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action="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search"> <div id="custom-search-input"> <div class="input-group"> <i class="fas fa-search"></i> <input type="text" class="search-query" name="q" placeholder="Author, Title, Abstract, Keywords" value="Isaac Kofi Mensah"> <input type="submit" class="btn_search" value="Search"> </div> </div> </form> </div> </div> <div class="row mt-3"> <div class="col-sm-3"> <div class="card"> <div class="card-body"><strong>Commenced</strong> in January 2007</div> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-3"> <div class="card"> <div class="card-body"><strong>Frequency:</strong> Monthly</div> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-3"> <div class="card"> <div class="card-body"><strong>Edition:</strong> International</div> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-3"> <div class="card"> <div class="card-body"><strong>Paper Count:</strong> 143</div> </div> </div> </div> <h1 class="mt-3 mb-3 text-center" style="font-size:1.6rem;">Search results for: Isaac Kofi Mensah</h1> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">143</span> Determinants of E-Government Services Adoption from the African Students’ Perspective </h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Isaac%20Kofi%20Mensah">Isaac Kofi Mensah</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Jianing%20Mi"> Jianing Mi</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Cheng%20Feng"> Cheng Feng </a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The patronage of e-government services (demand side of e-government) is vital to the successful implementation of e-government initiatives. The purpose of this study is to explore the predictors determining the willingness of African students in China to adopt and use e-government services. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) will be used as the theoretical foundation for this research. Research instrument will be developed and administered to 500 African students in China. Factors such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions and culture will be investigated to determine its significant impact on the willingness to use e-government services. This study is a research in progress. The outcome of this study will provide valuable recommendations to improve the provision of public services through e-government. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=e-government" title="e-government">e-government</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=e-government%20services" title=" e-government services"> e-government services</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=predictors" title=" predictors"> predictors</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=UTAUT" title=" UTAUT"> UTAUT</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/78828/determinants-of-e-government-services-adoption-from-the-african-students-perspective" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/78828.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">600</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">142</span> Electronic Government Services Adoption from Multi-Nationalities Perspectives </h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Isaac%20Kofi%20Mensah">Isaac Kofi Mensah</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Jianing%20Mi"> Jianing Mi</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Cheng%20Feng"> Cheng Feng </a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Electronic government is the application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by the government to improve public service delivery to citizens and businesses. The purpose of this study is to investigate factors influencing the adoption and use of e-government services from different nationalities perspectives. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) will be used as the theoretical framework for the study. A questionnaire would be developed and administered to 500 potential respondents who are students from different nationalities in China. Predictors such as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, computer self-efficacy, trust in both the internet and government, social influence and perceived service quality would be examined with regard to their impact on the intention to use e-government services. This research is currently at the design and implementation stage. The completion of this study will provide useful insights into understanding factors impacting the decision to use e-government services from a cross and multi nationalities perspectives. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=different%20nationalities" title="different nationalities">different nationalities</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=e-government" title=" e-government"> e-government</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=e-government%20services" title=" e-government services"> e-government services</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=technology%20acceptance%20model%20%28TAM%29" title=" technology acceptance model (TAM)"> technology acceptance model (TAM)</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/78811/electronic-government-services-adoption-from-multi-nationalities-perspectives" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/78811.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">429</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">141</span> Perceived Ease-of-Use and Intention to Use E-Government Services in Ghana: The Moderating Role of Perceived Usefulness</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Isaac%20Kofi%20Mensah">Isaac Kofi Mensah</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Public sector organizations, ministries, departments and local government agencies are adopting e-government as a means to provide efficient and quality service delivery to citizens. The purpose of this research paper is to examine the extent to which perceived usefulness (PU) of e-government services moderates between perceived ease-of-use (PEOU) of e-government services and intention to use (IU) e-government services in Ghana. A structured research questionnaire instrument was developed and administered to 700 potential respondents in Ghana, of which 693 responded, representing 99% of the questionnaires distributed. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used as the theoretical framework for the study. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used to capture and analyze the data. The results indicate that even though predictors such as PU and PEOU are main determiners of citizens’ intention to adopt and use e-government services in Ghana, it failed to show that PEOU and IU e-government services in Ghana is significantly moderated by the PU of e-government services. The implication of this finding on theory and practice is further discussed. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=e-government%20services" title="e-government services">e-government services</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=intention%20to%20use" title=" intention to use"> intention to use</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=moderating%20role" title=" moderating role"> moderating role</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=perceived%20ease%20of%20use" title=" perceived ease of use"> perceived ease of use</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=perceived%20usefulness" title=" perceived usefulness"> perceived usefulness</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Ghana" title=" Ghana"> Ghana</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=technology%20acceptance%20model" title=" technology acceptance model"> technology acceptance model</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/57587/perceived-ease-of-use-and-intention-to-use-e-government-services-in-ghana-the-moderating-role-of-perceived-usefulness" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/57587.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">411</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">140</span> Citizens’ Readiness to Adopt and Use Electronic Voting System in Ghana</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Isaac%20Kofi%20Mensah">Isaac Kofi Mensah </a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The adoption and application of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in government administration through e-government is expected to permeate all sectors of state/ public institutions as well as democratic institutions. One of such public institutions is the Electoral Commission of Ghana mandated by the 1992 Constitution to hold all public elections including presidential and parliamentary elections. As Ghana holds its 7th General Elections since 1992, on 7th November 2016, there are demands from key stakeholders for the Election Management Body, which is the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana to adopt and implement an electronic voting system. This case study, therefore, attempts to contribute significantly to the debate by examining influencing factors that would impact on citizen’s readiness to adopt and use an electronic voting system in Ghana. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used as a theoretical framework for this study, out of which a research model and hypotheses were developed. Importantly, the outcome of this research finding would form a basis for appropriate policy recommendation for consideration of Government and EC of Ghana. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=citizens%20readiness" title="citizens readiness">citizens readiness</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=e-government" title=" e-government"> e-government</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=electronic%20voting" title=" electronic voting"> electronic voting</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=technology%20acceptance%20model%20%28TAM%29" title=" technology acceptance model (TAM)"> technology acceptance model (TAM)</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/46865/citizens-readiness-to-adopt-and-use-electronic-voting-system-in-ghana" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/46865.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">265</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">139</span> E-Government, China Internet Plus, and the One Belt One Road Initiative: The Africa Connection</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Isaac%20Kofi%20Mensah">Isaac Kofi Mensah</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Mi%20Jianing"> Mi Jianing</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The lack of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) infrastructure in African countries is hampering the successful adoption, development and implementation of e-government in Africa. Electronic government is the use of ICTs to modernize government public administration processes and to provide government services to citizens with a purpose to enhance efficiency, accountability, and transparency in government’s interaction with the citizenry. ICT application in public administration has the potential to modernize and create smarter government and improvement in public service delivery. China’s Internet Plus policy and One Belt One Road strategy present a golden opportunity for countries in Africa to attract the huge financial investment through Chinese IT companies to develop and close Africa’s ICT infrastructure gap. This study recommends the establishment of One Belt One Road ICT Infrastructure Fund for Africa (OBOR ICT Fund for Africa) to enable countries in Africa to source solely for the purpose of ICT infrastructure development in the public sector/government machinery which would in turn promote the adoption and development of e-government in the public sectors of respective countries in Africa. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=e-government" title="e-government">e-government</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=public%20service%20delivery" title=" public service delivery"> public service delivery</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=internet%20plus" title=" internet plus"> internet plus</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=one%20belt%20one%20road%20initiative" title=" one belt one road initiative"> one belt one road initiative</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=China" title=" China"> China</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Africa" title=" Africa"> Africa</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/51045/e-government-china-internet-plus-and-the-one-belt-one-road-initiative-the-africa-connection" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/51045.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">678</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">138</span> Factors Influencing the Continuance Usage of Online Mobile Payment Apps: A Case Study of WECHAT Users in China</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Isaac%20Kofi%20Mensah">Isaac Kofi Mensah</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Jianing%20Mi"> Jianing Mi</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Feng%20Cheng"> Feng Cheng </a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> This research paper seeks to investigate the factors determining the continuance usage of online mobile payment applications among WECHAT users in China. Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory would both be applied as the theoretical foundation for this study. A developed instrument would be administered to the targeted sample of 1000 WECHAT Users in the City of Harbin, China, through an online questionnaire administration platform. Factors such as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived service quality, social influence, trust in the internet, internet self-efficacy, relative advantage, compatibility, and complexity would be explored to determine its significant impact on the continuance intention to use mobile payment apps. This study is at the development and implementation stage. The successful completion of this research article would not only provide an insightful understanding of the factors influencing the decision of WECHAT users in China to use mobile payment applications but also enrich the e-commerce adoption literature. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=diffusion%20of%20innovation%20%28DOI%29" title="diffusion of innovation (DOI)">diffusion of innovation (DOI)</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=e-commerce" title=" e-commerce"> e-commerce</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=mobile%20payment" title=" mobile payment"> mobile payment</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=technology%20acceptance%20model%20%28TAM%29" title=" technology acceptance model (TAM)"> technology acceptance model (TAM)</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=WECHAT" title=" WECHAT"> WECHAT</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/79365/factors-influencing-the-continuance-usage-of-online-mobile-payment-apps-a-case-study-of-wechat-users-in-china" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/79365.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">192</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">137</span> Electronic Government around the World: Key Information and Communication Technology Indicators</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Isaac%20Kofi%20Mensah">Isaac Kofi Mensah</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Governments around the world are adopting Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) because of the important opportunities it provides through E-government (EG) to modernize government public administration processes and delivery of quality and efficient public services. Almost every country in the world is adopting ICT in its public sector administration (EG) to modernize and change the traditional process of government, increase citizen engagement and participation in governance, as well as the provision of timely information to citizens. This paper, therefore, seeks to present the adoption, development and implementation of EG in regions globally, as well as the ICT indicators around the world, which are making EG initiatives successful. Europe leads the world in its EG adoption and development index, followed by the Americas, Asia, Oceania and Africa. There is a gradual growth in ICT indicators in terms of the increase in Internet access and usage, increase in broadband penetration, an increase of individuals using the Internet at home and a decline in fixed telephone use, while the mobile cellular phone has been on the increase year-on-year. Though the lack of ICT infrastructure is a major challenge to EG adoption and implementation around the world, in Africa it is very pervasive, hampering the expansion of Internet access and provision of broadband, and hence is a barrier to the successful adoption, development, and implementation of EG initiatives in countries on the continent. But with the general improvement and increase in ICT indicators around the world, it provides countries in Europe, Americas, Asia, Arab States, Oceania and Africa with the huge opportunity to enhance public service delivery through the adoption of EG. Countries within these regions cannot fail their citizens who desire to enjoy an enhanced and efficient public service delivery from government and its many state institutions. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=e-government%20development%20index" title="e-government development index">e-government development index</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=e-government" title=" e-government"> e-government</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=indicators" title=" indicators"> indicators</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=information%20and%20communication%20technologies%20%28ICTs%29" title=" information and communication technologies (ICTs)"> information and communication technologies (ICTs)</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/48584/electronic-government-around-the-world-key-information-and-communication-technology-indicators" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/48584.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">302</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">136</span> Adoption and Use of an Electronic Voting System in Ghana</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Isaac%20Kofi%20Mensah">Isaac Kofi Mensah</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The manual system of voting has been the most widely used system of electing representatives around the globe, particularly in Africa. Due to the known numerous problems and challenges associated with the manual system of voting, many countries are migrating to the electronic voting system as a suitable and credible means of electing representatives over the manual paper-based system. This research paper therefore investigated the factors influencing adoption and use of an electronic voting system in Ghana. A total of 400 Questionnaire Instruments (QI) were administered to potential respondents in Ghana, of which 387 responded representing a response rate of 96.75%. The Technology Acceptance Model was used as the theoretical framework for the study. The research model was tested using a simple linear regression analysis with SPSS. A little of over 71.1% of the respondents recommended the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana to adopt an electronic voting system in the conduct of public elections in Ghana. The results indicated that all the six predictors such as perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), perceived free and fair elections (PFFF), perceived credible elections (PCE), perceived system integrity (PSI) and citizens trust in the election management body (CTEM) were all positively significant in predicting the readiness of citizens to adopt and use an electronic voting system in Ghana. However, jointly, the hypotheses tested revealed that apart from Perceived Free and Fair Elections and Perceived Credible and Transparent Elections, all the other factors such as PU, Perceived System Integrity and Security and Citizen Trust in the Election Management Body were found to be significant predictors of the Willingness of Ghanaians to use an electronic voting system. All the six factors considered in this study jointly account for about 53.1% of the reasons determining the readiness to adopt and use an electronic voting system in Ghana. The implications of this research finding on elections in Ghana are discussed. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=credible%20elections" title="credible elections">credible elections</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Election%20Management%20Body%20%28EMB%29" title=" Election Management Body (EMB)"> Election Management Body (EMB)</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=electronic%20voting" title=" electronic voting"> electronic voting</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Ghana" title=" Ghana"> Ghana</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Technology%20Acceptance%20Model%20%28TAM%29" title=" Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)"> Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/69348/adoption-and-use-of-an-electronic-voting-system-in-ghana" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/69348.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">397</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">135</span> Overview of E-government Adoption and Implementation in Ghana</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Isaac%20Kofi%20Mensah">Isaac Kofi Mensah</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> E-government has been adopted and used by many governments/countries around the world including Ghana to provide citizens and businesses with more accurate, real-time, and high quality services and information. The objective of this paper is to present an overview of the Government of Ghana’s (GoG) adoption and implement of e-government and its usage by the Ministries, Departments and its agencies (MDAs) as well as other public sector institutions to deliver efficient public service to the general public i.e. citizens, business etc. Government implementation of e-government focused on facilitating effective delivery of government service to the public and ultimately to provide efficient government-wide electronic means of sharing information and knowledge through a network infrastructure developed to connect all major towns and cities, Ministries, Departments and Agencies and other public sector organizations in Ghana. One aim for the Government of Ghana use of ICT in public administration is to improve productivity in government administration and service by facilitating the exchange of information to enable better interaction and coordination of work among MDAs, citizens and private businesses. The study was prepared using secondary sources of data from government policy documents, national and international published reports, journal articles, and web sources. This study indicates that through the e-government initiative, currently citizens and businesses can access and pay for services such as renewal of driving license, business registration, payment of taxes, acquisition of marriage and birth certificates as well as application for passport through the GoG electronic service (eservice) and electronic payment (epay) portal. Further, this study shows that there is an enormous commitment from GoG to adopt and implement e-government as a tool not only to transform the business of government but also to bring efficiency in public services delivered by the MDAs. To ascertain this, a further study need to be carried out to determine if the use of e-government has brought about the anticipated improvements and efficiency in service delivery of MDAs and other state institutions in Ghana. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=electronic%20government" title="electronic government">electronic government</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=electronic%20services" title=" electronic services"> electronic services</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=electronic%20pay" title=" electronic pay"> electronic pay</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=MDAs" title=" MDAs"> MDAs</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/35187/overview-of-e-government-adoption-and-implementation-in-ghana" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/35187.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">512</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">134</span> Microsatellite-Based Genetic Variations and Relationships among Some Farmed Nile Tilapia Populations in Ghana: Implications for Nile Tilapia Culture</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Acheampong%20Addo">Acheampong Addo</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Emmanuel%20Odartei%20Armah"> Emmanuel Odartei Armah</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Seth%20Koranteng%20Agyakwah"> Seth Koranteng Agyakwah</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Ruby%20Asmah"> Ruby Asmah</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Emmanuel%20Tetteh-Doku%20Mensah"> Emmanuel Tetteh-Doku Mensah</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Rhoda%20Lims%20Diyie"> Rhoda Lims Diyie</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Sena%20Amewu"> Sena Amewu</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Catherine%20Ragasa"> Catherine Ragasa</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Edward%20Kofi%20Abban"> Edward Kofi Abban</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Mike%20Yaw%20Osei-Atweneboana"> Mike Yaw Osei-Atweneboana</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The study investigated genetic variation and relationships among populations of Nile tilapia cultured in small-scale fish farms in selected regions of Ghana. A total of 700 samples were collected. All samples were screened with five microsatellite markers and results were analyzed using (Genetic Analysis in Excel), (Molecular and Evolutionary Genetic Analysis software, and Genpop on the web for Heterozygosity and Shannon diversity, (Analysis of Molecular Variance), and (Principal Coordinate Analysis). Fish from the 16 populations (made up of 14 farms and 2 selectively bred populations) clustered into three groups: 7 populations clustered with the GIFT-derived strain, 4 populations clustered with the Akosombo strain, and three populations were in a separate cluster. The clustering pattern indicated groups of different strains of Nile tilapia cultured. Mantel correlation test also showed low genetic variations among the 16 populations hence the need to boost seed quality in order to accelerate aquaculture production in Ghana. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=microsatellites" title="microsatellites">microsatellites</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=small-%20scale" title=" small- scale"> small- scale</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Nile%20tilapia" title=" Nile tilapia"> Nile tilapia</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=akosombo%20strain" title=" akosombo strain"> akosombo strain</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=GIFT%20strain" title=" GIFT strain"> GIFT strain</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/163597/microsatellite-based-genetic-variations-and-relationships-among-some-farmed-nile-tilapia-populations-in-ghana-implications-for-nile-tilapia-culture" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/163597.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">167</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">133</span> Sustainable Water Resource Management and Challenges in Indian Agriculture</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Rajendra%20Kumar%20Isaac">Rajendra Kumar Isaac</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Monisha%20Isaac"> Monisha Isaac</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> India, having a vast cultivable area and regional climatic variability, encounters water Resource Management Problems at various levels. The agricultural production of India needs to be increased to meet out projected population growth. Sustainable water resource is the only option to ensure food security, especially in northern Indian states, where the ground and surface water resources are fast depleting. Various tools and technologies available for management of scarce water resources have been discussed. It was concluded that multiple use of water, adopting latest water management options, identification of climate adoptable cropping and farming systems, can enhance water productivity and would encounter the fast growing water management and water shortage problems in Indian agriculture. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=water%20resource%20management" title="water resource management">water resource management</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=sustainable" title=" sustainable"> sustainable</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=water%20management%20technologies" title=" water management technologies"> water management technologies</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=water%20productivity" title=" water productivity"> water productivity</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=agriculture" title=" agriculture"> agriculture</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/69837/sustainable-water-resource-management-and-challenges-in-indian-agriculture" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/69837.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">399</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">132</span> The Safety Profile of Vilazodone: A Study on Post-Marketing Surveillance</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Humraaz%20Kaja">Humraaz Kaja</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Kofi%20Mensah"> Kofi Mensah</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Frasia%20Oosthuizen"> Frasia Oosthuizen</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Background and Aim: Vilazodone was approved in 2011 as an antidepressant to treat the major depressive disorder. As a relatively new drug, it is not clear if all adverse effects have been identified. The aim of this study was to review the adverse effects reported to the WHO Programme for International Drug Monitoring (PIDM) in order to add to the knowledge about the safety profile and adverse effects caused by vilazodone. Method: Data on adverse effects reported for vilazodone was obtained from the database VigiAccess managed by PIDM. Data was extracted from VigiAccess using Excel® and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The data collected was compared to the patient information leaflet (PIL) of Viibryd® and the FDA documents to determine adverse drug reactions reported post-marketing. Results: A total of 9708 adverse events had been recorded on VigiAccess, of which 6054 were not recorded on the PIL and the FDA approval document. Most of the reports were received from the Americas and were for adult women aged 45-64 years (24%, n=1059). The highest number of adverse events reported were for psychiatric events (19%; n=1889), followed by gastro-intestinal effects (18%; n=1839). Specific psychiatric disorders recorded included anxiety (316), depression (208), hallucination (168) and agitation (142). The systematic review confirmed several psychiatric adverse effects associated with the use of vilazodone. The findings of this study suggested that these common psychiatric adverse effects associated with the use of vilazodone were not known during the time of FDA approval of the drug and is not currently recorded in the patient information leaflet (PIL). Conclusions: In summary, this study found several adverse drug reactions not recorded in documents emanating from clinical trials pre-marketing. This highlights the importance of continued post-marketing surveillance of a drug, as well as the need for further studies on the psychiatric adverse events associated with vilazodone in order to improve the safety profile. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=adverse%20drug%20reactions" title="adverse drug reactions">adverse drug reactions</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=pharmacovigilance" title=" pharmacovigilance"> pharmacovigilance</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=post-marketing%20surveillance" title=" post-marketing surveillance"> post-marketing surveillance</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=vilazodone" title=" vilazodone"> vilazodone</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/132342/the-safety-profile-of-vilazodone-a-study-on-post-marketing-surveillance" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/132342.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">115</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">131</span> Road Maintenance Management Decision System Using Multi-Criteria and Geographical Information System for Takoradi Roads, Ghana</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Eric%20Mensah">Eric Mensah</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Carlos%20Mensah"> Carlos Mensah</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The road maintenance backlogs created as a result of deferred maintenance especially in developing countries has caused considerable deterioration of many road assets. This is usually due to difficulties encountered in selecting and prioritising maintainable roads based on objective criteria rather than some political or other less important criteria. In order to ensure judicious use of limited resources for road maintenance, five factors were identified as the most important criteria for road management within the study area. This was based on the judgements of 40 experts. The results were further used to develop weightings using the Multi-Criteria Decision Process (MCDP) to analyse and select road alternatives according to maintenance goal. Using Geographical Information Systems (GIS), maintainable roads were grouped using the Jenk’s natural breaks to allow for further prioritised in order of importance for display on a dashboard of maps, charts, and tables. This reduces the problems of subjective maintenance and road selections, thereby reducing wastage of resources and easing the maintenance process through an object organised spatial decision support system. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=decision%20support" title="decision support">decision support</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=geographical%20information%20systems" title=" geographical information systems"> geographical information systems</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=multi-criteria%20decision%20process" title=" multi-criteria decision process"> multi-criteria decision process</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=weighted%20sum" title=" weighted sum"> weighted sum</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/90271/road-maintenance-management-decision-system-using-multi-criteria-and-geographical-information-system-for-takoradi-roads-ghana" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/90271.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">376</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">130</span> Vulnerability of Indian Agriculture to Climate Change: A Study of the Himalayan Region State </h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Rajendra%20Kumar%20Isaac">Rajendra Kumar Isaac</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Monisha%20Isaac"> Monisha Isaac</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Climate variability and changes are the emerging challenges for Indian agriculture with the growing population to ensure national food security. A study was conducted to assess the Climatic Change effects in medium to low altitude areas of the Himalayan region causing changes in land use and cereal crop productivity with the various climatic parameters. The rainfall and temperature changes from 1951 to 2013 were studied at four locations of varying altitudes, namely Hardwar, Rudra Prayag, Uttar Kashi and Tehri Garwal. It was observed that there is noticeable increment in temperature on all the four locations. It was surprisingly observed that the mean rainfall intensity of 30 minutes duration has increased at the rate of 0.1 mm/hours since 2000. The study shows that the combined effect of increasing temperature, rainfall, runoff and urbanization at the mid-Himalayan region is causing an increase in various climatic disasters and changes in agriculture patterns. A noticeable change in cropping patterns, crop productivity and land use change was observed. Appropriate adaptation and mitigation strategies are necessary to ensure that sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture. Appropriate information is necessary for farmers, as well as planners and decision makers for developing, disseminating and adopting climate-smart technologies. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=climate%20variability" title="climate variability">climate variability</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=agriculture" title=" agriculture"> agriculture</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=land%20use" title=" land use"> land use</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=mitigation%20strategies" title=" mitigation strategies"> mitigation strategies</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/58743/vulnerability-of-indian-agriculture-to-climate-change-a-study-of-the-himalayan-region-state" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/58743.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">270</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">129</span> Establishment of Diagnostic Reference Levels for Computed Tomography Examination at the University of Ghana Medical Centre</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Shirazu%20Issahaku">Shirazu Issahaku</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Isaac%20Kwesi%20Acquah"> Isaac Kwesi Acquah</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Simon%20Mensah%20Amoh"> Simon Mensah Amoh</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=George%20Nunoo"> George Nunoo</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Introduction: Diagnostic Reference Levels are important indicators for monitoring and optimizing protocol and procedure in medical imaging between facilities and equipment. This helps to evaluate whether, in routine clinical conditions, the median value obtained for a representative group of patients within an agreed range from a specified procedure is unusually high or low for that procedure. This study aimed to propose Diagnostic Reference Levels for Computed Tomography examination of the most common routine examination of the head, chest and abdominal pelvis regions at the University of Ghana Medical Centre. Methods: The Diagnostic Reference Levels were determined based on the investigation of the most common routine examinations, including head Computed Tomography examination with and without contrast, abdominopelvic Computed Tomography examination with and without contrast, and chest Computed Tomography examination without contrast. The study was based on two dose indicators: the volumetric Computed Tomography Dose Index and Dose-Length Product. Results: The estimated median distribution for head Computed Tomography with contrast for volumetric-Computed Tomography dose index and Dose-Length Product were 38.33 mGy and 829.35 mGy.cm, while without contrast, were 38.90 mGy and 860.90 mGy.cm respectively. For an abdominopelvic Computed Tomography examination with contrast, the estimated volumetric-Computed Tomography dose index and Dose-Length Product values were 40.19 mGy and 2096.60 mGy.cm. In the absence of contrast, the calculated values were 14.65 mGy and 800.40 mGy.cm, respectively. Additionally, for chest Computed Tomography examination, the estimated values were 12.75 mGy and 423.95 mGy.cm for volumetric-Computed Tomography dose index and Dose-Length Product, respectively. These median values represent the proposed diagnostic reference values of the head, chest, and abdominal pelvis regions. Conclusions: The proposed Diagnostic Reference Level is comparable to the recommended International Atomic Energy Agency and International Commission Radiation Protection Publication 135 and other regional published data by the European Commission and Regional National Diagnostic Reference Level in Africa. These reference levels will serve as benchmarks to guide clinicians in optimizing radiation dose levels while ensuring accurate diagnostic image quality at the facility. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=diagnostic%20reference%20levels" title="diagnostic reference levels">diagnostic reference levels</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=computed%20tomography%20dose%20index" title=" computed tomography dose index"> computed tomography dose index</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=computed%20tomography" title=" computed tomography"> computed tomography</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=radiation%20exposure" title=" radiation exposure"> radiation exposure</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=dose-length%20product" title=" dose-length product"> dose-length product</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=radiation%20protection" title=" radiation protection"> radiation protection</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/188321/establishment-of-diagnostic-reference-levels-for-computed-tomography-examination-at-the-university-of-ghana-medical-centre" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/188321.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">50</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">128</span> Using Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors in Population Growth and Stability Obtaining</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Abubakar%20Sadiq%20Mensah">Abubakar Sadiq Mensah</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The Knowledge of the population growth of a nation is paramount to national planning. The population of a place is studied and a model developed over a period of time, Matrices is used to form model for population growth. The eigenvalue ƛ of the matrix A and its corresponding eigenvector X is such that AX = ƛX is calculated. The stable age distribution of the population is obtained using the eigenvalue and the characteristic polynomial. Hence, estimation could be made using eigenvalues and eigenvectors. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=eigenvalues" title="eigenvalues">eigenvalues</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=eigenvectors" title=" eigenvectors"> eigenvectors</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=population" title=" population"> population</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=growth%2Fstability" title=" growth/stability"> growth/stability</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/49175/using-eigenvalues-and-eigenvectors-in-population-growth-and-stability-obtaining" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/49175.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">521</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">127</span> Association between Dental Caries and Asthma among 12-15 Years Old School Children Studying in Karachi, Pakistan: A Cross Sectional Study</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Wajeeha%20Zahid">Wajeeha Zahid</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Shafquat%20Rozi"> Shafquat Rozi</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Farhan%20Raza"> Farhan Raza</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Masood%20Kadir"> Masood Kadir</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Background: Dental caries affects the overall health and well-being of children. Findings from various international studies regarding the association of dental caries with asthma are inconsistent. With the increasing burden of caries and childhood asthma, it becomes imperative for an underdeveloped country like Pakistan where resources are limited to identify whether there is a relationship between the two. This study aims to identify an association between dental caries and asthma. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 544 children aged 12-15 years recruited from five private schools in Karachi. Information on asthma was collected through the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire. The questionnaire addressed questions regarding child’s demographics, physician diagnoses of asthma, type of medication administered, family history of asthma and allergies, dietary habits and oral hygiene behavior. Dental caries was assessed using DMFT Index (Decayed, Missing, Filled teeth) index The data was analyzed using Cox proportional Hazard algorithm and crude and adjusted prevalence ratios with 95% CI were reported. Results: This study comprises of 306 (56.3%) boys and 238 (43.8%) girls. The mean age of children was 13.2 ± (0.05) years. The total number of children with carious teeth (DMFT > 0) were 166/544 (30.5%), and the decayed component contributed largely (22.8%) to the DMFT score. The prevalence of physician’s diagnosed asthma was 13%. This study identified almost 7% asthmatic children using the internationally validated International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) tool and 8 children with childhood asthma were identified by parent interviews. Overall prevalence of asthma was 109/544 (20%). The prevalence of caries in asthmatic children was 28.4% as compared to 31% among non-asthmatic children. The adjusted prevalence ratio of dental caries in asthmatic children was 0.8 (95% CI 0.59-1.29). After adjusting for carious food intake, age, oral hygiene index and dentist visit, the association between asthma and dental caries turned out to be non-significant. Conclusion: There was no association between asthma and dental caries among children who participated in this study. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=asthma" title="asthma">asthma</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=caries" title=" caries"> caries</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=children" title=" children"> children</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=school-based" title=" school-based"> school-based</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/84700/association-between-dental-caries-and-asthma-among-12-15-years-old-school-children-studying-in-karachi-pakistan-a-cross-sectional-study" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/84700.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">246</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">126</span> A GIS Based Composite Land Degradation Assessment and Mapping of Tarkwa Mining Area</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Bernard%20Kumi-Boateng">Bernard Kumi-Boateng</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Kofi%20Bonsu"> Kofi Bonsu</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The clearing of vegetation in the Tarkwa Mining Area (TMA) for the purposes of mining, lumbering and development of settlement for the increasing population has caused a large scale denudation of the forest cover and erosion of the top soil thereby degrading the agriculture land. It is, therefore, essential to know the current status of land degradation in TMA so as to facilitate land conservation policy-making. The types of degradation, the extents of the degradations and their various degrees were combined to develop a composite land degradation index to assess the current status of land degradation in TMA using GIS based techniques. The assessment revealed that the most significant types of degradation in TMA were open pit and quarry mining; urbanisation and other construction projects; and surface scraping during land clearing. It was found that 21.62 % of the total area of TMA (353.07 km2) had high degradation index rating. It is recommended that decision makers use this assessment as a reference point for future initiatives that will be taken in order to develop land conservation policy. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=degradation" title="degradation">degradation</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=GIS" title=" GIS"> GIS</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=land" title=" land"> land</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=mining" title=" mining"> mining</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/53904/a-gis-based-composite-land-degradation-assessment-and-mapping-of-tarkwa-mining-area" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/53904.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">354</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">125</span> Measurements of Chitin by Ochratoxigenic Fungi and Its Relationship to Ochratoxin a Production</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Jamal%20Elzwai">Jamal Elzwai</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Kofi%20Aidoo"> Kofi Aidoo</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Alan%20Candlish"> Alan Candlish</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Production of OTA was detected after 24hr by Aspergillus ochraceus isolate whereas at 36hr for A. carbonarius isolate and Penicillium verrucosum IMI 285522 and 60hr for A. ochraceus CBS 588.68. Highest OTA level was produced by A. carbonarius isolate followed by A. ochraceus CBS 588.68, Penicillium verrucosum IMI 285522 and finally A. ochraceus isolate. Glucosamine content of barley sample before fermentation was found to be negligible and remained almost constant during the incubation time. Glucosamine content started to increase at 12 hours after incubation with A. ochraceus isolate, A. carbonarius isolate and A. ochraceus CBS 588.68, and after 12 hours with P. verrucosum IMI 285522. Highest glucosamine content, as a result of increase in fungal biomass, was produced by A. ochraceus CBS 588.68 followed by A. ochraceus isolate, A. carbonarius isolate, and finally by P. verrucosum IMI 285522. It appears that there is a correlation between OTA synthesis and glucosamine content with A. ochraceus isolate, A. carbonarius isolate and A. ochraceus CBS 588.68 but not with P. verrucosum IMI 285522. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=chitin" title="chitin">chitin</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=barley" title=" barley"> barley</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Ochratoxin%20A" title=" Ochratoxin A"> Ochratoxin A</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Aspergiluus%20ochraceus" title=" Aspergiluus ochraceus"> Aspergiluus ochraceus</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=A.%20carbonarius" title=" A. carbonarius"> A. carbonarius</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Penicillium%20verrucosum" title=" Penicillium verrucosum"> Penicillium verrucosum</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/16117/measurements-of-chitin-by-ochratoxigenic-fungi-and-its-relationship-to-ochratoxin-a-production" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/16117.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">430</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">124</span> Journey to the East: The Story of Ghanaian Migrants in Guangzhou, China</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Mark%20Kwaku%20Mensah%20Obeng">Mark Kwaku Mensah Obeng</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> In the late 1990s and early 2000s, nationals of sub-Saharan Africa who had initially settled in the Middle East and other parts of south east Asia moved to Guangzhou in response to the 1997/8 Asian financial crisis in numbers never witnessed. They were later joined by many more as the Chinese economy improved and as the economic relationship between China and Africa improved. This paper tells the story of identifiable sets of Ghanaians in Guangzhou, China in the 21st century. It details out their respective characteristics and their activities in China, their migratory trajectories and the motivations for travelling to China. Also analyzed is how they are coping with life in the unknown destination. It finally attempt predicting the future of the Ghanaian community in China in terms of their level of community participation and integration. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Africa%20in%20China" title="Africa in China">Africa in China</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Ghana" title=" Ghana"> Ghana</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=motivation" title=" motivation"> motivation</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Guangzhou" title=" Guangzhou"> Guangzhou</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/29072/journey-to-the-east-the-story-of-ghanaian-migrants-in-guangzhou-china" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/29072.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">447</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">123</span> Time Series Analysis of Radon Concentration at Different Depths in an Underground Goldmine</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Theophilus%20Adjirackor">Theophilus Adjirackor</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Frederic%20Sam"> Frederic Sam</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Irene%20Opoku-Ntim"> Irene Opoku-Ntim</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=David%20Okoh%20Kpeglo"> David Okoh Kpeglo</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Prince%20K.%20Gyekye"> Prince K. Gyekye</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Frank%20K.%20Quashie"> Frank K. Quashie</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Kofi%20Ofori"> Kofi Ofori</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Indoor radon concentrations were collected monthly over a period of one year in 10 different levels in an underground goldmine, and the data was analyzed using a four-moving average time series to determine the relationship between the depths of the underground mine and the indoor radon concentration. The detectors were installed in batches within four quarters. The measurements were carried out using LR115 solid-state nuclear track detectors. Statistical models are applied in the prediction and analysis of the radon concentration at various depths. The time series model predicted a positive relationship between the depth of the underground mine and the indoor radon concentration. Thus, elevated radon concentrations are expected at deeper levels of the underground mine, but the relationship was insignificant at the 5% level of significance with a negative adjusted R2 (R2 = – 0.021) due to an appropriate engineering and adequate ventilation rate in the underground mine. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=LR115" title="LR115">LR115</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=radon%20concentration" title=" radon concentration"> radon concentration</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=rime%20series" title=" rime series"> rime series</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=underground%20goldmine" title=" underground goldmine"> underground goldmine</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/186013/time-series-analysis-of-radon-concentration-at-different-depths-in-an-underground-goldmine" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/186013.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">45</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">122</span> The Relationship between Organizations' Acquired Skills, Knowledge, Abilities and Shareholders (SKAS) Wealth Maximization: The Mediating Role of Training Investment</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Gabriel%20Dwomoh">Gabriel Dwomoh</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Williams%20Kwasi%20Boachie"> Williams Kwasi Boachie</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Kofi%20Kwarteng"> Kofi Kwarteng</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The study looked at the relationship between organizations’ acquired knowledge, skills, abilities, and shareholders wealth with training playing the mediating role. The sample of the study consisted of organizations that spent 10% or more of its annual budget on training and those whose training budget is less than 10% of the organization’s annual budget. A total of 620 questionnaires were distributed to employees working in various organizations out of which 580 representing 93.5% were retrieved. The respondents that constitute the sample were drawn using convenience sampling. The researchers used regression models for their analyses with the help of SPSS 16.0. Analyzing multiple models, it was discovered that organizations training investment plays a considerable indirect and direct effect with partial mediation between organizations acquired skills, knowledge, abilities, and shareholders wealth. Shareholders should allow their agents to invest part of their holdings to develop the human capital of the organization but this should be done with caution since shareholders returns do not depend much on how much organizations spend in developing its human resource capital. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=skills" title="skills">skills</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=knowledge" title=" knowledge"> knowledge</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=abilities" title=" abilities"> abilities</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=shareholders%20wealth" title=" shareholders wealth"> shareholders wealth</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=training%20investment" title=" training investment"> training investment</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/33991/the-relationship-between-organizations-acquired-skills-knowledge-abilities-and-shareholders-skas-wealth-maximization-the-mediating-role-of-training-investment" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/33991.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">240</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">121</span> Application of Molecular Markers for Crop Improvement</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Monisha%20Isaac">Monisha Isaac</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Use of molecular markers for selecting plants with desired traits has been started long back. Due to their heritable characteristics, they are useful for identification and characterization of specific genotypes. The study involves various types of molecular markers used to select multiple desired characters in plants, their properties, and advantages to improve crop productivity in adverse climatological conditions for the purpose of providing food security to fast-growing global population. The study shows that genetic similarities obtained from molecular markers provide more accurate information and the genetic diversity can be better estimated from the genetic relationship obtained from the dendrogram. The information obtained from markers assisted characterization is more suitable for the crops of economic importance like sugarcane. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=molecular%20markers" title="molecular markers">molecular markers</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=crop%20productivity" title=" crop productivity"> crop productivity</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=genetic%20diversity" title=" genetic diversity"> genetic diversity</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=genotype" title=" genotype"> genotype</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/69621/application-of-molecular-markers-for-crop-improvement" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/69621.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">516</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">120</span> Kinetic Parameter Estimation from Thermogravimetry and Microscale Combustion Calorimetry</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Rhoda%20Afriyie%20Mensah">Rhoda Afriyie Mensah</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Lin%20Jiang"> Lin Jiang</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Solomon%20Asante-Okyere"> Solomon Asante-Okyere</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Xu%20Qiang"> Xu Qiang</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Cong%20Jin"> Cong Jin</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Flammability analysis of extruded polystyrene (XPS) has become crucial due to its utilization as insulation material for energy efficient buildings. Using the Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose and Flynn-Wall-Ozawa methods, the degradation kinetics of two pure XPS from the local market, red and grey ones, were obtained from the results of thermogravity analysis (TG) and microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) experiments performed under the same heating rates. From the experiments, it was discovered that red XPS released more heat than grey XPS and both materials showed two mass loss stages. Consequently, the kinetic parameters for red XPS were higher than grey XPS. A comparative evaluation of activation energies from MCC and TG showed an insignificant degree of deviation signifying an equivalent apparent activation energy from both methods. However, different activation energy profiles as a result of the different chemical pathways were presented when the dependencies of the activation energies on extent of conversion for TG and MCC were compared. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=flammability" title="flammability">flammability</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=microscale%20combustion%20calorimetry" title=" microscale combustion calorimetry"> microscale combustion calorimetry</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=thermogravity%20analysis" title=" thermogravity analysis"> thermogravity analysis</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=thermal%20degradation" title=" thermal degradation"> thermal degradation</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=kinetic%20analysis" title=" kinetic analysis"> kinetic analysis</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/113510/kinetic-parameter-estimation-from-thermogravimetry-and-microscale-combustion-calorimetry" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/113510.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">177</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">119</span> Kiira EV Project Transition from Student to Professional Team through Project-Based Skills Development</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Doreen%20Orishaba">Doreen Orishaba</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Paul%20Isaac%20Musasizi"> Paul Isaac Musasizi</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Richard%20Madanda"> Richard Madanda</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Sandy%20Stevens%20Tickodri-Togboa"> Sandy Stevens Tickodri-Togboa</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The world of academia tends to be a very insular place. Consequently, scholars who successfully completed their undergraduate and graduate studies are unpleasantly surprised at how challenging the transition to corporate life can get. This is a global trend even as the students who juggle work with attending some of the most demanding and best graduate programs may not easily adjust to and confirm to the professionalism required for corporate management of the industry. This paper explores the trends in the transition of Kiira EV Project from a predominantly student team to a professional team of a national pride program through mentorship and apprenticeship. The core disciplines within the Kiira EV Project include Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Industrial Design. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=mentorship" title="mentorship">mentorship</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=apprenticeship" title=" apprenticeship"> apprenticeship</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=professional" title=" professional"> professional</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=development" title=" development"> development</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/6522/kiira-ev-project-transition-from-student-to-professional-team-through-project-based-skills-development" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/6522.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">416</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">118</span> Magnesium Alloys for Biomedical Applications Processed by Severe Plastic Deformation</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Mariana%20P.%20Medeiros">Mariana P. Medeiros</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Amanda%20P.%20Carvallo"> Amanda P. Carvallo</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Augusta%20Isaac"> Augusta Isaac</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Milos%20Janecek"> Milos Janecek</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Peter%20Minarik"> Peter Minarik</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Mayerling%20Martinez%20Celis"> Mayerling Martinez Celis</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Roberto.%20R.%20Figueiredo"> Roberto. R. Figueiredo</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The effect of high pressure torsion processing on mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of pure magnesium and Mg-Zn, Mg-Zn-Ca, Mg-Li-Y, and Mg-Y-RE alloys is investigated. Micro-tomography and SEM characterization are used to estimate corrosion rate and evaluate non-uniform corrosion features. The results show the severe plastic deformation processing improves the strength of all magnesium alloys, but deformation localization can take place in the Mg-Zn-Ca and Mg-Y-RE alloys. The occurrence of deformation localization is associated with low strain rate sensitivity in these alloys and with severe corrosion localization. Pure magnesium and Mg-Zn and Mg-Li-Y alloys display good corrosion resistance with low corrosion rate and maintained integrity after 28 days of immersion in Hank`s solution. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=magnesium%20alloys" title="magnesium alloys">magnesium alloys</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=severe%20plastic%20deformation" title=" severe plastic deformation"> severe plastic deformation</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=corrosion" title=" corrosion"> corrosion</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=biodegradable%20alloys" title=" biodegradable alloys"> biodegradable alloys</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/157866/magnesium-alloys-for-biomedical-applications-processed-by-severe-plastic-deformation" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/157866.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">112</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">117</span> An Adjusted Network Information Criterion for Model Selection in Statistical Neural Network Models</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Christopher%20Godwin%20Udomboso">Christopher Godwin Udomboso</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Angela%20Unna%20Chukwu"> Angela Unna Chukwu</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Isaac%20Kwame%20Dontwi"> Isaac Kwame Dontwi</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> In selecting a Statistical Neural Network model, the Network Information Criterion (NIC) has been observed to be sample biased, because it does not account for sample sizes. The selection of a model from a set of fitted candidate models requires objective data-driven criteria. In this paper, we derived and investigated the Adjusted Network Information Criterion (ANIC), based on Kullback’s symmetric divergence, which has been designed to be an asymptotically unbiased estimator of the expected Kullback-Leibler information of a fitted model. The analyses show that on a general note, the ANIC improves model selection in more sample sizes than does the NIC. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=statistical%20neural%20network" title="statistical neural network">statistical neural network</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=network%20information%20criterion" title=" network information criterion"> network information criterion</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=adjusted%20network" title=" adjusted network"> adjusted network</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=information%20criterion" title=" information criterion"> information criterion</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=transfer%20function" title=" transfer function"> transfer function</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/28771/an-adjusted-network-information-criterion-for-model-selection-in-statistical-neural-network-models" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/28771.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">566</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">116</span> Comparative International Law and Feminist Legal Studies, Uniting to Make a Difference in Addressing the Disempowerment of Women</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Isaac%20Kfir">Isaac Kfir</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> In thinking about the role of the law and its impact on socially constructed norms and identities, scholars have come to explore a multitude of issues to do with equality, empowerment, and views. The aim of this contribution is threefold. Firstly, offer a descriptive framework of feminist legal studies (FLS) through a review of the evolution of the field in the context of equality, rights, and justice. Secondly, encourage those working on equality, rights, and justice in respect to ‘women’s issues’ to engage in international comparative legal studies. Third, to highlight that those seeking solutions to disempowerment and discrimination must recognize that they need to contend with claims that one is seeking to undermine cultural norms. Therefore, one effective way for feminists to address this situation is by relying more on the international legal mechanism, which reflects basic legal tenets as to the universality of equality, rights, and justice, that can then help shape the domestic setting. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=international%20comparative%20law" title="international comparative law">international comparative law</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=feminist%20legal%20studies" title=" feminist legal studies"> feminist legal studies</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=equality" title=" equality"> equality</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=rights" title=" rights"> rights</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=justice" title=" justice"> justice</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/55106/comparative-international-law-and-feminist-legal-studies-uniting-to-make-a-difference-in-addressing-the-disempowerment-of-women" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/55106.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">276</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">115</span> Evaluation of Fuel Properties of Six Tropical Hardwood Timber Species for Briquettes</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Stephen%20J.%20Mitchual">Stephen J. Mitchual</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Kwasi%20Frimpong-Mensah"> Kwasi Frimpong-Mensah</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Nicholas%20A.%20Darkwa"> Nicholas A. Darkwa</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The fuel potential of six tropical hardwood species namely: Triplochiton scleroxylon, Ceiba pentandra, Aningeria robusta, Terminalia superba, Celtis mildbreadii and Piptadenia africana were studied. Properties studied include the species density, gross calorific value, volatile matter, ash, organic carbon, N, H, S, Cu, Pb, As and Cd content. Fuel properties were determined using standard laboratory methods. The result indicates that the Gross Calorific Value (GCV) of the species ranged from 20.16 to 22.22 MJ/kg and they slightly varied from each other. Additionally, the GCV of the biomass materials were higher than that of other biomass materials like; wheat straw, rice straw, maize straw and sugar cane. The ash and volatile matter content varied from 0.6075 to 5.0407%, and 75.23% to 83.70% respectively. The overall rating of the properties of the six biomass materials suggest that Piptadenia africana has the best fuel property to be used as briquettes and Aningeria robusta the worse. This study therefore suggests that a holistic assessment of a biomass material needs to be done before selecting it for fuel purpose. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=ash%20content" title="ash content">ash content</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=briquette" title=" briquette"> briquette</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=calorific%20value" title=" calorific value"> calorific value</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=elemental%20composition" title=" elemental composition"> elemental composition</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=species" title=" species"> species</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=volatile%20matter" title=" volatile matter"> volatile matter</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/4930/evaluation-of-fuel-properties-of-six-tropical-hardwood-timber-species-for-briquettes" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/4930.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">419</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">114</span> Analysis of Football Fans Perception of the Video Assistant Referee System</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=David%20Yartel">David Yartel</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Johnmark%20Ampomah%20Mensah%20Fobi"> Johnmark Ampomah Mensah Fobi</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Ernest%20Yeboah%20Acheampong"> Ernest Yeboah Acheampong</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Sintim%20Musah"> Sintim Musah</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Football has gone through a series of technological reforms targeted at improving the game for its audience. Yet, promote sanity of the game led to the introduction of the video assistant referee (VAR) to ‘check’ or ‘review’ an incident to clarify incidents and communicate the outcome to the referee and the fans. This is to reduce controversies regarding incidents on the pitch of play. In this study, we seek to survey the views of football fans to understand their perception of the video assistant referee, whether it has brought sanity or reduce the uncertainty regarding the decisions after reviews. The exploratory study focuses on 420 fans arbitrarily sampled on the university campuses to answer questionnaires based on the introduction of the video assistant referee. Results show that the VAR has interrupted the flow of the game, dropping passion, increased controversies including decisions from the referees’ call room leading to ensuing fans conflict, especially when it is against their team and vice versa. The study concludes by addressing some of their concerns as the VAR has come to minimise perceptions of incidents and engender fairness for teams. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=football%20fans" title="football fans">football fans</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=football%20incidents" title=" football incidents"> football incidents</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=football%20match" title=" football match"> football match</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=video%20assistant%20referee" title=" video assistant referee"> video assistant referee</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=technology" title=" technology"> technology</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/118318/analysis-of-football-fans-perception-of-the-video-assistant-referee-system" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/118318.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">143</span> </span> </div> </div> <ul class="pagination"> <li class="page-item disabled"><span class="page-link">&lsaquo;</span></li> <li class="page-item active"><span class="page-link">1</span></li> <li class="page-item"><a class="page-link" href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Isaac%20Kofi%20Mensah&page=2">2</a></li> <li class="page-item"><a class="page-link" href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Isaac%20Kofi%20Mensah&page=3">3</a></li> <li class="page-item"><a class="page-link" href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Isaac%20Kofi%20Mensah&page=4">4</a></li> <li class="page-item"><a class="page-link" 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