http://hdl.handle.net/10453/35216 2026-04-10T00:20:06Z http://hdl.handle.net/10453/189128 Title: Critical analysis of non-price actions driving installation of biogas technology to upgrade existing buildings in Ghana: a demand theory approach Authors: Dadzie, J; Sebitla, BG Abstract: The gradual degradation of faeces and other organic materials through the process of fermentation results in the manufacture of biogas. Generally, as the cost of construction increases, the demand for biogas should fall, which in this case is the opposite. Thus, this study seeks to identify drivers of the current surge in the installation of the biogas system in Ghana for the decisions that could be implemented to reinforce gains. This study adopted a quantitative survey-based assessment approach to identify the drivers for policy formulation. The results show that reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, training of trainees and the community, cost savings, public education, bank loans, available waste stock, etc. are the key drivers accelerating the continuous growth of the industry in Ghana. Furthermore, a high degree of agreement was observed from the participants regarding the non-price drivers of biogas. The results present government agencies including the Ministry of Energy, the Energy Commission and industries with an action plan to restructure the concept of renewable energy sources in Ghana. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive outlook of biogas generation system, which could be explicitly used in capacity development to create a sustainable progress of biogas development in Ghana. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10453/187914 Title: Exploring the psychological and emotional burden of compulsory acquisition: a case study of New Akrade-Mpakadan, Ghana Authors: Ewusie, I; Tannor, O; Ahiadu, AA; Ntim, OK Abstract: Purpose This paper aims to explore the psychological, emotional and equity implications of compulsory acquisition, evaluate the adequacy of compensation in mitigating those consequences and assess the sustainability of cash compensation for future generations. Design/methodology/approach A case study approach was operationalised to investigate the experiences of 40 project-affected persons (PAPs) four years after a compulsory acquisition project in Ghana s New Akrade-Mpakadan region for the construction of a railway line. These perspectives were analysed through descriptive statistics and thematic analyses using the NVivo software. Figures and a holistic framework were adopted to report the identified issues. Findings Overall, only 25 of PAPs received formal communication prior to the acquisition, and only 10.3 have been fully compensated four years later. Despite the acquiring body initiating the marking of properties and compensation assessment in 2019, no payments were made until 2021. This induced emotional responses of distress, loss, uncertainty, stress and sadness, which was further exacerbated by feelings of hopelessness because there was no platform to voice concerns or pursue arbitration. Although PAPs were only offered compensation in the form of single monetary payments, a third would have preferred re-settlement. Research limitations/implications By exploring the emotional and psychological effects of compulsory land acquisition, the study adds a new dimension to understanding its consequences. This may spark more interest, debate and discourse amongst researchers and policymakers and lead to the creation or enhancement of existing policy and legal measures to address the needs of PAPs in compulsory acquisition projects in developing countries. Originality/value The financial consequences of eminent domain are well documented, but this study explored the psychological, emotional and equity implications of the practice under conditions of weak regulator 2024-10-10T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10453/187492 Title: Optimizing Spatial Weight Matrices in Spatial Econometrics: A Graph-Theoretic Approach Based on Shortest Path Algorithms: A New York City Application of Crime and Economic Indicators Authors: Song, Y; Cibin, A Abstract: In spatial econometrics, traditional spatial weight matrix (SWM) methods often fail to capture the complex spatial dynamics of large cities. This study optimizes SWM calculations within spatial econometric models, constructing Graph-Based Spatial Weight Matrices (GBSWM) through the Simple Shortest Path Algorithm by analyzing urban road networks, thereby capturing the intricate spatial relationships within the city. The methodology compares the performance of GBSWM with traditional Simple Distanced Spatial Weight Matrices (SDSWM) using Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) models. The results show that GBSWM significantly outperforms SDSWM in predicting minor crime events (e.g., 'summonses') in New York City. Improved p-values, Pseudo R-squared values, and model accuracy matrices attest to the improved predictive accuracy of GBSWM. These findings demonstrate the superior capability of GBSWM in capturing complex spatial relationships and interactions within urban settings. The integration of graph theory into spatial econometrics represents a theoretical and methodological advancement. The findings of this study are essential for improving the calculation of spatial weigh matrices, providing a more accurate tool for prediction and analysis in spatial econometric models. This result emphasizes the potential of applying graph methods in spatial econometrics, paving the way for implementing more detailed and practical urban spatial analysis. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10453/186960 Title: Democratic Counterterrorism Protective Security: An Integrated Approach to Safe Cities Authors: Frasco, B; Christensen, P Editors: GhaffarianHoseini, A; Ghaffarianhoseini, A; Rahimian, F; Purushothaman, M Abstract: In the wake of notable attacks, such as the Lindt Cafe siege and the Flinders Street attack, there is a growing focus on counterterrorism in Australia. As terrorist attacks trend toward low-sophistication attacks in crowded places, public safety responsibility is increasingly shared by private and government stakeholders, including built environment practitioners. Designing the built environment to mitigate the impact of terrorist attacks, or reduce the possibility of attack, is known as counterterrorism protective security (CTPS) and is increasingly utilised in the public domain. However, existing counterterrorism policy documents in Australia provide limited public domain design guidance for CTPS design, hindering effective placemaking. Improper CTPS implementation can exacerbate collective neurosis, hinder accessibility, and impair aesthetics. If the experience of a public place increases anxiety or inhibits physical accessibility, it does not fulfil its function as a space for the exercise of the democratic right to participate in the public domain. Hence, we propose that CTPS implementation that promotes public participation in places be termed democratic CTPS. This paper is part of a larger study exploring the integration of democratic CTPS in the built environment, addressing the gap in democratic CTPS design guidance in the Australian context. This paper focuses on New York City (NYC) as a case study. NYC has experienced numerous high-profile terrorist attacks and has implemented various CTPS strategies. NVivo was used to facilitate thematic analysis of secondary sources including CTPS guidance, publicly accessible CTPS project documentation, academic research, and news articles. The research provides insights to help policymakers inform CTPS guidance documentation in Australia. 2025-04-20T00:00:00Z