ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Interpretation of 2 – D Seismic Data and Reserve Estimate Of Block 10 of Saltpond Basin, Ghana

Seismic interpretation and volumetric calculations were used to generate prospects and to estimate the possible reserves contained in the block 10 of the Saltpond basin of Ghana. Using the Takoradi 11- 1 well as the control point, mapping of the seismic reflections and picking of faults were carried in the study area. Four horizons were interpreted and these horizons are the sea bed, top of the Lower Cretaceous, top of a reservoir within the Lower Cretaceous and the top of the Paleozoic. Six main prospects were delineated, four at the Paleozoic level and two prospects at the Cretaceous level. The prospects are mainly fault blocks, faulted anticline and fault bounded unconformity. The prospects have area dimensions ranging from a minimum of 13.9 km2 to a maximum of 77.5 km2 located within depths of about 1990 m and 3385 m deep making them good exploration targets. Reserve estimations were carried out. A total of approximately 120 billion cubic feet (bcf) and 0.42 billion cubic feet of recoverable gas reserves have been estimated at the Paleozoic level the Lower Cretaceous level respectively. Faults, folds and unconformities can be picked up as the main structural and stratigraphic elements associated with hydrocarbon entrapment in the study area. The Paleozoic level was noted as the main exploration target since it has a potential of producing hydrocarbon especially gas in commercial quantities. The main exploration risk for the block is that the structures are mostly fault related which without proper sealing could leak petroleum out.

Source: KNUST
Interrupted time series analysis of the rate of inflation in Ghana

In 2001, the government of Ghana instituted a set of economic policies aimed at reducing the rate of inflation. In this study, I attempt to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. Using the statistical hypothesis testing model, this compares the difference in the mean inflationary rates from January 1996 to January 2001 and February 2001 to December 2006. Using Box-Jenkins method, we obtained Autoregressive (AR(1)) models of the pre-intervention data, post intervention data and the entire interrupted time series data. Further, using interrupted time series analysis, we are able to show that the parameters before and after the interventions were significantly different at the 5% level of significance. In particular, the intercepts of linear trend lines were 1.230 and 3.097 before and after intervention respectively. The slopes were -0.004 and -0.036 before and after intervention respectively. The method used in this study can be used to investigate the effectiveness of any intervention at controlling some time dependent natural or socio-economic phenomena.

Source: KNUST
Interventional approach to plaque design in Ghana; Tafo cemetery for a study

ABSTRACT Plaques have been used in Ghana for many years. They have been used to commemorate buildings, monuments and the dead. In spite of the numerous purposes they serve and their usage in the country, it is one of the profitable local industries that much attention has not been given to. The advocacy for developing small scale industries to reduce unemployment rate in the country is of paramount importance to every nation, which the local plaque industry is no exception. However, a major setback identified in the local plaque industry, specifically on plaques produced at Tafo cemetery is that, “the text on the base material fades easily” debasing the desired effect of the plaque; imperatively, plaque is supposed to last for a lifetime to be able to serve its intended purposes. Moreover, findings made reveal that no proper research work has been done to study the local plaque industry to explore its avenues to see where it falls short and how it could be improved to support national development and livelihood. The researcher is of the view that developing the local plaque industry in terms of plaque production is another important ground for national development since it is one of the lucrative industries which when looked into will generate avenue for employment for the unemployed graduate artists and also improve the quality of plaque produced by the industry. It is in this light that this research into local plaque industry in Ghana has been done. The researcher adopted the experimental, descriptive and case study research methods based on the qualitative research approach for the study; this was used to analyze and describe the processes, methods employed to execute the project work as well as the experiments conducted in manipulating the selected materials, processes and techniques adopted through data collected towards the production of the sample plaque(s). The purposive sampling was employed to select artist or artisans who must have produced a plaque(s) for academic work/project or artists/artisans who produce plaques for commercial purpose. Simple random sampling was also used to select plaque buyers and scrap dealers. Moreover, the researcher used interview guide and observation as data collection instruments for the study. Findings made are as follows: 1. Aluminium and ceramics can be manipulated creatively to produce plaques 2. Silicone sealant can be used to create permanent text inscription on ceramic base 3. Anodize/painted aluminium can be used to create text that can resist corrosion 4. Metals can be used in their smaller quantities to make them unattractive for stealing

Source: KNUST
Interventional approach to plaque design in Ghana; Tafo cemetery for a study

Plaques have been used in Ghana for many years. They have been used to commemorate buildings, monuments and the dead. In spite of the numerous purposes they serve and their usage in the country, it is one of the profitable local industries that much attention has not been given to. The advocacy for developing small scale industries to reduce unemployment rate in the country is of paramount importance to every nation, which the local plaque industry is no exception. However, a major setback identified in the local plaque industry, specifically on plaques produced at Tafo cemetery is that, “the text on the base material fades easily” debasing the desired effect of the plaque; imperatively, plaque is supposed to last for a lifetime to be able to serve its intended purposes. Moreover, findings made reveal that no proper research work has been done to study the local plaque industry to explore its avenues to see where it falls short and how it could be improved to support national development and livelihood. The researcher is of the view that developing the local plaque industry in terms of plaque production is another important ground for national development since it is one of the lucrative industries which when looked into will generate avenue for employment for the unemployed graduate artists and also improve the quality of plaque produced by the industry. It is in this light that this research into local plaque industry in Ghana has been done. The researcher adopted the experimental, descriptive and case study research methods based on the qualitative research approach for the study; this was used to analyze and describe the processes, methods employed to execute the project work as well as the experiments conducted in manipulating the selected materials, processes and techniques adopted through data collected towards the production of the sample plaque(s). The purposive sampling was iv employed to select artist or artisans who must have produced a plaque(s) for academic work/project or artists/artisans who produce plaques for commercial purpose. Simple random sampling was also used to select plaque buyers and scrap dealers. Moreover, the researcher used interview guide and observation as data collection instruments for the study. Findings made are as follows: 1. Aluminium and ceramics can be manipulated creatively to produce plaques 2. Silicone sealant can be used to create permanent text inscription on ceramic base 3. Anodize/painted aluminium can be used to create text that can resist corrosion 4. Metals can be used in their smaller quantities to make them unattractive for stealing

Source: KNUST
Interventional approach to plaque design in Ghana; Tafo cemetery for a study

Plaques have been used in Ghana for many years. They have been used to commemorate buildings, monuments and the dead. In spite of the numerous purposes they serve and their usage in the country, it is one of the profitable local industries that much attention has not been given to. The advocacy for developing small scale industries to reduce unemployment rate in the country is of paramount importance to every nation, which the local plaque industry is no exception. However, a major setback identified in the local plaque industry, specifically on plaques produced at Tafo cemetery is that, “the text on the base material fades easily” debasing the desired effect of the plaque; imperatively, plaque is supposed to last for a lifetime to be able to serve its intended purposes. Moreover, findings made reveal that no proper research work has been done to study the local plaque industry to explore its avenues to see where it falls short and how it could be improved to support national development and livelihood. The researcher is of the view that developing the local plaque industry in terms of plaque production is another important ground for national development since it is one of the lucrative industries which when looked into will generate avenue for employment for the unemployed graduate artists and also improve the quality of plaque produced by the industry. It is in this light that this research into local plaque industry in Ghana has been done. The researcher adopted the experimental, descriptive and case study research methods based on the qualitative research approach for the study; this was used to analyze and describe the processes, methods employed to execute the project work as well as the experiments conducted in manipulating the selected materials, processes and techniques adopted through data collected towards the production of the sample plaque(s). The purposive sampling was iv employed to select artist or artisans who must have produced a plaque(s) for academic work/project or artists/artisans who produce plaques for commercial purpose. Simple random sampling was also used to select plaque buyers and scrap dealers. Moreover, the researcher used interview guide and observation as data collection instruments for the study. Findings made are as follows: 1. Aluminium and ceramics can be manipulated creatively to produce plaques 2. Silicone sealant can be used to create permanent text inscription on ceramic base 3. Anodize/painted aluminium can be used to create text that can resist corrosion 4. Metals can be used in their smaller quantities to make them unattractive for stealing.

Source: KNUST
Intestinal parasitic infection in HIV- infected patients at different CD4 T-cell counts in an African rural and Peri-urban setting

Background: Intestinal parasites especially coccidian parasites are related to gastrointestinal symptoms causing severe diarrhoea in HIV/AIDS patients. These parasitic infections have further complicated the problem of morbidity and mortality in HIV/AIDS patients especially in the sub Saharan Africa. Hence, this study investigated the occurrence of intestinal parasites in HIV/AIDS at different CD4 T-cell counts. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted on six hundred and seventy two (672) participants aged from 8 to 72 years of both sexes from April to July, 2011. Examination of stool by wet mount, formol-ether concentration including staining techniques; Field’s stain, Modified Field’s stain, and modified Ziehl Neelsen staining procedures were performed. Immunophenotyping was employed for CD4 T-cell counts determination. Results: The overall total prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among the study participants was 19.3% with a significant difference (p<0.001) between HIV positive and negative participants giving a prevalence of 25.2% and 13.3% respectively. Coccidian parasites (Isospora belli (p<0.001), Cryptosporidium (p=0.032)) and the helminth Strongyloides stercoralis (p<0.001) infections were exclusive to HIV positive participants. The prevalence of Giardia lamblia was common among both study groups having prevalence of 11.4% and 11.8% in HIV positive and negative participants (p=0.905) respectively reaffirming the unopportunistic nature of the parasite. Infections with Cryptosporidium was common with participants in rural dwellings (p=0.039). I. belli (p<0.001), Cryptosporidium (p<0.05), Giardia lamblia (p<0.001) and Strongyloides stercoralis (p<0.05) were mostly found in diarrhoea stools. Isospora belli and Microsporidia infections were associated with CD4 T-cell count of 200 cells/µl and below. Diarrhoea was associated with participants with CD4 T-cell count of ≤50cells/µl. Conclusion: This finding showed that intestinal parasitic infections have a higher prevalence in HIV positive patients than HIV negative patients with coccidian parasites and S. stercoralis infections occurred exclusively in HIV positive patients. As HIV/AIDS disease coexists with intestinal parasitic infections in the sub-saharan region it is important to provide the necessary logistics required to diagnose important parasites to include PCR, Isoenzyme Analysis and Antigen detection which has proven to be a very effective means of diagnosing intestinal parasites.

Source: KNUST
Intra-religious conflicts among Muslim Ummah (Community) in Tamale from the 1960s to 2011

This study explored the Intra-Religious Conflicts among Muslim ummah (Community) in Tamale from the 1960s to 2011. It is aimed at finding out the causes of conflicts among Muslims and the effects of such conflicts on the advancement of their communities. The survey adopted a multi-faceted approach of data collection. Basically data was obtained from personal interviews with leaders of the Tijaniyyah, Ahlus-Sunnah, Ahmadiyyah and the Shiah Islamic denominations in Tamale. Structured questionnaire were also administered to a sampled size of 100 respondents across all the four Islamic denominations and the general public. Participatory observation was employed by the researcher to study at first hand the teachings and practices of the various Islamic denominations in Tamale. Content analysis was used to review the findings in relation to the Qur’an and Sunnah. The findings revealed that Intra-Religious Conflicts are real among Muslims in Tamale and are caused by factors like: doctrinal or theological differences, intolerance, political, chieftaincy and Arab influences. The conflicts have claimed lives, properties and damaged relationships among the Muslim ummah in Tamale. The conflict situations among Muslims in the metropolis require the collective efforts of individuals, the various Islamic denominations, the government and non-governmental organizations. The overall study would not only benefit the various Islamic denominations in Tamale but the general Ghanaian Muslim ummah, the wider population, the policy makers, the governmental and the non-governmental bodies since such conflicts have national and international implications.

Source: KNUST
The Interrelationships between Corporate Rebranding, Perceived Service Quality, Customer Satisfaction and Customer Loyalty: The Case of GCB Bank Limited.

In the past, organizations like Toyota Company, AT&T and Cingular, Coca Cola in the United Kingdom and British Petroleum have rebranded, with some being successful, and others being failures. After the corporate rebranding of GCB, there has not been any formal research on its success or failure. This necessitated a study into the interrelationships between corporate rebranding, perceived service quality, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. The case of GCB Bank Limited. The study was quantitative in nature and adopted descriptive research approach. The population for the study comprised customers of GCB in Kumasi metropolis. Using convenience sampling technique 210 customers for the study, using a structured questionnaire as the research instrument. Data analytical tools used were Partial Least Squares, linear regression and independent samples t-test. After the analysis, it was concluded that, corporate rebranding awareness does not significantly impact on service quality perception and customer satisfaction. Corporate rebranding does not moderate the relationship between service quality and customer loyalty and customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. Service quality perceptions however, positively and significantly impact customer loyalty. And that, customer satisfaction mediates the relationship between service quality and customer loyalty. The direct effect of service quality outweighs the indirect effect of service quality on customer loyalty. And customer satisfaction significantly and positively impact on customer loyalty. It was recommended that, banks should avoid spending huge sums of money rebranding if the sole purpose is to influence customer service quality perception and satisfaction.

Source: KNUST
Introduction of indigenoues tanned leather in the production of school sandals

Sandals consist of a sole with a strap across the vamp and a belt passes round the heel to buckle at one side of the foot. Most Senior High Schools in Ghana have introduced the compulsory use of specific type of footwear that demonstrates uniformity in the schools, specifically play deck for girls, as the ‘Achimota’ sandals was used in the early 196os. Free school sandals are also produced for students at the basic level by the Government of Ghana that has provided a huge market for footwear producers in Ghana. However, the Footwear industry in Ghana is plagued by high cost of raw materials which are mostly imported. Some producers also resort to the use of inferior materials. This research investigates the potentials of indigenous tanned leather that makes it suitable for the production of school sandals for use by Senior High Schools in Ghana. Unstructured interviews were conducted to ascertain why footwear producers are not using the indigenous tanned leathers in the production of school sandals. Exploratory research was used to modify the situation of the indigenous tanned leathers to make them suitable for the production of school sandals. Experimental research design was adopted by the researcher in the production of school sandals. It was found out that, Pigmented Leathers, Aniline Leathers and Synthetic Leathers are currently used in the production of school sandals. The indigenous tanned leather when taken through the appropriate processes like the secondary treatment and improvement of its flexibility can be used in the production of school sandals. It is therefore recommended that, Tanners improve the quantity of the Chemicals (Acacia nilotica) in their tannins to improve the flexibility of the hides for the production of school sandals. Footwear producers on the other hand could patiently go through the Secondary Treatment of Leather before production to increase the tensile strength and emit the bad odour. The government of Ghana can v encourage the use of local raw materials for the production of schools sandals. This can be done by making it a requirement for the contractors producing the school sandals for Basic School children to use the indigenous tanned leather. These will help reduce the importations of the Chrome Tanned Leathers and the use of Synthetic Leather in the production of school sandals.

Source: KNUST
An introduction to folktales in Nkoranza traditional area

This case study of Nkoranza folktales, is an attempt by the author to present these oral artifacts. The study covers oral tales from a particular region of Ghana. The author has chosen Nkoranza for two reasons: first, it is his hometown; and secondly he has become extremely familiar with the functions of these tales. Folktales are in abundance there and the activities associated with them are regular and well patronized by both professional and nonprofessional narrators and by royalty as well as ordinary people. The author’s interest is further supported by the fact that folktales in this part of the world are a very valuable repository of historical, cultural, moral and social values which have supported that society from the earliest times. To collect the tales directly, in the very act, I have interviewed the narrators separately and collectively about their knowledge of the tales, their sources of the tales and how they have acquired these skills. I have also concerned myself with how and why the narrators make adaptations especially of the stories they have inherited or created. I have transcribed these tales into Asante Twi which is a more standard dialect and better known; very importantly, it is more intimately related to its lesser known Brong in which the tales were told. It has then been translated from Asante Twi into English Language to afford the reader easy access to the appreciation of these tales. In the main body of this essay, I have attempted to analyse the literary qualities of these tales and the artistic skills which the narrators/performers use in the performance of these tales. An attempt has also been made to connect these qualities and skills on the part of the narrators and the literary devices used to similar types of literature in other parts of the world in a bid to confirm the ‘literariness’ of these tales from hitherto small group of seemingly unlettered and ‘unliterary’ creative artists of Nkoranza area.

Source: KNUST
Introgression of sugary su1 gene from sweet corn into obatanpa using backcross breeding approach

Biofortification of maize which is the major cereal consumed in Ghana will help alleviate malnutrition primarily among children. The study was conducted to further biofortify QPM by introgression of sugary gene. It was conducted at the Finatrade field at Faculty of Agriculture, KNUST. The parental materials used were Obatanpa (source of opaque-2 gene) as the first parent and Stowell’s evergreen (source of sugary gene) as second parent. The F1 produced was selfed to obtain F2 to obtain segregation ratios. The F1 was again backcrossed to both parents to obtain BC1P1 and BC1P2. Opaque seeds were selected and selfed to obtain BC1S1. Cobs of BC1S1 that segregated into 3:1 of non-shrunken opaque to shrunken opaque were again selected. The shrunken opaque (new) seeds were then evaluated with the two parents for both vegetative and output traits. Output traits of sucrose content, starch yield and protein content were analysed biochemically. From the study, the sugary gene was found to be inherited monogenically and all the vegetative traits of percentage emergence, ear leaf width, ear height, plant height and stem girth were highly heritable. Mid parent heterosis was positive for all vegetative traits measured. Among all the three seed type, it was only the new seed that obtained positive estimate for both mid and high parent heterosis for sucrose content which suggest some synergistic influence of opaque-2 and sugary genes. Harvesting should be done at 20 and 25DAP for sweet corn; 25, 30DAP for obatanpa and 25, 30 and 35DAP for new seed in similar studies. Also the best times for harvesting when sucrose content is of priority should be 20, 25 and 30DAP for sweet corn, obatanpa and new seed respectively. Sugary gene is thus fixed into the genetic background of obatanpa as the highest sucrose content obtained in sweet corn was insignificantly different from that obtained in new seed whilst maintaining their quality of protein.

Source: KNUST