this objective, a Genetic Algorithm was used to solve three standard complicated functions namely Rosenbrock’s function, Schwefel’s function and the Rastrigin’s function. These functions are classified as standard/benchmark to test the quality of an optimization procedure based on the difficulty of the techniques to obtain the global minimum. A MATLAB function for the Genetic Algorithm was implemented to establish the general solutions and then consequently the conclusion. It was found after simulations that the global minimum for the two dimension Rosenbrock’s function was 0.0000496 which occurred at the point (1.0070, 1.0140); global minimum of the one dimension Rastrigin’s function was 0.00000000239 which occurred at the point 0.00000347; and the global minimum of the Schwefel’s function of a single variable was -418.9829 and it occurred at the point 420.9618. Similar results were also obtained for the Rastrigin’s function with five variables. The GA was recommended for the optimization of multimodal functions with huge number of local extremes and other problems with the behaviour of the Rosenbrock’s function, Rastrigin’s function or the Schwefel’s function.

Source: KNUST