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Akyina, K. O., Oduro-Okyireh, G. Osei- Owusu, B. (2014). Assessment of the Rationality of Senior High School Students’ Choices of Academic Programmes in Kwabre East District of Ghana. Journal of Education and Practice, 5,
Abstract
The study sought to find out whether Senior High School students in Kwabre East District make rational choices of academic programmes in school. The population of the study was all students in the six Senior High Schools in Kwabre East District. However, the Form 3 students were purposively sampled for the study. Stratified random sampling technique with proportional allocation was used to sample 331 Form 3 students from the various programmes in each school for the study. A self-made questionnaire was used to gather data from the 331 respondents. A total of 320 copies of the questionnaire were obtained from the respondents. Statistical Product for Service Solutions was used to analyze the data. Frequencies and percentages were analyzed to answer all the research questions. It was found out that generally Senior High School students in Kwabre East District make rational choices of their programmes of study. This is because most of them assessed their strengths and weaknesses and sought information on their programmes before choosing them. Again, most of them chose their programmes based on their abilities or interests. However, few of them sought counselling from qualified counsellors before choosing their programmes. It was recommended that school counsellors should reinforce students’ rational programme choice behaviour by intensifying counselling in schools so that students will continue to make rational choices of programmes in school.
The study sought to find out whether Senior High School students in Kwabre East District make rational choices of academic programmes in school. The population of the study was all students in the six Senior High Schools in Kwabre East District. However, the Form 3 students were purposively sampled for the study. Stratified random sampling technique with proportional allocation was used to sample 331 Form 3 students from the various programmes in each school for the study. A self-made questionnaire was used to gather data from the 331 respondents. A total of 320 copies of the questionnaire were obtained from the respondents. Statistical Product for Service Solutions was used to analyze the data. Frequencies and percentages were analyzed to answer all the research questions. It was found out that generally Senior High School students in Kwabre East District make rational choices of their programmes of study. This is because most of them assessed their strengths and weaknesses and sought information on their programmes before choosing them. Again, most of them chose their programmes based on their abilities or interests. However, few of them sought counselling from qualified counsellors before choosing their programmes. It was recommended that school counsellors should reinforce students’ rational programme choice behaviour by intensifying counselling in schools so that students will continue to make rational choices of programmes in school.
Yalley P. K., Asiedu, E. & Mpae, I. (2014). Effects of Bauxite Tailings as Partial Replacement for Sand in Sandcrete Bricks Production. Journal of Civil and Environmental Research, 6,
Abstract
This study was carried out on sand-cement bricks with bauxite tailings, a mining by-product partially replacing the sand varying percentage levels. The bauxite tailings varied from 0% to 50% against the sand at intervals of 10%. Using bricks with dimensions: 210mm × 105mm × 75mm, a total of 120 bricks were produced and tested for their compressive strength, abrasion loss and water absorption after 28-days curing age. Results from the study showed that composite bricks with the bauxite tailings replacing up to 20% of the sand content recorded the highest compressive strength, lowest abrasion loss with the least water permeability. Even though, there was a general decline in the properties of the composite bricks with bauxite tailings replacement beyond 20%, bricks produced satisfied the minimum requirements for bricks suitable for walling. A strong correlation exited between bricks produced from the different replacement levels and the properties of the bricks studied. The bricks performed satisfactorily as masonry units where bauxite tailings content did not exceed 20%.
This study was carried out on sand-cement bricks with bauxite tailings, a mining by-product partially replacing the sand varying percentage levels. The bauxite tailings varied from 0% to 50% against the sand at intervals of 10%. Using bricks with dimensions: 210mm × 105mm × 75mm, a total of 120 bricks were produced and tested for their compressive strength, abrasion loss and water absorption after 28-days curing age. Results from the study showed that composite bricks with the bauxite tailings replacing up to 20% of the sand content recorded the highest compressive strength, lowest abrasion loss with the least water permeability. Even though, there was a general decline in the properties of the composite bricks with bauxite tailings replacement beyond 20%, bricks produced satisfied the minimum requirements for bricks suitable for walling. A strong correlation exited between bricks produced from the different replacement levels and the properties of the bricks studied. The bricks performed satisfactorily as masonry units where bauxite tailings content did not exceed 20%.
Ohemeng, E. A., Yalley, P. K., Dadzie J., & Djokoto S. D. (2014). Utilization of Waste Low Density Polyethylene in High Strengths Concrete Pavement Blocks Production. Journal of Civil and Environmental Research, 6,
Abstract
The disposal of waste plastics is causing a great challenge in Ghana and the world as a whole as the usage of plastics is growing day by day and it takes centuries for waste plastics to decompose. Hence, there is the need to adopt effective methods to utilize these plastics. The main objective of this research was to investigate the feasibility of using waste low density polyethylene as partial replacement for sand in the production of concrete pavement blocks. In this study cement, sand, coarse aggregate, and ground plastic were used. The mix proportion was 1: 1.5: 3 (cement: sand: coarse aggregate). The plastic was used to replace the sand by volume at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60%. It was observed that density, compressive strength, flexural strength, and splitting tensile strength decreased as the plastic content increased. However, the water absorption increased as the plastic content increased. Compressive strengths level ranging from 14.70N/mm2 – 47.29N/mm2 were achieved when water cement ratios of 0.30 – 0.45 were used. Although, the strengths of the pavement blocks decreased as the plastic content increased, compressive strengths of 20N/mm2, 30N/mm2, and 40N/mm2 which are satisfactory for pedestrians walk ways, light traffic and heavy traffic situations respectively could be achieved if 10% - 50% plastic contents are used. It is concluded that the modified pavement blocks would contribute to the disposal of plastics in the world.
The disposal of waste plastics is causing a great challenge in Ghana and the world as a whole as the usage of plastics is growing day by day and it takes centuries for waste plastics to decompose. Hence, there is the need to adopt effective methods to utilize these plastics. The main objective of this research was to investigate the feasibility of using waste low density polyethylene as partial replacement for sand in the production of concrete pavement blocks. In this study cement, sand, coarse aggregate, and ground plastic were used. The mix proportion was 1: 1.5: 3 (cement: sand: coarse aggregate). The plastic was used to replace the sand by volume at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60%. It was observed that density, compressive strength, flexural strength, and splitting tensile strength decreased as the plastic content increased. However, the water absorption increased as the plastic content increased. Compressive strengths level ranging from 14.70N/mm2 – 47.29N/mm2 were achieved when water cement ratios of 0.30 – 0.45 were used. Although, the strengths of the pavement blocks decreased as the plastic content increased, compressive strengths of 20N/mm2, 30N/mm2, and 40N/mm2 which are satisfactory for pedestrians walk ways, light traffic and heavy traffic situations respectively could be achieved if 10% - 50% plastic contents are used. It is concluded that the modified pavement blocks would contribute to the disposal of plastics in the world.
Mitchual, S. J., Donkoh, M., & Bih, F. (2015). Assessment of safety practices and injuries associated with wood processing in a timber company in Ghana. Open Journal of Safety Science and Technology, 5,
Abstract
This paper reports the assessment of safety practices and injuries in a timber company in Ghana. A cross-sectional survey design was used for the study. Data were collected from 300 respondents at a sawmill in Ghana using a 5-point Likert-type scale questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the data analyses. The result indicates that the mean rating of the respondents on their use of personal protective equipment ranged from 1.09 to 2.51. This implies that the workers of the sawmill rarely or never wear: gloves, overall, goggles, face shield, nose and mouth mask, earplugs or helmet during wood processing. Additionally, the mean ratings of the respondents regarding safety practices, machine and maintenance ranged from 2.42 to 4.03 with three out of the eight items having mean ratings higher than the theoretical mean of 3.0. The ratings of the respondents of the saw doctoring department on their practice of safety on machine and maintenance were significantly higher than those of the other departments. The result of the study further suggests that the workers of this sawmill do rarely report of: skin irritation/dermatitis, eye irritation, lack of appetite, arm/leg amputation, neck pains, hearing loss and poor eye sight problems. However, they usually report of headaches, nausea, respiratory problems, small cuts, back pains, and hip and leg pains. The outcome of this study therefore suggests that the management of the sawmill studied needs to do more to enforce practice of safety, especially the use of personal protective equipment, to reduce hazards and injuries associated with wood processing in the firm.
This paper reports the assessment of safety practices and injuries in a timber company in Ghana. A cross-sectional survey design was used for the study. Data were collected from 300 respondents at a sawmill in Ghana using a 5-point Likert-type scale questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the data analyses. The result indicates that the mean rating of the respondents on their use of personal protective equipment ranged from 1.09 to 2.51. This implies that the workers of the sawmill rarely or never wear: gloves, overall, goggles, face shield, nose and mouth mask, earplugs or helmet during wood processing. Additionally, the mean ratings of the respondents regarding safety practices, machine and maintenance ranged from 2.42 to 4.03 with three out of the eight items having mean ratings higher than the theoretical mean of 3.0. The ratings of the respondents of the saw doctoring department on their practice of safety on machine and maintenance were significantly higher than those of the other departments. The result of the study further suggests that the workers of this sawmill do rarely report of: skin irritation/dermatitis, eye irritation, lack of appetite, arm/leg amputation, neck pains, hearing loss and poor eye sight problems. However, they usually report of headaches, nausea, respiratory problems, small cuts, back pains, and hip and leg pains. The outcome of this study therefore suggests that the management of the sawmill studied needs to do more to enforce practice of safety, especially the use of personal protective equipment, to reduce hazards and injuries associated with wood processing in the firm.
Mitchual, S. J., Donkoh, M., & Bih, F. (2015). Awareness and willingness to utilize health and safety measures among workers of a timber processing firm in Ghana. Journal of Scientific Research and Reports, 6,
Abstract
This paper reports the assessment of safety practices and injuries in a timber company in Ghana. A cross-sectional survey design was used for the study. Data were collected from 300 respondents at a sawmill in Ghana using a 5-point Likert-type scale questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the data analyses. The result indicates that the mean rating of the respondents on their use of personal protective equipment ranged from 1.09 to 2.51. This implies that the workers of the sawmill rarely or never wear: gloves, overall, goggles, face shield, nose and mouth mask, earplugs or helmet during wood processing. Additionally, the mean ratings of the respondents regarding safety practices, machine and maintenance, ranged from 2.42 to 4.03 with three out of the eight items having mean ratings higher than the theoretical mean of 3.0. The ratings of the respondents of the saw doctoring department on their practice of safety on machine and maintenance were significantly higher than that of the other departments. The result of the study further suggests that the workers of this sawmill do rarely report of: skin irritation/dermatitis, eye irritation, lack of appetite, arm/leg amputation, neck pains, hearing loss and poor eye sight problems. However, they usually report of headaches, nausea, respiratory problems, small cuts, back pains, and hip and leg pains. The outcome of this study therefore suggests that the management of the sawmill studied need to do more to enforce practice of safety, especially the use of personal protective equipment, to reduce hazards and injuries associated with wood processing in the firm.
This paper reports the assessment of safety practices and injuries in a timber company in Ghana. A cross-sectional survey design was used for the study. Data were collected from 300 respondents at a sawmill in Ghana using a 5-point Likert-type scale questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the data analyses. The result indicates that the mean rating of the respondents on their use of personal protective equipment ranged from 1.09 to 2.51. This implies that the workers of the sawmill rarely or never wear: gloves, overall, goggles, face shield, nose and mouth mask, earplugs or helmet during wood processing. Additionally, the mean ratings of the respondents regarding safety practices, machine and maintenance, ranged from 2.42 to 4.03 with three out of the eight items having mean ratings higher than the theoretical mean of 3.0. The ratings of the respondents of the saw doctoring department on their practice of safety on machine and maintenance were significantly higher than that of the other departments. The result of the study further suggests that the workers of this sawmill do rarely report of: skin irritation/dermatitis, eye irritation, lack of appetite, arm/leg amputation, neck pains, hearing loss and poor eye sight problems. However, they usually report of headaches, nausea, respiratory problems, small cuts, back pains, and hip and leg pains. The outcome of this study therefore suggests that the management of the sawmill studied need to do more to enforce practice of safety, especially the use of personal protective equipment, to reduce hazards and injuries associated with wood processing in the firm.
Mitchual, S. J. (2015). Enhancing the physical properties of briquettes from sawdust of Piptadenia africana through combination with Ceiba pentandra. British Journal of Applied Science and Technology, 6,
Abstract
This study sought to determine the effect of combining sawdust of Piptadenia africana with Ceiba pentandra on the physical and mechanical properties of briquettes produced at room temperature using low compacting pressure without a binder. Briquettes were produced from a mixture of sawdust of Piptadenia africana and Ceiba pentandra. Particle size of sawdust used for this study was 1mm or less. The two materials were combined at mixing proportions: 80 : 20, 60 : 40, 40 : 60 and 20 : 80 (Piptadenia africana : Ceiba pentandra). The results indicated that the relaxed density of briquettes produced from the mixed materials ranged from 534 to 766 kg/m3 whilst that of compressive strength in cleft ranged from 12.46 to 60.28 N/mm. At compacting pressure levels between 30 and 50 MPa, all the briquettes produced from the mixed materials had adequate compressive strength in cleft. The impact resistance index of briquettes from the mixed materials was adequate and ranged from 128 to 500%. The compressive strength in cleft and impact resistance index of all the briquettes produced from the mixed species were better than those produced from Piptadenia africana only. Additionally, at 5% level of significance, the relaxed density, compressive strength in cleft and impact resistance index of briquettes were significantly affected by the biomass raw material and compacting pressure. Thus, the addition of sawdust of Ceiba pentandra to that of Piptadenia africana could significantly improve the physical and mechanical properties of briquettes produced from sawdust of Piptadenia africana. Therefore, production of briquettes from mixed timber species should be encouraged.
This study sought to determine the effect of combining sawdust of Piptadenia africana with Ceiba pentandra on the physical and mechanical properties of briquettes produced at room temperature using low compacting pressure without a binder. Briquettes were produced from a mixture of sawdust of Piptadenia africana and Ceiba pentandra. Particle size of sawdust used for this study was 1mm or less. The two materials were combined at mixing proportions: 80 : 20, 60 : 40, 40 : 60 and 20 : 80 (Piptadenia africana : Ceiba pentandra). The results indicated that the relaxed density of briquettes produced from the mixed materials ranged from 534 to 766 kg/m3 whilst that of compressive strength in cleft ranged from 12.46 to 60.28 N/mm. At compacting pressure levels between 30 and 50 MPa, all the briquettes produced from the mixed materials had adequate compressive strength in cleft. The impact resistance index of briquettes from the mixed materials was adequate and ranged from 128 to 500%. The compressive strength in cleft and impact resistance index of all the briquettes produced from the mixed species were better than those produced from Piptadenia africana only. Additionally, at 5% level of significance, the relaxed density, compressive strength in cleft and impact resistance index of briquettes were significantly affected by the biomass raw material and compacting pressure. Thus, the addition of sawdust of Ceiba pentandra to that of Piptadenia africana could significantly improve the physical and mechanical properties of briquettes produced from sawdust of Piptadenia africana. Therefore, production of briquettes from mixed timber species should be encouraged.
Amoah, M., Dadzie, P. K., Bih, F. K. and Wiafe E. D. (2015). Consumer preferences and purchase intentions for rattan furniture. Wood and Fiber Science, 47,
Abstract
Although research on consumer preference and purchase intentions has received significant attention, little research has been performed with respect to furniture products, particularly in the area of empirical hypothesis testing. This study used regression models to test hypotheses relating to positional goods consumption and environmental and sustainable consumption theories to investigate consumers’ preference for rattan cane furniture and their intentions to purchase the product. A questionnaire was administered to 750 staff and students from universities, polytechnics, and research institutions in Ghana. The results showed that social status, modernity, and environmental safety supported the preference and purchase intentions for rattan cane furniture, whereas mixed results emerged from sustainable consumption. The most important driver of preference for rattan cane furniture was modernity, followed by environmental safety, social status, and sustainable consumption. In the case of purchase intentions, social status emerged as the most important factor, followed by modernity, and then environmental consumption. Building a positive social, environmental, and sustainable image of rattan cane furniture will enhance the product’s value and this will culminate in increasing consumers’ preference for the product and their intentions to purchase the product. The study concluded that through market segmentation, manufacturers, and marketers of rattan cane furniture can target consumers who are pro-environmentalists and those who want to use the product to enhance their social image, thereby attracting a price premium.
Although research on consumer preference and purchase intentions has received significant attention, little research has been performed with respect to furniture products, particularly in the area of empirical hypothesis testing. This study used regression models to test hypotheses relating to positional goods consumption and environmental and sustainable consumption theories to investigate consumers’ preference for rattan cane furniture and their intentions to purchase the product. A questionnaire was administered to 750 staff and students from universities, polytechnics, and research institutions in Ghana. The results showed that social status, modernity, and environmental safety supported the preference and purchase intentions for rattan cane furniture, whereas mixed results emerged from sustainable consumption. The most important driver of preference for rattan cane furniture was modernity, followed by environmental safety, social status, and sustainable consumption. In the case of purchase intentions, social status emerged as the most important factor, followed by modernity, and then environmental consumption. Building a positive social, environmental, and sustainable image of rattan cane furniture will enhance the product’s value and this will culminate in increasing consumers’ preference for the product and their intentions to purchase the product. The study concluded that through market segmentation, manufacturers, and marketers of rattan cane furniture can target consumers who are pro-environmentalists and those who want to use the product to enhance their social image, thereby attracting a price premium.
Amoah, M. and Boateng, R.K. (2014). Addressing illegal logging in Ghana: Do value, social identity,and corporate social responsibility theories matter?. International Forestry Review, 16,
Abstract
Even though several researchers have advanced reasons underlying the prevalence of illegal logging in the tropics, the use of socialization, social identity and corporate social responsibility theories to explain this phenomenon is rare. This study examined whether value, social identity, and corporate social responsibility theories can be used to explain why illegal logging is prevalent in four forest communities in Ghana. Drawing on these theories, it was hypothesized that the chainsaw operators (CSO) are using their social responsibility activities and community solidarity to solicit support from the forest communities in which they operate. Using systematic and convenience sampling techniques, 95 households and 380 individuals were sampled, respectively, for the study. It is evident from the study that the strong attachment of the chainsaw operators to the communities in which they operate has enabled them to galvanize support from the communities and this support appears to have been strengthened by the perceived social, environmental, and economic benefits derived from the chainsaw operations. Among the corporate social responsibility factors, higher compensation rates paid to farmers for crops damage by CSO and the perception that chainsaw operations are more environmentally benign than those of large-scale timber harvesting firms appear to be the most significant factors influencing farmers’ decision to support CSO. The paper concludes that the question of who should own trees on farmlands and what economic benefits should be accrued to farmers for keeping commercial trees on their farms needs rethinking. Strengthening the policy regime on compensation payments and strong adherence to timber harvesting rules could also help reduce the incidence of illegal logging, at least, at the community level.
Even though several researchers have advanced reasons underlying the prevalence of illegal logging in the tropics, the use of socialization, social identity and corporate social responsibility theories to explain this phenomenon is rare. This study examined whether value, social identity, and corporate social responsibility theories can be used to explain why illegal logging is prevalent in four forest communities in Ghana. Drawing on these theories, it was hypothesized that the chainsaw operators (CSO) are using their social responsibility activities and community solidarity to solicit support from the forest communities in which they operate. Using systematic and convenience sampling techniques, 95 households and 380 individuals were sampled, respectively, for the study. It is evident from the study that the strong attachment of the chainsaw operators to the communities in which they operate has enabled them to galvanize support from the communities and this support appears to have been strengthened by the perceived social, environmental, and economic benefits derived from the chainsaw operations. Among the corporate social responsibility factors, higher compensation rates paid to farmers for crops damage by CSO and the perception that chainsaw operations are more environmentally benign than those of large-scale timber harvesting firms appear to be the most significant factors influencing farmers’ decision to support CSO. The paper concludes that the question of who should own trees on farmlands and what economic benefits should be accrued to farmers for keeping commercial trees on their farms needs rethinking. Strengthening the policy regime on compensation payments and strong adherence to timber harvesting rules could also help reduce the incidence of illegal logging, at least, at the community level.
Dadzie, P. K., Amoah, M., Boampong, E., and Frimpong-Mensah, K. (2015). Effect of density and moisture content on biological durability of stem and branch wood of Entandrophragma cylindricum (sapele). Journal of the Indian Academy of Wood Science, 12,
Abstract
Branch wood is being promoted as supplement to stem wood but its natural durability is scarcely studied. This study compared the biological durability of branch wood of Entrandophragma cylindricum (sapele) to its stem wood for ground or other outdoor applications like garden furniture at two moisture levels (i.e., 9 ± 3 and 14 ± 2 % using kiln-drying and air-drying methods, respectively). The study followed a field test method according to EN 252-1989 in combination with percentage weight loss. Branch and stem wood samples were extracted from two natural forests in Ghana. Results indicated that branch wood of sapele was marginally denser than its stem wood. Percentage weight loss of branch wood compared to its stem wood was significantly higher by approximately 108 % at 14 ± 2 % moisture content (MC) but significantly lower by 53 % at 9 ± 3 % MC. The stem and branch woods at 14 ± 2 % MC were classified respectively as moderately durable and non-durable, but at 9 ± 3 % MC both were classified as moderately durable. Visual rating indicated that at 9 ± 3 % MC branch wood could have a better service life than stem wood. Density and MC correlated positively and negatively respectively with weight loss but the association was marginally stronger for stem wood (R2 = 0.86 %) than branch wood (R2 = 0.82 %). In conclusion, sapele branch wood material dried to 9 ± 3 % MC appeared more durable than branch wood at 14 ± 2 % MC or stem wood at either 9 ± 3 or 14 ± 2 % MC. Wood products manufacturers and users should consider using well dried branch wood of sapele to supplement stem wood for ground applications. Further research is encouraged to assess other properties of the branch wood in comparison with its stem wood for a firmer conclusion to be drawn on their utilization.
Branch wood is being promoted as supplement to stem wood but its natural durability is scarcely studied. This study compared the biological durability of branch wood of Entrandophragma cylindricum (sapele) to its stem wood for ground or other outdoor applications like garden furniture at two moisture levels (i.e., 9 ± 3 and 14 ± 2 % using kiln-drying and air-drying methods, respectively). The study followed a field test method according to EN 252-1989 in combination with percentage weight loss. Branch and stem wood samples were extracted from two natural forests in Ghana. Results indicated that branch wood of sapele was marginally denser than its stem wood. Percentage weight loss of branch wood compared to its stem wood was significantly higher by approximately 108 % at 14 ± 2 % moisture content (MC) but significantly lower by 53 % at 9 ± 3 % MC. The stem and branch woods at 14 ± 2 % MC were classified respectively as moderately durable and non-durable, but at 9 ± 3 % MC both were classified as moderately durable. Visual rating indicated that at 9 ± 3 % MC branch wood could have a better service life than stem wood. Density and MC correlated positively and negatively respectively with weight loss but the association was marginally stronger for stem wood (R2 = 0.86 %) than branch wood (R2 = 0.82 %). In conclusion, sapele branch wood material dried to 9 ± 3 % MC appeared more durable than branch wood at 14 ± 2 % MC or stem wood at either 9 ± 3 or 14 ± 2 % MC. Wood products manufacturers and users should consider using well dried branch wood of sapele to supplement stem wood for ground applications. Further research is encouraged to assess other properties of the branch wood in comparison with its stem wood for a firmer conclusion to be drawn on their utilization.
