ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Experimental analysis of a multi-purpose cultivator

A mechanical multi-purpose cultivator was designed, fabricated and tested in a series of experiments bearing in mind basic engineering principles with other field requirement using locally available materials. The research work aimed at producing a mechanized tool with newest features to aid Small scale farmers to take advantage of the improved weeding tool for weeds management on farms that is advantageous than the existing tools. This cultivator was produced as a complement if not substitute for the use of the traditional equipment and methods such as manual weeding with tools such as cutlasses and hoes require high drudgery, time consuming and high labour force needed. The machine was modeled using AutoCAD and imported into COMSOL Multi-physics version 5.2 for the analysis. Stationary and Eigen frequency studies were performed to deter mine the stresses and displacements that the frame and handle are subjected to respectively, experiment test was carried out to find comparative performance of the soil interacting tools designed to the cultivator for which the result was immediately observed. The field efficiency was found maximum for Earthing disc (84.18%) followed by Worm Rotary cutter (81.02%) Strip blades rotary cutter (76.47%) and Float weeder (77.26%). The higher field efficiency of the unit was because of the minimum time loss such as turning time and other time during operation. The experimental test revealed that engine powered performance could be useful equipment in modernizing agriculture for small farm holders. The theoretical or effective field capacity (TFC) was determined to be 24m/h, plant damage was found to be 89.95% as the percentage of weeds that will be damaged therefore the machine proves to be effective in weed management. The new cultivator to introduce must be simple, modified with mechanisms that beeves up speeds at the slightest move of the operator to enable all the proposed weeding units function manually at a comparable low price to than traditional devices. Therefore, these conditions would be University of Education,Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh xix resolved by introducing a prototype of new cultivator to blacksmiths and mechanical engineering institutions so that they could modify and fabricate it from local materials which might make it affordable and easier to introduce to farmers. This Project will help people to understand the relevance of mechanized weeding, which is not a huge time consuming and significantly improves weeding efficiency as well as the quality of weeding.

Source: UEW
An experimental analysis of brake efficiency using four fluids in a disc brake system

The paper studies disc brake failure in Mini-buses using an experimental analysis to test the maximum braking force when different brake fluids such as clean, less dirty, dirty and soapy water solution were used in the braking system. The experimental results clearly showed that the soap solution appears to be the best fluid as far as low viscosity and stability of viscosity with increase in temperature are concerned. However, the soap solution is not compatible with other fluid which makes it difficult to be substitute as a clean brake fluid. The result of the Thepra Universal Brake Testing Equipment used for the braking efficiency test indicated that a pedal brake of 117 kN produce a brake force of 0.96 kN for clean brake fluid, 0.91 kN for the less dirty, 0.85 kN for dirty and 1.44 kN for soap solution. The value of 1.44 kN which was achieved when the soap solution was used indicated a positive braking force and the indicating that soap solution could be used to produce a high pedal force within a very short time (about 10-30 min) and can therefore be used only in case of emergency. The brake efficiency test indicated that under hot conditions the braking efficiency is reduced and the presence of air in the system renders the braking ineffective because higher pedal force was needed to be able to produce a significant braking force which is noted for causing brake failure. � Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2013.

Source: UEW
Experimental evaluation of a poultry mixer machine

The challenges facing the local poultry farmers in Ghana is alarming. Only a few have access to poultry feed mixer. However, the Government of the day has an interest in self-employment. A poultry feed mixer was designed, and constructed, for the low-income farmers using local materials in order to reduce cost-effectively and make it available and accessible to all small-scale poultry farmers. The mixer was evaluated by using five feed ingredients; maize, wheat bran, soya meal, oyster shell, and concentrate. The measurement comparison of feed rate, time, speed, moisture content, morphology, feed losses percentage, and mixer efficiency were performed on the mixer-machine. The mixer was characterized and analyzed using a feed component of three different measures of 4.5kg, 9.0kg, and 14.5kg with their respective time of 3 minutes, 6 minutes and 9 minutes respectively. Regression analysis was carried out on the test results collated during the evaluation of the mixer and the analysis contributed to the determination of the effectiveness and efficiency of the machine with different feed rates and times. The machine efficiency, percentage loss, moisture content, and production rate were 92.07%, 7.95%, 15%, and 90%, respectively. However, the results indicated that variation in percentage loss among samples tested ranges from 5.56% to 9.33% with and an average percentage of 7.95%. This was due to levels of moisture content of produce and the mixing processing levels which confirmed by the morphology of surfaces and texture of the mixed produce. Again, the results significantly revealed that the mixing capability of the proposed machine is effective and efficient compared to the existing machine used by small scale farmers. It is therefore recommended that poultry farmers should be encourage to use the proposed mixing machine.

Source: UEW
Experimental investigation of coolant float sensor and engine switch off circuit unit to control engine overheating

This thesis looks at devising a model to control engine overheating. A series of experiments were conducted on the engine/coolant sensors of a four-cylinder four stroke cycle diesel engine to assess their effectiveness in monitoring engine running temperatures. A magnetic float sensor circuit model was developed to monitor the coolant level in the radiator as a backup device to the temperature sensors. This backup model had the ability to turn off the engine in an event of coolant losses which could trigger overheating. The results show that, this model was sensitive to coolant levels in the radiator and prevented the engine starting or running under low coolant level. The results also showed that under low coolant engine running, both engine and coolant temperature sensors indicated a large temperature disparity, as high as 130OC and as low as 20OC respectively. However, they displayed a slight margin of difference under full coolant level at 45OC and 40OC respectively. The results further indicated that, at very low or dry coolant ran, the engine temperature sensor indicated higher figure (130OC) than the coolant temperature sensor (20OC); however, at high coolant level the opposite was the case. This was so because at high coolant level, the coolant absorbs more heat from the engine walls therefore runs at a higher temperature than the cylinder wall. Though the results show that the sensors worked well, they did not have the capacity to switch off the engine to prevent overheating during coolant lose because they are only able to sense the coolant temperature but not able to measure the system coolant level or quantity and this is a setback.

Source: UEW
An experimental study into the effects of bending on the mechanical properties of mild (AISI 1018) steel pipes

AISI 1018 mild steel is a versatile industrial material due to its excellent mechanical properties and numerous industrial applications. It possesses a good balance of high strength, ductility, weldability, and excellent thermal and electrical conductivity. Just like other industrial materials, mechanical components made from mild steel are susceptible to fracture or cracks when subjected to varying loading or stress conditions. This study therefore used experimental method to investigate the effect of bending on the mechanical properties of mild steel (AISI 1018). The test samples were prepared based on the standards of American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). The findings of the study showed that, with the exception of the percentage strain (which increased averagely for L, C and S samples by 0.122%, 0.2895% and 0.06% respectively), the bending and welding samples adversely affected the other mechanical properties studied; (i.e. Ultimate Tensile Strength, Yield Strength, Elastic Moduli, impact and deformation characteristics) of the samples witnessed reductions in values after bending, welding and testing. This increase in strain of the welded sample L- shape is attributable to the heat induced during the electric arc welding processes and the bending of the C – shape samples. The study also showed that, the grain size of the samples improved in the welded sample L; as there was a near even distribution of dark and gray spots in the micrographs. The findings of this study could therefore help metal fabrication professionals and regulators to appreciate the impact of bending and electric arc welding on the microstructure and mechanical properties of mild steel pipe components and structures. Also, it may assist industry regulators to promulgate standards to regulate the bending and welding of mild steel and possibly other industrial materials in order to preserve the natural properties of the material

Source: UEW
Experimental study on a redesign coil spring compressor for light commercial vehicles

This study examined various types of coil spring compressors in the automobile industries. A coil spring compressor for compressing a coil spring during the assembly of subassemblies of automotive suspension systems, having a head jaw positioned above a base and movable with respect to the base. The coil spring compressor is provided with a pair of guide bars suspended from the head plate and on which a slidable carriage is mounted. The carriage carries a pair of compressing assemblies facing each other in the vertical positions and positioned at both the upper and lower parts of the coil spring. Each assembly comprises a pair of compressor arms interconnected with each other. Each compressor arm is provided with a jaw mount to which a compressing hook is adjustably attached. The jaws are introduced between some few successive turns of the coil spring by operating handles provided on the compressor arms. The purpose of this design is to be use on various types of suspension disassembly and assembly of vehicles, the tool includes the upper and the lower jaw which by the smooth turning of the screw lowers to compress the coil spring or turns to release the compressed coil spring. The new design was made from mild steel and tools used for the construction are Electric arc welding machine, power and hand hacksaws, the bench vice, assorted hammers, vice, etc. The findings indicated that the new design is more efficient than the existing one. It was also recommended that car owners who visit the workshop should insist on the use of the right compression tool in the disassemble and assemble of their suspension systems.

Source: UEW
Experimental Study on Water-Jet Shock Microforming Process Using Different Incident Pressures

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a new process technology using the cavitation phenomenon, mainly a water-jet shock microforming, for the fabrication of a metallic foil. 304 stainless steel was exposed to a high-speed submerged water jet with different incident pressures and certain working conditions. In this experiment, a KEYENCE VHX-1000C digital microscope, confocal laser-scanning microscope (Axio CSM 700), and micro-Vickers hardness tester were utilized to observe the forming depth, surface quality, thickness distribution, and section hardness distributions under different incident pressures. The experimental results indicated that the surface morphology of the metal foils attained good geometrical features under this dynamic microforming method and there were no cracks or fracture. The forming depth and surface roughness increased with the incident pressure. In addition, the forming depth increased from 124.7 ?m to 327.8 ?m, while the surface roughness also increased from 0.685 ?m to 1.159 ?m at an incident pressure of 8 MPa to 20 MPa. Maximum thickness thinning of the formed foils occurred at the fillet region when the thickness thinning ratio was 21.27% under the incident pressure of 20 MPa, and there was no fracture at the bottom or the fillet region. The tested hardness indicated that during the cold-rolled state of the sample, the hardness sample increased slightly along the cross section of the formed region and the hardness of the annealed 304 stainless steel foils increased significantly along the cross-sectional region. � 2020 James Kwasi Quaisie et al.

Source: UEW
Exploiting recycled plastic waste as an alternative binder for paving blocks production

The management of solid waste continues to be a major challenge, particularly in the urban agglomeration in low and middle-income countries. One type of solid waste that is of national and global concern is plastic wastes. This study sought to explore the potential of using plastic waste as a binding material for paving blocks production. Concrete paving blocks (cement: quarry dust: sand = 1:1:2)by weight or volume were produced to serve as Control having tested the compressive strength and water absorption properties. Composite paving blocks less in plastic (LP)on a mix ratio of 1:1:2 and high in plastic (HP)on a mix ratio of 1:0.5:1 by weight or volume were also produced and tested in the laboratory for compressive strength at 7, 14, and 21 days curing via water sprinkling and water absorption test were done after the 72 -h of soaking. The study revealed after 21 days old that paving blocks in HP and LP having compressive strengths of 8.53 N/mm2 (water absorption = 0.5%)and 7.31 N/mm2 (water absorption = 2.7%)respectively were higher than the Control value of 6.07 N/mm2 (water absorption = 4.9%). The authors recommended that the paving blocks made from the recycled plastic waste should be used in non-traffic areas such as walkways, footpaths, pedestrian plazas, landscapes, monument premises and in waterlog areas due to their low water absorption property and relatively low compressive strengths compared to global specs thresholds of 5�25% and low-density to moderate concrete strength 0.69�17.24 N/mm2 respectively. � 2019

Source: UEW
An exploration into the awareness and compliance of hotel guest registration laws among hotels. The case of three assemblies in the Kwahu area

The registration of hotel guest is very important to the hotel, the hotel guest, and the nation at large. It also satisfies a legal requirement in the Ghanaian hotel laws. Going contrary to the Ghanaian hotel registration laws, may lead to a breach of law which is subject to a liable summary conviction to a fine of not more than one hundred penalty units or imprisonment for a term, not more than six months or both. This study aimed at exploring the awareness and compliance of hotel guest registration laws among hotels. The case of three assemblies in the Kwahu area. The study adopted a descriptive and exploratory case study approach which used both the quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 25 hotels which constituted 39.06% percent of licensed hotels in the three Assemblies in the Kwahu. At the time of data collection, 61 front office staff, 25 hotel managers and, 75 guests were used for the study. The main data collection instruments used were questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide which were personally administered by the researcher. The study found that front office staff and managers had inadequate awareness of the hotel guest registration laws though there was some form of compliance concerning the registration of hotel guests. The study also found that all the front office staff in the studied area followed a particular pattern in registering hotel guest. The study moreso spotted some benefits and few challenges in the registration of hotel guests. The study recommends that there should be intensified public education on the legality of the registration of hotel guest, and, the benefits of hotel guest registration to encourage both the hotels and hotel guests to undertake effective guest registration.

Source: UEW
Exploration of changes on funeral rites among the Builsas in the Builsa North district of Upper East Region

This study examined the effects of social change on funeral rites among the Builsas in the Builsa North District of the Upper East Region. The study was carried out in five traditional areas of the Builsa North District. The qualitative research approach and ethnographic research design were used. The study also adopted purposive sampling technique. The population of the study was the Builsas in the Builsa north district with a target sample size of 30 but reached saturation after the 20th respondent. The instruments for data collection were interview guide and observation. The study compared the traditional ways of funeral rites of the Builsa and the changes that have taken place today. The study found out that the things that the changes brought about include; mortuary fee, coffin expenses, expenses on food and drinks served and printing of T-shirts that attract high funeral expenditure in the area. The study also revealed that contacts with other traditions and cultures are the major reasons for the changes in their funerals. The study finally found out that funeral expenditure has two effects on the Builsas: the positives and the negatives. The study concludes that, changes in funeral rites in the Builsa North District have no benefits to the Builsas and must be looked at again in order to reduce its impact on bereaved families. The study therefore recommends among others that traditional authorities in the Builsa North should educate their subjects on the possible dangers of the changes of funeral rites, the District Assembly in conjunction with the traditional authorities should place a ban on the use of wooden coffin in burying the dead in the District and the Central Government should allow traditional authorities to govern their territories with their traditional laws.

Source: UEW
Exploration of critical experiences influencing the pursuits of technology-related programmes by students on females in Ghanaian universities a phenomenological study

This study investigated the experiences of female students pursuing technology-related programmes in Ghanaian universities. It focused on the exploration of key issues causing low enrolment of female students in five universities and the interventions that could be implemented to offset the imbalance. The study was substantively situated in Burr’s (2015) Social Constructionist’s theoretical framework. The phenomenological qualitative research paradigm was adopted. The main research design was a non-experimental exploratory approach. Fifty-eight (58) participants (comprising 53 students and 5 lecturers) were purposively sampled via snowballing technique. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and non-participant observational inductive methods. The data were then thematically analysed and interpreted. The study, inter alia, found that brain laterilization (dichotomy) was not a contributor to females’ choices of technology-related programmes. Again, parents were noted to play significant roles in directing their wards towards programme preferences and choices. With regard to cultural influences, a key challenge and new insight gained from this study, not recorded in the literature, was the restriction placed on females in holding and using basic technological tools such as the saw whilst embarking on Community Service. Additionally, stereotypically-adopted domestic chores were found to hinder the studies of female students. Some participants, especially the females, further complained about boarding commercial vehicles with large equipment such as drawing-boards which made them socially embarrassed. In the observation exercise, it emerged that the most frequently used pedagogical strategy by the lecturers was explanation supported with audio-visual aids. Active interaction in the form of practical demonstration with students was minimal. Some participants also complained about the restrictions on the use of instruments by some lecturers and in some laboratories during demonstration lessons. It is recommended that policy-makers take measures to increase funds allocated to universities to improve infrastructural development. Parents must be sensitised to assist their wards to select the most appropriate courses. Adequate boarding facilities must be provided to female-students to insulate them from labourious domestic chores. Such chores keep them exhausted and prevent them from comprehending spatial disciplines such as Mathematics that is placed early on the time-tables. Technological education should also be given a boost with advertisements on the social media.

Source: UEW
An exploration of innovations for teaching home economics the views and experiences of home economics teachers and students in teacher education universities in Ghana

The study explored innovations in teaching from the perspectives of Home Economics teacher educators in teacher education universities in Ghana. The study provides the avenue to help bridge the gap between theory and practice in Home Economics since such studies are rare as compared to Mathematics and pure sciences. The study examined innovative practices employed in teaching Home Economics, ways in which the approaches adopted promote the learning of Home Economics, and the barriers to innovative teaching of Home Economics. A qualitative study using the case study approach was adopted. Using the purposive maximal variation sampling technique, a total of twenty-two (22) participants were sampled, comprising eight (8) lecturers (two males and six females) and fourteen (14) students (five males and nine females). Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and observations, and data analysed thematically. The study revealed that Home Economics teacher educators use a combination of strategies to make the lessons innovative. Furthermore, integrating innovative pedagogical technologies promote the learning of concepts in Home Economics. Also, intermittent power outages, internet connectivity fluctuations and difficulty in reading from projected slides in large classes were found to be barriers to innovation integration. The study concluded that Home Economics teacher educators were aware of the importance of innovation integration in teaching and learning however, they lacked the expertise for its integration to enhance learning. The study proposed the establishment of technology and technical support units to provide the needed support for lecturers to upgrade their knowledge and skills in innovative pedagogy integration.

Source: UEW