ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Development Of Intensity- Duration- Freqency-Curves For Kumasi

This work involves the development of IDF Curves for the city of Kumasi. Annual Maximum Rainfall depths of various durations over twenty-two years for Kumasi were obtained from the Ghana Meteorological Services in Accra. A check for the consistency of data found the data inconsistent and so the double mass curve was used to make the data consistent and also allowed for filling in gaps where data were missing. The data set thus obtained was then subjected to frequency analysis to determine the distribution which best characterize the data set. The annual maximum series were found to be drawn from the Gumbel distribution whose parameters were computed by fitting the statistics to the data. The Chi-square test and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test prove the appropriateness of the fitting. Since the data available was only 22 years, IDF values for return periods higher than 22 years were obtained using frequency factors. The IDF estimates resulting from this work have been compared with the existing IDF curves prepared by J.B Danquah. The results show that for shorter durations(12 min and 24 min),the new IDF Curves give higher intensities for the same return period whiles for longer durations(42min, 1 hr, 2hr,3hr,6hr,12hr and 24 hr), the new IDF Curves give lower intensities for the same return period. Sub-Hourly IDF Curves for various durations were derived using the Hourly AMS and WMO factors. The derived Sub-Hourly IDF Curves have been compared with the Sub-Hourly IDF Curves computed from actual data. Comparison of the two comes out with a relationship which could be useful in obtaining Sub-Hourly IDF estimates for areas where only hourly data are available. In general, the results show that shorter duration storms are becoming more intense while longer duration storms are becoming less intense.

Source: KNUST
Development of Intensity- Duration- Frequency Curves for Koforidua

The estimation of rainfall intensity for a particular frequency is normally required for design of hydraulic and water resources engineering control structures. The main objective of this paper is to develop IDF curves for Koforidua based on recent rainfall information. Annual Maximum Rainfall depths of various durations over twenty-nine years for koforidua were obtained from the Ghana Meteorological Services in Accra. A check for the consistency of data found the data inconsistent and linear regression analysis was used to make the data consistent and also allowed for filling in gaps where data were missing. The data set thus obtained was then subjected to frequency analysis to determine the distribution which best characterize the data set. The annual maximum series were found to be drawn from the Gumbel distribution whose parameters were computed by fitting the statistics to the data. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test proves the appropriateness of the fitting. The tread follow the usual Intensity-Duration-Frequency-curves and equation has also been developed for particular frequency. By using easy fit software, Gumbel Extreme type one was found to be the best distribution for the analysis. The Intensity- Duration-Frequency-Curves obtained for the study area has generally characteristic form of Intensity-Duration-Frequency-Curves. There should be a revision of the Intensity-Duration-Frequency curves for all the major cities and towns in Ghana to take into account the effect of climate change. Meteorological services department must be strengthening in data processing, data collection and storage.

Source: KNUST
Development of local ceramic materials as substitute base material for imported screen printing engobes for ceramic decoration

The development of suitable screen-printing colours has been a difficult problem for many ceramicists in Ghana. Ceramicists in Ghana still face the problem of unavailability of ceramic printing colours. Where these are readily available, printing colours are expensive because they are imported. However, local ceramic materials needed for engobes for printing abound in Ghana. The production of engobes using local materials would be much help in the decoration of ceramic products in the Senior Secondary Schools and Colleges. This project seeks to identify and experiment with several local earth materials, which can be used as raw materials for the development of screen-printing engobes for teaching fundamental skills in ceramic in Ghanaian schools and colleges. Eight local earth materials, Feldspar, Kaolin, Ball clay, Fomena clay, Afari clay, Sand (Flint or Silica), White micaceous clay and Manganese were selected for detailed study to ascertain their quality and usefulness. Mechanical methods of processing raw materials were used. This involves the crushing of raw materials in a metal mortar, pounding with a metal pestle and sieving through a 300 mesh. This method of procession can be adopted for use in our schools and colleges. Several experiments were conducted to test the use of local earth materials for engobes. The study provides an instructional guide on the use of screen-printing engobes for ceramic decoration and makes some recommendations for the use of local materials for ceramic decoration.

Source: KNUST
Development of multiplication medium for Bacillus thuringiensis H-14 using groundnut meal

Bacillus thuringiensis H-14 strain IPS-18 obtain from W.H.O. was microscopically studied to confirm its identity. Local groundnut seeds were defatted using mechanized, solvent, water and roasting methods. The press cakes obtained were chemically analysed and formulate into maintenance solid media. Growth rates of the bacterium on a number of pressed cake media composed differently were compared with those on standard nutrient agar medium. A formulated medium containing groundnut cake obtained from local edible oil factory and enriched with 0.25% glutamic acid was found to be very suitable for the propagation of the bacterium. The maintenance medium of the new formulation yielded better results than the standard agar medium by 1.2 times. The comparative mass production studies of the bacterium in the proposed medium and in the standard nutrient broth medium were carried out 500 ml Erlenmeyer shaker-flasks. The bacterial growth in the new medium at 24 and 48 hours was 2.6 and 1.3 times respectively greater than that in the standard nutrient broth medium. The total cell count of the bacterium in the new medium and the standard medium at 48 hours were 4.00 x 1021 cell/ml and 6.00 x 1017 cell/ml respectively. The total cell count and LC50 value of the bacterium on Aedes aegypti larvae in the new medium at 24 hours were 7.41 x 1013 cells/ml and 10-5 dilution respectively whereas those in nutrient broth were 8.60 x 107 cells/ml and 10-3.5 dilution respectively. The potency of the formulation was found to be 32,707 ITU/mg as compared with 4,000 ITU/mg for the standard medium. The cost of one litre of the maintenance and cultivation from the now medium were $0.18 (¢16.09) and $0.04 (¢3.45) respectively as compared to $1.45 (¢131.00) and $0.51 (¢45.00) respectively for the standard medium as at June 30, 1986

Source: KNUST
Development of moringa oleifera leaf beverage

Moringa is thought to have the potential of providing vital nutrition as well as health and well being to consumers. In this work, fresh Moringa leaves juice extract was envisaged as a good vehicle of spreading its nutraceutical benefits. To this end, the study design was in two parts: (a) surveys to establish the consumption patterns of beverages in Accra and (b) a fresh Moringa leaves’ extract formulation and optimization. The survey was conducted by administering a questionnaire to volunteer adult consumers in randomly selected communities in Accra. To develop an acceptable Moringa leave extract beverage, pineapple juice, carrot extract and ginger distillate were included as components to improve taste, color and flavor respectively. A constrained, simplex centroid mixture design for three components was employed to optimize the proportions of the components in the final product based on sensory attributes. Proximate and other chemical analyses as well as shelf stability studies under three different storage conditions of temperature were done for the optimized product. Data obtained from the survey revealed that juices were the most consumed beverages, particularly among women. The choice of a particular juice drink was very much influenced by its color. Contour plots generated from sensory data of the products were overlaid to determine the optimum ratios of the juice extracts. The final composition consisting of 50-52% Moringa, 38-40% Pineapple and 10-12% carrots was validated to be adequate. The optimized beverage recorded 2.9 g/100ml of protein, 1.02 mg/100ml of iron and 159.14 mg/100ml of vitamin C. After 8 weeks of storage 78% of vitamin C was still retained even under the most severe storage conditions (sunlight). There were no microbial growths under all the conditions of storage, and the product was still acceptable. The findings show that fresh Moringa leaves could be processed into an acceptable beverage, so that its beneficial nutraceutical properties could very easily be distributed.

Source: KNUST
The development of painting in Ghana: before and after independence

Many Ghanaians and Africans do not know that painting is an authentic art of Africa. The documentation of African art initiated by Europeans was chiefly focused on sculpture. The Europeans invaded Africa in the fourteenth century with Christian doctrines which contrasted sharply with the so—called “fetishism”, of the African. The mystery that surrounded African Sculpture in traditional religion was never understood by Europeans; so out of curiosity and a desire to know more about its meaning, they began to collect and document it. Other art forms which did not appear to interfere with the doctrine of Christianity were left alone. In addition, the conspicuous role African sculpture played in the Cubist Movement and the development of Modern Art, had led many Europeans and even Africans to perceive it as the only authentic art of Africa. It is therefore not surprising to see many books on African art discussing only sculpture. In Ghana, for instance, documentation had mainly been centred on stools and “Akuaba” dolls. Because of oral tradition which Ghanaians and Africans used as a means of recording history and education, many people are becoming aware of the importance of painting and other art forms which have existed for ages. An archaeological survey done recently in the northern part of Ghana has revealed evidence of rock as well as pottery painting in Ghana and Africa. At the same time, there were other evidences of traditional painting and decoration before formal art education began at Achimota School in 1937. This thesis therefore attempts to create awareness of the authenticity of traditional African painting, and dispel the notion that African Sculpture is the only authentic art of Africa. Painting in Ghana has gone through changes in terms of style, consequently the thesis also aims at tracing trends in Ghanaian painting and examining and discussing various styles in terms of philosophy concept, and material.

Source: KNUST
The Development of Personal Style in Painting – A Case Study of the 1989/90 Final Year Painting; College Of Art; U.S.T – Kumasi

The purpose of this Essay is to identify, analyse and suggest some solutions to some of the problems associated with the development of a personal style in painting SCOPE The exercise involves a case study off the 1989/90 final year painting students – College of Art, U.S.T. – Kumasi. In the field study, four (4) painting lecturers and seven (7) final year students are to be interviewed by the researcher. Comparative analysis of selected paintings of the 1990 final year painting student – works form the second to the final year on: a. Still-still b. Composition and c. Figure Painting. IMPORTANCE Many painting students go through their specialization in painting without being able to develop a style of their own though, the course is also to help them find an identity or style for themselves. Since the development of a style is an important criterion in painting this issue become an educational problem. The study therefore seeks to identify, analyse and suggest some solutions to some of the problems of style development in painting. Points raised in the essay, if followed, will enable painting students have an easier way to developing their own styles eventually. By the acquisition or development of their styles, the students will not only have honour or prestigue, but will also stand to make economic gains, eventually after leaving school. It will give them the chance to have free and spontaneous expression of their emotions. It will also, enable the painter too preserve their identity for posterity as in the case of great painters like Fapheal, Picasso and Salvador Dali

Source: KNUST
The development of performance criteria of tender evaluation process for public works in Chad

Works procurement in Chad is governed by the Public Procurement Act 503, 2003. Tendering Procedures take too long without any tangible reasons. For instance, only 25% of the 2005 budget allocated to construction was used due to the delays in the Tender Evaluation Process. As a result, many construction projects experience delays in their execution. The study of Performance criteria for Tender Evaluation Process of Public Works in Chad explores the activities involved in the process and the entities in charge of carrying them out with the aim of establishing the major criteria for use in assessing the performance of tender evaluation. The study’s specific objectives were to identify the relevant factors affecting the performance of the tender evaluation process, to establish measurable performance criteria, and to recommend a performance assessment framework using the criteria established. Data were collected via questionnaires to consultants, procurement officers, contractors and other stakeholders in Chad. Results were analysed statistically using Weighted Mean Rate and Severity Index to rank both major factors and measurable criteria identified through literature search and field survey. Generally it was identified that there was no established system of performance measurement currently in use in Chad, the mechanisms of verification of documents’ authenticity were not well structured and fully implemented, and the legal prescriptions related to time allocated to activities were not applied. The study further established the following findings : - Fourteen (14) major factors affecting the performance of TEP were identified and classified in the order of importance under six (6) categories : Tender Documents, Tenders, Members of Tender Committees, Projects characteristics, Client’s objectives and role, and External factors. - Thirteen (13) major measurable performance criteria were established and ranked according to the following areas in the order of significance : Time, Contracts, Invitations to Tender, Tenders, and Costs. - A performance assessment framework was proposed to help procurement entities in evaluating the effectiveness of tender evaluation process. The study recommends that : - Concerted efforts must be made towards the quality of tender documents and the qualification of contractors, and the competence and experience of procurement officers; - The full implementation of the regulations and provisions related to the approval of reports and contracts provided by the Public Procurement Act 503 of Chad; - The development of a Comprehensive Computer-based System for Performance Measurement of Tender Evaluation Process in Chad.

Source: KNUST
Development of Procurement Function among Construction SMEs in Ghana

This research’s objective was to determine the contribution of the development of the procurement function towards the realization of SMEs’ performance. The researcher employed the survey method and forty owner/managers of SMEs were contacted. The Relative Importance Index (RII) was the main method used in analyzing the data collected. This study found that most of the SMEs appreciate the importance of the procurement function in the realization of their goals even though its adoption and subsequent implementation is fraught with several challenges such as weak managerial ability, lack of access to capital for business expansion; lack of external training on the procurement function for SMEs and the small nature of the SMEs making it difficult for them to compete with larger enterprises and therefore losing out on big contracts. Recommendations made based on the findings of the study included having appropriate procurement implementation plans; having a regular review of the procurement plan and implementation; that SMEs should provide training courses for all staff involved in procurement and also recruit staff with expertise and experience in handling procurement matters.

Source: KNUST
Development of simple techniques for the processing of eggplant fruits into paste

Despite the fact that eggplants (garden eggs) plays a very significant role as vital sources of some essential nutrients and calories in the diets of the Ghanaian populace, very little has been done to effectively preserve and package the product. This results in a large proportion of this commodity being wasted. This study was carried out to develop simple techniques for the processing of garden eggs into paste and to package the paste in a suitable material for storage. Two processing techniques dubbed “Process 1” and “Process 2” were used to produce the paste. There were significant differences (p<0.05) between the parameters monitored in the two processing techniques. Apart from % ash and % total soluble solids, parameters such as % moisture, pH, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid content, total sugar colour and microbial loaded were significantly affected (p<0.05) by heat treatment. Ascobic acid, pH, total sugar, colour and microbial load were significantly (p<0.05) affected by storage. Packaging material had no effect on the % moisture, % ash, and % total soluble solid content of the paste from the two processes however it significantly affected (p<0.05) the pH, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total sugar, pale yellow colour and the microbial Load of the paste. Of the two packaging materials used, glass was a better package than the polyethylene pouches. Significant differences (p<0.05) existed between the calcium and phosphorus contents of the paste from the two processes. The quality of paste from the two processes was very good and the yield remarkably high. The stew prepared from the paste of Process 2 was preferred to that prepared from the paste of Process 1 based on the sensory attributes of taste, flavour and overall acceptability.

Source: KNUST
Development of simple techniques in printing designs for beginners

Designing could be viewed as an attitude of the mind, not a method; primarily a form of enquiry about materials used and also about the sources; terms of personal expression and reaction to the society; basically not an end in itself but a means of making individuals more aware of the expressive sources at one’s disposal. Textile designing for fabric printing is an area in which the artist can use diverse means to obtain motifs that can be arranged into patterns or designs to express his thoughts and feelings. Such patterns can be transferred onto fabric by block, stencil and screen. Problems in designing for fabric printing centre around inadequate knowledge of what basically is textile designing for printing, development of ideas or motifs, good arrangement of motifs to achieve pleasing effects to transfer of designs onto fabric by means of any of the printing methods. Specific motif arrangements, repeat designs and printing methods have been discussed in much detail. Experiments in designing and printing have been done and samples included in the report as illustration and example. The author’s own personal experience in fabric printing has been documented in addition to literature from other sources.

Source: KNUST
The Development of Small Medium Enterprises and their impact to the Ghanaian Economy

The Ghanaian economy is made up of very small individual businesses, small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), corporate bodies and multinational companies. They together form the medium through which the economy transacts business activity and grows. The government agenda to make the private sector the engine of growth is mainly driven by the SME sector. The SME sector contributes over 70% of the country’s GDP according to Villars (2004). SMEs have over the years been very significant to the economic development of most developing countries, especially Ghana. It is a major form of business and a major employer making strong positive impact on the economic growth and GDP in Ghana This study researches into the operation of the SME development in Ghana, the importance of the SME to the Ghanaian economy, the challenges facing the sector and makes recommendations as to how to resolving these challenges and the impact to the Ghanaian economy Data was collected from SMEs from various cross sections of manufacturing, trade, commerce and service industries. The data was collected through interviews, questionnaires, publications and reports On the average the sector was found to be a major contributor to the GDP, performing very well. Some of the problems faced by the sector were lack of access to credit facility, inefficiencies with their management, inability to capitalize on advanced technology, regulatory and legal constraints. Recommendations are made for the training of the SME owners and managers as well as for the proper registration and structuring of the SME ventures to facilitate access to credit and also meet regulatory requirements.

Source: KNUST
Development of substitutes for some graphic design tools and materials

A critical examination of the falling standards in Graphic Design in particular, and Art in general, has revealed that conventional Art materials used in schools are getting more scarce and expensive of late. This has been a major contributing factor and it is the concern of the author to help find a solution to the problem. The aim of this project, therefore is to manufacture two sets of poster colours and a foot-rule (30cm) for use by Art students in Ghanaian schools. The first chapter refers to the materials required and the process of preparing the first set of poster colours. The second chapter discusses the various materials required and the various processes in the manufacture of a 12-inch rule (30cm) from bamboo. The third chapter discusses the extraction of colour pigments for the preparation of the second set of poster colours from vegetables. The fourth chapter also discusses the problems encountered, conclusion and recommendations. It has been found out that Ghana has the potential to manufacture most of the conventional materials from local resources, but we have been brain-washed to accept what is imported as “superior and discard or look down upon locally produced substitutes as winferiorn though they can equally match the former ones in most cases. This attitude has greatly affected research by individuals and industries into new inventions. Information for the project was obtained from the field, related project works by students, and pieces of advice from my supervisor and other friends. Illustrations have been provided to make the various materials easy to recognise and the processes of preparation easy to comprehend. It is the hope of the author that the research findings will go a long way to solve some problems art students do encounter in the study of the subject.

Source: KNUST