Examining Policy Guidelines for Distance Education in Dual Mode Public Universities in Ghana

The study reports a case of distance education policy in the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), a dual mode University in Ghana. The interview method was used to obtain information from 21 purposively selected key informants in the University. Policy documents that addressed Distance Education (DE) were reviewed. The study showed that KNUST has identified DE as a policy initiative for meeting institutional goals. The current DE policy focus was on student support services. However, policy areas under Governance/ Administration and Academic/Faculty/Department were yet to be fully developed. The study recommended a systematic review/audit of existing institutional policies to take care of the needs of distance learners. These needs include addressing key issues of facilities and resources in the Regional centers and documenting policies that showcase the benefits of individual and departmental efforts relating to workload to increase interest, satisfaction and participation in the DE programmes by the various Departments.Keywords: Policy guidelines, distance education, dual mode Universitie

Mathematical modeling in population dynamics: the case of single species population

The growth and decline of population in nature and the struggle of species to predominate over one another has been a subject of interest dating back through the ages. Applications of simple mathematical concepts to such phenomena were noted centuries ago. This paper discusses mathematical models in biology, their formulation, analysis and interpretation. Much emphasis is placed on how appropriate assumptions simplify the problem, how important variables are identified and how differential equations are tailored to describing the essential features of a continuous process. The trust of this paper is the application of mathematical models in helping to unravel the underlying mechanisms involved in biological and ecological processes. African Journal of Educational Studies in Mathematics and Sciences Vol. 2(1) 2004: 1-

Mathematical Model of Two Isomeric Conformations for WASP Autoinhibition

The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome Protein (WASP) has been implicated in many diseases including Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS) and Buruli ulcer, but no mathematical model has been developed yet to describe the kinetics/dynamics of WASP. WASP is regulated by autoinhibition. In the autoinhibited complex, intramolecular interactions with the GTPase-binding domain (GBD) occlude residues of the C terminus that regulate the Arp2/3 actin-nucleating complex. Binding of Cdc42 to the GTPase-binding domain relieves the autoinhibitory contact between the GTPase-binding domain (GBD) and the C-terminal VCA region of WASP proteins and causes a dramatic conformational change, resulting in disruption of the hydrophobic core and release of the C terminus, enabling its interaction with the actin regulatory machinery. Here we have developed a mathematical model that quantitatively describes WASP by two isomeric conformations, an active, largely unfolded conformation that is able to stimulate the Arp2/3 complex, and an inactive, folded conformation. The model invokes an intrinsic isomeric equilibrium constant  and an affinity constant  to control intramolecular contacts between the regulatory GBD and the activity-bearing VCA domain of the protein. The formulation is concentration-dependent based on steady-state equilibrium and conservation principles. By this approach we are able to quantify the fractional response of WASP against change in concentration of ligand. The model accurately predicts WASP autinhibition. The analysis confirms that WASP needs Cdc42 as an activator for maximal activation. In the absence of a ligand, WASP is regulated by the intrinsic isomeric equilibrium constant. We also find that the stability of equilibrium of the model is affected by the Cdc42 affinity of WASP.  The results further augment the understanding on the role of WASP in polymerization of actin filament and cytoskeletal rearrangement. Keywords: Wiskott - Aldrich Syndrome Protein, autoinhibition, isomeric, conformation, receptor, ligand, enzyme, protein, binding

A matching scheme for aquaculture; a graphing calculator approach

Graphing Calculator Technology possesses a lot of capabilities in solving a variety of scientific and non-scientific problems. Its programming abilities make it very flexible to use. Unfortunately, it has been underutilised. In this paper, we develop an application with the graphing calculator to handle the processes in a Matching Scheme for Assigning Fish Types to Ponds. The application gives an inclusion matrix which is used as the basis of the matching and finally gives summary of the assignment..Journal of Science and Technology (Ghana) Vol. 27 (2) 2007: pp. 99-10

Fractional radial-cylindrical diffusivity model for levels of heterogeneity in petroleum reservoirs

The generalized Taylor's Formula is used to derive a fractional radial-cylindrical diffusivity model via a fractional conservation of mass in radial geometry in a petroleum reservoir. The result is a space-fractional generalization of the diffusivity model with an arbitrary order that explains the degree of heterogeneity of the medium (a continuous spectrum of zero to one where zero heterogeneity equates to homogeneity). An implicit unconditionally stable numerical difference scheme of the linear form of the derived model is used to illustrate deviations of the model from the homogeneous medium. The variation of the order produces additional localized pressure drops during flow which is congruous with fluid inhibition effect of heterogeneity.

Curriculum relevance and graduate career: a tracer study of Cemba, Cempa and industrial mathematics graduates

The study traced the graduates of CEMBA, CEMPA and MSc. Industrial Mathematics programmes in the distance learning mode at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi from 2010 to 2012. The descriptive survey method was used to assess the large and scattered graduate population. The main instrument used in gathering data was a questionnaire. A face to face interview with employers was also conducted in order to support data from graduate respondents. A total of 450 graduates participated in the study. The SPSS statistical software was used to generate results from the acquired quantitative data. The findings revealed that majority of the graduates in the three programmes were employed in the public sector, and mainly in the field of education. The Graduates found the content of their programme relevant to their career. The results also showed that job performance of graduates improved after their study. Work supervisors rated the graduates very high in terms of job performance indicators such as 'improved work competence' and 'team working ability'. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the Institute of Distance Learning and the Department of Mathematics utilise the findings/result of the study to review their curricula to meet workplace demands.Keywords: IDL-KNUST, graduates, tracer study, job performance, relevance

An Adjusted Network Information Criterion for Model Selection in Statistical Neural Network Models

In this paper, we derived and investigated the Adjusted Network Information Criterion (ANIC) criterion, 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 ANIC improves model selection in more sample sizes than does the NIC

Optimal Allocation of Flows (Water) Within the Volta Basin System of Ghana

In this paper, a hypothetical network is proposed for the Volta Basin System (V.B.S) using the optimization technique for obtaining corresponding optimal allocation of flows from runoffs in the sub-basins (source) to the sink (Akosombo reservoir). Maximum flow paths and their capacities with consumptive and non-consumptive flows were identified. We are able to determine the optimal withdrawals on these flows for either consumptive or non-consumptive use.Keywords: Network, sub-basins, sources and sinks, consumptive and non-consumptive flows, optimal allocatio