ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Development of controlled release intramuscular Artemether-Loaded Poly (lactic co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) Microspheres for treatment of severe malaria in children

Malaria is a febrile disease caused by the plasmodium parasite and has plagued subSaharan Africa for many years. Severe or complicated malaria is a medical emergency, which has very high mortality rates especially among children under five years. Many preventive and control measures have been used over the years to combat this menace. Chemotherapy through parenteral administration is the principal means of combating severe malaria. Artemether is a derivative of artemisinin antimalarial available as intramuscular injection for the treatment of severe malaria in children. The purpose of this study was to develop controlled release intramuscular PLGA microspheres of artemether to replace the multiple injection regimen of artemether drug currently available for children under five years. The improvement of current available treatment regimen for children will be a significant contribution to the management of malaria in children under five years. These children are the most affected by the disease. Two resomers (RG503H and RG502H) of a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer, PLGA were used to formulate microspheres by the single emulsion solvent evaporation method. Microspheres of the clinically relevant size range of 45-90 μm were characterized by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and particle size analysis. The degradation of the microspheres was studied by determining their mass loss, water uptake and molecular weight profiles by gel permeation chromatography. The in vitro release of artemether from the formulated microspheres in phosphate buffered saline with 0.02 % tween 80 (PBST) was studied. Experimental male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with formulated microspheres and the in vivo iii release of artemether was studied. A Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric method (LC-MS/MS) was used to analyze plasma samples taken from the rats and to quantify artemether present in the plasma samples. Well-formed, spherical microspheres with smooth surfaces were formulated at high drug loading (20-25 %) and loading efficiencies (59-74 %). The polydispersed microsphere sizes were normally distributed with mean size of 70 and 69 μm for RG502H and RG503H polymers, respectively. The microspheres exhibited controlled release of artemether over 21 days in vitro with ~ 66-73 % release in 7 days. The declining molecular weight profiles, mass loss and water uptake profiles of the drug-loaded microspheres demonstrated that artemether release from the microspheres was due to polymer erosion and diffusion through the polymer. Mathematical modeling of the release of artemether showed that the RG502H and RG503H formulations fitted the Higuchi (fickian diffusion) and Korsemeyer-Peppas (non-fickian diffusion) models, respectively . Preliminary in vivo tests conducted showed that the artemether is released in vivo and can be successfully quantified with LC-MS/MS

Source: KNUST
Development of decision support system for acquiring properties under construction

The Decision support system in acquiring property under construction in the Kumasi metropolis is still undergoing a transformation. This paper is informed by a study conducted to decide how the principles of best practices associated with the impacts of using DSS could be improved to fulfill the objective of their greater use in mainstream buying activities. The aim of this paper is to address one of the chief objectives of this study: To improve the conceptual decision support outline to facilitate the acquisition of uncompleted properties. The findings and outcomes derived through a broad literature review and a preliminary study. Moreover, this paper indicates that DSS development is required to deliver eminence outcome in order to support the further development of our economy and to provide a better working environment for individuals taking any buying decision. Although some leading management progressively encouraging learning within and seeking to make use of the phases to gain competitive advantage. Regrettably, diffusion is very slow. The reason is that there is no standardize way of acquiring property as it varies from one end user to the other. Apart from the obstructions to DSS making it challenging, it was found to be deficient and that the DSS concept is not something new and there are actually some good practices of implementation in the local business.After close analysis, some key determinants and obstructions to the implementation of DSS were also identified and evaluated in the research. .A questionnaire was designed and administered in a survey. Data collected was analysed using the SPSS 16 software packages.The input of the paper is fixed in defining prospective DSS processes for sustainable development in the in purchasing activities. Also, the paper will be beneficial to policy makers and stakeholders involved in working growth process.

Source: KNUST
Development of criteria for assessing the quality of skins and hides for indigenous leather production in the Kumasi Metropolis

There appears to be problems associated with the quality of skins and hides purchased for indigenous leather production. This is due to the fact that, majority of Ghanaian consumers prefers purchasing foreign made leather products rather than the locally manufactured ones. This existing situation brings about the notion that, the locally processed skins and hides are not properly assessed before they are tanned into leather. It is not known whether local tanners have criteria for assessing the quality of skins and hides. The methodology/procedure for assessment has not been evaluated. The research utilized the qualitative research design as the main method of gathering data where descriptive method of research and a case study were employed. Both structured and unstructured interviews and participant observation were tools employed for data collection. It was observed that quality assurance and control factors that should be applied are not mostly well noticed and have less impact on the standard of skins and hides purchased and used for indigenous leather. Well assessed skins and hides had no defaults on them. When assessment was overlooked, tanned leathers showed symptoms of defect such as unnecessary holes, scratches, breakages/cracks, termite attack on grain and flesh side, fading of colour, weakness in poor strength and poor durability. There was therefore the need to use suggested criteria to educate them, prevent and eradicate bad quality skins and hides used for indigenous leather. These defaults can be limited or prevented if tanners work together and adopt standardized criteria for thorough assessment of the quality of skins and hides for leather. Quality assurance and control factors if used frequently by the tanners and adopted will improve upon the quality of skins and hides assessed for leather. Finally, health and educative programmes, seminars and workshops are recommended to be organized frequently to educate the public concerning the quality of skins and hides for leather.

Source: KNUST
Development Of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells From Natural Dyes

Energy crisis is being faced by most countries today. Many efforts have been devoted to overcoming the problem. One of several offered solutions is to develop solar cells since solar radiation is arguably the most abundant source of energy on the earth, especially in tropical countries such as Ghana and Niger. Photovoltaic offer many advantages such as simplicity, profitability and environmental compatibility over other methods of converting solar energy into electrical energy. Moreover, photo-electrochemical dyesensitized solar cells or simply dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been proposed as an inexpensive, simple and an alternative to conventional solar cell technology. More recently, DSSCs based on natural products are of interest because in spite of the advantages of the DSSCs, this specific type is on renewable basis using natural pigments such as anthocyanin, betalain, chlorophyll, tannins, flavonoids and carotenoids present in agricultural crops, fruits, flowers and leaves as molecular sensitizers in DSSCs. The natural dye-sensitized solar cell (NDSSC) is based on a dye absorbed onto a nano mesoporous wide band gap semiconducting oxide electrode, an electrolyte and a counter electrode. The sunlight conversion into electrical energy, in a NDSSC, takes place based on the sensitization of the semiconductor utilized. In this study, Sorghum bicolor (Millet stalk), Hibiscus sabdariffa (Bissap), Parkia biglobosa (Dawadawa), Allium cepa (Red onion), Bixa orelana (Achiote) yellow and pink Plumeria rubra (Frangipani), Delonix regia (Flamboyant), Nerium oleander (Oleander), Thevetia peruviana (Thevetia) and Tabebuia rosea (White trumpet) extracts were investigated as photo-sensitizers for TiO2-based NDSSCs. These plants can be grown in many parts of Africa. UV–Visible absorption spectroscopic studies of the plant materials showed spectra with a broad absorption within the visible light region (400-700 nm). Fourier transform infrared study indicated the presence of carbonyl and hydroxyl groups in all the dye extracts and those classes of compounds were further investigated through a phytochemical screening test. The photo electrochemical parameters showed a cell efficiency of as high as 0.842% obtained from Bissap dye using soot carbon deposit cathode and tetra butyl ammonium iodide based electrolyte. Better efficiencies could be achieved by using better dyes, electrolytes and other constructional parameters.

Source: KNUST
Development of GNSS software for Ghana Survey and Mapping Division

Processing of Global Navigational Satellite System (GNSS) data forms the basis for the usage of differential systems for obtaining spatial data. All open sources or commercial software packages developed for data processing give specific details to suit the intended purpose of the software. To obtain a uniform format for submitted survey data, Survey and Mapping Division (SMD) in various jurisdictions have specified formats for data submission for all kinds of surveys. In this regard, “GNSS Ghana” Software (GGS), a GNSS standalone Windows-based application with a modern user-friendly interface was developed for geodetic applications such as, projection and datum transformation worldwide, GNSS data post-processing of Receiver Independent Exchange Format (RINEX) files, and generating reports to meet Ghana SMD reporting standards including cadastral computations and reports for submission. To assess the developed software, GNSS data from two International GNSS Service (IGS) stations (BJCO and YKRO) were processed using GGS and three other commercial software such as GNSS Solution Software (GSS), Spectrum Survey Software (SSS), and Leica Geo Office (LGO), and the positional results compared against the existing coordinate. The results revealed that the GGS outperformed the remaining three commercial software packages with a sub-meter level of accuracy. Further assessment was conducted on datum transformation using the coordinates of 21 existing geodetic control points in Ghana. Utilizing the 7-transformation parameters of Ghana, the results gave uncertainties of [0.10ft. ± 0.99ft.] in the eastings and [0.02ft. ± 1.61ft.] in the northings with a 99% confidence level.

Source: KNUST
Development of glazes from rocks, clay, and shells

Ceramic glazes are produced from a wide variety of common rocks and minerals. They are either made to provide aesthetically attractive and functionally protective coatings, to render the ware strong and impermeable to liquids and gases, or to provide readily cleanable surfaces. For some time now, the bulk of the essential ceramic glaze materials used in the country have been coming in the form of imported commodities. However, the present world economic order with its unfavourable effects on the economics of most developing countries such as Ghana makes prices of imported commodities, especially glaze materials, very high. This is a problem to the development of ceramics in the country. From observation, the availability of very useful local glaze materials which could account for over 70% of what we need calls for immediate attention. It is in view of the possibilities envisaged that investigations have been conducted into local rocks, clays and shells from the Winneba- Cape Coast Districts of the Central Region. ‘4he objective is to develop glazes using the bulk of these materials selected materials were formulated into possible glazes and fired to 1140°C, 1160°c, 1180°C and 1200°C. ,, The result of these investigations was the successful development of stoneware lazes between 1180°c and 1200°C, and mid-temperature earthenware glazes between 1140°c - 1160°C. These appear in varying shades of brown. The research begins with the problem and its setting in Chapter one; followed by the Review of the related literature in chapter two. The general procedures for the research are outlined in chapter three. Preliminary investigations and the main experimental procedures follow in the fourth and fifth chapters respectively. The bibliography, preceded by the general conclusions, summary of results and recommendations ends it all, with other relevant information appearing in the appendix.

Source: KNUST
Development of high resolution rainfall climatology for Ghana

Various sectors of the country's economy (health, energy, agriculture and the like) depend on climate, and as such availability of quality climate data becomes essential for climate impact studies in these sectors. Rainfall climate database for Ghana has been developed using Gmet station data spanning a 33-year period (1980 – 2012). Seasonal rainfall for the four agroecological zones have been derived based on 0.25o x 0.25o grids covering the entire country. This allowed a clear evidence of the Inter-Tropical Discontinuity (ITD) migration from the South of the country to the North and back. This study provides a firsthand data for climate impact study, in the aforementioned sectors, across the country.

Source: KNUST
Development of high spatial resolution rainfall climatology for Ghana

Various sectors of the country’s economy (health, energy, agriculture, planning and many others) depend on climate, and as such availability of quality climate data becomes essential for climate impact studies in these sectors. In this study, rainfall climatology database has been developed for Ghana using GMet station datasets distributed over the four agro-ecological zones and spanning a 33-year period (1980 – 2012). Datagaps within the rainfall time-series were filled by Regularized Expectation Maximization (RegEM) and homogenization of the time-series was performed by Quantile Matching Adjustments (QMadj). The homogenized datasets were then gridded at a high-spatial resolution (0:25 o x 0:25 o ) using Minimum Surface Curvature (MSC) with tensioning parameter. Seasonal rainfall for the four agro-ecological zones have been derived based on the grids covering the entire country and this allowed a clear evidence of the migration of Inter-Tropical Discontinuity (ITD) from the South of the country to the North and back; thus, establishing a uni-modal rainfall regime over the Northern part of the country and a bi-modal rainfall regime over the Southern part of the country. Finally, Climatic Research Unit Time-Series 3.22 (CRU TS 3.22) monthly precipitation data was used to validate the gridded dataset, obtaining high Pearson’s correlation co-efficients (0.5 – 0.9), low relative mean difference (0 – 0.3) and low relative root mean square error values (0 – 8). At present, a country-wide rainfall climatology has iii been developed from GMet rainfall time-series which will serve as a precursor for further climate impact study, in the aforementioned sectors, across the country.

Source: KNUST
Development of high spatial resolution rainfall data for Ghana

Various sectors of the country’s economy – agriculture, health, energy, among others – largely depend on climate information, hence availability of quality climate data is very essential for climate-impact studies in these sectors. In this paper, a monthly rainfall database (GMet v1.0) has been developed at a 0.5∘ × 0.5∘ spatial resolution, from 113 Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) gauge network distributed across the four agro-ecological zones of Ghana, and spanning a 23-year period (1990–2012). The datasets were frst homogenized with quantile-matching adjustments and thereafter, gridded at a spatial resolution of 0.5∘ × 0.5∘ using Minimum Surface Curvature with tensioning parameter, allowing for comprehensive spatial felds assessment on the developed dataset. Afterwards, point-pixel validation was performed using GMet v1.0 against gauge data from stations that were earlier excluded due to large datagaps. This proved the reliability of GMet v1.0, with high and statistically signifcant correlations at 99% confdence level, and relatively low biases and rmse. Furthermore, GMet v1.0 was compared with GPCC and TRMM rainfall estimates, with both products found to adequately mimick GMet v1.0, with high correlations which are signifcant at 99% confdence level, low biases and rmse. In addition, the ratio of 90th – percentile provided fairly similar capture of extremes by both TRMM and GPCC, in relation to GMet v1.0. Finally, based on annual rainfall totals and monthly variability, k-means cluster analysis was performed on GMet v1.0, which delineated the country into four distinct climatic zones. The developed rainfall data, when offcially released, will be a useful product for climate impact and further rainfall validation studies in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Modular Framework for the Department of Industrial Art (DIA), KNUST

The study developed ICT Modular framework to provide a holistic ICT-based training of students at the Department of Industrial Art (DIA) of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi. The framework was formulated on the basis that the current interdisciplinary computer-based modules in the Textiles, Metal Products Design and Ceramics programmes run by the Department lack the needed software and courseware application programmes in content, instruction, course structure and description. Also, the computer-based modular course lacks educational experience in scope and sequence. There is no coherent and comprehensive framework on ICT literacy to reflect the much talked about ICT-based education. The study employed a classical curriculum model design for the examination of the computer-based modules in the programmes of DIA curriculum, and the development and implementation of the ICT Modular Framework. The current modules were examined in view of scope, sequence and methodology of instruction. Interview guide was used to collect remote data from stakeholders in triangulation to questionnaire which was the main technique of data collection. Main findings of the examination of the current modules recommended the development of the ICT Modular Framework. This was pretested using the behavioural objective domains, true-experimental design and checklist for purpose of recommendations and integration. The study revealed two major findings. The first set of findings revealed that the current interdisciplinary computer-based modules should be reviewed to meet prevailing conditions. The second set of findings established that the proposed framework upon pre-test served as a constructive model for teaching and learning of ICT at the Department of Industrial Art, KNUST. The framework provides mastery learning approach to teaching and learning of ICT. This conscientiously focuses on consistency, sequence and subject relevance. The framework is highly significant to other Visual Arts Disciplines at the tertiary level, as it serves as a multi-modal approach to teaching and learning of ICT. It also serves as a vehicle to encourage creativity and creative thinking of learners, using ICT tools.

Source: KNUST
Development of Intensity Duration Frequency Curves for Accra

The research work is about the development of Intensity-Duration-Frequency curves for Accra. The IDF relationships is a mathematical relationships between the rainfall intensity, duration and frequency. It is a hydrologic statistical tool that is commonly used by engineers during planning and designing of hydraulic infrastructures such as drainage system and water storage facilities for urban and rural areas. Maximum rainfall depths of nine different durations for 28 years (1971 to 2006) were obtained from the Ghana Meteorological Agency. Regression analysis were used to fill in the missing gaps found in the data. Various literatures reviewed to find the probability distribution that best fitted the acquired data chose the Gumbel Extreme Value Type I (EVI) and the Log-Pearson Type III distributions. The Goodness of fit tests (Kolmogorov-Smirnov Anderson - Darling and the Chi-Square) using the aid of the Easy fit software finally selected and confirmed the Gumbel EVI as the best fit distribution function for the analysis of the data. For each duration: (0.2hr, 0.4hr, 0.7hr, 1.0hr, 2.0hrs, 3.0hrs, 6.0hrs, 12.0hrs, and 24.0hrs) sample characteristics were analyzed and used to determine the population parameters, which aided in finding the frequency of the rainfall depths and intensities for the construction of the IDF curves for Accra. Comparison made between the existing and the new intensities showed more than 20% average increase in value over J. B. Dankwa’s from shorter to longer durations (i.e. 0.2hr to 24.0hrs) and selected return periods (i.e. 5 to 100 years). This implies that the rainfall intensities for Accra has changed as a result of climate variability. Therefore, the relevant institution must begin to update the IDF curves for the various regions in Ghana. Besides, the responsible institution should commence an IDF curves development projects for those areas that presently lack the curves to guide planners and engineers during the design of hydraulic infrastructures.

Source: KNUST
Development of innovative motifs from existing adinkra symbols for ’ahenema’ footwear

The Akan communities in Ghana are identified with ‘ahenema; footwear. Originally, ‘ahenema’ was designed for the royals and decorated with symbols made from gold and that made the slipper an expensive one. Nowadays, the producers cut the motif from rubber to decorate on ‘ahenema’ and this makes it affordable. Every Ghanaian or a foreigner can buy and use ‘ahenema’. The footwear is still decorated with the same old symbols and do not attract the youth to patronize. Again, the traditional way of polishing ‘ahenema’ discourages some people from using ‘ahenema’. The researcher adopted the qualitative research method and also employed descriptive and experimental approaches. Simple random sampling was used to select ‘ahenema’ producers, users of ‘ahenema’ and some youth in the Kumasi Metropolis. The researcher did interview, direct observations and pictures taken. Data were gathered, analyzed and interpreted. Some traditional symbols and their significance for application on ‘ahenema’ were identified and observed. Six motifs were developed from selected Adinkra symbols and were used to decorate on ‘ahenema’ after the researcher had gone through series of sketches and drawings. Wax-polished ‘ahenema’ footwear was produced from spraying paint and decorated with the innovative motifs. Many people would be attracted to use ‘ahenema’, if exhibitions and trade fairs are organized on ‘ahenema’ periodically. ‘Ahenema’ can also be given or attached to as prize for award winners.

Source: KNUST