Combating the challenges in adult learning: The case of Knust distance learners

Majority of distance education students are adults. Such people have many responsibilities; they have families, jobs, social life and other commitments. The ability to manage and co-ordinate their enormous activities will determine how successful they would be in their studies. The primary role of the student is to learn. The purpose of this paper was to find out The challenges faced by the students pursuing distance programmes at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and how they are able to effectively manage them. To enable the students achieve this challenging task requires motivation, planning, and ability to analyse and apply the information being taught. Questionnaire was used to elicit information from a sample size of 120 students pursuing undergraduate and post graduate programmes at the Institute ofDistance Learning (IDL), KNUST. The study revealed that the challenges facing the students include how to combine their work with their studies, manage family and social activities. They are often misunderstood, isolated and some are contemplating dropping out from the programme.They also feel burdened with studies and do not know where to turn to for help. Recommendations were made on how the IDL could help the students to manage and co-ordinate their activities in order to go through their programmes successfully

Growth, carcass and meat characteristics of local breed of rabbits fed diets containing soaked and dried mango (Mangifera indica) seed kernel meal

This study was conducted to find substitutes for dietary maize in rabbit rations, to minimize competition between humans and livestock over the commodity. Mango seed kernel meal (MSKM) was used to substitute up to 20% of maize in rabbit rations, to assess its effects on growth, carcass and meat characteristics. Fresh mango seeds were obtained, husks were removed and seeds soaked in fresh potable water for 48 hours. The seeds were then dried to a moisture content of about 15 %, and then milled for use. Three experimental diets were formulated, where T1 (control, had no MSKM), T2 (10% of maize was replaced with MSKM) and T3 (20% of maize was replaced with MSKM). A total of 48 six-week old rabbits of indeterminate breeds (24 males and 24 females) were assigned to the three dietary treatments (16 rabbits per treatment), and were fed ad-libitumfor 6 weeks, to determine feed intake and growth rates of the rabbits. Water was however provided ad-libitum. At the end of the feeding trial, 24 rabbits were randomly selected (8 from each treatment, equal number of males and females) and were slaughtered humanely after a 12-hour feed withdrawal, for carcass and proximate analyses of the meat. Results from the study indicate that, feed intake and growth rates of the animals reduced significantly (p<0.05) when dietary maize replacement with MSKM increased beyond 10% inclusions. However, crude protein, phosphorus,potassium and zinc contents of the meat increased significantly (p<0.05) as MSKM inclusions increased. That notwithstanding, carcass parameters and organ weights were not affected by substituting up to 20% of maize with MSKM (p>0.05). It can be concluded that MSKM can efficiently be used to substitute up to 20% of maize in rabbit rations, for reduced feed cost, improved crude protein, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc contents of the meat

A thematic approach to succession planning, leadership continuity, and organizational growth: spotlight on chief executive officers in Ghanaian industry

Purpose: This study examines how Succession Planning (SP) for Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of high-performing organizations in emerging markets ensures the steady success of business continuity through competitive advantage and organizational growth. It also takes a keen interest in the role of the board of directors in perpetuating succession planning practices and the key qualities expected of future CEOs which include value-added competencies, specialized knowledge, leadership capabilities, and performance-based success.Design/Methodology/Approach: This study adopts a qualitative and exploratory approach using a thematic approach to analyze the data.Findings: Through a qualitative lens, the study found that most organizations have no succession-planning practices. Again, those that have it had a weak one, and only a few organizations have a mildly strong succession-planning policy. Furthermore, the board of directors plays a crucial role in the succession-planning processes of these organizations.Research Limitation: There were some constraints during the study and writing of this paper which are indicated. The outbreak of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic caused the closing down of targeted companies for research.Practical Implications: Companies should have strategic initiatives to enable the identification of a talent pool for training in all divisions.Social Implications: Training activities such as seminars and workshops should be implemented to improve the understanding of leadership and succession planning.Originality: Studies on succession planning did not consider the role of the board of directors which this study sheds light on. Finally, studies on SP have not emphasized how important it is for chief executive officers to understand the crucial role that strategic decision-making and succession planning play in guaranteeing the long-term growth of organizations in sub-Saharan Africa

Component reliability test approaches for marine renewable energy

Philipp R Thies University of Exeter Cornwall Campus College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Science Penryn Cornwall TR10 9FE United KingdomArticleThis version is the author’s manuscript of the published article. Please cite the published version as: Thies PR, Johanning L, Karikari-Boateng KA, Ng C, McKeever P. (2015). Component reliability test approaches for marine renewable energy. Proc IMechE Part O: Journal of Risk and Reliability, Spec. Issue, Vol. 229 (5), pp. 403-416, DOI:10.1177/1748006X15580837.An increasing number of marine renewable energy (MRE) systems are reaching the stage where a working prototype must be demonstrated in operation in order to progress to the next stage of commercial projects. This stage is often referred to as ‘valley of death’ where device developers face the challenge of raising capital needed to demonstrate the prototype. The dilemma is that investors understandably demand a proven track record and demonstrated reliability in order to provide capital. One way to resolve this dilemma is specific component reliability testing that not only satisfies investor expectations but holds the potential to improve and de-risk components for MRE. This paper gives an overview to different component reliability test approaches in established industries and for MRE, covering both wave and tidal energy technologies. There has been notable activity in the research community to develop and implement dedicated component reliability test rigs that allow the investigation and demonstration of component reliability under controlled, yet representative conditions. Two case studies of physical test rigs will illustrate the possible test approaches. The Nautilus Powertrain test rig, a facility at the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, focuses on the demonstration and testing of drive train components including gearboxes, generators, mechanical couplings and bearings. The Dynamic Marine Component test rig (DMaC) at the University of Exeter aims to replicate the forces and motions for floating offshore applications and their subsystems, including mooring lines and power cables. This paper highlights the relevance of component testing and qualification prior to large-scale commercial deployments and gives an insight to some of the test capabilities available in the sector. Several case studies illustrate the component test approach for tidal energy (Nautilus) and wave energy (DMaC) applications.European Union’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)Peninsula Research Institute for Marine Renewable Energy (PRIMaRE)Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)Energy Technoliogy Istitute (ETI)Research Councils UK (RCUK) Energy programmeIndustrial Doctorate Centre in Offshore Renewable Energy (IDCORE

Age of Transplant and Row Spacing Effects on Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Chilli Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Two field experiments were conducted for two years (2013 and 2014) at the Multipurpose crop nursery of the University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-campus from May to September to evaluate the effect of three transplanting ages (30, 37 and 44 days) and four row spacing (30 x 30 cm, 40 x 30 cm, 50 x 30 cm and 60 x 30cm) on growth, yield and yield components of pepper. The experimental design used was a 3 x 4 factorial in randomized complete block design with three replicates for both experiments. The results showed that 44 aged transplants had the highest yield during the 2013 cropping season, tallest plant in both cropping seasons, highest number of branches and canopy width for the entire 2014 cropping season. The 30 aged transplants differed significantly from the other aged transplants in number of fruits per plant and widest fruit diameter during the 2013 cropping season. The 40 x 30 cm row spacing had the tallest plant and highest number of branches from 8 to 10 weeks after transplanting in both cropping seasons. The 30 x 30 cm row spacing differed significantly from the 50 x 30 cm and 60 x 30 cm row spacing in fruit yield during the 2013 cropping season. The 60 x 30 cm row spacing had the longest fruit length and the heaviest fruit weight per plant during the 2013 cropping season. It is concluded that for high fruit yield, farmers are to transplant pepper seedlings at 44 days using 30 x 30 cm row spacing

Assessment of yield losses due to early and late leaf spots of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Early leaf spot (Cercospora arachidicola) and late leaf spot (sporidium personatum) are major limiting factors to groundnut productivity in northern Ghana. Fourteen groundnut entries were evaluated for two seasons (2003 and 2004) at Nyankpala with and without tebuconazole fungicide application. The objective of this study was to determine the yield losses due to combined attack of both diseases, with and without using tebuconazole (Folicur 3.6F) at 0.22 kg a.i. ha-1. The experiments were established in a split-plot design with three replications. Disease rating and pod yield were recorded at harvest maturity. Yield losses varied considerably, depending on entry and its yield potential. Pod yield losses due to both diseases ranged from 9.7 to 81.2 per cent in 2003, and from 19.5 to 65.9 per cent in 2004 when yield of protected entries was compared with yield of unprotected entries. The application of fungicide was effective in controlling leaf spots and improved pod yields across the two seasons. Some entries treated with fungicide produced pod yield of 1,860 to 2,081 kg ha-1, which is more than 2 to 2½-fold increase over present average yields in Ghana. Based on the high yield losses, chemical control and host-plant resistance options for managing both diseases in the north are recommended to enhance groundnut production. La tache à feuilles précoce (Cercospora arachidicola) et la tache à feille tardice (Cercosporidium personatum) sont des facteurs contraignants majeurs à la productivité d\'arachide dans le nord du Ghana. Quartorze variétés d\'arachide étaient évaluées pour deux saisons (2003 et 2004) à Nyankpala avec ou sans application de fongicide. Le but de ce travail de recherche était de déterminer les pertes de rendement en raison d\'attaque combinée des deux maladies en utilsant tébuconazole (Folicur 3.6F) à 0.22 kg a. i./ha. Les expériences étaient étabiles dans un dessin de lot-divisé avec trois répétitions. L\'indice de maladie et le rendement de cosse dues aux deux maladies variant entre 9.7 et 81.2% en l\'année 2003 et entre 19.5 et 65.9% en l\'année 2004 lorsque le rendment des varétés protégées avec fongicide était comparé avec le rendement des variétés non protégées. Application de fongicide était efficace dans la lutte contre les taches à feuille et améliorait également les rendements de cosse au cours de deux saisons. Quelques variétés traitées de fongicide donnaient un rendement de cosse de 1,860 à 2,081 kg/ha qui est plus 2 ou 2½ fois d\'augmentation par rapport aux randements moyens actuels au Ghana. Fondé sur les pertes de tendement élevées, l\'enrayement chimique et les options de plante-hôte résistante sont recommandés pour la lutte contre les deux maladies dans le nord afin d\'améliorer la production d\'arachide. Ghana Journal of Agricultural Science Vol. 40 (1) 2007: pp. 21-2

A developmental and training study of children's ability to find safe routes to cross the road

The sites and routes that children of different ages considered to be safe to cross the road were investigated. In Expt 1, children aged 5, 7, 9 and 11 years were instructed to choose 'the safest' crossing sites and routes to specified destinations. The results showed a gradual developmental shift with safer, more adult-like choices appearing with increasing age. Five and 7 year olds exhibited only a rudimentary selection procedure, choosing the most direct route as safest and showing a marked lack of awareness of the dangers posed by nearby roadside obstacles or other visual restrictions. In a further experiment, 5-year-olds were individually trained in finding safe places to cross. Training took place either in the real road environment or using a tabletop model of a traffic environment. A series of pre-and post-tests enabled the effectiveness of the training to be assessed. Substantial improvements following training were obtained in both groups. No differences were found between the two training methods. Though performance fell somewhat over the two months following training, trained children still outperformed their untrained peers eight months after the programme ended. The implications for road safety education are discussed

Topological Anomaly Detection in Dynamic Multilayer Blockchain Networks

Motivated by the recent surge of criminal activities with cross-cryptocurrency trades, we introduce a new topological perspective to structural anomaly detection in dynamic multilayer networks. We postulate that anomalies in the underlying blockchain transaction graph that are composed of multiple layers are likely to also be manifested in anomalous patterns of the network shape properties. As such, we invoke the machinery of clique persistent homology on graphs to systematically and efficiently track evolution of the network shape and, as a result, to detect changes in the underlying network topology and geometry. We develop a new persistence summary for multilayer networks, called stacked persistence diagram, and prove its stability under input data perturbations. We validate our new topological anomaly detection framework in application to dynamic multilayer networks from the Ethereum Blockchain and the Ripple Credit Network, and demonstrate that our stacked PD approach substantially outperforms state-of-art techniques.Comment: 26 pages, 6 figures, 7 table

Formulation, characterisation and stabilisation of buccal films for paediatric drug delivery of omeprazole

This study aimed to develop films for potential delivery of omeprazole (OME) via the buccal mucosa of paediatric patients. Films were prepared using hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose (MC), sodium alginate (SA), carrageenan (CA) and metolose (MET) with polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) as plasticiser, OME (model drug) and L-arg (stabiliser). Gels (1% w/w) were prepared at 40°C using water and ethanol with PEG 400 (0–1% w/w) and dried in an oven (40°C). Optimised formulations containing OME and L-arg (1:1, 1:2 and 1:3) were prepared to investigate the stabilisation of the drug. Tensile properties (Texture analysis, TA), physical form (differential scanning calorimetry, DSC; X-ray diffraction, XRD; thermogravimetric analysis, TGA) and surface topography (scanning electron microscopy, SEM) were investigated. Based on the TA results, SA and MET films were chosen for OME loading and stabilisation studies as they showed a good balance between flexibility and toughness. Plasticised MET films were uniform and smooth whilst unplasticised films demonstrated rough lumpy surfaces. SA films prepared from aqueous gels showed some lumps on the surface, whereas SA films prepared from ethanolic gels were smooth and uniform. Drug-loaded gels showed that OME was unstable and therefore required addition of L-arg. The DSC and XRD suggested molecular dispersion of drug within the polymeric matrix. Plasticised (0.5% w/w PEG 400) MET films prepared from ethanolic (20% v/v) gels and containing OME: L-arg 1:2 showed the most ideal characteristics (transparency, ease of peeling and flexibility) and was selected for further investigation

Behavioural group training of children to find safe routes to cross the road

Young children show poor judgement when asked to select safe places to cross the road and frequently consider dangerous sites to be safe ones. Thus, a sharp bend, the brow of a hill or positions close to parked cars are considered safe places to cross by most children under 9 years of age. This study examined the effectiveness of two practical training programmes in improving the judgements of 5-year-olds. Children were trained in small groups either in the real road environment or using simulations set up on a table-top model. A series of pre-and post-tests allowed the effectiveness of training to be assessed. Significant improvements relative to controls were found in both groups following training. There were no differences between the two training methods. Improvements were robust and no deterioration was observed two months after the programme ended. However, the benefits of group training were less marked than in an earlier study in which children were trained individually. The implications for road safety education are discussed