ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Influence of mass media on the social aspects of Asante culture

The study looked at the mass media and its influence on the social aspects of Asante culture. The objectives that guided the study were to identify the various electronic mass media and the exact social aspect of Asante Culture that has been affected most. Again, the study looked at the intensity of the influence and how stakeholders would strategize measures to curtail the influences as well as the supposedly indiscipline in Asante communities. The research especially focused on the intensity of the influence of the electronic mass media, the evidence of the influence, perception and assumption of the people on electronic media on Asantes’ cultural adulteration and the responsibilities of the stakeholders to combat the societal supposedly indiscipline. The survey design was adopted for the research. The purposive sampling and simple random techniques were used to select the sample size of one hundred and forty (140) respondents, all inclusive. The major findings that came out of the study included the following: majority of the people use mobile phones more frequently than any other thing, followed by Television/Internet browsing. Some of the people also listen to radio and others. Many people imitate what they watch on Television and internet and what they hear. Many ladies uphold the wearing of trousers among some ladies overwhelmingly. It was also highlighted that marriage ordinance and funeral celebrations had also changed due to the influence of electronic mass media. It was finally seen that, chiefs, queenmothers and other stakeholders can play leading roles to combat the impact, by enacting rules, offering guidance and counseling to the youth on Asantes’ dress code, organizing durbars to showcase Asantes rich cultural heritage in the form of drama during speech and prize given days, visiting the schools with their rich regalia in their communities in order to hold back the electronic mass media influence were highly recommended.

Source: KNUST
Influence of Maturity Stage and Postharvest Calcium Chloride Treatment on the Quality and Storage Life of Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum, Mill)

The postharvest quality and storage life of tomato fruits harvested at different maturity stages (breaker, pink and light red stage) and dipped in different concentrations of CaCl2 (2 %, 6 % and 0%) for different dip durations (10, 20 and 30 min.) were studied. The experiment was in 3 phases under ambient conditions with average temperature and relative humidity of 26.85oC and 82.75 % respectively. The first phase was preliminary and was carried out to determine the appropriate dip time to start with. The second phase was carried out to determine the best stage of maturity; which involved treating the 3 stages of maturity with different concentrations of CaCl2 (2 %, 6 % and 0 %). The third phase involved the selection of the best stage of maturity in the second phase and dipping it in different concentrations of CaCl2 for different dip durations. The preliminary study results indicated that, dipping for up to 40 minutes was injurious to the fruits skin. Results from the second phase showed that, fruits harvested at the pink stage recorded significantly (P < 0.05) higher amount of titratable acidity and vitamin C after 10 days of storage. All calcium chloride treated fruits showed a significant (P < 0.05) delay in the changes of weight loss, firmness, decay titratable acidity and vitamin C as compared to the control (0%). Third phase results indicated that, tomato fruit dipped in 6 % CaCl2 was more effective than in the 2 % CaCl2 and the 0 % in maintaining quality. Both 20 and 30 minutes dip time were significantly (P < 0.05) effective in maintaining weight loss, firmness, vitamin C content and also extending storage life as compared to the 10 min dip time. Therefore, tomato fruits harvested at the pink stage and dipped in 6 % CaCl2 for 20 better facilitated the extension of storage life and the preservation of quality.

Source: KNUST
Influence of naked neck and frizzle genes on the quality characteristics of fresh and stored table eggs

A study was carried out to determine the influence of the naked neck (Na) and frizzle traits (F) on the internal and external quality characteristics of table eggs. Normal feathered birds were used as the control. A total of 864 table eggs (288 each) collected from naked neck (Nanaff), frizzle (nanaFf) and normal feathered birds (nanaff) were used in the study. The birds were kept at Akate Farms in Kumasi Ghana. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in a 3x2x4x2 factorial was applied on the three phenotypes, two storage temperatures (Room 26oC and Refrigerator 5oC), four storage durations (7, 14, 21 and 28d) and two storage methods (with or without vegetable oil application on the eggs). Egg weight, egg length, egg width, albumen height, albumen weight, shell thickness, shell weight, yolk height, yolk weight, yolk diameter, yolk colour and Haugh unit were the characteristics studied. Proximate composition and nutritional values of table eggs from the three phenotypes were determined as well. Naked neck (Nanaff) recorded significantly (p<0.05) thicker shell (0.31cm) than frizzle (nanaFf) and normal feathered (nanaff). Frizzle (nanaFf) also recorded significantly heavier yolk weight (p<0.05) than naked neck (Nanaff) and normal feathered (nanaff). The lowest shell thickness was recorded for eggs stored at room temperature for 28days. Eggs stored with vegetable oil application recorded significantly higher (p<0.05) values for albumen height, albumen weight, egg weight, yolk weight, yolk colour, yolk height and Haugh unit than those eggs without vegetable oil application during storage. Albumen height, albumen weight, yolk height and yolk weight values for eggs stored in a refrigerator were significantly higher (p<0.05) than the corresponding values for eggs stored under room temperature. Naked neck eggs stored in a refrigerator for 7 days recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher egg weight values as compared to those of frizzle eggs and normal feathered birds stored in a refrigerator for 7 days, while normal feather recorded higher eggs weight values than frizzle. Eggs stored in a refrigerator with vegetable oil application from 7 days to 28 days recorded higher yolk height values (p<0.05) than those eggs stored under room temperature with vegetable oil application from 7 days to 28 days. It can therefore be concluded that naked neck and frizzle genotypes influence egg quality characteristics under hot and humid environmental conditions. And that refrigerator and vegetable oil maintain better egg quality during storage.

Source: KNUST
Influence of Mechanochemical Activation on Biooxidation of Auriferous Sulphides

The influence of mechanical activation on biooxidation of auriferous concentrate was studied. The study revealed that there has been a substantial change in the structure of the sulphides when the concentrate was mechanically activated. The effects of activation have been monitored in this study by the J-factor, infrared spectrophotometry, x-ray diffractometry and chemical analysis. As a result of the change in the structure of the suiphide minerals, total oxidation of the activated concentrate was achieved within 8 days in contrast to 40% oxidation of the non-activated sample. Because complete liberation of the gold occurred during biooxidation in the case of the activated concentrate, total gold recovery was obtained (98%). It was also found that the carbonaceous materials present were active. As a result, carbon-in-leach process would be necessary to manage the gold recovery in the presence of the carbonaceous materials.

Source: KNUST
The influence of non-Ghanaian chief executive officers culture on organizational culture among private banks in Ghana

This study assesses the influence of CEOs‟ culture on organizational culture among the private banks in Ghana. The study selected three private banks whose CEOs were Ghanaians and three private banks whose CEOs were non- Ghanaians. The study administered questionnaire to 90 permanent employees from the selected private banks. The study adopted Denison (1990) survey instrument on organizational culture, where organizational culture was divided into culture of involvement, consistency, adaptability and mission. It was found out that culture of empowerment, capacity development, focus on core values, creating change and organization learning were significantly higher in private banks whose CEOs were non-Ghanaians than private banks whose CEOs were Ghanaians. There were no significant differences between culture of agreement, culture of coordination and integration, culture of customer focus and culture of mission in both banks. Bankers preferred culture of easy information flow, stable and predictable working environment, team work and less supervision. They also preferred staff development, recognition and reward, flexible working environment and consultation. CEOs‟ culture significantly impacted on organizational culture. The study recommends that CEOs should take into consideration the interest of employees when designing organizational culture. Private bankswhose CEOs were Ghanaians should learn from experiences of non-Ghanaian CEOs to enable them adopt consistent and appropriate banking culture for sustainable growth and profitability.

Source: KNUST
Influence of organisational culture on performance of construction managers

The personality of an individual is important as well as the culture of an organisation. Understanding the culture of an organisation is a first step to self-discovery by acknowledging its weakness and strength. Studies have suggested that, awareness of culture is an opportunity towards improving the effectiveness of the organisation. Performance of construction managers and the technical know-how assist in duty performed and results achieved. The aim of the study is to establish the contribution of organisational culture to the performance of construction managers. In a bid to achieve the stated aim the following objectives were set; to determine critical construction culture variables, to determine key indicators of construction manager’s performance and to determine contribution of organisational culture to construction manager’s performance. An extensive literature review was conducted through desk survey. The study employed quantitative approach and questionnaire survey as data collection instrument. The study achieved a respond rate of 77.69% of the sample size of 130 respondent and adopted descriptive statistics and mean score ranking to strategically analysed the data retrieved. The major findings of the study were the results achieved by construction firms that understood organizational culture and practiced same and training of employees to achieve organizations goal and competitiveness. The study recommends that management needs to make employees see the significance's of organizational culture with respect with the organizations mission, vision and purpose and Construction organizations like Ghana Institute of Contractors (GIOC), should organize more workshop for its members on importance of cultures at work place and its influence on company’s image and the standard of work delivery

Source: KNUST
The influence of participatory ergonomics on the performance of employees in the Ecobank Ghana limited, Tema zone.

Background: Prolong sitting is a specific occupational hazard in office workers. Participatory Ergonomics (PE) is used as an implementation strategy to prevent these symptoms. By following the steps of PE, working groups composed and prioritized ergonomic measures, and developed an implementation plan. Working group members were responsible to implement the ergonomic measures in their departments. Little is known about factors that impede or enhance the implementation of ergonomic measures. Objectives: To examine the influence of participatory ergonomics on the performance of employees in the Eco bank Ghana Limited, Tema zone. Methods: The study employed the descriptive, cross-sectional study using quantitative approach to collect the data from employees at the Ecobank Ghana Limited, Tema zone. Research questionnaires were developed and distributed to a sample of 88 workers consisting of workers drawn from various units at the Ecobank Ghana Limited, Tema Zone. Data for the study obtained mainly from the administration of questionnaires was analyzed quantitatively using the SPSS version 20 and Microsoft Excel and presented with the aid of frequency distributions, tables and percentages. Results: The study also confirmed that the ergonomic deficiencies have had varying adverse effects on the performance of Ecobank Ghana Limited, Tema zone employees by between 20-80 percent. Majority of the respondents, 45.5% were males and 54.5% were females. Thus, (44.8%) were within the age bracket of 30-39 years whiles 20.9% were within the age bracket of 40-49 years. It was evident from the findings that all the indicators explaining participatory ergonomics from the perspective of the employees of Ecobank Ghana Limited, Tema zone were satisfactory despite the few respondents who indicated unsatisfactory to the general design and workplace décor, and conduciveness of the office furniture‘s and office layouts, and room temperature and air quality. It was established that all the indicators of participatory ergonomics have a significant positive correlation with employee productivity at Ecobank Ghana Limited, Tema zone. Conclusion: In spite of increased productivity, there are different adverse effects of sitting long hours. Some such effects can manifest themselves, such as psychological stresses, increased incidence of musculoskeletal disorders, inactivity and fatigue. Several approaches and strategies have to be introduced including ―setting up training programmes, ergonomic principles for working, job rotation, relaxing and sharing information

Source: KNUST
Influence of phosphorus application on growth and yield of soybean genotypes in the tropical savannas of northeast Nigeria

The cultivation of soybean is increasing in the savannas of Nigeria due to its widespread use in the food and feed industry. Production is, however, constrained by low soil phosphorus (P) levels in northeast Nigeria. This study evaluated four soybean varieties for their response to three rates of P in two agro ecozones in 2004 and 2005. Experimental design was a split-plot arrangement of treatments with three replications. The main plots were assigned the P treatments and subplots were soybean cultivars randomised within the main plots. The studies found that soybean responds to P application but differences between 20 and 40 kg P/ha were not significant, despite low test P levels. This may be due to limitations in other nutrients. More studies are needed to determine the synergistic effect of P and other nutrients on soybean growth and yield. Soybean growth and seed yield were lower in 2004 than in 2005 because trials were established comparatively late in 2004 and crops were therefore affected by lateseason moisture stress. There is, therefore, a need to establish the appropriate time for planting soybean in these zones. Late maturing varieties produced higher yields than early maturing varieties in 2005 probably due to early planting which allowed full use of the growing season

Source: KNUST
The Influence of Physicochemical Characteristics of Vegetable Oils on ohe Quality of Biodiesel Produced from Palm Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Refined Soyabean Oil, Unrefined Soyabean Oil and Jatropha Curcas Oil.

Biodiesel is a clean fuel, which is chemically produced from a variety of vegetable oils (VOs), animal tallows and waste cooking oils. This thesis examines the influence of physico-chemical characteristics of vegetable oils on the yield and quality of biodiesel. In this research, some physico-chemical characteristics of palm oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil and Jatropha curcas oil such as acid value, iodine value, saponification value, viscosity, density, specific gravity and refractive index were determined. The following fuel properties of the biodiesel produced using the optimum conditions of the different oils were determined: viscosity, density, pour point, cloud point, water content, acid value, cetane index, ash content and sulphur content. The fuel properties of biodiesel for the various oils were compared with the latest American Standard for Testing Material (ASTM D 6751) and European standard for biodiesel. It was found that all the oils studied exhibited good fuel properties except palm oil biodiesel in which its viscosity, colour, carbon residue, acid values and other parameters fell outside the ASTM D 6751 (08) Limits. The results also revealed that, high acid value of VOs which denotes high FFA decreases the yield of biodiesel. Palm oil and palm kernel oil with high FFA values of 5.05 and 4.81 recorded less yields of 91.15% and 93.32% respectively, compared to 96.37% and 94.37% obtained from refined and unrefined soybean oils respectively, with low FFA values of 1.73 and 3.51. Again, it was found that, iodine value, density and viscosity of VOs have influence on the following quality parameters of the fuel; cetane index, cold point, pour point and kinematic viscosity, hence it was concluded that, the physico-chemical characteristics of the oils which depend on the type of oil, climate and the locality of plant have influence on the yield and quality of biodiesel produced from those oils.

Source: KNUST
Influence of Polysorbate on the Activity of Some Antimicrobial Preservatives

The antimicrobial activity of Chlorocresol and salicylic acid against E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were studied in the presence of Polysorbate. Polysorbate is a surfactant and it prevents coalescence by reducing interfacial tension of immiscible liquids. The activities of Chlorocresol and salicylic acid were considerably inhibited by the Polysorbate. The interactions of the antimicrobial with the Polysorbate and subsequent reduction in the availability of the preservatives to the bacterial cells were found to be the predominant mechanism in the reduction of the activities of the preservatives. Physical shielding of the bacterial cells from the actions of the preservatives was the primary cause for the lower activities of the preservatives in the presence of the Polysorbate. The physical influence of Polysorbate on the preservatives was also determined using the UV spectrophotometer. The reduction in the Spectrophotometric activity of the preservatives in the presence of Polysorbate was found to be caused by the physical binding of the Polysorbate to part of the active surfaces of the preservatives.

Source: KNUST
Influence of organizational culture and structure on implementation of total quality management

Failure to pay sufficient attention to Organizational culture and structural variables that influence total Quality Management (TQM) Implementation renders the usefulness and benefits of the Total Quality Management (TQM) unachievable. In the light of this recognition, emerging literature still continues to bemoan lack of successful implementation of total quality management. Against this background, there is a common belief that, the knowledge and the clear understanding of how the organizational culture and structure influence the total quality management implementation will be a vital resource, which can stimulate effective planning of implementing total quality management (TQM). Additionally, this understanding will thus be useful in the reduction of cost, improvement of quality of services and product. Decisive decision making will be adopted as a result of effective teamwork. With careful study of the earlier studies and knowledge gap identified, this study has been undertaken to empirically determine the influence of organizational culture and structure influence on total quality management implementation. Adopting the Hofstede theory on the six cultural dimensions; Power distances, Individualism vs. collectivism, Masculinity and feminity, Long term vs. short term, Indulgence vs. restraints and Uncertainty avoidance served as the rudiment or the fundamentals of this study. Addition to the Hofstede theory, the researcher, also based his studies on the competing values framework of Cameron and Quinn (1999). This framework made it possible to develop appropriate theoretical concepts and subsequently aided in establishing conceptual evaluative model for the study. Quantitative research methodology was adopted in investigating the influence of the organizational culture and structure variables on total quality management implementation. Through the use of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) as the analytical approach in determining the influence revealed that organizational culture influence total quality management by 69.7 % whereas organizational structure influence the total quality management implementation by 53.6 % , which is very significant to be watched in any management decision making. Therefore, it is prudent for management to understand the driving vision of the organization and integrate total quality management concept into their operations. Flexibility oriented culture and organic structure must be consolidated within the organization. Dormant cultures must be changed to encourage adaptation to change without fear.

Source: KNUST
Influence of procurement planning and procurement procedures on value for money in selected institutions in eastern region

The research seeks to assess the effect of procurement planning and procurement procedures on value for money in selected institutions in Eastern Region. The sample population consists of staff and management of selected public institutions. The study used a total sample size of 102. Respondents were chosen using both purposive and convenience sampling techniques. The software utilized for data analysis was Statistical Package for Social Science version 20, and the data was interpreted using regression, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Procurement packaging, procurement methods, procurement scheduling, budget and work planning, planning for required procurement were found to have a significant and positive effect on value for money. The study further found positive and significant relationship with tendering procedures, delivery and payment on value for money. Supplier assessment, and contract management were found to have a positive but insignificant relationship with value for money in the government institutions. It is therefore concluded that, the procurement planning adopted by the institutions in ensuring value for money have tremendously influence the institutions as the variables are making a unique contribution to effective value for money in the government institutions engaging in procurement of goods, services and works. It is worth recommending that, the variables that are not significant and not contributing to ensuring value for money pin the institutions should be given the needed attention through strategic decision making so as to ensure an overall performance of the variables with subsequent attainment of value for money.

Source: KNUST