ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Puppetry in basic education

This project is about how puppets can be constructed and used in basic education, to aid dramatization of stories and teaching of art and literature. It also describes the tools, materials, and the four main types of puppets; shadow, glove, rod and marionette, and their appropriate theatres. Sample puppets of the various categories have been constructed as a means of aiding teachers and pupils to construct their own.

Source: KNUST
Purity And Adulterant Analysis Of Cocaine Seized In Ghana

There is no report on the purity of cocaine and its adulterants in white powder seized as cocaine in Ghana. This leaves a big gap on data for hazard analysis such as causes of acute cocaine toxicity, overdoses, and fatal reactions. The main goal of the study was to determine the quality of cocaine seized in Ghana by detecting and quantifying the presence of adulterants in seized cocaine samples and also quantify the actual amounts of cocaine in these samples. This work analyzed 45 cocaine samples seized in Ghana in the year 2010, 2013 and 2014. The suspected cocaine samples were analyzed at the forensic laboratory of the Ghana Standards Authority using gas-chromatography / mass spectrometry. The average cocaine content determined were 9.60 mg/g, 9.44mg/g and 7.43mg/g for 2010, 2013 and 2014 respectively. The purity levels were 81.72 ± 4.96, 80.38 ± 12.23 and 63.25 ± 20.23. Analysis of variance for the cocaine purity for 2010, 2013 and 2014 at the time of arrest showed a statistically significant difference (P-value 0.0129).With differences arising from samples arrested in 2010 and those in 2014. On the contrary, analysis of variance of cocaine purity for the various years after storage time showed no statistically significant difference (P-value 0.9337). This is testament to the effects of storage conditions on the integrity of the cocaine samples. Adulterants detected were Lidocaine and Caffeine with mean concentrations of 4.30667 x 10-05 and 0.147064 respectively. None of the samples tested positive for the presence of the adulterant Procaine. There was no significant relationship between the presence of adulterants and the cocaine content. Based on these adulterant findings, measures should be put in place to screen illicit drugs for the presence of these adulterants on arrest.

Source: KNUST
Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of cryptolepis-based herbal formulations in Ghana

Cryptolepine is the first and main alkaloid isolated from the West African shrub Cryptolepis Sanguinolenta. Cryptolepine has been extensively studied and scientifically proven to exhibit antimuscarinic, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, hypoglycaemic and antimalarial activities. It is also reported to be cytotoxic, being a DNA intercalator and a topoisomerase II inhibitor. In Ghana, Cryptolepis-based preparations which are mainly aqueous extracts of whole roots of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta are used as antimalarials. Currently, there are a number of branded Cryptolepis Sanguinolenta herbal formulations on the Ghanaian market. The proliferation of these brands calls for pharmacovigilance to ensure that spurious/falsely-labelled/falsified/counterfeit (SFFC) brands are identified to ensure the safety and quality of these formulations and hence improve malaria treatment outcomes.

Source: KNUST
Quality assessment and clinical evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of a Ghanaian hepatorestorative polyherbal product (HPK) at the Wa Regional Hospital

Liver diseases are increasing globally and many clients in developing countries tend to use herbal products for their treatment but most of these products have not been studied scientifically. The study aimed at assessing quality, safety and effectiveness outcomes of the treatment of patients with deranged liver functions using a Ghanaian polyherbal product, HPK. HPK which is used as a hepatorestorative is a decoction prepared from Bidens pilosa, Citrus aurantifolia and Trema orientalis. Quality parameters of HPK were assessed through physicochemical, microbiological, spectroscopic and chromatographic analysis. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was used for heavy metals analysis. Fifty clients with laboratory-confirmed deranged liver function gave informed consent and were recruited for the study at the Upper West Regional Hospital. Participants took HPK (30 mL 8 hourly) for 28 days. Laboratory investigations (LFT, RFT, FBC and Urine R/E) were undertaken at day 0 (baseline), 14 and 28 to assess for safety and effectiveness of HPK. HPK exhibited DPPH free radical scavenging activity with IC50 of 23.39µg. HPK contains reducing sugars, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, coumarins, flavonoids and phytosterols. HPLC, TLC, UV and IR fingerprints have been established. Microbiological cultures did not show any observable contamination of the HPK. Heavy metal analysis: Lead, Mercury, Nickel, Cadmium and Arsenic yielded content levels within the safe WHO reference ranges. Compared to baseline values, HPK showed no observable toxicity on renal function, haematological parameters and urinalysis in humans after 28 day period. However, HPK significantly improved the liver function of the participants: AST (p - 0.0001), ALT (p < 0.0001), GGT (p - 0.0017), total bilirubin (p - 0.0146), direct bilirubin (p < 0.0001) and alkaline phosphates (p -0.0295). The other parameters showed no significant differences in 28 days. Within the limits of the study, HPK had hepatorestorative action with no observable toxicity and can be used with confidence as indicated on its label as a liver tonic.

Source: KNUST
Quality and drying characteristics of infra-red dried mango-sweetpotatoes leathers

The highly perishable nature of mangoes and sweetpotatoes due to high moisture content has resulted in high postharvest losses in Ghana. Thus the need to exploit their potential in fruit leathers production, sweetpotatoes were dextrinized (to increase sugars) at different temperatures in an oven, mashed and added to fresh mango pulp for drying. The amount of dextrins formed, dextrose equivalents and the physico-chemical parameters (pH, acidity, water activity and vitamin C) of the pulp and leathers were determined. The proximate and colour of leathers dried using the oven and the infra-red dryers were compared. The tray load, amount of dextrinized sweetpotato and temperature of drying were randomized at different levels and the drying characteristics in the infra-red dryer studied. Consumer acceptability test was also conducted. The optimal temperature for obtaining high amount of dextrin was 190-200 oC. Water activity ranged from 0.61-0.63 and the pH from 4.2-4.33. The overall acceptability was high (1.58-1.63) and was not significantly affected (P < 0.05) by the amount of sweetpotato added. Generally, all the drying processes occurred in the falling rate period. The Henderson and Pabis model best described the thin layer drying characteristics of infra-red dried mango-sweetpotato leathers. The frequency factors (Ko) for temperatures 45 oC, 50 oC and 55 oC were 4.032 × 106, 4.20 × 106 and 4.342 × 106 ( h-1) and corresponding activation energies respectively were found to be 52.829 KJ/mol, 52.831 KJ/mol and 52.837 KJ/mol. Both dryers had equal effect on proximate parameters but browning increased in oven dried leathers. Overall, the physico-chemical, sensory and proximate values obtained for infra-red dried leathers indicate that the leathers are of quality. The leathers produced compared well with a brand on the market and hence can compete when packaged properly. In order to get high quality product, save energy and time, the infrared dryer is commended for use in drying fruit leathers.

Source: KNUST
The Quality Assessment of Some Herbal Preparations Produced in Ghana

The quality of some herbal products on the Ghanaian market was assessed using harmonized procedures for assessing the quality of herbal preparations issued by Ghana National Drug Programme (GNDP) and Ministry of Health, Ghana. A total of thirty (30) samples consisting of six (6) herbal mixture (liquid), six (6) herbal powder, six (6) herbal creams, six (6) herbal ointments and six (6) soaps were obtained for the study. These samples were subjected to various analyses. The parameters measured, were grouped as follows: microbial type and levels; (Escherichia coli, aerobic bacteria, yeast/moulds and salmonella Typhi), Organoleptic properties; (clarity, appearance, colour, taste and odour), physicochemical properties; (pH, total ash, sulphated ash, acid-insoluble ash, total solids and specific gravity); phytochemical screening for major constituents; (glycosides, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, anthracene) and heavy metals; (mercury, arsenic, lead and cadmium). Results obtained in the study suggest that the parameters tested for all the samples from three batches of every herbal preparation showed reproducibility in the preparation of the products. When compared with quality standards where applicable, it was found out that the results were all below the WHO quality standards. The quality of the herbal preparations assessed is acceptable based on comparison with the World Health Organization (WHO) quality standards.

Source: KNUST
Quality assessment of veterinary pharmaceuticals: A case of oxytetracycline and praziquantel

ABSTRACT Antimicrobial resistance is a global health problem with severe consequences. Efforts aimed at possible reduction must therefore be encouraged. Assurance of the quality of veterinary pharmaceuticals therefore has a direct link with improving disease control in humans. Resistant organisms can develop as a result of poor quality antibiotics. Resistant organisms from animals can be transferred through the food chain to humans. The food-borne route has been reported to be the dominant route in the spread of resistance from non – human sources to humans. Assessment of the quality of veterinary pharmaceuticals containing Oxytetracycline and Praziquantel was studied. Veterinary Pharmaceuticals containing Oxytetracycline (OTC) and Praziquantel (PZQ) were sampled from a manufacturer, veterinary hospitals, farms and open market. In all, twenty￾five (25) samples were analysed using RP-HPLC. Sensitive, fast, selective and precise RP-HPLC methods were developed and validated for Oxytetracycline and Praziquantel in their pure forms and in formulated products. Chromatographic conditions developed for Oxytetracycline was mobile phase composition of acetonitrile: water: trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) (85:14.5:0.5(1%v/v); v/v/v) respectively. The stationary phase employed was an Altima Cyano 100A 5µ, (250mm x 4.6mm) column at a wavelength of detection, 254nm. The retention time was 3.326 ± 0.05 minutes. A flow rate of 2ml/min was used. Chromatographic conditions developed for Praziquantel was mobile phase composition of acetonitrile: water: TFA (45:54.95:0.05(1%v/v); v/v/v). The stationary phase employed was ReproSil 100 CN 5µ, (250mm x 4.6mm) and a v detection wavelength of 230 nm. The retention time was 6.80 ± 0.07 minutes. All determinations were made at ambient temperatures for Oxytetracycline and Praziquantel. Calibration curves with good coefficient of correlation (r2 ) values of 0.9994 and 0.9996 were obtained for Oxytetracycline and Praziquantel respectively. Highly sensitive LOD values of 0.01054mg/ml and 0.03156mg/ml were obtained for Oxytetracycline and Praziquantel respectively. LOQ values of 0.03196 mg/ml and 0.09564 mg/ml were obtained for Oxytetracycline and Praziquantel respectively. The analytical method developed was then applied to commercial veterinary products sampled. Fifteen (15) samples were of good quality whereas ten (10) samples were observed to be sub-standard.

Source: KNUST
Quality assessment of veterinary pharmaceuticals: a case of oxtetracycline and praziquantel

Antimicrobial resistance is a global health problem with severe consequences. Efforts aimed at possible reduction must therefore be encouraged. Assurance of the quality of veterinary pharmaceuticals therefore has a direct link with improving disease control in humans. Resistant organisms can develop as a result of poor quality antibiotics. Resistant organisms from animals can be transferred through the food chain to humans. The food-borne route has been reported to be the dominant route in the spread of resistance from non – human sources to humans. Assessment of the quality of veterinary pharmaceuticals containing Oxytetracycline and Praziquantel was studied. Veterinary Pharmaceuticals containing Oxytetracycline (OTC) and Praziquantel (PZQ) were sampled from a manufacturer, veterinary hospitals, farms and open market. In all, twenty- five (25) samples were analysed using RP-HPLC. Sensitive, fast, selective and precise RP-HPLC methods were developed and validated for Oxytetracycline and Praziquantel in their pure forms and in formulated products. Chromatographic conditions developed for Oxytetracycline was mobile phase composition of acetonitrile: water: trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) (85:14.5:0.5(1%v/v); v/v/v) respectively. The stationary phase employed was an Altima Cyano 100A 5µ, (250mm x 4.6mm) column at a wavelength of detection, 254nm. The retention time was 3.326 ± 0.05 minutes. A flow rate of 2ml/min was used. Chromatographic conditions developed for Praziquantel was mobile phase composition of acetonitrile: water: TFA (45:54.95:0.05(1%v/v); v/v/v). The stationary phase employed was ReproSil 100 CN 5µ, (250mm x 4.6mm) and a detection wavelength of 230 nm. The retention time was 6.80 ± 0.07 minutes. All determinations were made at ambient temperatures for Oxytetracycline and Praziquantel. Calibration curves with good coefficient of correlation (r2) values of 0.9994 and 0.9996 were obtained for Oxytetracycline and Praziquantel respectively. Highly sensitive LOD values of 0.01054mg/ml and 0.03156mg/ml were obtained for Oxytetracycline and Praziquantel respectively. LOQ values of 0.03196 mg/ml and 0.09564 mg/ml were obtained for Oxytetracycline and Praziquantel respectively. The analytical method developed was then applied to commercial veterinary products sampled. Fifteen (15) samples were of good quality whereas ten (10) samples were observed to be sub-standard.

Source: KNUST
Quality Assurance in Oral Health Care in the Manya Krobo District

The Ministry of Health has stated in its Health Sector five year program of work that, among the constraints to improving the health status of Ghanaians, is the inadequate service quality. A quality assurance program has been developed in the Eastern Region and Atua Hospital is one of the facilities that has been involved in the program. Oral health care is considered as one aspect of the overall health and welfare of society. The quality assurance program as such covers oral health care. The principal objective of the study was to assess the quality of oral health care in the Manya Krobo District in the light of the Quality Assurance Program. The Donabedian framework of structure, process and outcome was used in the assessment of the quality of oral health care and the program. Using this framework, the quality and quantity of staff, the equipment available, the financial state of the unit and the state of patient records were assessed under the structural component of quality. The interpersonal relationship, specifically, the examination of patients, choices available to patients as well as an aspect of technical skills - infection control, were studied. The training opportunities offered to staff were also assessed. The satisfaction of patients was studied as an indicator of the outcome of quality of oral health care. This case study employed qualitative as well as quantitative methods. The sampling was purposive and the techniques for data collection included, review of records, interviews involving key informants, individuals and a focus group. An observation was carried out at the dental unit of the hospital. Structured questionnaire was also administered to some staff of the hospital. Results obtained indicated the existence of a quality assurance program in operation with management support. The unit was found to be adequately equipped. Moreover, the unit was understaffed and the assistants did not have the requisite skills. Information recorded on patients’ cards was adequate. Majority of the patients interviewed were satisfied with the interpersonal relationship. The waiting area was found to be unsatisfactory. It is recommended that training should be intensified to improve the skills of the staff and also to empower them to improve on the work process.

Source: KNUST
Quality assurance for market development of particleboard in Ghana (a Case Study)

The market of particleboard has been observed to be very small and this study is an effort to help develop it through quality assurance that could boost confidence of potential consumers in particleboard quality. Data was obtained by a survey of some selected consumers to assess market potential of particleboard as well as constraints to its marketing. Data was also collected at the factory for assessment of product quality. Particleboard panels were randomly sampled one from each of twenty batches, to determine their physical and mechanical properties. The data were analysed by sample means, standard deviations and control charts. The study revealed that particleboard would have a high market potential in Ghana if misconception about its quality were cleared. Laminated particleboard was in particular, attractive but the production capacity of the secondary finishing line was low. The price of particleboard relative to that of plywood for similar uses was observed to be high and this calls for a low introductory price. The inability of the firm to operate on economies of scale due to low patronage resulted in a high unit price. Poor distribution of the product also limited accessibility to potential consumers. Hence it was recommended that more distribution depots and showrooms be established in all the regional capitals. Promotional adverts need to be made on radio and TV to generate public awareness of availability and qualities of the product. Tests conducted on board samples revealed that the mean values of the strength and serviceability properties of the boards such as density, bending strength, tensile strength, screw - holding power etc. generally conform to international specification standards of both the German Norm DIN 68761 and the British Standards Institution’s BS 5669. 1989: Part 2 for grade A or C1A and C2 boards. Thus the boards can be confidently used for interior purposes such as furniture, cabinet, shelves, flush doors, wall arid ceiling panels, case goods etc. The mean values of the processing parameters such as moisture content of dried chips, glue viscosity, gelation time etc. were also found to conform to the mill’s own standard specifications. It was also observed that variation of variables between samples was generally within control limits.

Source: KNUST
Quality Assurance in the Hospitality Industry: A Case Study of Capital View Hotel, Koforidua

The hospitality industry has seen tremendous change over the last decade. Hospitality business today is an integral part of the human life whether in a commercial scale or in small scale. Although, the hospitality industry is seen to be booming as new structures are being put up every day, it is yet to strike a major impact in the country as compared to other hospitality businesses like the hotels in different African countries. The work sought to access the impact of quality on hospitality businesses, the participation of staff and employees in contributing to quality of services, to identify the link between quality and customer satisfaction, and to find out the benefits of ensuring quality in the hospitality business. The study touched on various variables necessary to ensuring quality services that maximizes customer satisfaction. The researcher used non probability sampling techniques in carrying out this research. Both accidental and purposive samplings were used. From the research conducted, it is quite clear that ensuring quality is of great importance to customers and companies as well. On a whole it is one of the basis of growth in the industry economy because it brings cash inflows to the economy through tourism attraction. The researcher found that upon the various benefits of ensuring quality, there is room for improvement in the service delivery to customers. The hotel management should not only pay attention to servimg the customers but should rigorously imrpove the already high quality of the services they provide to their customers. On the question of recommending other customers to the hotel, almost all the respondents said yes. The reason is very simple and crystal clear. Thus the quality standards of Capital View Hotel is high. Despite all the remarkable impact of quality assurance on customer satisfaction in the hospitality business, the researcher believes that more can still be done to increase the impacts.

Source: KNUST
Quality assurance on community-based donor agency funded building projects: a case study of microprojects in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana

Micro project is a modest or small-scale project initiated and carried out by the local community under the auspices of the district assembly with the European Union providing the bulk of the funding. The projects approved for implementation ‘are predominantly building facilities such as school blocks, rural clinics, market stores/stalls KVIPs toilets etc. Of late there has been concern about the long-term performance of the structures due to noticeable defects observed under existing ones. This research examined the impact of training and experience of the principal actors (i.e. the artisans, district coordinators and technical supervisors) procurement practices and supervision on the quality of work produced. Primary data (supported by secondary sources) was collected from the principal actors involved in the construction work. The main analytical tools employed were the chisquare, correlation coefficient, conversion of raw scores into percentages and presentation of the results in tabular and pictorial forms. The following were the findings: 1. The dominant categories of artisans engaged on the programme were those without any technical education background, who lack the requisite skills needed for the work. 2. Most artisans were selected and engaged on the programme due to their affiliation with some influential district assembly officers without the involvement of the technical supervisors who are responsible for technical supervision of the works. 3. Frontmen identified in the field as Mobilizers went for the job and sublet it to the artisans contrary to Micro projects principles. 4. Lack of contract documents encouraged unsatisfactory procurement practices and contributed to the lapses in supervision. It is concluded that: 1. Artisans selected for the jobs were not sufficiently screened to ensure that they have adequate training and skills. 2. There were no formal criteria for assessing and selecting competent artisans. Consequently, not all the jobs went directly to artisans, but some to frontmen. 3. The absence of appropriate contract documents to bind the artisans and the district assemblies to enable them appreciate the extent of their liabilities was a contributing factor to some of the defects reported and the lapses in supervision. 4. The technical supervision of the construction process was ineffective.

Source: KNUST