ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Self-medication practices among pregnant women in Ejisu-Juaben Municipality

Reducing maternal mortality is key to achieving the Millenium Development Goals in Ghana. However, self-medication is one of several health seeking behaviours that threatens the life of pregnant women and undermine the achievement of improved maternal health. Though self-medication in general has received research attention, not much is known about the reasons that prompt pregnant women to self-medicate and the disease conditions for which self-medicated drugs are used to treat. This research explored the phenomenon of self-medication among pregnant women in Ejisu Juaben municipal, in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Using a questionnaire survey, 300 pregnant women were interviewed on the factors that cause them to self-medicate, the disease conditions treated with self-medication, the most commonly self-medicated drugs, and their knowledge of the potential effects of self-medication. The research revealed that self-medication was high among respondents (68.3%), even though most respondents (77.7%) remained informed of the potentially negative effects on the mother and the foetus. Perceived non-seriousness of disease conditions (37.3%), familiarity with certain drugs (22.8%), low cost of self-medicated drugs (25.1%) and dissatisfaction with health service delivery (11.5%) were some of the main factors that predisposed respondents to self-medicate. This research also found that headaches (44.8%), cold and flu (17.7%), stomach problems (14.2%) and body pains (10.9%) were the most commonly treated disease conditions, often treated with analgesics (46.4%), herbal drugs (23.5%), antibiotics (18.4%), and antacids (11.6%). Based on these findings, the research concludes by recommending that government intervention programs should go beyond pregnant women and target family members and relatives, since they are influential as trusted sources of drugs, and drug information. In addition, this research recommends that the government of Ghana initiate a mobile health delivery system for self-employed pregnant women, which will target these pregnant women at their work places and through that reduce the reluctance and inconvenience that these pregnant women experience in seeking professional health services

Source: KNUST
Self-Portraits in Enigmatic Contexts

ABSTRACT The artist/researcher in this research is applying a seemingly illogical impossibility of juxtaposing his own likeness on recognizable historical characters to create a sense of enigma and to awaken the sensibilities of other researchers in the realm of psychology so far as irrationality of the modern psyche and existence are concerned .He starts by borrowing portraits of recognizable personalities from European artistic sources as the basis for his argument. However, reference is made also to sculpture with regard to African societies like Egypt, Nok, Ife and Benin portraiture. The images selected by the artist for this painterly experiments have been categorized under three phases. They include; a) Phase one - transposing the artist‘s features onto an original historical character. b) Phase two - imposing the artist’s own innate style or technique onto the original image. c) Phase three –imitating the style of the original painting or image which inspired the artist’s prototype. An artist or researcher’s philosophical comment is provided to help rationalize the use of enigmatic imagery in this project by questioning and answering some irrational and illogical actions in man’s existence. He tries to establish the link between this experiment and the philosophy of Western art movements like Futurism, Dadaism and Surrealism by spelling out the rationale behind this project and reviewing of works by famous artists who belong to the above -mentioned movements. The experiments are conducted using modern artist oil as well as industrial commercial paints as the main media .Illustrations in photographic sequential images have been provided to help the reader gain a rough idea of how the artist arrived at the final works. The next section of the thesis seeks to analyze and describe the results of the artist’s output, where the artist’s works are arranged side by side with the original image for easy comparisons. The eighteen paintings produced by the artist projects the researcher in different character roles made up as an African ancestor , an emperor, a king, famous artists, an Italian Renaissance magistrate, just to mention a few. Details of this project are spelt out in four chapters with the appropriate sub- headings under each chapter.

Source: KNUST
Senior Secondary School education in Ghana: an evaluation of current policy and practice under the Ghana educational reform programme

The Senior Secondary School (SSS) system in Ghana, introduced in 1991, is a product of the Educational Reform Programme which was initiated in 1987. The 3-year SSS programme is mainly concerned with a nation-wide focus on the acquisition of vocational and technical skills to enable students fend for themselves in self employment or continue their education at the University and other tertiary institutions. Agricultural, Business and General (Arts and Science) programmes are also run as other specialised areas of learning to cater for the differing interests of students. The study focused generally on the SSS system but particularly on the vocational and technical areas. The basic task of the research was to find out the extent to which the government’s vocationalization policy had worked in the Senior Secondary Schools in the Ashanti region, with a view to identifying potentials and constraints of the system and how best to achieve success in order to promote national development. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources, using the complementary multi-method strategy. The sampling technique employed to identify respondents was the purposive sampling method in which the respondents that could appropriately elicit the required information were captured. The findings of the study showed a number of important issues. For example, it showed that, though failure rates have been high, there has been generally a steady and gradual improvement in student’s academic performance since 1993. It also revealed that comparatively the academic performance of vocational and technical students has generally been less impressive in relation to the results of students offering other SSS programmes. The study also showed that there are several constraints inhibiting the proper functioning of the vocational and technical programme including lack of materials and equipment and an acute shortage of qualified teachers and relevant textbooks. The study offered a number of policy suggestions and recommendations and concluded that with the active collaboration between the Government and all well-meaning and concerned citizens of Ghana, the noble aims of the SSS programme could be achieved.

Source: KNUST
Senior Secondary Students’ Problems in Picture Making

In 1987, Ghana embarked on reforming its pre-university system of education. The objective of this Reform was to make Ghana’s educational structure and content more relevant to the present needs of the nation. The system of the Reforms in the senior secondary schools was divided into six programmes comprising Agriculture, Science, General Arts, Business, Technical and Vocation Education. These six programmes have also been divided into two main groups of subjects to help students in their choice of opportunities for further studies, future career and general interests. Basically, the Reforms aimed at vocationalizing basic and secondary school education so as to equip students with technical and vocational education that will make the graduants skilled and useful citizens in society. In view of this objective, the picture- making course, which is part of the visual arts Programme, was therefore made as practical as possible. Here, the students are predisposed to the idea of using the resources, especially in their environment to their advantage. They learn to draw, paint, do collage, mosaic and printmaking to their advantage. It was expected that by the end of the course, the Picture Making students would be equipped with the requisite skills to manage their own affairs. In the observation of the teaching and learning of picture making in selected schools in the Kumasi Metropolis, ten senior secondary schools, which offer the subject, were selected for the study. In the process, a lot of handicaps or problems were revealed. Some of them emanated from poor utilization of principles of design and perspective, no effective guidelines and the students’ inability to apply colour effectively. Besides, there are inadequate facilities, equipment, tools and materials and lack of text and reference books. To achieve the desired objective, the researcher has used the descriptive, survey and analytical research methods for this thesis. The major research instruments used to collect the necessary data were questionnaire, interview and classroom observation. The main research findings reveal that most of the Senior Secondary School Pictures Making graduates do not acquire enough skills to fulfill the objectives of the Education Reform. The research therefore made recommendations that will assist in making the intended objectives of the Reform a reality.

Source: KNUST
Sensitivity of Received Power in Antenna Down-Tilt in Cluttered Mobile Environments a case study Of West Africa Telecom Industry

In Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) mobile environment, transmitter and receiver signals are heavily influenced by the effect of clutter surrounding both the transmitter and the receiver. Therefore the ability to optimize a CDMA system is dependent on the initial system configuration at the deployment stage. This includes the site location, antenna type, orientation, down-tilt and the choice of propagation model which contributes greedily to a better optimization of the network. It is a very important function in cellular radio system design. For the prior optimization of the network, the propagation parameters should be optimized. The parameters that influence the received signal such the terrain topology with regard to the mechanical down-tilt are presented. In incorrect coordinate of the BTS cell site, a poor coverage was also observed. Furthermore, the measurement of the received power from CDMA pilot carried out during the drive-test in Greater Accra was used to evaluate the excess path loss. This excess path loss in value was obtained from the comparison between Hata-Okumura Models and the measured path loss. The prediction response was not satisfactory in the study area therefore the prediction model was then tuned by the use of the least square algorithm.

Source: KNUST
Sensitivity of PCR Targeting the IS2404 Insertion Sequence of Mycobacterium ulcerans in an Assay Using Punch Biopsy Specimens for Diagnosis of Buruli Ulcer

Punch biopsy specimens from Mycobacterium ulcerans disease lesions were used to compare the sensitivities and specificities of direct smear, culture, PCR, and histopathology in making a diagnosis of M. ulcerans disease in a field setting. PCR for the insertion element IS2404 was modified to include uracil-N-glycosylase and deoxyuridine triphosphate instead of deoxythymidine triphosphate to reduce the risk of cross contamination. The “gold standard” for confirmation of clinically diagnosed Buruli ulcer was a definite histological diagnosis, a positive culture for M. ulcerans, or a smear positive for acid-fast bacilli (AFB), together with a possible histological diagnosis. For 70 clinically diagnosed cases of M. ulcerans disease, the modified PCR was 98% sensitive and gave a rapid result. The sensitivities of microscopy, culture, and histology were 42%, 49%, and 82%, respectively. The use of a 4-mm punch biopsy specimen was preferred to a 6-mm punch biopsy specimen since the wound was less likely to bleed and to need stitching. Given adequate technical expertise and the use of controls, the PCR was viable in a teaching hospital setting in Ghana; and in routine practice, we would recommend the use of Ziehl-Neelsen staining of biopsy specimens to detect AFB, followed by PCR, in AFBnegative cases only, in order to minimize costs. Histology and culture remain important as quality control tests, particularly in studies of treatment efficacy.

Source: KNUST
Semi-abstract metal sculpture on the theme: ‘reflections of affection’

This project sought to research into welding and fabrication as technological study, and their applications to the production of two sculptural pieces that were not only going to serve decorative but also functional purpose. The artefacts are sculptures which symbolic in concept. The research design used was studio-based research design. The type of research tools used were based on the praxis and exegesis; the triangulation of studio-based research which involves observation, creation and analysis. Facilities for the study were libraries, internet, journals, books, and works of experts in sculpture and the Metal Product Design. The objectives of the research were to explore the field of welding and fabrication technology as a means of adding to the practical knowledge in academia and other in the near future, to demonstrate the in-depth knowledge gained in other practical Metalsmithing and mild steel forming techniques throughout the research in the designing and fabricating of metal statues. It also dealt with how to experiment on the effective ways of welding lighter forms of steel to thicker or the heavier forms, to improve upon the use of durable metal statues by placing emphasis on abstract and semi abstract African lighting figures and to produce metal semi-abstract lighting statues based on the concept; ‘reflections of affection’. The project report is made up of five chapters and each chapter is subdivided into topics and sub-topics based on the structure of the entire project. It may be of an interest to academia and the general public to know that there are so many types of sculpture, materials for sculpture, sculpting techniques, and functionalities of the various sculptural pieces, but only a few these in Ghana have really been sculpted in metal and have lighting features.

Source: KNUST
Sensory and Chemical Stability of Vacuum Packaged Wagashie

Wagashie samples from unpasteurized full-fat milk (UFFM), pasteurized partially skimmed milk (PPSM) and pasteurized full-fat milk (PFFM) were prepared and a fourth (control termed as ‘D’) was purchased from the market. The study was to provide descriptive vocabulary for Wagashie, determine sensory and chemical changes during storage, and to establish relationships between sensory attributes and chemical parameters. Vocabulary was generated by twenty panelists using quantitative descriptive analysis. All the four Wagashie samples were vacuum-packaged and stored for four weeks at 12 oC. Sensory evaluation was carried out on zero and four week old samples using a line scale of 0 (strong) to 10 (weak). Chemical tests (moisture, crude protein, fat, free fatty acid and pH) were conducted on week zero, one, two and four. In all twenty attributes (eleven for the cooked and nine for fried Wagashie forms) were generated. However, fried Wagashie samples were considered for the rest of the research because preliminary survey showed that Wagashie is mostly consumed in the fried form. The fried Wagashie attributes were golden brown, rough and compact, firm, soggy, chewable and friable, typical of Wagashie aroma and flat taste. Four week old samples compared with zero week old ones showed significant differences (P< 0.05) for some attributes and insignificant differences (P> 0.05) for other attributes. However, they were all within the same region of the scale (either 1 to 5, or 6 to 10). For attribute flat, week zero old samples compared with their respective four week old samples showed significant differences (P< 0.05) and fell within different regions of the line scale except sample PFFM. In terms of chemical tests after the storage period, percentage moisture and FFA reduced and increased (P< 0.05) respectively. Protein remained unchanged (P> 0.05) in sample PPSM and PFFM but increased (P< 0.05) in the other two. Fat increased in PPSM and D but reduced in the other two samples (P< 0.05). pH of all the Wagashie samples reduced at the end of storage. Correlation analysis showed that a reduction in the percentage fat increased the friability of UFFM sample. Also, increase in FFA altered the taste of all the samples except PFFM. The study showed that the least and greatest change occurred in PFFM and D respectively after storage.

Source: KNUST
Sensory and rheological properties of reduced-fat rock buns and mango pie containing a papaya (Carica papaya)-derived fat replacer

Two perishable fruits Papaya (Carica papaya) and mango (Keit variety) which are locally abundant in Ghana were selected for this study. Freeze dried papaya was used as a fat replacer in two pastry products, namely rock buns and mango pies (with dried mango and mango puree as filler). The effect of fat reduction on the sensory and rheological properties of the rock buns and mango pies were determined. The dried fruits were also assessed for their physicochemical properties. Five rock buns treatments (full (l00%)-fat, 25%, 50% and 75% reduced-fat and fat- free (0%) treatments) were produced as well as two pie crust treatments(full (1 00%)-fat and 25% reduced-fat treatments). Trained sensory panellists determined that the 25 % reduced-fat rock buns treatment was more similar in sensory attributes to the full-fat control, whilst the 50 % reduced-fat treatment was found to be satisfactory in comparison to the other reduced-fat treatments. With the exception of mouth feel in which differences between the full-fat control and the fat-free treatment were not significant (p> 0.05), there were significant differences (p 0.05) in sensory attributes between the control and the fat-free treatment for all other attributes. In the pie crust as well, sensory results showed that the reduced-fat treatment was not significantly different (p> 0.05) from the full-fat control for most attributes. Texture profile analysis of rock buns showed that hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness and resilience increased with increasing fat reduction; however, values for fracturability and modulus of deformation decreased with increasing fat reduction. In the pie, texture analysis indicated that the reduced-fat treatment was not significantly different (p> 0.05) in hardness from the full-fat control; nevertheless, for fracturability, differences between them were found to be significant (p 0.05). Colorimetric measurements revealed that the 25 % reduced-fat treatment was more similar in appearance (colour) to the control than the other reduced-fat treatments which were dull in appearance. Notwithstanding the colorimetric results, sensory results also proved that the 50 % reduced-fat treatment was also not significantly different (p> 0.05) in colour from its full-fat complement. Dried fruits and puree produced from mango was more shelf stable than the unprocessed fruit. Analytical results indicated that the fat replacer contains 2.51 g/100 g and 12 % pectin and total nutrition fibre respectively. This is an indication that the pawpaw-derived fat replacer could be a viable additive for fat replacement.

Source: KNUST
Sequential Ordering Of Routes for Trucks for Efficient Garbage Collection: Case Study of Sekondi –Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA)

Transportation of solid waste product from the cities in Ghana to the destinations for proper disposal has become a unique aim of most metropolitan assemblies in order to make the cities clean from dirt and thereby prevent the outbreak of some diseases and also make the environment smell good. Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) has trucks to run to and from various garbage collection points for disposal. It is hard to believe that most of the garbage containers may get full but the trucks may not be available for collection due to the fact that the trucks may not operate effectively and efficiently. A careful study revealed that all the systems on which most of the officers assign truck to a specific route for garbage collection have no scientific basis. This resulted into inefficient ordering of trucks to routes. This work presents a case study of the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP). The core objective is to minimize the total lengths taken by trucks of the Waste Management Department of Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly in transporting the waste from the Metropolis to the Dump Site. The problem was formulated as an Integer Programming Model and the Ant Colony Meta-heuristic for the Travelling Salesman Problem was used in obtaining optimal solution. Data on distances between potential garbage picking points were obtained. The Cartesian coordinates of the various garbage collection points were collected and used as the distance matrix table for each zone. The optimal solutions were obtained with the help of a Matlab implementation codes. The results revealed an outstanding performance of the Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm in terms of efficiency. In summary, there is reduction of total cost by GH$56000.35 which is 35% of the total cost.

Source: KNUST
Sensory and rheological properties of reduced-fat rock buns and mango pie containing a papaya (carica papaya)-derived fat replacer

Two perishable fruits Papaya (Carica papaya) and mango (Keit variety) which are locally abundant in Ghana were selected for this study. Freeze dried papaya was used as a fat replacer in two pastry products, namely rock buns and mango pies (with dried mango and mango puree as filler). The effect of fat reduction on the sensory and rheological properties of the rock buns and mango pies were determined. The dried fruits were also assessed for their physicochemical properties. Five rock buns treatments (full (100%)-fat, 25%, 50% and 75% reduced-fat and fat- free (0%) treatments) were produced as well as two pie crust treatments(full (100%)-fat and 25% reduced-fat treatments). Trained sensory panellists determined that the 25 % reduced-fat rock buns treatment was more similar in sensory attributes to the full-fat control, whilst the 50 % reduced-fat treatment was found to be satisfactory in comparison to the other reduced-fat treatments. With the exception of mouth feel in which differences between the full-fat control and the fat-free treatment were not significant (p > 0.05), there were significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in sensory attributes between the control and the fat-free treatment for all other attributes. In the pie crust as well, sensory results showed that the reduced-fat treatment was not significantly different (p > 0.05) from the full-fat control for most attributes. Texture profile analysis of rock buns showed that hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness and resilience increased with increasing fat reduction; however, values for fracturability and modulus of deformation decreased with increasing fat reduction. In the pie, texture analysis indicated that the reduced-fat treatment was not significantly different (p > 0.05) in hardness from the full-fat control; nevertheless, for fracturability, differences between them were found to be significant (p ≤ 0.05). Colorimetric measurements revealed that the 25 % reduced-fat treatment was more similar in appearance (colour) to the control than the other reduced-fat treatments which were dull in appearance. Notwithstanding the colorimetric results, sensory results also proved that the 50 % reduced-fat treatment was also not significantly different (p > 0.05) in colour from its full-fat complement. Dried fruits and puree produced from mango were more shelf stable than the unprocessed fruit. Analytical results indicated that the fat replacer contains 2.51 g/100 g and 12 % pectin and total nutrition fibre respectively. This is an indication that the pawpaw-derived fat replacer could be a viable additive for fat replacement.

Source: KNUST