ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An Investigation into Work-Life Balance Practices and Its Effect on Career Progression; a Case Study of Female Lecturers on KNUST Campus

Women’s involvement in multiple and interdependent roles are rewarding but presents on-going personal and professional challenges. Many female lecturers are affected in the progression of their career, due to the demands of multiple roles which impact on their personal well-being and career satisfaction. An organizations inability to adequately help female lecturers to balance the multiple roles, poses a lot of problems for both employers and employees. This research was therefore conducted to investigate work-life balance practices at KNUST and how it affects career progression of female lecturers.The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods to collect data from respondents. The study revealed that there are a number of work-life balance policies at KNUST such as maternity leave and part time work. The study also revealed that a positive relationship exists between work-life balance policies and career progression among female lecturers at KNUST only if the policies were effectively implemented. It was also found that the support of family members plays a positive role in female lecturers’ ability to balance work and life demands and career progression. The responses received from the study in connection to challenges faced in combining work and family life revealed that indeed female lecturers face a lot of challenges such as missing lectures because of child care. It was therefore recommended that the management of KNUST should make a conscious effort to implement policies such as job share, compressed working hours and paternity leave. These policies will go a long way to facilitate the balance between work and life and consequently, help female lecturers to achieve their career goals and/or progression.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into worker satisfaction with construction site welfare provisions

Provision of welfare facilities on construction site tends to have an impact on productivity of works and can be costly if workers are dissatisfied. Construction workers on site need a place to change, drink water, eats meals and snacks, visit lavatory and wash hands. Also during break, they need a place to rest and to recover from fatigue each working day and if welfare facilities are not available for use it affects their output and makes them dissatisfied. The thrust of this research was to investigate worker satisfaction with construction site welfare provisions in Ghana. The study set objectives to determine the adequacy of welfare facilities on construction sites; to assess the state of welfare facilities on construction sites; to assess worker satisfaction with construction site welfare provision; and to establish factors that influence level of satisfaction of workers with welfare provisions. A questionnaire survey was conducted on permanent workers at the construction site of class D1K1 contractors at Kotoka International Airport vicinity. The data collected was analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) to perform descriptive statistics and the results presented using tables. The study revealed that minimum welfare facilities were mostly not provided on site and in cases where they were provided the numbers were not adequate. Workers were generally dissatisfied with the provision, adequacy and condition of welfare facilities on their site. The recommendation made were that, construction firms should be committed to providing adequate welfare facilities at sites, client and consultant should ensure the minimum welfare facilities are provided on site before approval is given to start actual construction works, welfare facilities on sites should be properly maintained, adequate number must be provided and the space should be well ventilated. Facilities should be accessible, properly identified, clean and hygienic to use.

Source: KNUST
Investigation of an appropriate treatment system for a wet coffee processing in the Maraba District of Rwanda

Coffee processing plants have been a major source of environmental pollution. This study focuses on the treatment of the coffee wastewater from wet coffee processing in order to avoid coffee wastewater from polluting the environment. From the characterisation of the coffee wastewater, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Chemical Oxygen Demand, (COD), Suspended Solids (SS), Phosphates (P04-3), and Nitrates (N032-) had values of 2000 mg/l, 4700 mg/l, 256 mg/l, 25.2 mg/l, and 4.0 mg/l respectively. These values were far above the GH-EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) acceptable limit for wastewater disposal into the environment. Based on these findings, two treatment options were investigated and these were yeast and Ordinary Portland cement. Ordinary Portland cement (2.5g/l) as a flocculent was chosen to be the best option for the primary treatment of coffee wastewater. This option gave a remarkable reduction in BOD5, COD, PO4-3, SS, and N032- with 69%, 79%, 98%, 98%, and 35% respectively. However the values of BOD5, COD and Nitrates were still high above the acceptable level of GH-EPA standards for wastewater disposal into the environment. To further augment reduction in BOD5, COD and Nitrates, secondary treatment system comprising of Anaerobic and Aerobic units was designed. The final quality effluent from the treatment plant had a percentage reduction of BOD, COD, PO4-3, NO32-, SS, by 98%, 96%, 98%, 97%, 98% respectively and pH of 8.25 which met the acceptable level of GH- EPA standards for wastewater disposal into the environment.

Source: KNUST
Investigation of braking system (efficiency) of converted Mercedes Benz buses (207)

Road accidents as a major cause of misery, morbidity and mortality in Africa particularly in Ghana have been of considerable concern to the general public. More worrying is the accidents involving Benz 207 buses. This is attributed to the fact that the Mercedes Benz 207 bus is originally made as a van for conveying goods. When brought into the country it is converted to passengers’ bus by artisans in ‘fitting workshops’ in and around the country. This conversion increases the gross weight, affects the suspension and the stability of the vehicle. Also, a serious effect is that the performance of the braking system may be affected. This research highlights various modifications done to the Mercedes-Benz 207 van at the Suame magazine. The braking efficiency of the converted Mercedes Benz 207 bus as against that of the original and compared to the safest degree of efficiency required for these buses. It was observed that the alteration of suspension (leaf spring) and chassis frame, brake adjustments, body and spraying works, construction of seats and fixing of glass were the major modifications that are done on the buses. Average ground height of the bus was increased and was found to be between 60.9 cm to 76.2 cm (2 to 2.5 feet) due to suspension alteration. The gross weight of the original bus was increased by an average of 20% after conversion. The results show that 60% of the buses have no parking brakes and between 20% were having defective or no rear brakes. Also, 70% of the converted buses have their braking efficiencies decreased whilst 20% had increased braking efficiency with the rest remaining unaffected. It was again observed that 60% of the original buses tested fell within the standard value required for the front imbalance and 50% of the converted buses exceeded the maximum value for the front imbalance. It is recommended among others that the Driver, Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA) should stop licensing the converted Mercedes Benz 207 buses or at best license those that are tested to have the required braking efficiency. Any future research should consider analyzing a bigger sample size for more information to be obtained on 207 buses regarding their braking system and failures.

Source: KNUST
Investigation of Dietary Pattern and Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Hypertensive Outpatients and Associated Effect on Target Organ Damage

Hypertension is a common and major public health problem associated with metabolic syndrome, causing complications including cardiovascular diseases, kidney problems and liver damages. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in hypertensive outpatients and its associated effect on target organ damage. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 hypertensive outpatients and 50 non-hypertensives. Questionnaire was administered to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, medical history and physical activity. The food frequency questionnaire was used to also solicit information on past dietary patterns. Anthropometric data including weight, height, body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, body fat, visceral fat and resting metabolic rate were measured. Biochemical data including fasting blood glucose, lipids profile, coronary risk, serum urea, serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and serum bilirubin were also determined. Generally, there was more female (85.5%) than male (14.5%) in the study, in the ratio 6:1. Metabolic syndrome were significantly prevalent among hypertensive group (70.0%) than non-hypertensive group (10.0%, p= 0.000). Overweight and obesity (p=0.000), diabetes p= 0.000), high blood pressure (p= 0.015), abdominal obesity (p= 0.000), high total cholesterol (p= 0.000), high low density lipoprotein cholesterol (p= 0.002) and high coronary risk (p=0.042) were significantly higher among participants with metabolic syndrome. Coronary risk (r= 0.192, p= 0.007) and alanine aminotransferase (r= 0.162, p= 0.023) had weak, significant positive correlation in participants with metabolic syndrome. In conclusion, metabolic syndrome was found prevalent among hypertensive than healthy controls. Also, clusters of metabolic syndrome including prediabetes and diabetes, abdominal obesity, high total cholesterol, high low density lipoprotein cholesterol and low high density lipoprotein cholesterol were also significantly prevalent among hypertensive than non-hypertensive group. Overall, hypertensives were highly at increased risk of heart, kidney and liver damage compared to counterpart non-hypertensives which require intensive evaluation and monitoring of diet and clinical care of these patients.

Source: KNUST
Investigation of Groundwater In-rush Zone using Petrophysical Logs and Short-offset Transient Electromagnetic (SOTEM) Data

The water burst from the Ordovician limestone underlain by the Permo-Carboniferous coal seams have potential to trigger coalmine hazards in Northern China. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and accurately map the water enrichment zones and delineate coal seams using an integrated approach based on surface TEM and subsurface wireline log information to avoid water-inrush hazard and ensure safe production of coal. We inverted surface based TEM data using 1-D Occam inversion to identify the conductive anomaly and then further quantified the zone of interest by gamma and resistivity logs. 1-D Occam inversion results show conductive zone around 370 m while higher resistivity and lower gamma ray log signatures were observed against coal seams. Groundwater inrush zone falls within the mid-range gamma ray and resistivity interval as shown on the petrophysical logs. The distinct log signatures (low gamma-ray and high resistivity values) clearly indicated coal seams at depth of 410 and 470 m and subsequently the log trends were used to distinguish between coal units and more permeable sands. The magnitude and the variability of these parameters in the borehole are attributed to the subsurface stratigraphic heterogeneity. They can be key clues for interpretation of depositional facies of coal-bearing sequence and may also be used as a constraint in characterization of groundwater enrichment zone.

Source: KNUST
An investigation of procurement malpractices and their effects on the procurement system in Ghana: A Study of Ledzokuku Krowor Municipal Assembly

The practice of procurement has long been in existence and though not in a systematic or well-structured form, was very evident in early history of this world. Procurement can be defined as the process of acquiring products or goods and services in its correct quantity, at the right time, at the right price from the right source. A lot of discussions by various Governments are centered on procurement issues. Issues like best practices, relationship with suppliers, support, financing, policies and goals. Procurement laws were enacted to ensure best practices in order to ensure value for money and sanctity in the procurement system. In spite of all these measures put forward by various Governments, there are still allegations of procurement malpractices among officers and professionals within the procurement system in Public institutions in Ghana. The research looks at procurement practices and their effects on the Public Procurement system in Ghana. The Ledzokuku Krowor Municipal Assembly in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana was used for the study. To achieve the aim of the study, three set of objectives were set. The researcher adopted survey approach as the method to be used for the study. Questionnaires were designed after using the Yamane Taro's formula to calculate the sample size. Using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, data received were analyzed using tables, charts, Mean and Standard Deviation. The findings of the study revealed the existence of procurement malpractices in the Assembly. These malpractices include; Accepting late Submission, Single contractor sometimes buying the entire tender document, Awarding contracts to close relations, Envelopes are sometimes opened before the opening time, Some respondents also believe that tenders which are not signed are sometimes accepted because according to them it has no effect on the selection process, Others also believe that it is not necessary to inform unsuccessful Tenderers, Lastly leaking information to preferred contractors was recorded. The researcher therefore recommends among others that, Politicians as well as External influence should be detached from the procurement processes to enable professionals take bold and professional decisions. This would make the system fair and transparent for all competitors.

Source: KNUST
Investigation Of Occupational Health And Safety Issues Among Healthcare Workers In Public Hospitals: A Case Study Of St. Dominic’s Hospital, Akwatia

The aim of the research was to investigate the occupational health and safety (OHS) issues of the Ghanaian health worker in the public hospital. The investigations were conducted using two instruments: a questionnaire for accessing OHS in the workers and a hazard identification checklist for physical analysis of the work environment. A number of 132 questionnaires were distributed among the occupational groups: Doctors, Nurses, Laboratory, Pharmacy, X-ray, and Mortuary staff of the St. Dominic’s hospital in Akwatia. It was deduced that there was a high level of knowledge of OHS among the workers. Results also showed that only 32.2% of the staff had access to all the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) they required. There was a proportion of workers who did not always make use of the few available PPE or consistently follow standard safety precautions. The reasons they attributed to this was mostly because of ‘High workload pressure’, followed by the ‘unavailability of PPE’. It also showed that 46% of workers who had ever had needlestick injuries had not reported the incidences for medical attention. The main hazards prevalent among the workers ranged from exposure to biological, chemical, and physical agents, ergonomic hazards, stress and violence. Though they all faced some violence at work, the rate was higher among females. Results from the hazard identification checklist exposed the presence of some common hazards to all departments while some were peculiar to specific departments. Manual handling, hazards of chemicals agents, exposure to biological agents, sharp object usage, ergonomics, hazards from waste management and violence were identified in all five departments. However hazards such as steam or chemical explosions and burn hazards were specific to the laboratory, exposure to radiation was identified in both the X-ray and laboratory departments, and cold stress was peculiar to the Mortuary. With regards to hazards they deemed most threatening to their duties, the hazard of being exposed to Biological agents, bodily fluids, blood and airborne pathogens ranked highest in the responses from Laboratory staff Doctors and Nurses .This was followed by Needlestick injury or cuts from other sharps. Back Pains or Body Pains due to lifting, pushing, pulling, bending or long hours of sitting and standing was ranked the most threatening hazard among the Mortuary, Pharmacy and X-ray staff. The findings showed that a greater proportion of the staff did not have access to basic requirements such as convenient eating places and access to drinking water. It is therefore recommended that management ensures adequate supplies of PPE, mechanical aides, washrooms and eating areas and regular maintenance of equipment. In-service training on safety, enhanced security, adequate staffing and routine medical checkups were also suggested.

Source: KNUST
Investigation Of Okra Pectin At Different Harvest Maturity

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a staple vegetable in Ghana and several African countries but underutilized. The mucilage or pectin content is currently of interest for various food and nonfood applications. The objective of this work was investigate the yield and intrinsic viscosity of okra pectin extract as influenced by fertilizer application and maturity of the fruit pods. Isolation of okra pectin was done by an aqueous extraction at pH 6.0 from the pods of 2 different okra genotypes at three harvest maturity and two different weight of NPK applications (6g and 9g). The intrinsic viscosity [η] of the okra pectin solutions was determined at 20oC with a Ubbelohde capillary viscometer and calculations made according to the Huggins equation. Pectin yield ranged between 8-24% depending on genotype, fertilizer treatment and maturity of the fruits. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the pectin yield between the okra genotypes as well as among the stages of maturity of the okra fruits. Interaction between okra varieties and the stages of maturity of fruits was also significant for pectin yield. The pectin yield of AGRA genotype was higher than that of AGBAGOMA. However, the intrinsic viscosity of pectin of AGBAGOMA was higher than that of AGRA. Highest pectin yield was observed for intermediate matured fruits, followed by that of immature fruits and lowest was observed for overgrown fruits. The intrinsic viscosity values however was highest for immature fruits as compared to the intermediate and overgrown okra fruits. Pectin yield and intrinsic viscosity increased significantly with fertilizer application (p < 0.05). The present findings show that harvesting at intermediate maturity would be most appropriate if high pectin yield is desired. A 9g NPK treatment suggest the opportunity to increase yield and intrinsic viscosity of okra pectin. The study showed that it is important to identify the most appropriate stage of development to harvest the okra fruit for maximize pectin yield. The results of this study suggest that intermediate fruit maturity would be most appropriate to harvest okra fruits to increase pectin yield.

Source: KNUST
Investigation of serum level relationship of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines with vitamin D among healthy Ghanaian population

Background The interplay between vitamin D status and inflammatory cytokines in a supposedly sufficient sunshine environment has not well been evaluated. The study sought to determine their association. Methods This cross-sectional study involved 500 healthy adult blood donors from some selected hospitals in Ghana enrolled from June to November 2016. Venous blood samples were obtained from participants, 25(OH)D, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, and IL 10 were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Serum levels of 25(OH)D<20ng/ml were classified as being deficient or low. Results The average age of the participants was 27.97 years. No statistically significant association was established between 25(OH) D status, mean age (p=0.1693), and gender (p=0.5461) of study participants. Similarly, the median 25(OH) D (p=0.8392), IL-10 (p=0.5355), TNF-alpha (p=0.9740), and IFN-gamma (p=0.6908) were not significantly different across gender. There was a significantly increased levels of TNF-alpha (p<0.0001) and IFN-gamma (p<0.0001) among participants with 25(OH) D deficiency compared to those without deficiency. Concurrently, participants with 25(OH)D deficiency had a significantly reduced levels of IL-10 (p<0.0001) compared to those without 25 (OH) D deficiency. The most accurate biochemical markers for identifying 25 (OH) D deficiency were IFN gamma (AUC=0.879; p<0.0001) followed by TNF-gamma (AUC=0.849; p<0.0001) and IL-10 (AUC=0.707; p<0.0001). Conclusion There was a significant association between vitamin D levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF alpha, IFN-gamma) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL 10) among healthy Ghanaian populace.

Source: KNUST
Investigation of soil moisture content in soil under different preparation modes using electrical resistivity and guided wave sounding methods

Continuous vertical electrical sounding (CVES) and the guided wave sounding (GWS) methods were used to investigate the soil moisture content of a maize farm at the KNUST Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Anwomaso, Kumasi – Ghana. The soils of the maize farm were categorized with four di erent land preparation modes; ploughed-harrowed, ploughed, hoed and no-till plot. Time-lapse measurement of the CVES was carried out using the multi-electrode Wenner array to produce 2D resistivity models as a result of soil moisture variation with the help of the ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000 resistivity meter. The GWS method (an invasive application of the ground penetrating radar (GPR)) retrieved the soil moisture content by analyzing reflections from the lower end of a metal rod with the help of an access tube preinstalled in the soil and a GPR system with 800 MHz shielded antenna. The results showed a heterogeneous distribution of soil moisture content both spatially and temporally. Most of the water available for plants’ uptake was within a depth of 0.20 – 0.40 m which coincided with the root zones of the maize crops. In addition, the no-till plot was found to conserve more moisture during dry weather conditions than the rest of the plots. The research shows that CVES and GWS techniques are e cient in monitoring shallow soil water content in the field and the results obtained could be used to optimize irrigation scheduling and to assess the potential for variable-rate irrigation.

Source: KNUST