ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Design and fabrication of embossing dies and punches for making three dimensional jewellery elements

Many jewellery workshops in Ghana rely on traditional hand fabrication techniques including cuttlefish bone casting for making silver and gold jewellery. Jewellery ite ms produced by these outfits are generally heavy and the methods of production are time consuming which tend to command rather high cost and therefore, high prices. Gold and silversmiths therefore need tools which could be used to produce thin walled jewellery at faster rate without compromising on their visual qualities. In this regard, this research intends to use locally accessible materials, develop studio techniques which could be used by gold and silversmiths to convert their designs into embossing dies and punches suitable for mass production of light weight, three dimensional design elements for assemblage into jewellery pieces. The study combined studio based research and descriptive research methods under the qualitative research. The target population for this study has been practising goldsmiths and silversmiths in the Ashanti region of Ghana. The accessible population for the study was made up of selected goldsmiths and silversmiths shops in and around Ashanti New Town vi and Oforikrom. Purposive sampling was used in this study. The practical aspects of the study were carried out at the Metal Section of the Industrial Art Department, KNUST, Kumasi. The research revealed that there are many designs and images that reflect Ghanaian culture which could be transformed into dies and punches to produce three dimensional jewellery elements. Therefore, Gold and silversmiths should use studio practice to fabricate basic tools such as dies and punches to increase the spectrum of jewellery designs produced

Source: KNUST
Design and Fabrication of Filigree Bust of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah

Filigree making involves curling, twisting, plaiting fine pliable thread of precious metals and arranging them in a particular design and fixing them by soldering. Items that are normally made in filigree appear delicate and their designs intricate. The complex weaves and twists of the fragile metal work of filigree introduce space in what would otherwise be opaque object. This aspect of filigree limits the kind of items that one can produce using the technique. To overcome this limitation and expand the spectrum of artefacts that this technique can be used for, the researcher designed and fabricated bust of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Republic of Ghana using this ancient jewellery technique. The researcher investigated the filigree technique to determine whether or not the confinement of filigree technique to jewellery-scaled designs is arbitrary and therefore could be breached. The results of this study indicate that by selecting the appropriate material and workshop practices, it is possible to produce any jewellery or artefacts using the filigree technique irrespective of the design and size of the object. On the question of whether it is possible to design and fabricate a photorealistic object using the filigree technique, the results of the research indicate that it is possible. The filigree bust (plate 45) of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Ghana’s first president, using filigree technique is the evidence.

Source: KNUST
Design and operation of moving toys for Primary Schools

Background Information: Children have been playing with toys for generations. These make out of different mediums such as wood, card, clay, cloth and metal. Some of the toys made by these children are cars, trains, dolls, boats, aeroplanes and helicopters. Though children produce these toys and are happy with the outcome, they still yearn for the new technological toys such as the motorised cars and trains. Unlike the easy and simple way of producing toys, motorisation is a little bit more difficult. It is complex and needs some form of specialized knowledge and inputs such as the gears and the kind of force to apply. The objectives is to produce an instructional manual on the way to produce some simple forms of motorized toys, which will stimulate and generate interest in children and help them to improve upon the present work which they do without any tuition or supervision. It has been the practice of most repairers of electrical, electronic and other mechanical items such as watches and clocks to discard some of the faulty parts of these gadgets. Some of these parts are just changed, to be replaced with new ones, though they may be in relatively good working condition. These parts when removed are either thrown away or left at the mercy of the weather and atmosphere which after some time become rusted. These parts could be used to produce mechanisms for use in toys and other utility products like egg beaters or mixers. Children have been making good use of other by-products or “wastes” such as the cans of milk, oil and talcum powder. They however have not yet found much use of the electric motors and gears. The rationale for the new educational policy is aimed at producing vocationally and intellectually capable adults in the near future, so that no child would be a liability to the society. In the light of this, vocational skills have been introduced into the curriculum of the new Basic Educational programme. Most of the children who produce their own toys are in the age bracket of six to twelve. It is about this period that the inquisitive and adventurous nature of the child as well as the moulding of his thought and character is most manifest. This is also the period that they yearn for more advanced and modern toys and gadgetory. As such, what they cannot afford to buy in the shops, they build themselves. However, with the rapidly changing technological phase there is the need therefore to help these youngsters to live up to the pace of change. A basic knowledge in machines and electronics is therefore necessary. The ability to make toys with mechanical parts will go a long way to stimulate the scientific interest and improve upon the creative abilities of these children. Furthermore, this will serve as the basis for more technological advanced studies.

Source: KNUST
Design and production of ceramic ornaments: (manual for senior secondary school teachers)

Ceramics is a very interesting and lucrative vocation. The main material is clay and it is deposit in abundant throughout Ghana. The tools and equipment for, the trade are also not too difficult to come by. In spite of all these, only few students major in it at the Senior Secondary School level. A recent survey indicated that the low patronage is partly due to lack of text books. The General Knowledge in Art has scanty information on Ceramics in general and ceramic ornaments in particular. To help solve this problem a manual has been designed to help prospective ceramic teachers and students to acquire the needed skills with ease. The manual outlines a step- by-step instructional procedure for both the teacher and students to follow. These are supported by illustrations for clearer understanding. It is envisaged that the nature of the format ala self-instructional manual will inspire and acquaint morn teachers and students with the essential details and thus, motivate them to take-up the vocation. This is viewed from the fact that the learner will be privileged to acquire the skills and enjoy ceramic making with ease.

Source: KNUST
Design and production of Commemorative ceramic mural of African Cup of Nations, Ghana-CAN 2008

Commemorative objects are objects meant to serve as memorial to someone or events. It is therefore logical that the most important events are remembered for what they are. Based on this fact, a ceramic mural has been made to commemorate the Africa Cup of Nations (Ghana 2008). Ceramic murals form an integral part of architecture. In modern times, they do not only perform the function of just aesthetics but they also educate. This project therefore, when erected at Baba Yara Sport Stadium, will decorate the place and also educate the public. To achieve the objectives, attempts were made to come out with the appropriate drawings of scenes of activities of Africa Cup of Nations- Ghana 2008 event. After reviewing the related literature for the topic which was conducted through library studies, internet, reading of newspapers, the necessary tools and materials needed assembled. To also achieve a successful result for the main project, experiments were conducted in order to secure the appropriate clay and glazes. Tests for the clay included moisture absorption and linear shrinkage. For glazes, tests were done for the right colour and prevention of flaws. An acrylic paint and gold finger were finally used to finish the work in a unique style. A Ghanaian traditional symbol ( Adinkra) “funtunfunafu denkyem-funafu, won afuru bom nso worididi a na wore fom” has been repeatedly incorporated in the design of the mural to portray unity. It was also intended to preserve and promote the Ghanaian cultural Heritage. The extensive use of the photographs and illustrations is intended to educate people who wish to take up similar projects.

Source: KNUST
Design and production of decorative facial slices for the Building Industry

he study explored the possibility of producing facial slices using locally available materials. The prime motivation for the study stems from the fact that most facial slices found in the Ghanaian open market are imported into the country and appears very exorbitant to the average Ghanaian citizen. In addition, the slices found on the Ghanaian open market are very plain and devoid of aesthetic look. Studio based together experimental and observational approach were used in producing the facial slices. Geotechnical methods were used to ascertain the physical properties of Mfensi clay and other additives in order to know its suitable body for the production of the slices. In order to achieve an aesthetic look, traditional motifs were manipulated and generated using Adobe Photoshop into philosophical designs. The designs were incorporated onto the surfaces of the slices with the view to promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of Ghanaians. Among the various methods used in transferring the designs onto the surfaces of the slices were incision, stamping, springing, Sgraffitio, texturing, marbling, and embossing. The study concluded based on the results of the experiments that the locally available materials are suitable in the production of facial slices since its porosity, shrinkage and over all properties are standard to its production. In addition, the slices produced were preponderantly artistic since the traditional designs incorporated on the surface reveals aesthetic sensations in the eyes of viewers.

Source: KNUST
Design and production of garments and accessories as a social action against sexual abuse of women in Ghana

The ‘mass media’ in Ghana has given a lot of attention to the subject of ‘sexual abuse of Ghanaian Women’ and this has highlighted the inconsequential transformation on the part of the fashion and textiles industry. This project work is oriented towards bridging the gap between work done by social activists in different parts of the world on the subject of sexual abuse of women, the mass media’s view on sexual abuse of Ghanaian women and the expectations clothing and textiles consumer in Ghana. The research work also identifies societal challenges associated with female victims of sexual abuse through the perspective of the Ghanaian Fashion and Textiles Designer. Fluctuations in the Clothing and Textiles Industry are believed to be affected by societal norms and vices, which mean that Design is not autonomous, but is also dependent on cultural and economic factors; these views were obtained using a welldesigned research module to communicate the researcher’s ideas. The project work shows that fashion design and the fashion industry itself can be used as a beneficial research material in analyzing sexual abuse and efficient ways to curb these many forms of sexual violence against Ghanaian women. The Art studio-based research module was adapted from design stage to the construction of the final four Garments. Data was collected from the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit in Accra and also from the Department of Fashion Design and Textiles (Accra Technical University), data collected was then translated through various stages and finally into garments; Textiles techniques, such as lettrism, dyeing, stenciling, applique and pictorial batik, were used to create designs and patterns on already sewn garments contrary to the conventional way fabric and garment production. The art studio-based research module was used with descriptive research methodology; Instruments such as observation, administration of questionnaires and interviews were utilized` in thexiii gathering relevant information from the respondents. Systematic procedures of the design and construction stages of the garments are also outlined in the project.

Source: KNUST
Design and production of garments and accessories using macramé technique and locally available yarns

This thesis sought to produce garments from macramé other than the use of existing clothing construction methods. The fashion trend is dynamic and as such people’s preference for a variety in garments keep revolving. The study explored the various methods of clothing production as means of responding to consumers fashion needs in the contemporary fashion market. The research explored different types of yarns especially those which could be used for macramé and made selection of appropriate yarns for the production of macramé garments and accessories. The study used studio-based research, since it involved manipulation of yarns for various patterns that became possible for the production of the garments. Various stakeholders in the macramé products and production whose opinions were sought included macramé artists in KNUST, sellers of macramé products in Kumasi market and people who use different kinds of yarns at their work places in Kumasi. Variety of yarns were used, these include pure cotton, cotton-polyester yarn, and others. In all, four garments were made: two skirts, two blouses, two straight dresses, four dressing bags, a purse and two sandals and two slippers. The resulting garments and accessories were given to people to wear to ascertain their wearability and for other people to pass their comments. Comments such as Christmas wear, birthday wear by observers proved the acceptability of the garments and the accessories. The researcher recommends that other researchers should try macramé garment with available local yarns for men’s garment, certain types of yarns should be considered when choosing knots for garment production, also yarns used should be extra-long to avoid shortage.

Source: KNUST
Design and optimization of lemon grass oil extractor

Lemon grass is broadly used in medicine, perfumery industry, vitamin A manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. The need for lemon grass oil, especially in human health and its problem of extracting the oil have directed this thesis to design and optimize a mechanical system that will be used to extract and separate lemon grass oil using direct steam method. The direct steam distillation method eliminates contaminants in the oil and it is environmentally friendly. The steam distillation is carried out under controlled temperature and pressure. In all, three concepts were developed based on the orientation of the condensers, source of power, and method of oil production. The three (3) concepts, Direct Steam Distillation, Hydro Diffusion and Diffuser Diffusion Concepts were evaluated and the best concept, (Direct Steam Distillation), was selected as the final design. Design analyses were performed on each part to determine their specification, the material to be used and manufacturing processes for the fabrication. Lemon oil was extracted from fresh lemon grass that was harvested from a demonstration farm. Two extraction tests were performed, to determine the efficiency and the effect of the operation conditions. Two chemical tests were conducted to determine the quality of the oil and a stress analysis was performed using ANSYS to determine the stresses and deformations on the machine. From the results, it can be established that the prototype machine developed can be used to extract lemon grass oil from the leaves. The efficiencies were computed and the values obtained ranges from 5.87 to 6.33 ml/kg. The results obtained for the quality tests responded positive, a citrus value of 43.56 % was obtained when the pressure was 1.4 bar and the flow rate of 18.5 g/s. The effects of the process parameters on the extraction suggest that, increasing the mass from 20 to 27 Kg results in an increase in the quantity of oil of 39.85 cm3, a decrease of time of 3 minutes, an increase of LPG of 0.41 kg, and a decrease of the quality of the oil of 1.68%. The significant effects and the interactions were used to establish the models of the responses and the process parameters. The predicted model were calculated at each experimental condition and then compared with their measured results. From the results, the predicted (model) results differ from the measured results but it is within the experimental error except one of them which is above the experimental error.

Source: KNUST
Design and production of materials for post-natal health education

Mothers or parents often do not take post-natal health education seriously, either because of utter negligence or lack of awareness or a combination of other socio-economic factors. Methods of delivery may also contribute to the lack of positive participation by mothers. This thesis discusses methods of teaching, which would engender active participation in the learning process at the post-natal health education centres by mothers. They should learn by doing. By emphasising the learning process, health educators can serve as facilitators whilst mothers engage in relevant activities. This project provides assistance to both novice as well as experienced health educators, as various concepts are explained and described with examples. It must be understood also that the safe delivery of a baby is in itself not a guarantee that the mother can cope comprehensively with her new role of motherhood in its entirety. This project addresses the various needs of the mother and her baby, formation of maternal child relationship, and suggests ways that mothers can cope with the various demands and expectations which child bearing creates. The research also brings to focus the effect of psychological and social factors on the emotional and physical needs of the child and mother and help post-natal health educators make the emotional support of women an integral part of the care they deliver.

Source: KNUST
Design and production of instructional materials made with leather for Pre-School Education

The research explores the suitability and capability of leather as a material for making instructional materials to aid pre-school teaching and learning. Instructional materials play a vital role in teaching and learning at various levels of education, especially at the pre-school level where a strong foundation is needed. Materials usually employed in the production of instructional materials to serve as teaching and learning aid usually, include plastic, wood, paper, clay and plaster of Paris (PoP). These materials may be too heavy as found in wood, easily perishable as found with paper, or even too expensive to import from other countries. Conversely, leather, in terms of properties, is versatile, durable, pliable and can be dyed in various colours to attract children at the pre-school stage, since they are highly curious and easily become attracted to bright colours. Since leather is light in weight, its usage for making instructional materials will help reduce weight, promote durability of teaching and learning materials and also avoid/reduce the high cost of imported materials such as charts, plastic and electronically operated teaching and learning aid for pre-school education. The researcher employed qualitative research using the descriptive and experimental and methods. The descriptive study was used to describe the procedures and processes of producing appropriate instructional materials to arouse the interest of the children. The principal instruments designed to collect data were observation and interview. The convenience sampling approach was used to select the sample population with respect to data collection and accessibility of elements. In this regard, the headteacher, teachers and pupils of KNUST Nursery School were used as a sample for the study. Leather was identified to be a convenient material for making instructional media for pre-school education since it has been found to be readily accessible, easily manipulated, remarkably light in weight, and attractive when painted or dyed in various colours to arouse the interest of the children. The researcher recommends that classrooms should have a plentiful supply of leather instructional materials and objects, which encourage children’s inquiries and education. The research takes note of the intuitive desire in children for learning and urges schoolteachers to take advantage of this trait to facilitate the process of teaching and learning at the pre-school level. Schools are encouraged to make ample provision for stimulating children’s curiosity through the use of leather teaching and learning aid. In this regard, the locally manufactured leather is recommended to be used in the production of instructional materials to aid children’s education and also promote the economic significance of the material in Ghana and beyond.

Source: KNUST
Design and Production of Innovative Woven Upholstery Fabric Designs Using the Broadloom

TITLE: DESIGN AND PRODUCTION OF INNOVATIVE WOVEN UPHOLSTERY FABRIC DESIGNS USING THE BROADLOOM NO OF PAGES: 100 AUTHOR: EDWARD APAU, B.A (IND. ART) SUPERVISOR: DR. C. FRIMPONG, B.A Art, P.G. Dip Art Education, MSc. Textile Technology, PhD Art Education Weaving is identified as one of the ancient forms of fabric construction. It gives meaning and identity about the people as far as their beliefs, religion and traditions are concerned. Upholstery fabric designs for furniture employed in Ghana are imported and are of foreign influence. Even though these fabrics have their aesthetic and functional values, observations proved that upholstery fabric designs can be hand-woven to give meaning and identity to furniture. In view of this, the study identifies and selects suitable weave structures that can be hand-woven to satisfy furniture decoration. Again, the study reveals the possibilities of using the broadloom to weave upholstery fabric designs. Types of Upholstery fabrics and their characteristics were reviewed based on the conceptual and theoretical framework of the study. Descriptive and studio/practice-based research methods were employed under qualitative research approach as the research design for the study. The study further presents the systematic processes involved in producing the design samples. The study unearths the aesthetical and functional purposes of hand weaving in upholstery fabric designs. Even though, there were merits and demerits of the woven samples, the durability of hand-woven and machine-woven fabrics for upholstery depends on the type of yarns, weave structures and most importantly on the rate and exposure of the furniture. It is therefore recommended that, the skills of hand-weaving xvi should be encouraged and further studio practicals should be carried out to increase the knowledge of hand-woven fabrics in other textile applications.

Source: KNUST