International Conference on Applied Science and Technology Conference Proceedings

A descriptive study of work – time behaviour of construction personnel in the Kumasi Metropolis

Kwame Owusu Bempah — 2021-04-26

The health of employees is very vital for the sustainability of every business. Therefore, exploitation of employees through work overload has the potential to reduce productivity and business profitability especially where the employees are not motivated. Even though several scientific studies indicate that work overload is prevalent in the construction sector, not many of such studies exist in Ghana. Where there is some information, the dynamics of the industry would require recent data for accurate decision making. The study was therefore designed to analyze the effects of long working hours in the construction industry with emphasizes on businesses in the Kumasi metropolis. The study used a purposive and judgmental sampling techniques to obtain 100 study participants. Subsequently, a structured questionnaire containing both opened and closed ended questions were administered. Respondents included managers, supervisors, artisans and labourers. The data was analyzed in SPSS version 20 from which results were presented as percentages and frequencies, and in tables and charts. The results of the study suggests the 53 % of the respondents get very exhausted after work. To forestall high energy loss, 75 % at least, take in some form of an
energy booster (i.e. cigarette, alcohol, undisclosed drugs). While 93% skip break and only do so when they feel tired or hungry, 7 % stick to a fixed break period. Again, 78 % respondents work more than 8 hours a day with 90 % starting work not later than 8 am. Proper regulatory measures should be used to guide working in the construction sector. The study has generated information which supports that over work does not improve quality of work but reduces punctuality and regularity and increases employees’ chance of making errors.

Assessment of the Physico-chemical, Functional and sensory attributes of fufu flour developed from bitter yam (Dioscorea dumetorum)

Felix Narku Engmann — 2021-04-26

In this work, three fufu samples were produced using different proportions of bitter yam and cassava flours. The sensory attributes comprising aroma, colour, taste, texture and overall acceptability were evaluated. Also, the physicochemical and functional properties of the samples produced as well as the control (D. alata, potato, cassava flour) were determined.
Analysis of variance was conducted using SPSS software on the sensory attributes, physicochemical, and functional properties of the samples. For all the sensory attributes assessed, the control sample (D. alata, potato, cassava flour) was assigned the highest mean score by the panellists, indicating that it was the most preferred sample. This was followed by samples A (80% bitter yam and 20% cassava flour), B (70% bitter yam and 30% cassava flour) and C (60% bitter yam and 40% cassava flour), in that order. The results obtained for the physicochemical and functional properties of the samples were quite varied. The control sample had the highest mean values for water binding capacity, pH, swelling power, bulk density and dispersibility. Sample A had the highest mean value for solubility, and the second highest values for swelling power, water binding capacity and pH. From the results obtained, sample A had relatively better sensory attributes as well as physicochemical and functional properties than samples B and C, and therefore has the potential to receive high patronage on the market if produced commercially.

Carbon Emission Reduction Potential and Economic Benefits of Introducing Modern Anaerobic Digestion Systems in Slaughterhouses in Ghana: The Case of Kumasi Abattoir

Julius Ahiekpor — 2021-04-26

Kumasi abattoir, the largest slaughterhouse in Ghana, processes averagely 250 cows, 120 sheep and goats, and 50 pigs daily. Over 180 m3 of wastewater containing blood and pieces of viscera, 7 tonnes of dung and 14 tonnes of intestinal contents are generated daily. Major problems facing the abattoir include the high cost of operation and maintenance of the aerobic wastewater treatment plant and the cost of disposing dung and intestinal contents of slaughtered animals at the Kumasi landfill site. Continuous discharge of untreated wastewater into a nearby stream leads to severe water pollution. The objective of this paper
is to determine the carbon emission reduction potential of Kumasi Abattoir and to evaluate the economic benefits of introducing a modern anaerobic wastewater treatment plant at the abattoir. The modern digester system will stem the release of methane from the indiscriminate disposal of waste. A Clean Development Mechanism methodology for small scale projects was used for estimating emission reductions while a Gold Standard was used in calculating the economic benefits. The results indicate that, the abattoir could generate 80.8 kW of power daily, resulting in about 4,764 ktons CO2 in emission reduction which will yield about USD 67,000 of Verified Emission Reduction and up to USD 2.2 million additional value towards the Sustainable Development Goals. It is also projected that, if the abattoir can process all animals, which currently stands at about 20% in addition to the cattle, the annual net reduction would be 5,312 ktons of CO2 with 90 kW of electricity generation potential and USD 74,368 per annum of VER and up to USD 2.5 million economic value towards the SDGs. It is concluded that replacing the existing aerobic treatment systems at the abattoir with modern anaerobic systems will yield several environmental and economic benefits.

Challenges Facing Guidance and Counselling Coordinators in Senior High Schools in the Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana

Bertha Letsa — 2021-04-26

The study investigated the challenges that guidance and counselling coordinators face in senior high schools in the Kumasi Metropolis in the Republic of Ghana. It examined the availability of facilities and challenges associated with guidance and counselling in schools. Three hundred and sixty respondents comprising 23 Guidance and Counselling Co-ordinators/teachers
and 337 students were selected using purposive and simple random sampling techniques respectively. Descriptive research design was employed with structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The reliability coefficient after pilot test was Cronbach Alfa of 0.78. The results were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The data showed lack of basic facilities like films/videos and counselling handbooks for guidance and counselling. In addition, lack of funding and heavy teaching load were the major challenges affecting guidance and counselling co-ordinators/teachers. It is recommended that heads of senior high schools should provide offices with films/videos and counselling handbooks for guidance and counselling. Further, the Ghana Education Service should provide adequate funding for guidance and counselling programmes. Finally, heads of schools should reduce teaching loads on school counsellors to enable them focus on their core responsibilities.

Examining the Marking of English Language Scripts of Technical University Students in Ghana

Edward Owusu — 2021-04-26

This paper assesses how English language texts of Technical University (TU) students are marked. In their quest for their certificates, HND students are required to write Communication Skills I and II papers in the first year. Nonetheless, most HND students do not normally perform well in these two courses. The objectives of the paper were, therefore, to find out the type of errors TU students make; and the influence that Direct Corrective Feedback (DCF) has on their texts. The paper was grounded in Noticing Hypothesis theoretical framework. The design of the research was sequential exploratory mixed method. The participants for the study were selected from four technical universities – Ho, Koforidua, Kumasi, and Sunyani Technical Universities. From each of the technical universities, 20 participants were randomly selected. Therefore, the sample size, in terms of the participants, was 80. However, 240 raw data were collected. That is, each of the 80 participants composed one letter at the
pre-test stage. After grading their scripts with DCF technique, the participants were, again, asked to compose another letter at the post-test stage. Also, the participants were made to fill questionnaire item each. SPSS and BLAF1 were used in analyzing the questionnaire items and the scripts respectively. The findings of the study showed that DCF treats written errors effectively. The study, therefore, recommends that language assessments of TU students should be made up of both pre – and post-test items, and DCF should be used in assessing HND students’ English language essay-based scripts.

Investigating Students’ Perceptions of First-Year Mathematics Tutorials and their Performance in Programming

Isaac Ampofo Atta Senior — 2021-04-26

The act of working with algorithms using algorithmic thinking is described as a systematic description of how to use a specific approach to solve a problem. The ability to think logically in mathematics by solving problems and using algorithms are significant learning expectations. Being able to create a programme, algorithmic thinking does such algorithms in programming. The study investigated students’ perception of mathematics and their performance in programming. The research approach for the study was a quantitative research design. The study population involved all tertiary students who study programming and mathematics at their respective universities. A questionnaire was sent to participants through Google forms. The data analysis was descriptive statistics and SPSS was used for data analysis. The study found that students who do not see mathematics learning as relevant to programming had the highest factor to the reasons why mathematics students have difficulty in programming. The study revealed that students’ perception of mathematics affects their interest in programming and that their inability to excel in mathematics affects their performance in programming. The study recommends that mathematics should be taught in a way that programming students can see its relevance in programming.

Mechanism for the Selection of Appropriate Computerized Accounting Packages for SMEs in Developing Economies

Maurice Aduamoah — 2021-04-26

This paper designed and tested a customized model for the selection, customization and adoption of appropriate computerized accounting software package (CASP) for SMEs in developing countries. It is aimed at reducing the risks of selecting the wrong ones out of the highly proliferated CASPs that has flooded the software market lately. Six variables were considered in the design of the model- Basic Functionality (BF) General determinants (GM), Package features (PF), Customization Capabilities (CC), Financial Reporting Capabilities (FRC) and IS/IT Auditor. The study was cross-sectional which purposively sampled professional experts from local and international accounting firms operating in Ghana, and staff from selected SMEs across Ghana to evaluate the six variables in the model. 260 experts participated in the assessment. The Delphi Technique was used to reach consensus on
the applicability of the variables in the model. The variable measurement items in the model were subjected to three rounds as required by the Delphi Technique. Multiple Regression Analysis was also computed to determine the correlation among the variables in making appropriate CASP selection decision. The results point to a positive association between all the variables assessed. This is substantiated by the average Kendall’s W of 0.17. Chi square (X2) values ranging between 134.55 and 497.28 for all the three rounds of evaluation and an Intra-class correlation values ranging from 0.56 – 0.95 affirmed that consensus was achieved. Multiple regression analysis computed indicated that for BFC to be selected, there is a 35%, 44%, 42%,39% and 45% chance that GM, PF,CC, FRC and IS/IT respectively would have been selected.

Microbiological and Physicochemical Evaluation of Some Locally Produced Soft Drinks and Beverages Sold in Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana

David Azanu — 2021-04-26

Locally produced soft drinks and beverages sold as street food in Ghana remains a growing industry providing daily food for most urban dwellers. Despite its high patronage, chemical and microbial contamination from the preparation and packaging raises concerns. The object of this research was to determine some physicochemical and microbial quality of “sobolo”, “emudro”, “zoomkoom”, “asaana”, “ fura da no-no” and “burkina” sold to three selected markets in Kumasi of Ghana. Ninety samples were aseptically purchased from Central, Tafo and Aboabo markets within Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and were assessed based
on standard laboratory methods for total coliform, Escherichia coli and yeast and mould counts. The physicochemical test also performed were pH and total soluble solids. Results from the study revealed microbial loads ranging from 5.0 to 155.0 log cfu/ml for the total coliform, 0-1.7 MPN/ml for the Escherichia coli and 0 to 4.3 log cfu/ml for the yeasts and moulds. The pHs of the drinks were all within the acidic range, of 3.1 to 4.3 The total soluble solids ranged from 6.8 to 12.6% for all samples. The study revealed that the pH value for local drinks were within acceptable limit, however the microbial counts from some of the samples
exceeded the maximum acceptable limits making the samples microbiologically unsafe for human consumption. Unhygienic manufacturing and vending processes could lead to the presence of these microbes.

Production and Sensory Evaluation of Banana and Corn Beverage

Vida Commey — 2021-04-26

Insufficient and irregular power supply in Ghana has been a matter of concern to all. This situation runs through all industrial, commercial and domestic sectors of the Ghanaian economy, posing much challenge to economic growth. The small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) have particularly been affected because they have little or no means of generating their own alternative power. The research uses a mixed methodological approach to investigate the electrical energy needs of the beauty saloon industry in Kumasi, Ghana. It is based on the needs assessment of 202 respondents using a simple random sampling with
a standard deviation ( ) of 13.319. It is proposed that a 2.8KW Stand-alone Photovoltaic System be installed at these saloons to help solve the problem of entrepreneurs in the Beauty Salon industry.

The Practical Influence of Earnings per Share on Individual Investment Decision

William Tawiah Baidoo — 2021-04-26

The returns on an investment is a critical information or factor considered by many investors in their investment decisions as the surplus are either in the money and or capital markets of which both cases the investor expects a fair amount of returns at a level of risk for their investments. The issue of the practical effect of earnings per share on investment decisions of investors needs considerations. Using a descriptive analytical approach research adopted a research questionnaire for the literature and administered, cleaned and had a total of usable respondents of 536 for the study. The study used Microsoft Excel and Statistical
Program for Social Science (SPSS) to present the data collected for meaningful analysis in correlations and simple regression analysis. The reliability of the data (Cronbach’s alpha) was 90.34%. The study revealed that 59.24% (r2 =0.593257) of the investment decisions made in relations to wealth maximization and 52.9% (r2 = 0.529051) of the investment decision taken by the consideration of the accounting information could be explained by the investors level of understanding of earnings per share. The need for improved education and strategic presentation of financial statements highlighting profitability and liquidity ratios was
essential to attracting investments.

Using Group Learning to Assist Students to Improve upon their English Language Competencies: A Case Study of SHS Two Students at Kumasi Anglican Senior High School at Asem-Kumasi

Elizabeth Sekyi-Whyte — 2021-04-26

The learning of English is very helpful to students in today’s world. Every student in Africa acquires knowledge and skills in English Language after he or she completes a stage in his or her educational carrier. In Ghana, English Language is taught in every cycle from primary to tertiary. The instrument that was used in taking data was questionnaire. The research design for the study was a quantitative research with a descriptive study. The total population was two hundred (200) students but only forty (40) students were sampled for the study. Data was coded and analyzed using SPSS version 21.The results of the study indicated that group learning among students improved the academic performance of students in English Language. The study recommends that teachers and parents must encourage and assist pupils to be regular and punctual at school. It is also recommended that English Language teachers should use group learning to aid the teaching and learning of English. Also, in-service training should be organized for English Language teachers to help them to use group learning to enhance teaching and learning and eventual language competencies of the students.

Escape From Isolation Centres by Covid-19 Patients: A World-Wide Situatational Review

Raymond Akantege — 2021-07-30

Subsequent to the pandemic of COVID-19 in 2019, the media and other people have reported of some patients and suspected people who attempted to and/or have escaped from isolation centers all over the world. It is baffling that persons considered being sick and in this case, at risk to the larger populace unceremoniously leaving the care center. In fact, the numerous reports suggesting high proportion of asymptomatic patients aggravates fear and panic among the larger populace when news of escapees from isolation centers comes public. Meanwhile, managers have explained that COVID-19 patients in isolation centers receive best treatment, attention and care. However, since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic reasons for escaping from isolation centers have not been collated especially with perspectives from different countries and culture. In this study, the authors sought to identify and make meaning of the reasons for escaping from isolation centers to inform as well as modify decision markers strategies. Some of the questions the study sought to answer were, has escape from isolation centers by COVID-19 patients happened only in Ghana, so, what could be the common and/ or distinct underlying reasons behind escaping actions across the world, and how will the knowledge of these reasons help transform management practice to achieve best cooperation
from patients? The research method was largely qualitative which adopted deductive research approach and archival research strategy. However, quantitative research technique was used in reporting counts of documents evaluated for the study as well as persons who escaped from isolation centers. In this light, total of (15) fifteen published news items, 35 articles and 22 text books were reviewed. Escaping from isolation center has happened world-over. In addition to Ghana in West Africa East South and Central Africa, as well as Japan in Asia and some parts of North America etc. have reported of escaping of COVID-19 patients while stigmatization stands as the main reason for escaping. In conclusion, it is imperative that patients in isolation centers are made to feel respected, receive mandatory counseling, daily update of information on well-being of their families and their own well-being. These techniques in addition to the ones already being used at the isolation centers will most likely contribute to limiting the tendency for escape.

The Effects of Unity Programming on Students’ Ability in Computer Programming: The Mediating Role of Students’ Self-Efficacy and Attitude

Isaac Ampofo Atta Senio — 2021-07-30

Computer programming with Unity is used by many programming teachers to help students develop their skills in computer programming. The development of computer games with Unity increase students’ dedication towards learning, student self-efficacy, students’ attitude and encourage them to learn better. The study used Unity software which is a virtual reality that are used for designing game applications. Thus students’ attitude and self-efficacy towards the learning of computer programming plays a major role in the acquisition of the skills to meet societal needs. The study sought to analyse the effects of Unity programming on students’ ability in computer programming. The research approach for the study was a
quantitative research study. The population for the study were all students of Unity boot camp totalling one hundred (100). All one hundred students were used as participants for the study. Questionnaire was used as data collection instrument. SPSS and PROCESS were used to present results of the study. The study revealed that the effects of Unity programming and students’ attitude towards programming account for only 18.7% of the variation in students’ ability in computer programming. The study found that the effects of Unity programming and students’ self-efficacy towards programming was also appreciative and accounting for 43.2% of the variation on students’ ability in computer programming. The study also found that the effects of Unity programming and students’ attitude towards programming account or only 18.7% of the variation in students’ ability in computer programming. The study recommends that applications used for developing game application should be encouraged
in all tertiary institutions that teaches computer programming.

A Context-Aware Reminder System for Tracking SMS in Mobile Device Environment Using Artificial Neural Network

Samuel King Opoku — 2021-07-31

Reminder systems have always been a major companion of human life. With the proliferation of mobile devices such as mobile phones, smartphones and tablets, users readily rely on them by using such applications as calendar, notes and alarm systems provided by these devices to prompt them of impending activities. One major communication system employed in almost all human endevours is short messages (SMS) which are used for sending reminders and notices. However, there is no mechanism to remind users of mobile devices information contained in SMS. This paper implements a context-aware reminder system using a trained Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based on gradient-descent delta rule backpropagation algorithm as the reasoning engine. SMS which are classified as activity context are abstracted and normalised based on users’ preferences. The abstracted data is used to develop a reminder system which prompts the user when the date and time contained in the SMS are due. The developed system effectively retrieves and classifies data that followed the specified formats with 95% accuracy level. The work revealed that simple intelligent systems that eliminate cumbersome rule set architectures whilst taking into consideration the dynamics of users’ preferences are better than the existing systems

Technical Contribution towards National Development: The Case of Suitability Assessment of Cedrela Odorata L. (Miliaceae) for pulp and paper making

Unknown — 2021-07-31

Paper in its varied forms is in no doubt one material evidentially proven to be critical in human life and also driving national developmental agenda of nations as they are used for human and environmental sanitation, education, security, communication, Secretaryship,customs and excise, mother care, health care among others. This research focused on assessing the suitability of a 7-year-old Cedrela odorata wood for pulp and paper making, as a technical contribution towards the agenda of continuous exploration of wood species for that purpose, by assessing its radial and axial variations in fibre dimensions and other derived technical requirements needed for wood to be used for paper production. Franklin’s maceration process was adopted for the study. Collected data was subjected to statistical analysis. Mean fibre length was found to be short as it was less than 1.6mm (1600 μm) with bottom sapwood exhibiting the longest (1132.57μm or 1.133mm ± 0.14931). Runkel ratio was highest in bottom sapwood (0.28 ± 0.10). The derived fibre values: runkel ratio (all of which were < 1.0) and coefficient of flexibility (all of which were > 75%) indicated that the 7-yearold Cedrela odorata hardwood in Ghana has good pulp and paper making potentials. Thus,
the 7-year fast grown Cedrela wood species was recommended to be considered among other known species for paper making in Ghana to enhance paper availability to drive national activities for development

Tracer survey of HND and BTech (Top-up) Civil Engineering Graduates of Kumasi Technical University (KsTU)

Jack Nti Asamoah — 2021-07-31

Paper in its varied forms is in no doubt one material evidentially proven to be critical in human life and also driving national developmental agenda of nations as they are used for human and environmental sanitation, education, security, communication, Secretaryship, customs and excise, mother care, health care among others. This research focused on assessing the suitability of a 7-year-old Cedrela odorata wood for pulp and paper making, as a technical contribution towards the agenda of continuous exploration of wood species for that purpose, by assessing its radial and axial variations in fibre dimensions and other derived technical requirements needed for wood to be used for paper production. Franklin’s maceration process was adopted for the study. Collected data was subjected to statistical analysis. Mean fibre length was found to be short as it was less than 1.6mm (1600 μm) with bottom sapwood exhibiting the longest (1132.57μm or 1.133mm ± 0.14931). Runkel ratio was highest in bottom sapwood (0.28 ± 0.10). The derived fibre values: runkel ratio (all of which were < 1.0) and coefficient of flexibility (all of which were > 75%) indicated that the 7-yearold Cedrela odorata hardwood in Ghana has good pulp and paper making potentials. Thus,
the 7-year fast grown Cedrela wood species was recommended to be considered among other known species for paper making in Ghana to enhance paper availability to drive national activities for development

An Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System for Predicting Survivability Rate in Underground Mining Accident

Ansong Mary Opokua — 2021-08-18

Underground mining has been characterized by high accidental rates over the years. Many efforts have been put in place to decrease the response time in evacuation situations after accidents. These efforts are reactive mechanisms rather than proactive mechanisms. Reactive mechanisms eventually end up losing valuable lives and properties. There is a need to develop a proactive mechanism to reduce the impact of underground mining accidents. This paper developed an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) to predict the survivability rate of fall of ground in underground mining site using AngloGold Ashanti as a case study. Fuzzy rules were formulated by training Artificial Neural Network using such parameters like working shifts, types of rocks, nature of the rock, rock roof thickness and nature of stope to predict the rate of survivability as either high or low in accidental situations. These parameters were normalized by assigning them values between 0 and 1 to train the ANFIS model. The model’s predictions were compared with some recorded data for verification which proved to be 90% accurate. The implemented model will help policy-makers to plan for an inevitable accident to reduce the impact of the accident.

Leveraging Proactivity to Internal Control, Compliance and Audit Practices for Effective Performance Outcomes

Sampson Anomah — 2021-07-30

This study designed a model for guidance on how to deploy proactivity as a tool to promote the professional success of business executives, compliance officers and auditors. The study was motivated by the concerns of regulators, investors, and other stakeholders on the issue of lack of proactivity on the part of business executives, compliance officers and
auditors. Research Methodology: The research first designed and developed the model drawing from the researchers’ practical and professional experiences in the field and backed it with literature and proceeded to demonstrate the guidance the model proffers. Four major independent variables namely, “Risk-Consciousness (RC)”, “Professional Scepticism (PS)”, “Moral-Courage
(MC)” and “Ethical Behaviour (EB)” were conceptualized. The variable ‘Trigger” was used to play a mediating role and ‘Action’ was a dependent variable. The study purposively sampled 56 business professional experts to whom structured questionnaires were self-administered. Results: The mediating variable received an 89% approval rating and the dependent variable (Action) received an 86% strong approval rating. The overall average approval rating by respondents of the model came up to 83% strong approval rating. Meanwhile, the four independent variables RC, PS, MC and PB received 80.3%, 73.2%, 66.1% and 82.1% approval rates, respectively. Conclusion and implications: The study will assist business executives, compliance officers and auditors with internal controls and risk management systems.

Equipment Design, Production and Characterisation of Clean Briquette fuel from composite agro-plastic wastes

Adusei S. — 2021-09-13

Large quantities of agricultural and plastic wastes are generated annually in the Ghana. Plastics possess high calorific value and when combined with agricultural wastes will not only serve as alternative fuel but also address the plastics waste disposal problems. This article dealt with the production of clean composite briquette from plastic wastes and agro residues for household and industrial applications. Coconut shells was carbonized, mixed with shredded plastic waste in the ratio of 10:3 and densified in a cylindrical mould into briquetting fuel. ASTM analytical methods was used to determine the proximate compositions of the briquettes whiles that of the physical properties were determined by direct measurements and calculations. The briquettes have average compressed density of 1711.82kg/m3, relaxation ratio of 2.7 and burning time of 143mins. It has a relatively low porosity index (0.03%) and high relaxed density (662.43kg/m3) indicating that the briquette has a low tendency to attract less moisture and can also withstand long exposure to the weather with little deterioration. The high shattering index (98.76%)) suggests that the briquettes have the ability to produce low amount of fine particles during handling. Typically, as an organic based fuel, it possessed a low ash content (2.62%) and high organic content (97.38%), responsible for the high heating value of 32839.38kJ/kg. The physical properties of the composite briquettes are desirable and hence, incorporating plastics waste into biomass as an energy source has undoubtedly improved the heating value of briquettes for its use domestically and industrially. A screw briquetting machine was also designed with throughput of 68 tons/day which requires a motor power of 2.23kW (3hp).