ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Quality care management of febrile illnesses among children under 5 years in Atwima Kwanwoma district in the Ashanti region of Ghana

Introduction Febrile illnesses in children and its management (especially infectious diseases) continue to result in an enormous increase in morbidity and mortality in developing countries causing a global public health concern. However, most low-middle-income countries have failed to institute systematic outcome assessment measures to ensure quality in the management of these conditions at one breadth. This study therefore aimed at assessing the quality care management of febrile illness in under five (5) in health facilities in the Atwima Kwanwoma district of Ashanti Region, Ghana. Methods The study was quantitative using a cross-sectional study design. Data were collected from 58 healthcare providers and 390 folders of children treated for febrile illnesses. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify socio-demographic, patient and prescribers’ factors influencing the management of febrile illness among children under 5 years. Statistical significance for all testing was set as 0.05. Results More than fifty percent (68.4%) of the overall management of the febrile illnesses were classified as appropriate in accordance with the WHO/UNICEF IMCI guidelines. Issues of Scarcity or shortage of qualified employees; leadership interference; dissatisfaction from health care professionals; location-based challenges, absence of WHO/UNICEF guidelines for fevers management, Artemether Lumefantrine Dosing wall chart, stockout of Artemether Lumefantrine and Amoxicillin in some facilities were identified as some of the challenges inhibiting quality care management. Prescribers’ factors such as belief in superstition (p-value=0.02) and patients’ socio-demographic factors such as the age of child below 1 year (p-value= 0.04) and gender (p-value=0.02) were established to influence quality care management of febrile illnesses. Conclusion The study concludes that the quality of management of febrile illnesses was not impressive and required urgent attention. Stakeholders within the healthcare industry should come together and introduce policies that focus on improving the diagnostic and treatment capacity of healthcare facilities.

Source: KNUST
Quality care management of febrile illnesses among children under 5 years in Atwima Kwanwoma district in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Introduction Febrile illnesses in children and its management (especially infectious diseases) continue to result in an enormous increase in morbidity and mortality in developing countries causing a global public health concern. However, most low-middle-income countries have failed to institute systematic outcome assessment measures to ensure quality in the management of these conditions at one breadth. This study therefore aimed at assessing the quality care management of febrile illness in under five (5) in health facilities in the Atwima Kwanwoma district of Ashanti Region, Ghana. Methods The study was quantitative using a cross-sectional study design. Data were collected from 58 healthcare providers and 390 folders of children treated for febrile illnesses. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify socio-demographic, patient and prescribers’ factors influencing the management of febrile illness among children under 5 years. Statistical significance for all testing was set as 0.05. Results More than fifty percent (68.4%) of the overall management of the febrile illnesses were classified as appropriate in accordance with the WHO/UNICEF IMCI guidelines. Issues of Scarcity or shortage of qualified employees; leadership interference; dissatisfaction from health care professionals; location-based challenges, absence of WHO/UNICEF guidelines for fevers management, Artemether Lumefantrine Dosing wall chart, stockout of Artemether Lumefantrine and Amoxicillin in some facilities were identified as some of the challenges inhibiting quality care management. Prescribers’ factors such as belief in superstition (pvalue=0.02) and patients’ socio-demographic factors such as the age of child below 1 year (pvalue= 0.04) and gender (p-value=0.02) were established to influence quality care management of febrile illnesses. Conclusion The study concludes that the quality of management of febrile illnesses was not impressive and required urgent attention. Stakeholders within the healthcare industry should come together and introduce policies that focus on improving the diagnostic and treatment capacity of healthcare facilities.

Source: KNUST
Quality Characteristics and Formulation Protocol for Reconstituting Tomato Powder into Paste

Tomato powder has been developed as a way of mitigating postharvest challenges associated with fresh tomatoes. However, there is limited information on the quality characteristics and formulation protocol for reconstituting tomato powder into paste. This study therefore sought to determine the proximate composition, physicochemical properties (pH, Brix, titratable acidity, colour) and consumer acceptance (scale of 1-7) of reconstituted tomato powder. The solar dried Roma tomato flour were formulated into tomato paste with different proportions of water and binder (cassava starch). A canned commercial tomato paste was used as control. Moisture, crude protein, ash, crude fat, crude fibre and carbohydrate content of the reconstituted powder ranged from 73.01 - 73.93, 0.57 - 0.58, 4.90 - 5.07, 0.46 - 0.62, 13.73 - 17.38 and 2.57 - 7.11, respectively. That of the control was 71.61, 0.30, 3.30, 0.42, 10.94 and 13.44, respectively. pH, º brix, titratable acidity and colour (redness index) of the tomato paste samples ranged from 4.11 - 4.25, 1.95 - 2.25, 0.23 - 0.26 and 10.40 - 13.70 respectively, compared with 4.25, 2.25, 0.23 and 13.7 for the control. The tomato pastes from the reconstituted powder was generally liked by consumers with average score of 5.02 compared to the control with an average score of 6.10. Consumers’ willingness to use the pastes reconstituted from the tomato powder was also high with an average score of 4.51 compared to the average score of 5.97 for the control. The present findings suggest that the method of processing the tomato powder induced some structural changes, which were reflected in the fibre and carbohydrate content. The consumer assessment further indicates a good market potential for extending the use of tomato powder.

Source: KNUST
Quality characteristics of pepper powder as influenced by packaging and storage duration

Pepper powder is a high valued commodity, which has the potential for improving the income and the livelihood of many smallholder farmers, domestic pepper traders and exporters in Ghana. Several materials used for storing pepper powder. However, the effects of different packaging materials on quality of stored Legon 18 need to be determined hence the study. The study comprised a field survey and laboratory experiments. The field survey was conducted in the Kumasi Metropolis with a total of 120 respondents (farmers, processors / sellers and consumer) purposively sampled followed by stratified random sampling. Semi-structured questionnaire and interview was used to gather information and analysis done using SPSS 19. A 4x4 factorial experiment arranged in CRD design with three (3) replications was used for the laboratory experiment. Four packaging materials (LDPE, HDPE, PB and HSPB) and four storage duration (1, 30, 60 and 90 days) were used. Data collected were analysed using Statistix 9 software and Tukey HSD test was used to determine differences in treatment means (P=0.05). The survey showed that scotch bonnet (55%) and long cayenne (35%) were pepper varieties most cultivated. Pepper powder was produced through par-boiling followed by milling. Consumers’ choice of powdered pepper was based on convenience, availability and time saving. The powders were usually packaged in transparent polythene bags. Proximate composition of long cayenne showed that HDPE had low moisture content (8.13%), high protein content in HSPB (16.44%), high fat content in LDPE (14.18%), high fibre content in LDPE (5.18%), high carbohydrate content in PB (53.26%) and high ash content in HDPE (7.36%). For scotch bonnet, low moisture content was recorded in PE (9.53%), high protein content in HDPE (16.15%), high fat content in HSPB (13.72%), high fibre content in HDPE (8.86%), high carbohydrate content in PB (53.02%) and high ash content in HSPB (8.04%). For the mineral content, long cayenne recorded high calcium content in LDPE (921.67mg/100g), high potassium content in PB (3104.20mg/100g), high magnesium in PB (325.83mg/100g), high phosphorus content in PB (627.50mg/100g). For scotch bonnet, high calcium content in LDPE (935.80mg/100g), high potassium content in LDPE (3040.00mg/100g), high magnesium content in PB (384.17 mg/100g) also high phosphorus content in HSPB (590.83mg/100g). For microbial quality, long cayenne total viable count was low in PB and HDPE (2.1x105 Cfu/g) and mould count in LDPE (1.4x105 Cfu/g). Scotch bonnet on the other hand was low in total viable count in PB (1.9x105Cfu/g) and mould count in HDPE (2.2x105Cfu/g). Bulk density of long cayenne was high in LDPE (0.55g/cm3) whiles that of scotch bonnet was recorded in HDPE (0.54g/cm3). The type of package material used for storage greatly influence the shelf life and product quality.

Source: KNUST
Quality control culture of diagnostic ultrasound parameters

A phantom consisting of two phases has been designed and constructed to mimic the human body. The phase one phantom was designed to mimic a surface lesion in the human body and the phase two phantom was designed to mimic a section of the whole body. The phantom was made up of water, four different kinds of oil (Rimula, Shell Tellus, Donax, Shell Helix Super), nylon wire and steel rods in a Perspex box. An ultrasound scans of the phantom were acquired from the following hospitals: Suntreso hospital. Kumasi South Hospital, Manhyia and old Tafo Hospitals, Sedorn and Bomso clinics. Quality control of the diagnostic ultrasound machine was assessed based on Uniformity, Linearity, Lateral and Axial Resolution parameters, using the standard 3.5 MHz linear-convex transducers. Generally, it was observed that the depth of penetration, which constitutes the maximum depth of visualization or sensitivity, is determined by the frequency of the transducer, the attenuation of the medium being imaged and the system settings. Uniformity an (l linearity of the machines investigated were very good and within clinical acceptable standards. The spatial resolution (lateral and axial) had limitations due to the linear-convex transducer that were used at the various hospitals. It was observed that generally, lateral resolution would improve with the narrowing of the beam width. Therefore within the focal zone, the lateral resolution will be at its best. This experiment has shown that the ultrasound scanners at the selected hospitals are generally operating at the expected level of performance.

Source: KNUST
Quality control in cocoa production in Ghana - a case study in the Western South Region

The quality of Ghana cocoa at the international market is very high and so earns a premium, even though Ghana is not the current leading producer of the commodity. In order to improve and maintain the quality of the cocoa production in Ghana, the Quality Control Divsion (QCD) of Ghana Cocoa Board has been charged with that responsibility. The major problems facing the QCD officials are that some of the cocoa presented for grading and sealing are found to be not thoroughly dried (NTD) and also not uniform in sizes (Admixture). Cocoa in Ghana is sold by weight and continuous drying by farmers and Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) would reduce their income and the labour cost of sieving the cocoa beans to ensure uniform sizes is high. The study emphasizes the required quality of the processed cocoa beans by making sure that they are thoroughly dried, reasonably uniform in size, tree from evidence of adulteration and free from all defects. A survey with the aid of questionnaires and interviews was made at the Western South Region in Ghana to obtain information from the various stakeholders in the cocoa industry, namely: farmers. LBCs, QCD and transporters. The questionnaires were designed in such a way that the questions were different for each stakeholder since they perform different roles in the cocoa industry. It was found out from the survey that the internal marketing of cocoa allows for competition so the LBCs are forced to buy NTD cocoa from the farmers. The District Officers of the LBCs rush on the PCs for them to deliver purchased cocoa on time so they do not have time to prepare the cocoa very well by way of drying and sieving. The rush on the PC’s has advantage in the cocoa industry, as cocoa beans are not stored for a long period at the society sheds and depots and SO minimize the incidence of insect infestation and the development of other defects like moulds. It also came out of the study that 96.9% of the total rejections by QCD are caused by NTD and Admixture and SO minimizing the incidence of NTD and Admixture will reduce the total rejections. It also came out of the study that rejection of cocoa based on NTD is higher than rejection based on Admixture. It was recommended that farmers should observe the farm management practices well by making sure that, farms are weeded, sprayed and cocoa beans are also well fermented. The LBCs should recondition all the inferior cocoa beans they purchase before applying for grading and sealing. The QCD should work diligently without favouritism and should not aid any LBC by certifying inferior cocoa as good one. [he transporters should also take instructions from the QCD officials instead of the LBCs as being done currently because it is the QCD, which has the necessary tools to ensure the quality of the cocoa beans.

Source: KNUST
Quality characteristics of composite cassava- ackee fruit- groundnut cookies

The consumption trend of cassava root as staple food is increasing in West Africa even though cassava contributes less protein to its consumers. Protein malnutrition constitutes therefore a risk for such population. However, there are cheaper protein rich sources that are locally available such as ackee arils and groundnut which are usually not utilised together with cassava and may even be considered as underutilised. This study aimed at developing and analysing the nutrient contents and sensory properties of cassava-ackee-groundnut composite cookies. The method involved a three-component mixture design that generated seven composite flours used for cookies along with 100% cassava flour. Among the tests carried out, proximate analysis was performed in triplicate. These data served also for the modelling and optimisation of the protein and fat contents of the composite cookies (21 observations each). Mineral contents such as Ca, P, Na and Mg were determined on the cookies in triplicates. Eighty untrained panellists evaluated the preference and acceptability levels of the cookies while thirteen trained panellists quantitatively described two of the most preferred (F1: 48.33%CF, 38.33%AM, 13.33%GM) and F7: 45%CF, 35%AM, 20%GM). The results showed that in most chemical parameters such as fat, fibre, protein, calculated energy, phosphorus and sodium, the composite cookies had high mean ranges from 35.5-39.9%; 1.9-3.1%; 6.7-8.3%; 509.1-579.7 Kcal/100g, 0.07-0.11% and 0.26-0.35% respectively. The cassava cookies rather got higher preference and acceptability mean scores around 7 as compared to the composite cookies with mean scores around 6. Moreover, the selected composite cookies differed from wheat and cassava cookies, as they were intense in colour (brownish), less crisp and less hard with a well perceived groundnut aroma and taste.

Source: KNUST
Quality Control in Offset Colour Printing (A Case Study of Cita Printing Press Limited (CPP), Buokrom-Kumasi)

Quality control can be said to be the overall system of activities whose purpose is to provide a quality product or service that meets the needs of the users, and also the use of such a system. To make this goal achievable, both the organisation and its suppliers must be dedicated to never-ending improvement, and more efficient ways to constantly obtain products or services that consistently meet customers’ needs. This research uses Cita Printing Press Limited as a case study. It identifies problems about quality which have cost Cita Printing Press Limited (CPP) both externally and internally in terms of market share, company reputation, and product liability, and prescribes solutions to them. It evaluates the alternatives against an optimal criterion and suggests the best in order to increase cost savings and produce high quality colour prints. The research critically analyses and addresses the screening of selected colour prints in order to determine the root cause of quality in order to suggest solution in case of poor quality. Results of the research would be generalised to cover other offset machines within the printing industry.

Source: KNUST
Quality control of the gamma camera system at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital

This is a report on the quality control assessment of the Searle Radiographic Pho/Gamma Large - Field - of - View Scintillation Camera System, at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra. The most important parameters that characterize the performance of the camera were evaluated, based on the visual inspection techniques, by the use of a quadrant — bar phantom, point source and a lead mask. Values obtained for the flood—field uniformity spatial resolution and spatial linearity, confirmed an acceptable performance of the gamma camera. The flood-field uniformity was recognized as the most important characteristic performance parameter of the camera. In addition to the experimental quality control tests, clinical tests covering the brain, bone and liver scans were carried out. The clinical results confirmed that count density in the general area of the lesion, the contrast between the lesion and its surroundings and the contrast distribution defining the lesion were optimum. The quality control programme has confirmed that the images represent the actual variation in the radiopharmaceutical distribution, within the phantom/patient, and not variations in instrument performance

Source: KNUST
Quality control in poultry meat products (case study of Darko Farms)

This study was conducted at Darko Farms and Company Limited. The researcher made visits to the Rearing Farms, the Processing Plant and the sales outlets in Kumasi and Accra. The study was conducted over a period of eight months during which period work on the Rearing Farms and the Processing Plant were observed in order that the researcher could acquaint himself with measures taken by the company to ensure quality products. An average of 17,000 birds a month was processed over the period of study. The percentage of downgrading observed was 0.44% (less than 1%) out of which a greater percentage was due to bile/faecal contamination. This is evidence of the high standard of quality maintained at the production end of the company. It was however observed that the stock carried over from 1996 to January 1997 was very high in relation to stock carried over from December 1995 to January 1996. This is not the best since any fluctuation in the storage temperature could affect the quality of the birds just as when the birds are kept for too long in the freezer. Prepared questionnaires were also despatched to the sales outlets in Kumasi and Accra to collect views of consumers on the quality of poultry meat produced by the company. Generally, respondents were satisfied with the quality of the meat they purchased from the company with respect to taste, colour, presentation and so on. However, respondents complained that the meat was relatively expensive which is not surprising since quality control involves cost.

Source: KNUST
Quality control of the gamma camera system at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital

This is a report on the quality control assessment of the Searle Radiographic Pho/Gamma Large - Field - of - View Scintillation Camera System, at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra. The most important parameters that characterize the performance of the camera were evaluated, based on the visual inspection techniques, by the use of a Quadrant - bar phantom, point source and a lead mask. Values obtained for the flood-field uniformity, spatial resolution and spatial linearity, confirmed an acceptable performance of the gamma camera. The flood-field uniformity was recognized as the most important characteristic performance parameter of the amera. In addition to the experimental quality control tests, clinical tests covering the brain, bone and liver scans were carried out. The clinical results confirmed that count density in the general area of the lesion, the contrast between the lesion and its surroundings and the contrast distribution defining the lesion were optimum. The quality control programme has confirmed that the images represent the actual variation in the radiopharmaceutical distribution within the phantom/patient, and not variations in instrument performance

Source: KNUST