Papers by Michael Wellington Apprey
Societal Impacts, 2024
Improper disposal of faulty electronic devices can result in pollution, health hazards, social in... more Improper disposal of faulty electronic devices can result in pollution, health hazards, social inequity, and legal issues. This study explores the perceptions and practices of electronic waste management among electronic repair technicians in Ho Municipality, Ghana, with a focus on the significant societal and environmental impacts of e-waste generated in electronic service workshops. A survey using both random and purposive sampling of 150 electronic repairers in Ho Municipality found limited awareness of the negative effects, toxic components, environmental risks, and proper handling and disposal procedures associated with e-waste. Notably, only 31 % of participants were aware of the environmental risks, while 69 % were not. "Experience" emerged as a significant predictor of awareness regarding e-waste health risks. Only 22 % were knowledgeable about the hazardous substances in e-waste, indicating a low level of awareness of its risks and opportunities for reducing them. These findings highlight the need for collaboration among stakeholders to implement sustainable e-waste management practices in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Heliyon, 2024
Understanding electrical hazards and implementing safety measures is paramount to protecting live... more Understanding electrical hazards and implementing safety measures is paramount to protecting lives and property. Therefore, this research investigates electrical hazards in households and safety measures taken by residents in Sokode-Etoe, Ghana. The primary objective is to identify gaps in knowledge regarding electrical hazards among domestic electricity consumers and offer recommendations to enhance safety and mitigate the risks. The data were systematically collected from 200 participants, including both homeowners and tenants, using a structured questionnaire. The results were presented using Likert scale analysis, sample t-test, binary logistic regression analysis, involving statistical hypothesis testing of predictor variable coefficients, Importance-Performance Map Analysis (IPMA) and Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA). Participants showed a high awareness of electrical hazards, yet demonstrated a weaker grasp of safety practices, correct emergency procedures, and infrequent testing of wiring systems by homeowners. The predominant electrical accident that emerged was electrical shock. Most homeowners have not engaged certified electrical inspectors for a decade, reflecting uncertainty about the safety protocols in place. Furthermore, respondents expressed a degree of uncertainty regarding the safety measures implemented in their households concerning electricity usage. This study underscores the pressing need to raise awareness and promote safe electrical practices in residential environments. Such an educational initiative could utilize a variety of communication channels, social media influencers, renowned personalities, customised mobile applications and other platforms. This research stands out as the inaugural investigation offering a comprehensive examination of the hazards related to energy consumption and safety precautions in Ghana. It focuses on an often-overlooked demographic of electricity users in Ghana, shedding light on domestic electrical safety issues and the growing hazards.
Cogent Engineering, 2024
This paper aims to assess the level of awareness of safety precautions in the use of extension co... more This paper aims to assess the level of awareness of safety precautions in the use of extension cords in Ho Municipality in Ghana. The relevance of this study is to provide an understanding of the awareness level of safety measures likely to lead to a significant reduction in incidents of domestic fire outbreaks when using an extension cord. A cross-sectional research was carried out in the Ho Municipality between February and April 2022. Six hundred and one (601) individuals were chosen from houses using a random selection method. A standardised questionnaire was used to gather data, and then entered and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) V.16. Descriptive statistics, Binary logistic regression analysis with a 0.05 p-value and the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), Relative Importance Index (RII), and the Sample T-test were used to examine the significance of connections. Among the participants, there is a low level of awareness of extension cord ratings and standard labels from autonomous testing facilities. The participants' knowledge of awareness was significantly related to gender; [0.722 (95% (CI): 1.476-2.869), p ¼ 0.001 < (0.05)]. Again, most participants overload the extension cord during usage and practice poor safety measures that could result in a fire outbreak. The study suggests that users should purchase extension cords that have been endorsed by an autonomous testing laboratory and fully be educated on the safety procedures that will aid in safeguarding lives and property by both government and non-governmental agencies. IMPACT STATEMENT There is currently a known scarcity of data in the literature on household consumer extension cord usage that contributes significantly to home electrical fires. Extension cords provide temporary power to devices or equipment. They don't replace outlets and wiring permanently. This paper aims to assess the level of awareness of safety precautions in the use of extension cords. This study's relevance is to understand the awareness level of safety measures likely to reduce extension cord-related domestic fires. Results show that there is a low level of awareness of extension cord ratings and standard labels from autonomous testing facilities. Most participants overloaded the extension cord and used poor safety measures, which could cause a fire. Only buy extension cords that have been authorised by an independent testing laboratory, such as the underwriters' Laboratories (UL) and make sure the label is stamped. The testing laboratory issues an endorsement or posting of the extension cord, proving that it fulfils relevant requirements.
Journal of Applied Research on Industrial Engineering, 2024
Ghana is currently grappling with a formidable electronic waste (e-waste) challenge that poses si... more Ghana is currently grappling with a formidable electronic waste (e-waste) challenge that poses significant threats to both the ecosystem and human well-being. This study delves into the e-waste management and recycling practices within a crucial sector of the industry, aiming to shed light on the issue and formulate comprehensive strategies for policy implementation and recycling initiatives in the Ho municipality, the regional hub of the Volta region, as well as in Ghana as a whole. Between March and May of 2022, a meticulous sampling process identified 150 electronic service technicians for participation. The data gathered was processed and analyzed using SPSS v16. The analytical techniques employed included one sample T-test, Likert scale assessments, and binary logistic regression. The results unveiled a significant gap in knowledge among repairers regarding government laws and e-waste disposal protocols. Qualifications emerged as a noteworthy factor influencing awareness levels (5.066, 95% CI: 1.098-3.860, p = 0.024, <0.05). While respondents generally acknowledged the environmental impact of e-waste, they exhibited limited awareness concerning the hazardous substances contained within it. Notably, two predominant e-waste management strategies surfaced: storage and eventual sale to scrap dealers. Regarding recycling methodologies, a majority (52%) expressed a preference for a nominal fee-based approach. These gaps highlight the need for stakeholders to publicize appropriate methods to recycle ewaste and the associated legal framework across all members of the Ghana Electronic Service Technicians' Association (GESTA) social media platforms in conjunction with local government assemblies to reshape repairers' perceptions of e-waste and increase environmental awareness, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Frontiers in Engineering and Built Environment, 2023
Purpose-The main goal of this study was to determine how students at Ho Technical University (HTU... more Purpose-The main goal of this study was to determine how students at Ho Technical University (HTU) viewed green construction approaches and the benefits green buildings may provide to Ghana's tertiary institutions to enhance quality of life. Design/methodology/approach-The institution's 350 participants were chosen using a random selection method. A standardised questionnaire was used to gather data, which was analysed using SPSS v.20 and presented in tables using descriptive statistics such as Likert scale analysis, weighted mean and relative importance index (RII). Findings-The study revealed that awareness of the green building principle is comparatively low amongst the survey participants. Participants agree that the University's green building adoption is high. Students cited decreased utility expenses, improved occupant productivity and cheaper operational costs as important benefits of green construction. Students' thoughts on hurdles to implementing green construction ideas at the University were the enormous price tag of green building technology (RII 5 0.89), ignorance of demonstration projects and ignorance of information on green building principles (RII 5 0.81). Originality/value-This is one of the first papers to study Ghanaian students' views on green buildings. This study adds to our understanding of students' thoughts on green building ideas. In addition, it sheds insight into their present awareness, which can help the university administration in Ghana design new paths for green building implementation.
Cogent Engineering, 2023
Construction workers are found to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) infrequently, although ... more Construction workers are found to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) infrequently, although workplace accidents are common and strongly associated with safety education. In Ho, Ghana, this study examines POP installers' awareness of occupational hazards and the use of PPEs. The study's motivation and contribution are in its analysis of the perceived obstacles and driving forces behind PPE use by POP installers in the construction industry, which is yet unknown in Ghana. Between May 15 and June 30, 2022, 149 POP installers in Ho Municipality filled out a crosssectional questionnaire using a purposive sampling method, and the data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) v.20. The outcome variables were determined using logistic regression with a 0.05 p value, the relative importance index (RII), and correlation analysis. There is a lack of awareness of knowledge, PPE use, and workplace safety among the participants. Once again, respondents cited discomfort as a reason for not wearing PPE during POP installation. Furthermore, knowledge of occupational hazards among POP workers negatively predicts PPE usage (B = 0.207, p < 0.05). The study's findings provide critical information for contractors' associations to collaborate with relevant health and safety professionals to regularly organise safety awareness training for members to increase worker knowledge and reduce risk-taking behaviour. This study is unique because it is the first to access and provides an in-depth analysis of the purported barriers and driving motivations for PPE compliance and noncompliance from the perspective of an under-researched group of construction workers in Ghana.
TELKOMNIKA (Telecommunication Computing Electronics and Control), 2023
This paper presents the evaluation of the safety measures adopted by Ho Technical University (HTU... more This paper presents the evaluation of the safety measures adopted by Ho Technical University (HTU) students in the use of power extension cords in their halls and hostels, along with their safety considerations for properly selecting these cords to avert fire outbreaks or prevent them from becoming a potential fire hazard. Whenever extension cords are utilized inappropriately it can lead to fire or electric shock perils. The assessment of the awareness level of safety practices is yet to be rigorously pursued as an agenda towards extension cord usage in institutions and agencies perceived to be high energy consumers where fire outbreaks occur frequently. A quantitative research approach was adopted, using a questionnaire for data collection. The findings revealed that about 52% of the respondents did not know the current and power ratings and the effects of overloading the extension cord. It was recommended that consumers purchase extension cords that have been endorsed by an autonomous testing laboratory, whereas the university should immediately organize a seminar to educate the staff and students about the use of the extension cord.
2018 International Conference on the Domestic Use of Energy (DUE), 2018
Safe operation and proper functioning of any electrical appliance is determined by the effective ... more Safe operation and proper functioning of any electrical appliance is determined by the effective provision of grounding or earthing. Electrical grounding systems serves two important purposes. Firstly, to disperse fault caused by excessive current developed in the system into the general mass of the earth without causing any potential hazard to people or danger to the electrical system itself. Secondly, to create reference ground potential for all electrical and electronic system operation. This paper discusses the basic principles behind the effectiveness of grounding systems and how grounding is related to safety and effective operation of circuit protective devices. The focus of the study is geared towards finding low cost but effective and efficient grounding system for use in rural areas. The developed earthing system is used for the protection of domestic electrical installation and industrial/electrical power station power plants. These principles are implemented in a typical rural area in Ghana and tested by creating an artificial ground fault. The results indicate effective protection of appliances installed and tested.
Journal of Microwaves, Optoelectronics and Electromagnetic Applications
Broadband Power Line Communication (BB-PLC) technology enables data transmission for smart grid a... more Broadband Power Line Communication (BB-PLC) technology enables data transmission for smart grid applications. Nevertheless, channel equalizers are required in the receiver to estimate and compensate for the nonlinear time-variant impulse response and noise interference effects introduced by the BB-PLC channel. In this paper, we append the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm and its proposed improved version to the commonly used Least-Square (LS) and Linear Minimum Mean Square Error (LMMSE) algorithms to advance four new blocktype pilot-aided hybrid channel estimation algorithms for lowvoltage Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)based BB-PLC systems. Extensive numerical simulation results for four different M-QAM formats (M = 8, 16, 32, 64) show that the proposed algorithms significantly improve the performance of the traditional LS and LMMSE estimators, at least for the parameters of the BB-PLC system studied in this work. In addition, the computational load complexity of the PSO-inspired LMMSE algorithm is lower compared to the conventional LMMSE estimator.
Journal of Microwaves, Optoelectronics and Electromagnetic Applications, 2022
Broadband Power Line Communication (BB-PLC) technology enables data transmission for smart grid a... more Broadband Power Line Communication (BB-PLC) technology enables data transmission for smart grid applications. Nevertheless, channel equalizers are required in the receiver to estimate and compensate for the nonlinear time-variant impulse response and noise interference effects introduced by the BB-PLC channel. In this paper, we append the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm and its proposed improved version to the commonly used Least-Square (LS) and Linear Minimum Mean Square Error (LMMSE) algorithms to advance four new blocktype pilot-aided hybrid channel estimation algorithms for lowvoltage Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)based BB-PLC systems. Extensive numerical simulation results for four different M-QAM formats (M = 8, 16, 32, 64) show that the proposed algorithms significantly improve the performance of the traditional LS and LMMSE estimators, at least for the parameters of the BB-PLC system studied in this work. In addition, the computational load complexity of the PSO-inspired LMMSE algorithm is lower compared to the conventional LMMSE estimator.
TELKOMNIKA Telecommunication Computing Electronics and Control, 2022
This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA license.
sensors international, 2022
The Blind Navigation System using Arduino and 1sheeld is a system that intends to enhance blind p... more The Blind Navigation System using Arduino and 1sheeld is a system that intends to enhance blind peoples' access to the environment, particularly in Ghana, Africa. This research aimed at designing a safe navigation system to allow seamless transitions for visually impaired people from one location to another, as well as a tool to assist them in communicating with their surroundings and guardians when in a difficult situation. The design uses PVC pipe as the cane, 1Sheeld, Arduino Uno, ultrasonic and water sensors for processing and monitoring, a buzzer and vibration motor to offer an alarm system via vibration and sound, housed within a circuit box and the handle, and finally powered by a portable mini solar panel with a rechargeable battery. The phone of the blind is connected to the 1sheeld board via Bluetooth link and the 1sheeld App is installed on the mobile phone. The guardian receives a call or an SMS with the GPS coordinates, which can be tracked when the blind person is lost through Google Map. The simulations related to the design's overall purpose were precise, and the trial findings from volunteers obtained from the final test were encouraging and ensured the safety and speed of mobility. As a result, the goal of designing a safe navigation system to detect impediments and provide the exact location of the visually impaired through GPS/SMS processing and powered by a mini solar panel with rechargeable battery system were achieved.
IOP Conference Series: Material science and Engineering, 2021
A simple method for analyzing electrical earthing system is presented. The idea behind this resea... more A simple method for analyzing electrical earthing system is presented. The idea behind this research is to furnish the general public particularly in Ghana to understand the effectiveness of using low resistive materials to provide low resistance values for their earthing frameworks to protect lives and guarantee hardware security. Right now, proficiency of materials accessible for free, to be specific, Palm Kernel Oil Cake (PKOC) and Tyre ash, as conductive inlay material for decreasing earth terminal resistance was assessed. Earth mat 20-cm length and 10cm breath were covered with each refilling material with their exhibition contrasted with reference to the earth mat additionally covered at a similar location with raw sand, specifically, sandy gravel at a specific area in Ghana. The outcomes show that tyre ash gives a steady earth resistance in both dry and wet climate conditions and improves it significantly as compared to PKOC. The main purpose of evaluating these two local materials as a backfilling agent is to reduce the earth resistivity which in this study was achieved successfully after 3 months of monitoring.
International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Research, 2019
Offshore oil production facilities exhibit nonlinear dynamic characteristics. With the existence ... more Offshore oil production facilities exhibit nonlinear dynamic characteristics. With the existence of many flow regulating valves, these dynamics require to be linearized in order to achieve the performance criteria necessary for production of hydrocarbons. Consequently, the dynamic nature of these valves affect their production performance as regular tuning of process controllers are required due to changes in reservoir fluid flow and future constraints. To address this phenomenon, this paper proposes an MPC-PID control system strategy for offshore oil production platform. This strategy includes the use of model predictive controller providing the most economic and efficient set point for distributed PID controllers in the respective loops. The model predictive controller employs a strategy based on the process model to solve the optimal control problem. The proposed approach is further developed using a dynamic engineering design tools available in MATLAB/Simulink and implemented on Gas-Liquid Cylindrical Cyclone (GLCC) compact separator. The system is subjected to set point variation and process disturbances. The results indicate stable controller design and prove the ability of MPC controller to handle constraints and reject disturbances while reducing the energy required and hence overall reduction in production cost with maximum performance.
IOP Conference Series: Material Science and Engineering, 2021
The noticeboard is an essential thing in any establishment or association to convey data among th... more The noticeboard is an essential thing in any establishment or association to convey data among the partners. In the occupied and quick-moving present reality, the traditional paper notice framework is tedious and not reasonable for brisk sharing of data. This exploration work aimed at designing an electronic scrolling display board on a specially designed Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The thought behind this undertaking is to furnish its clients with a basic, quick what's more, dependable approach to set up a significant notification in a LED where the client can display messages to be shown directly on the LED unit from a computer to the microcontroller and also to give notification about anything at a particular moment to the targeted group or audience. This will significantly provide improved measures to the limitations and restrictions of conventional notice boards. The system is created with an ATmega 328P microcontroller from Atmel. The microcontroller showed all the usefulness of the showcase notifications required. The Display is acquired on a 2X (16X72) dot matrix display board, orchestrated on a cascaded specialized PCB designed with a Ki-cad schematic/design software suite for a wider view. An ideal instant message from a computer is sent utilizing Arduino IDE and HT1632 driver IC to drive these tremendous LEDs. The framework was tried to work as per the test message. This brilliant notification board can make the notification arrangement of an association much basic, quick and financially savvy and provide a limitation to an accident that can occur when sticking paper-based notification sheets.
2018 International Conference on the Domestic Use of Energy (DUE), 2018
Safe operation and proper functioning of any electrical appliance is determined by the effective ... more Safe operation and proper functioning of any electrical appliance is determined by the effective provision of grounding or earthing. Electrical grounding systems serves two important purposes. Firstly, to disperse fault caused by excessive current developed in the system into the general mass of the earth without causing any potential hazard to people or danger to the electrical system itself. Secondly, to create reference ground potential for all electrical and electronic system operation. This paper discusses the basic principles behind the effectiveness of grounding systems and how grounding is related to safety and effective operation of circuit protective devices. The focus of the study is geared towards finding low cost but effective and efficient grounding system for use in rural areas. The developed earthing system is used for the protection of domestic electrical installation and industrial/electrical power station power plants. These principles are implemented in a typical rural area in Ghana and tested by creating an artificial ground fault. The results indicate effective protection of appliances installed and tested.
Sustainable Environment >An international journal of environmental health and sustainability, 2022
Attitudes and behaviours towards e-waste management among commercial consumers in Ho Municipal, t... more Attitudes and behaviours towards e-waste management among commercial consumers in Ho Municipal, the capital city of the Volta Region, Ghana, will become detrimental to humans and the environment at large. This research aims to examine the perception and practices of e-waste among commercial consumers in the capital city of the Volta Region of Ghana and to document the overall characteristics of e-waste management to help raise awareness about the growing e-waste threats to the environment and to engender discussions to find a lasting solution to the issues. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Ho municipality during May and June of 2021. The purposive sampling approach was used to select 200 participants from institutions/organisations. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire, which was then entered and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 16. The significance of relationships was determined using binary logistic regression analysis with <0.05 p-value and the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), and Likert scale analysis with mean response values. Among the 200 participants, there is a high level of knowledge of e-waste and its negative impact on commercial consumers, but there was a low level of awareness of laws and government regulations. The participants’ knowledge of the awareness of e-waste was significantly related to their qualification; 2.472 (95% CI: 1.476–4.142), p = 0.001(<0.05). Moreover, most respondents were aware of toxic/hazardous compounds in e-waste materials, yet they ranked the environmental effect of e-waste as minimal and exhibited poor practices for disposing of their e-waste. We recommend that the existing legislation passed by the parliament of Ghana should be made known and available to the public through continuous televised programs on national television to educate the general public on e-waste management practices due to the lack of awareness and practices in e-waste management.
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Papers by Michael Wellington Apprey