ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The virgin and the whore: a presentation of the female in nawal el saadawi’s God dies by the Nile, Two women in One and Woman at point Zero and Hisham Matar’s in the country of Men.

The female has been given various representations in literature over the years. These varying portrayals have been either positive or negative, or both. Two images of the female dominate literary works; females are either represented as ‗pure‘ or ‗evil‘ (fallen woman) and recently, as both pure and evil. Thus this dissertation seeks to analyse Nawal el Saadawi and Hisham Matar‘s depiction of the virgin-whore dichotomy in their selected texts. The research focuses on discussing straightjacketing in the Maghreb Arab world and highlights the roles religion, culture and patriarchy play in maintaining the status quo between the male and the female. It also looks at what the female suffers in adhering to cultural and religious norms for femaleness and its effects on her psyche. It also discusses the lot of the female who rebels against these accepted norms. The study discusses how the virgin and whore images limit the female and result in her discontentment. Both images reduce her to a body that fulfils the roles prescribed for her under the respective class. However, the main focus of this thesis is not to solely identify female stereotypes in the chosen texts. Although the virgin-whore dichotomy in Arab literature plays an important part in this study, this study goes beyond just identifying stereotypes. It analyses the differences between male and female authors‘ portrayal of this classification. Their stand will determine the negativity or positivity with which they portray women under both classifications. This study will show that the virgin image is an idealised one that leaves women discontented while both virgin and whore images make victims of women. It will show that these images limit women and reduce them to objects and do not give them room to express themselves freely. For the purpose of this thesis, the selected texts will be analysed by applying feminist thoughts which relate to gender roles, stereotyping, culture and religion. These will help us understand the formation of gender roles and expose the role patriarchy plays in instituting sexual inequality. How the selected authors use literary devices such as realism, narrative technique, characterisation, flashback, conflict, dialogue and setting to depict the virgin-whore dichotomy in prose will also be studied. In order to holistically discuss the virgin-whore dichotomy, this research treats segregation, honour, veiling, female genital mutilation, education, marriage, motherhood, prostitution and physical and sexual abuse and their effects on the female. It then suggests ways of enhancing the socialisation process to eliminate discrimination among the sexes and promote an understanding of the sexes so that both males and females can equally participate iii in the domestic and public spheres. This will help avoid the tendency of defining the female based on what is male and cause her to be viewed as an individual.

Source: KNUST
Views and Experiences of Doctors, Nurses And Exiting Patients on Overcrowding at the Accident and Emergency Centre, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi.

Overcrowding in hospital emergency departments (EDs) has become a major focus for public concern in recent years with consequential effects on patients care and general health outcomes. This study assessed the extent of effects of overcrowding on health providers as well as clients seeking healthcare at the Accident and Emergency unit at the KomfoAnokye Teaching Hospital (A&E, KATH), Kumasi. The cross-sectional study involved health clients (above 17 years) who were not in severe pain and had been admitted to the A & E unit at the KATH. A total of 200 clients as well as 150 health staffs were recruited for the study. Data were collected through interviewing using semi-structured questionnaires. Data were coded and analyzed with STATA 11. Majority of health respondents in this study believed the accident and emergency unit was overcrowded. Overcrowding at the ED causes stress (95.2%), irritation (81.9%) and tiredness (90.5%) among health respondents and leads to medical errors. Inadequate medical equipment, bed space, theatre and main ward space as well as inappropriate referrals contributed to overcrowding at the A&E department. On the other hand, most patients in this study did not consider the A&E to be overcrowded. Expanding of infrastructure to minimize overcrowding should go along with improving the district hospital facilities to handle emergency cases. This will help minimize referrals to the accident and emergency unit and reduce overcrowding at the unit.

Source: KNUST
Virological Changes in HIV infected People undergoing Herbal Treatment

In a study to assess the response of HIV/AIDS patients to some herbal products as HIV/AIDS therapeutic, we evaluated three of such products in four HIV-infected patients by looking at virological (viral load) and other parameters such as CD4+ T cell count, heamatology and biochemistry that may be altered in these patients over a period of six months. Results obtained showed that two patients responded successfully to their treatments suggesting the potential potency of the herbal products they had taken. However, the remaining two patients showed evidence of virological and immunological treatment failure. Finally, the achievement of health improvement within six months indicates that herbal medicine can be used as an alternative treatment for HIV/AIDS, and that it is a good immune booster and probable "virus-cidal" factor.

Source: KNUST
Vision of the Future Academic Libraries in Ghana

Academic libraries in Ghana as a whole face some challenges in supporting teaching, learning, research, and knowledge dissemination. Because of a profound ongoing shift in context, however, the vision for academic libraries in Ghana will be to optimally ensure the survival of values that the library has represented in the academic sphere for its future existence. These include open access to scholarly information and cultural heritage,digitisation, service to students and scholars. Librarians also strongly need to collaborate closely not only as professionals but with partners in other areas of higher education and cognate fields. Their leadership role in information management and provision must create a coherent environment to facilitate the maximum use of scholarly information in all its forms. The future academic library will need a team of flexible experts with a variety of aptitudes and specialisations who collaborate as researchers, managers, skilled technologists, and proactive in the fulfilment of the mission of their respective universities. And there is no doubt that the future of academic libraries will be different from the one we know now. The paper makes use of literature review and attempts to make some recommendations to ensure the survival of future academic libraries as an institution to sustain their values of access to high-quality information, preservation and dissemination. It also makes a case for academic libraries to consider how to remain trusted and indispensable in a fast-evolving environment – while controlling costs.

Source: KNUST
Visual Art Lessons for Non-Visual Art Teachers in Senior High Schools in Ejisu-Juaben District

The study looked at the perception of non-visual art teachers with regards to the study of visual art programme in SHS in Ejisu-Juaben district. In all, seventy –one (71) non-visual art teachers participated in the study. The main instrument for the study was the questionnaire, which was designed by the researcher and validated by the supervisor. The data collected were analyzed. After analyzing the data, the researcher found out that majority of the respondents do appreciate visual art. Additionally, it came to the fore that they have fair knowledge about the Visual Art programme, however, when it came to the drawing aspect most of them were found wanting. Based on the foregoing findings, it was recommended that the intake of students into Senior High Schools must be based on the interest of the students rather than as is usually the case upon directives of the other non-visual art teacher and headmasters. Also regular exhibitions must be organized by visual art teachers and their students inviting the general public to show case their capabilities. At the exhibition centre, opportunity should be taken to educate the public about the visual art programme, its prospects among others. In addition, the visual art departments should liaise with the College of Arts departments and other allied bodies to organize regular seminars or workshops to teach the visual art teachers new trends and ideas of doing things for them to become abreast with changing time.

Source: KNUST
The Visual Arts of the centre for National Culture,Kumasi: their cultural importance in the development of Ghana

Visual Arts which form components of culture involve planning, organisation, execution, evaluation, etc. They form an essential human experience which is carried out not only in an isolated environment but also in a wider content of the society. Selected Visual Arts of the Centre for National Culture in Kumasi have their artistic expressions. These provide to a larger extent the recognition of the Centre in the light of educational, technological and social characteristics. Knowledge of the Centre and its varied forms of Visual Arts is an important vehicle for cultural enculturation practices which contribute positively to individual, societal, community and national development. The study made investigations and discussions in respect to functions and cultural importance of the Visual Arts to the development of Ghana. A synthesis of the problem indicates the link between Asantes and their art work with changes and challenges. It has been identified that some works are composites of indigenous visual art forms and their functions in society. Some symbolic designs used were aimed at the elements and principles of design in all aspects of visual arts. These visual arts have been identified pictorially, described with words and documented with emphasis. The research desin qualitative in nature made use of well structured interviews and on site observations in the gathering of the data for the writing of the thesis. The researcher adopted the Purposive sampling technique to enable him ascertain the adequacy of the data collected. The study concluded that both the centre and Visual Art forms produced are vehicles through which historical records are kept about Asantes and others thereby hey are reliable means of cultural preservation.

Source: KNUST
The Visual Arts at Ayigya and their economic aspects.

Visual Arts is manifested in various forms at Ayigya. The Visual Arts at Ayigya and their economic aspects provide a crucial avenue for the fight against youth unemployment at Ayigya. Visual Arts at Ayigya were studied and analysed using the qualitative method. A focus group discussion, observation, questionnaire and interview were also used to access data on the forms of Visual Arts at Ayigya and the economic aspects they stimulate. The study shows that the visual arts have economic aspects which have implications on youth employment, state revenue generation and general economic development of the community. The study means a lot to the leadership of Ayigya community, non-governmental organisations, government, and civil society organisation in their fight against poverty, unemployment and crime associated with idleness among others. Researchers and Academia would also reference it in related studies. The visual artists are entreated, among other things, to streamline their activities along best business practices and to simulate demand for their products. State revenue agencies should adequately capture the informal sector particularly visual artist in the Ayigya enclave to improve state domestic revenue generation.

Source: KNUST
Volatility assessment and Var (P) Model for listed insurance companies stock returns, an overview of Ghana stock exchange market

The study investigated the presence of volatility in two insurance companies listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange as well as model the interdependencies between these two insurance companies. In checking the presence of volatility, several ARIMA (p,d,q) models were fitted separately to the log return series of the two companies and the best model selected using the AIC and BIC selection criterion. Using the selected ARIMA (p,d,q) models, the residuals of the model were obtained and presence of ARCH effects evaluated using the ARCH-LM test for each company. The ARCH-LM test revealed that there were no ARCH effects. The ARIMA (1,0,2) model was thus used in forecasting the returns of EGL whereas the ARIMA (1,0,1) model was used in forecasting returns of SIC. Finally, VAR (p) models were fitted to the combined series to check for interdependencies. Using the AIC and BIC, the VAR (7) model residuals were found to satisfy the null hypothesis of no serial correlation between the stocks, thus was selected as the best model. Investment with SIC and or EGL is strongly recommended since volatility is absent in their stock prices. The Ghana Stock Market is still developing, as a consequence management of these two listed companies is advised to put in place measures that will increase the frequency of trading these stocks.

Source: KNUST
Visual Art and Environmental and Health Education

Programmes for the promotion of environmental health are major concerns of many governments and related agencies throughout the world today. In Ghana, as in other developing countries, the emphasis is on the improvement of basic sanitary services, consisting of water supply, disposal of human excreta, other solid and liquid wastes, vector control, food sanitation and housing which are fundamental to health. Oommunicable diseases arising out of lack of the basic amenities continue to contribute to most of the morbidity and mortality in the country. People, regardless of their stage of development, must see for themselves the necessity for revising t1ir habit patterns and be willing to join fellow mem1rs of the community in seeking the advantage of a cleaner, more pollution — free environment. Health education is therefore needed in national environmental health programmes. It is for this reason that the thesis alms at finding out the most effective ways of communicating visual and verbal health messages with the view to developing visual education material to supplement the existing ones for health education programmes. The research of the thesis was conducted through library studies, atterdi.ag health education workshops, personal interviews, critical observation and personal experience. The illustrations produced can be used in any tart of the country.

Source: KNUST
Visual Impairment, Nutritional Status And Glycaemic Control Among Diabetic Outpatients Attending Two Selected Hospitals In Kumasi, Ghana

Visual impairment and blindness are among the major complications of diabetes and important public health problems to address among diabetics, especially in developing countries. Diabetes mellitus, which was once thought to be uncommon in sub-Saharan Africa is increasing rapidly in the region due to rapid urbanization, the growing population and many other factors. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between glycated haemoglobin (HBA1c), nutritional status and incidence of visual impairment, including retinopathy in outpatient diabetics in Kumasi. A total of one hundred patients attending the diabetic clinic at Ejisu Government hospital were included in the study. Anthropometry including weight and height were measured and Body Mass Indices (BMI) were calculated from the weight and height measures using the formula Glycated haemoglobin (HBA1C), fasting plasma glucose (FBG), systolic and diastolic blood pressures were determined. Twenty-four (24) hour dietary recall was used to determine nutrient intake of participants. Visual acuity (VA), intraocular-pressure (IOP), cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) and fundoscopy were carried out. Twenty-seven percent (27%) of participants were males and 83% were females. Diabetes mellitus was defined by the WHO/IDF 2006 criteria. Average age of participants was 57.8 years, and this had no gender differences. The mean systolic blood pressure of the participants in this study was 126.9±19.06 mm Hg, diastolic 80.0±10.96 mm Hg, BMI 26.6±0.7kg/² showing most of the participants were overweight. Approximately, 43.6% of the study participants had high HBA1C. Visual impairments had a prevalence of 51%; cataracts 20%, corneal opacities 10%, mild-non proliferative retinopathy 3%, mild and moderate retinopathy were 15% and 3% respectively, glaucoma 19% and sight threatening diabetic retinopathy 7%. Presence of cataracts increased with blood pressure (p=0.040) and poor glycemic control. For visual acuity, a strong positive significant association was observed between BMI status and its occurrence. In conclusion, overweight and obesity, including visual impairment were prevalent among the diabetic outpatients studied. Majority of participants were female, Akan, Christian and had lived with DM for 1-10 years. Significant relationship between cataracts and glycaemic control, mean HbA1c significant different between those with good and poor glycaemic control. 60 out of 100 participants had high HbA1c levels. An approach using dietary patterns to examine food intake collectively should be adopted in future research, including proper nutritional counselling and early eye screening exercise for all diabetic patients.

Source: KNUST
Visual representation of selected Akan proverbs in Ghana: their philosophical and socio-cultural values

The purpose of the study was to identify forty Akan proverbs that are used in daily activities for communication and education in the Ghanaian traditional environment. The selected proverbs were visualised into symbols and explained. Fifteen of the symbols were used to produce textile pieces (pictorial batik), wood carvings and clay work to demonstrate their use in the African handicraft. The descriptive technique of qualitative research methodology was employed. The descriptive method was used to explain the philosophical and daily applications of the proverbs. The Art-based method was used to illustrate the proverbs into symbols. The research found out that proverbs, which constituted major components of the Ghanaian communication skill in the 19th and 20th century is fast falling into the background in this 21st century. Also, creativity in the creation of symbols by students and artisans is also declining drastically. Therefore, this research recommends that more symbols should be created using the numerous proverbs and wise sayings that are in existence to salvage the declining image of Akan proverbs as an important component of African art. These symbols should be made available to the craft industry as well as to serve as educational materials in Ghanaian schools.

Source: KNUST
Volta River Authority (VRA), Training and Development Centre

This report is presented in parts in order of execution of the study. a) The first stage deals with documentation and analysis of the situation at the training centre’s present premises to serve as an exhibit for justification and basis for the formulation of statement of intent. b) The second stage deals with general studies related to the operations of training centres and also their technical studies to serve as an information bank and to guide the evolution of a meaningful design proposal or brief. c) The third stage is information on design proposal which include (i) Design Concepts; (ii)- Appraisal of the design by way of drawings The report is illustrated with diagrams, photographs etc for the purpose of clear distinction between information on the design proposals and pre-design information, the first two stages of the study are put together to constitute the first part and the third stage constitutes the part two of the report

Source: KNUST
Vote buying in general elections among students (A case study of the Faculty of Social Sciences in KNUST).

The main objective of the study is to examine the causes of vote buying in general elections among students of the Faculty of Social Sciences in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The convenience non-probability sampling technique was used. Primary and Secondary data were used in the study. The sample size for the study was one hundred and fifty (150) respondents, comprising 75 males and 75 females. Self-administered questionnaires were used for data collection. The data was analysed using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS).The preliminary results suggested that economic status, illiteracy, love for material things and under funding of political parties are some of the major causes of vote buying among students in general elections by politicians. The findings revealed that economic status was one of the major factors contributing to the vote buying among students on campus. The responses obtained indicated that a number of students support the assertion that financial strength affects the way they vote in an election. In addition, though some of the students kicked against illiteracy as a cause of vote buying, others also agree to it. Furthermore, the love for material things which was proposed as a factor of vote buying among students in general elections came to reality after the research. Some of the respondents admitted haven received material gifts from politicians during electioneering campaigns. A number of respondents belief that the acceptance of the gifts during electioneering campaigns affected their voting choices during general elections. Moreover, a large number of respondents attest to the fact that poor financial support of political parties has a negative impact on the number of votes they secure in an election. Also, majority of respondents agree that money and other items play important roles in determining the success of a political party in a general election. Many of the respondents affirm to the fact that political parties with huge financial supports affect the voting preferences of electorates in general elections.

Source: KNUST
Vulnerability analysis in wireless local area networks: a survey of some wireless access points in Ghana.

Wireless Communications can be found everywhere including banks, telecommunication companies, hotels, hospitals, academic institutions, government sectors, intelligence organizations, and the military. If these wireless communications are hacked, huge classified data and information will be lost to un-authorized persons globally. This thesis work focused on Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). It examined whether there are vulnerabilities in the IEEE 802.11 security protocols of WLANs. If there are vulnerabilities, it further examined whether the vulnerabilities can be used to hack into a WLAN. The IEEE 802.11 standard specified three types of security protocols for WLANs: Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), and Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA-2). Hence, this thesis work focused on discovery vulnerabilities in WEP, WPA, and WPA-2 through experiments. A laboratory consisting of two laptops with wireless cards, a wireless access point, and an authentication server was set up to probe into the security protocols. A software called BackTrack 5 was installed on one of the laptops. The software was used to launch various attacks in an attempt to discover vulnerabilities and to retrieve the secret keys of WEP, WPA, and WPA-2 networks. The expectation of this thesis work is to discover a number of vulnerabilities as possible in the IEEE 802.11 Security Protocols of WLANs. Secondly, it is expected to use these vulnerabilities to successfully hack into WLANs.

Source: KNUST