ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Promotion of traditional pharmaceutical product: a case study of herbal preparation

Promotion of Traditional Pharmaceutical Product (emphasis Herbal Preparation) is gaining attention from the Ghanaian populace, especially when it comes to the Health Delivery System. People have been asking whether it could be an alternative medium for treatment of diseases and ailments. Medical personnel and related bodies are seriously looking into it and centres for herbal treatment have been set up in several parts of the country. Ghana abounds in plants that can be used for medicinal purposes. Those that have been used in medical preparations are not being promoted well enough for people to use. A number of reasons may be suggested: 1. Preparation techniques are shrouded in secrecy (traditional spiritual connotations have a part). 2. No standardization of the herbal preparations in terms of dosage.(This makes it unacceptable in the orthodox medical field) 3. An effective organisation to put across the need for people to use herbal preparations (effectively promote traditional preparations).

Source: KNUST
Promotion standards to discourage publishing in questionable journals: a follow-up study

Predatory publishing poses significant challenges to academic integrity and progress. It requires the involvement of academic institutions, funding bodies, and policymakers to establish robust evaluation mechanisms and promote ethical publishing practices. This study examines the effectiveness of implementing promotion policies to discourage unethical academic publishing, focusing on Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Tech nology (KNUST) in Ghana. This study analyses 273 promotion applications submitted from January 2022 to November 2023, regardless of approval. The results show that researchers at KNUST submit relatively more publications to recommended outlets after the implementation of the new promotion guidelines. Moreover, with nine out of ten non-verified publications found to be from predatory journals, the verification process effectively discourages publication such outlets. Our study therefore confirms that the verification process can identify predatory publication outlets. Consequently, it is recommended that research institutions eliminate incentives for publishing in questionable outlets through publication criteria as part of promotion standards.

Source: KNUST
Propagation of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis on cowpea vigna unguiculata.

The possibility of using Cowpea seeds as protein base for the cultivation of Bacillus thuring israelensis is investigated. Cowpeas contain carbohydrates, proteins and mineral, nutrients needed for the growth and sporulation of the bacillus. Baciillus thuringiensis isaelensis on Nutrient broth and Cowpeas formulations supplemented with various concentrations of monosodium glutamate. Monosodium glutamate at a concentration of 0.4% gave the beet growth of the organism on Cowpea medium whilst a 5% concentration gave the poorest growth. Dilutions of the Bacillus in Cowpea medium and in Nutrient broth ranging between 10-7 and 10-7 caused deaths in fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti. The L.C50 for the organism fermented in Monosodium glutamate in Cowpea medium was 10-4.5 whilst that of Nutrient broth was 10-4.0. Monosodium glutamate in Cowpea medium warn found to be a more efficacious and less costly medium for the propagation of the Bacillus as a microbial insecticide. Monosodium glutamate in Cowpea medium formulated as 0.4% Monosodium glutamate in 99.6% Cowpea extract barn bean recommended as an alternative medium to the rather costly nutrient broth as a protein base for the propagation of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis as a microbial insecticide.

Source: KNUST
Propagation studies of voacanga africana stem cuttings for the protection of water bodies in the transitional zone of Ghana.

In Ghana, riverine forests (riparian buffers) have been seriously degraded resulting in the drying up of several rivers, which supply water to certain communities, especially in the rural areas. The restoration of these degraded lands is mostly done using exotic tree species which have the tendency to colonise and dominate indigenous tree species and eventually lead to loss of biodiversity. This research therefore examines the propagation of Voacanga africana tree species which could be used to protect water bodies, restore biodiversity loss and also provide economic benefits to the local people by harvesting its fruits for sale. Two experiments were conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources lath house in K.N.U.S.T on 6th July, 2006 and completed on 9th December, 2006. The first experiment consisted of three wood types of Voacanga africana (hardwood, semi-hardwood and softwood), raised in three soil types (topsoil, sand and mixture of topsoil and sand) and treated with three growth hormone (IBA, IBA+NAA and Control) which gave a 3x3x3 factorial in a Completely Randomised Design. The main plot factor was the growing media (soil types), the sub-plot factor was the growth hormone whiles the sub-sub plot factor was the wood types. These gave twenty -seven treatment combinations with ten cuttings each which were replicated three times. Cuttings were evaluated for shoot sprouts, rooting, number of roots, root length and disease infection. The results showed that, hardwood and semi-hardwood cuttings of Voacanga africana performed better in terms of sprouting and rooting. Dip'N'grow (an IBA/NAA premix) was the best among the growth hormone, Seradix '3' powder (NAA) was also consistent. Among the growing media, materials raised in a mixture of topsoil and sand performed better than any of the soil types alone. The general performance of Voacanga africana cuttings which had no cover and those that were covered with polythene were not remarkably different. The conclusion drawn from the research findings were that, a micro-climate should be created to aid in the successful sprouting of Voacanga africana stem cuttings; semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings without hormone treatment (control) or treated with dip 'n'grow in a mixture of topsoil and sand should be considered for future propagation of Voacanga africana stem cuttings. GIS and Remote Sensing technology was also identified as a very effective tool in gathering reliable and accurate information about natural resources degradation.

Source: KNUST
Proper bookkeeping and basic accounting procedures in small scale enterprises

The aim of this research is to find out the need for proper bookkeeping and basic accounting procedures in small scale enterprises. The study also looked at the problems faced by Small Scale Enterprises and the way forward. One of the key forces in the process of helping an organisation to become more competitive is how its human resource management functions is played out. This means that this function will have to serve more and more as a strategic organizational development. The researcher used qualitative method, supplemented by statistical analysis of the survey data. The findings confirmed an apparent non-existence of proper bookkeeping and basic accounting procedures in small scale enterprises and recommends that owners should be educated to keep away their personal transactions from their business entities. The study further revealed that small scale enterprises face moribund problems such as finance, technical skills, entrepreneurial skills and human resources among others and recommended that National Board for Small Scale Industries should be strengthen and resourced to solve these numerous problems of the small scale enterprises.

Source: KNUST
A proposal for the Takoradi Sports Club, Western Region

I believe strongly that after Spending over twenty (20) years of my life in Takoradi, I would not have chosen a different area to study other than one in this town. My love for the Western Region, specifically, Takoradi and as a result of the contribution of this town in my education during my youthful days, it became imperative that I reciprocate by undertaking this design scheme as my contribution to the development of Takoradi. These facts have actually sustained my interest in this scheme to the end. The report is thus written as a supplement to the design drawings. Please read on.

Source: KNUST
Properties Of Cu-Doped Zns Thin Films Deposited From Acidic Chemical Baths

Zinc sulphide (ZnS) buffer layers are a wider energy band gap alternative to the cadmium sulphide (CdS) buffer layers currently used in copper indium gallium diselenide (CuInGaSe2)-based solar cells. However extrinsic doping of the ZnS is important to lower the resistivity of the layers and to improve flexibility of device design. In this work, Cu doped ZnS nano crystalline films have been deposited on silica glass substrates from acidic chemical baths. The Cu- concentration was varied from 0 % to 40 %, keeping other deposition parameters constant. The as-deposited and annealed films were characterized by a variety of techniques. The X-ray diffraction analyses of these samples showed a broad peak corresponding to the (111) plane of cubic ZnS and also confirmed the presence of Cu. The annealed samples had well defined and more intense peaks indicating an improvement in crystallinity. The crystal structure of the ZnS was not affected by addition of Cu. There was a shift in 2 theta positions towards lower angles with increasing Cu concentration and a corresponding increase in d-spacing. The optical band gap decreased linearly from 3.8 eV for 10% Cu to 3.3 eV for 40% copper doping. This linear variation in 2 theta positions and band gap suggests the possibility of the formation of a solid solution within the range of doping. The electrical conductivity of the films measured by the four probe technique reduced from for pure ZnS to for 40% copper doping. This compares well with values quoted in literature as being favourable for photovoltaic applications

Source: KNUST
Proposal for an effective wastewater disposal system for Jak City in Cotonou (Benin Republic)

This study proposes an effective wastewater management system for JAK city of Cotonou (Benin Republic). The city has a population of 1355 persons. It is a high income area with income greater than $3500 per household per year. The average household size is estimated at 5 persons. The current wastewater management technologies are septic tank plus soakaway pits for effluent disposal (about 97%) and vault systems (3%). Due to the high groundwater table, the surface area occupied by such systems is large, 8 to 15% of the plot size; 69% of households have a desludging frequency of less than 1 year due to the shallow depth of the facilities and the low level of infiltration of the wastewater into the surrounding soil. The average desludging cost per year per household is $ 122, 22. The present project proposes to eliminate the soakaway pits in order to prevent pollution of groundwater due to infiltration of wastewater, and to discharge the effluent of the tanks via a 50mm diameter PVC pipes into a 100mm diameter PVC pipe which run along the plots. The wastewater will be treated using one facultative pond followed by a maturation pond. The Capital investment cost is estimated at $94, 196.7.The operation and maintenance cost of the system is estimated at $40.9 per household per year. The average incremental cost per household per year is $82, 69. Besides the environmental benefit of tile project, the research has shown that there is a great reduction in cost compared to the existing sanitation systems. The project is viable; hence the government should find a way to support its implementation financially.

Source: KNUST
The prophetic voice of the clergy in Ghana on nation-building: an exegesis on Jeremiah 1:5-10

In recent times, a section of politicians in particular and some non-politicians have tried to reduce the role of the Clergy in Ghana to ecclesiastical and spiritual matters. They have capitalized on the misinterpretation of Luther‟s two-kingdom theory to mean an absolute separation of church from the state. This has resulted in the vilification of the Clergy that share their views on the governance process of the people. We set out to sensitize the Ghanaian public about the prophetic role of the Clergy in the nation. The study also sought to motivate the Church led by the Clergy to brace themselves up and show the willingness to serve God and mankind by seeking for the well-being of others. The study falls into the Martin Luther‟s two-kingdom theory that has been interpreted to suggest a total separation of church from the state, sacred from the secular and heavenly things from earthly things. An exegesis on Jeremiah 1:5-10 was done to examine the biblical mandate of the Clergy to engage in rhetoric concerning national issues. Questionnaires were distributed to 200 respondents while 10 personalities were interviewed for data collection. The respondents were of Clergy, Laity, Media, Politicians and General Public categories. This was done to provide both internal and external assessment of the prophetic voice of the Clergy in Ghana. At the end of the study, it was realized that majority of both the internal and external respondents agree that the Clergy has the mandate to participate in the governance process of the people. However, a few of the respondents, mostly, the Politicians preferred that the Clergy concentrated on spiritual and clerical matters. Also, majority of the respondents vi advised against the Clergy being partisan on political or national issues. Again, it was discovered that currently, the prophetic voice is essentially silent following the bashings and vilifications. Indeed the study was very significant as it sensitized both the Church and the General Public about the prophetic role of the Clergy in the governance process in Ghana through rhetoric.

Source: KNUST
Proposed implementaion strategies for adoption of mobile point of sale device

Technology within Financial Service Organizations in Ghana has gained roots since the emergence of the first Automated Teller Machine, alternate delivery channels and the creation of a national switch (E-Zwich) in April 2008 by the Bank of Ghana. However, this research focuses on assessing the impact of Mobile Point of Sale device, an alternate delivery banking channel as against several discussions concerning; its impact penetration on the non-banking population, increasing the dormant bank customer base and increasing money mobilized from customers. In addition, various implementation strategies will be proposed after assessing the impact of Mobile Point of Sale device. Primary data was gathered from customers and Financial Service Organizations and captured into a Statistical tool and tested hypothetically via T-tests and Anova. Major findings indicated that impact penetration of non-banking population by the usage of Mobile Point of Sale devices was not the same. Time and convenience were assured even though security and accessibility were an issue. In terms of increasing the dormant bank customer base, convenience and security had different impacts with convenience impacting positively whereas security impacted negatively. With regards to money mobilized from customers using Mobile Point of Sale device, Microfinances and Non banking Financial Services showed increases although Banks and Savings & Loans did not show any increase in money mobilized. Major limitations to the impact of Mobile Point of Sale device was associated with security and accessibility. There will be no costs to customers of Financial Service Organizations that deploy Mobile Point of Sale devices since it will be considered as an alternate delivery banking channel to provide value added services to their customers. As such, proposed implementation strategies to augment these limitations was to implement a Mobile App or USSD banking service but preference was given to USSD due to its benefits over the Mobile App. USSD was identified to complement Mobile Point of Sale device since it provided a self-service customer interaction at a cheaper cost, ensured better security and was easily accessible without internet access

Source: KNUST
A proposed design model of a rehabilitation centre to facilitate the integration of recovered mental patients into the community.

In developing countries like Ghana, more prominence is given to physical health than mental health, which is considered by some societies as a curse or a taboo. It is therefore difficult for people to immediately decide what to do when a person is suffering from mental illness because of the myth surrounding it. Instead of reporting mental illness to the hospital for early treatment, people prefer to take them to churches, prayer camps and shrines to seek spiritual healing. However where conditions are conducive towards recovery some people seek for treatment. On the average, 60% of those who seek help in any of the psychiatric hospitals in Ghana are left abandoned by their relatives in these hospitals. These patients when abandoned find it difficult to fend for themselves after recovery and therefore are reluctant to leave the hospital environment. This has therefore resulted in the psychiatric hospitals housing about 30% of their recovered patients in addition to those under treatment in the hospitals. This has therefore created congestion, put a strain on governments’ budget and above all deprived these people from taking full charge of their lives and contribute to economic development. The few who are able to get back into the community normally are left with lives that are emotionally and socially shattered and unproductive. The goal of this proposed psychiatric rehabilitation centre is to help patients to develop the emotional, social, vocational and intellectual skills needed to live, learn and work in the community with the least amount of professional help. Ghana Governments’ policy of decentralization of mental health services can be realized by providing the proposed model of psychiatric rehabilitation centre in all the regions of Ghana. This will help reduce the burden of housing the extra 30% recovered patients in the psychiatric hospitals to 10% patients in 2015 and none by 2020. Thus not only all recovered patients currently in the psychiatric hospitals should be able to fit well and play their role in the society by 2015, future mental patients will also benefit from the rehabilitation centre.

Source: KNUST
A proposed implementation of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) case study: Ashanti Region-Ghana

Analog to digital television transmission is the transition from analog broadcasting to digital broadcasting. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has mandated every country to move from analog television to digital terrestrial television (DTT) by 2015. Ghana has chosen the Regional Rollout, where there is a move in phases through the regions. GBC (smart TV) has implemented a pilot project of the DTT in Kumasi and Accra. This thesis proposes the implementation of DTT in Ashanti Region, using the pilot project by GBC (Smart TV) in Kumasi, with aim of proposing a DTT that would give a full coverage in the Ashanti Region. In order to propose a way to give a full coverage with a good quality of service in the region, Smart TV Set Top Box (STB) and Skyy TV STB were taken to various areas in Kumasi and its environs. Parameters such as Bit Error Rate (BER), Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR)and Signal Strength (SS) were recorded by Smart TV STB and Skyy TV STB at various distances from their respective transmitters and were investigated using MATLAB. The values recorded by Smart TV was used to simulate the different modulation scheme using MATLAB and predicted that 8PSK was the best modulation scheme to be used by Smart TV in Ashanti Region. The research further provides simulation in terms of measured signals and theoretical values of three propagation models. Based on that the Rec. ITU P.370 propagation model was proposed for the region by comparing to free space model and Okumura model, additional new sites were also proposed for the smooth transition in Ashanti Region.

Source: KNUST
Prospects and Challenges of Franchising Pharmacies in Ghana: A Case Study of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and Retailers in the Brong Ahafo Region

Franchising is an agreement between two legally independent parties that gives one party the right to market a product or service using the trademark of another. Franchising as an entry mode for businesses seeking to expand their operations is fast gaining grounds in developing countries. The main objective of the study was to find out the prospects and challenges of franchising pharmacies in Ghana using pharmaceutical wholesalers and retailers in the Brong Ahafo region as case study. Forty (40) questionnaires were administered to forty selected pharmacies in the region. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for the analysis. From the research it was observed that difficulty in getting access to capital was a major problem hampering the expansion of pharmacies in the region. This reason cuts across from the setting up a new facility to threatening its survival. The research found that the franchising strategy that can be considered include assessing the financial position of potential franchisees, and a strategy geared at enhancing survival and success rate of franchised pharmacies. It came to light that majority of respondents would want to adopt franchising as a business strategy; however there is the need to increase their knowledge about the system. The research was able to synthesize potential problems that will affect franchising. It came to light that getting a pharmacist to register a new facility was crucial, since without them no approval can be given for the operation of a new facility by the pharmacy council. The legal issues about the franchise system and the financial risk that may be involved were identified as potential problems. The study therefore recommended to financial institutions in the region to readily extend credit to pharmacies, the need to increase awareness about franchising as a business strategy and the posting of more pharmacists to the region.

Source: KNUST