ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An Optimal Feature Extraction Vector For Offline Signature Verification

Automatic signature verification is a very practical research area in the field of pattern recognition. The uniqueness of each person’s signature, makes signature a behavioural characteristic of human biometrics. The unavoidable side-effect of the signatures is that they can be misused for the purpose of feigning a data authenticity. The rising effect in cases regarding forgery shows the need for efficient Signature Verification System. This thesis presents an optimal feature extraction vector for offline signature verification system using the glcm and properties of image regions features of signatures. Support Vector Machine (SVM) was used to verify and classify the signatures with various variations in kernel functions. The Sequential Minimal Optimization (SMO) and the Least Square method of the SVM was used. It was observed that the Radial Basis Function (RBF) with the SMO gave the best performance of the system. Keywords: Signature, Biometrics, Offline Signature Verification, Singular Value Decomposition (SVD), Sequential Minimal Optimization (SMO), Kernel Function, Support Vector Machine (SVM).

Source: KNUST
An Optimal Feature Extraction Vector For Offline Signature Verification

Automatic signature verification is a very practical research area in the field of pattern recognition. The uniqueness of each person’s signature, makes signature a behavioural characteristic of human biometrics. The unavoidable side-effect of the signatures is that they can be misused for the purpose of feigning a data authenticity. The rising effect in cases regarding forgery shows the need for efficient Signature Verification System. This thesis presents an optimal feature extraction vector for offline signature verification system using the glcm and properties of image regions features of signatures. Support Vector Machine (SVM) was used to verify and classify the signatures with various variations in kernel functions. The Sequential Minimal Optimization (SMO) and the Least Square method of the SVM was used. It was observed that the Radial Basis Function (RBF) with the SMO gave the best performance of the system.

Source: KNUST
Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Faecal Sludge with paper or Fruit Waste for Biogas a case in Kumasi, Ghana

Increasing attention is being given to biogas generation through anaerobic digestion (AD) all over the world due to concerns over global warming, security of energy and the need for sustainable waste management. Very few areas in Ghana are sewered, the situation is no different in Kumasi where most of the people rely on onsite sanitation systems. Faecal sludge removed periodically from these sanitation systems is further treated in waste stabilization ponds at the Oti treatment facility. However, increasing population and thus increasing volume of sludge being brought to the facility has led to operational difficulties of the facility. This study therefore sought to assess the feasibility of using anaerobic co digestion (AcoD) as an alternative means of treating the faecal sludge brought to the treatment facility before discharging into the environment. By analysing the pH, TS, VS, COD, TP, TKN and helminth eggs according to standard protocols, the physicochemical and microbiological properties of the sludge were investigated. COD: TKN ratios were calculated to assess the suitability of the sludge for anaerobic digestion. Laboratory scale batch AD tests were performed both at mesophilic (35oC) and ambient conditions (24-32oC) to assess the biogas production, the impact of the two temperatures on the treatment, and the effect of sludge retention times on biogas production and sludge stabilization. The efficiencies of the treatment processes were then assessed by computing the percentage removal of TKN and COD from the sludge. Anaerobic co digestion with paper and fruit waste enhanced the faecal sludge characteristics and improved effluent characteristics. The faecal sludge brought to the treatment facility during the period of this study had the following characteristics: pH of 7.02 ±0.2, VS of 65.75 ± 10.98 as %TS, COD of 23050 ± 681.50 mg/L, MC of 98.57 ± 0.84%, TKN of 2842 ± 1094.53 mg/L, and COD: TKN of 8.11. Statistical analysis suggested difference (p-value of 0.003) in the biogas yields under the two temperature regimes however further analysis indicated that the difference was only in the first week. The digesters were filled with faecal sludge and paper or fruit waste in the ratio 1: 0.13. The results obtained in this study showed a total biogas production and weekly methane yield as percentage by volume for Inoculum (I) only, faecal sludge and inoculum (FI), faecal sludge plus inoculum and paper (FIP) and faecal sludge plus inoculum and fruit waste (FIFW) to be 635 (10 – 16.5%), 830 (18.9 – 23.7%), 1355 (16.5 – 47.05%) and 1760 (26.1 – 39.75%) ml respectively under mesophilic temperature and 1085 (0 – 15.5%), 1110 (3.8 – 17.7%), 1515 (14.3 – 41.1%) and 1875 (19.5 – 45.7%) ml respectively under ambient temperature. Effluent characteristics were better in the 4th week for all the digesters indicating that longer sludge retention times has a positive impact on anaerobic digestion.

Source: KNUST
Anaerobic treatment of leachate from faecal sludge drying beds

Physicochemical and microbiological analyses were carried out on the leachate from faecal sludge drying beds of a Pilot Co-composting Plant at Buobai in Kumasi from February 8 to July 15, 2002 in order to ascertain the quality of the leachate and propose a management system for it. For a dewatering cycle, the first day, last day and the composite leachate samples were analysed. The average quality parameters obtained for the leachate were 305 mg/l SS, 3,052 mg/l COD, 881 mg/l BJD, 415 mg/I NH3-N, 265 mg/l P04-P and 1.12 x 106 per l00ml Faecal coliforms. These values when compared with the EPA recommended discharge guidelines show that the leachate is poor in quality and thus requires treatment prior to reuse or discharge into the environment. In investigating the treatment of the leachate, it was subjected to a laboratory scale anaerobic treatment. Two categories of leachate samples were investigated; samples seeded with anaerobic sludge and samples without seeding. The maximum percentage removals for the unseeded leachate after 6 days of treatment were 70% 52.4%, 57.7%, 28.1 and 29.4% for SS, COD, BOD, PO4-P and Faecal coiiform respectively. For the seeded leachate, the removals were 72.7%, 56.1%, 57.9%, 19.1% and 28.2% respectively for SS, COD, BOD, PO4-P and Faecal coliform. The values for the seeded leachate were not significantly different from those for the unseeded leachate. Thus, for anaerobic treatment of the leachate no seeding is required. The anaerobic treatment could not produce the desired quality for reuse or discharge into water bodies. It is therefore recommended that additional treatment is necessary to further lower the pollution load of anaerobic treated leachate effluents and to reduce public health risks.

Source: KNUST
Analgesic and antispasmodic constituents, and standardization of the root bark of Cassia Sieberiana D. C. [Caesalpiniaceae]

Medicinal plants have been used by man for the treatment of various diseases however many of the products from these have not been scientifically standardized. Cassisa sieberiana D.C. (Caesalpiniaceae) is a tree whose root bark is traditionally used as an analgesic, especially for schistosomiasis in Ghana. This work was carried out to validate its analgesic and antispasmodic action, identify the isolates by guided fractionation and standardize the power root bark which is used in therapy...

Source: KNUST
Analgesic and other pharmacological actions of extracts from the seeds of picralima nitida in rats

The ethanolic (70 %) extract of Picralima nitida seeds were tested for anti- inflammatory and analgesic actions, using the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema (Winter et al., 1962) and the rat tail withdrawal (Sewell and Spencer, 1976) respectively. The effect of diclofenac (6 mg/kg, p.o.) on the analgesic and anti- inflammatory actions of the extract (1.5 and 3.0 g/kg, p.o.) was investigated. The extract’s effects on activity of the isolated guinea pig ileurn and the rat cytochrome P450 protein content were investigated. The extract dose-dependently increased the mean pain threshold of rats to 65 ± 23.3 % and 118 ± 21.7% of the mean vehicle-treated control group. The extract (3.0 g/kg) also significantly (p <0.05) suppressed bradykinin-induced hyperalgesia in rats. The extract (1.5 and 3.0 g/kg, p.o.) dose-dependently suppressed the maximal carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema attained during 6 h by 28.8 ± 1.5 % and 55 ± 1.4 % respectively. Concurrent administration of the extract (1 .5 g/kg, p.o.) with diclofenac (6mg/kg, p.o.) produced significant (p<0.0l) analgesic activity but the combination effect was 1.9 times less potent than that of diclofenac alone and 1.3 times less potent than that of the extract alone. A higher dose of the extract (3.0 g/kg, p.o.) in combination with diclofenac (6 mg/kg, p.o.) did not offer any advantage over either drug administered alone at the same dose levels. The extract (50, 100 and 200 pg/ml) non-specifically inhibited the isolated guinea-pig ileurn contractions induced by nicotine, acetylcholine and histamine. Pre-treatment (3 days) of the rats with the extract (1 .5 and 3.0 g/kg, p.o.) dose-dependently decreased the pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time by 16.2 % and 64.8 % respectively. The effect was attributed to an inductive effect on hepatic cytochrome P450 system enzymes. Hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 content in rats previously treated with extract (3.0 g/kg) was increased by 71 %. Thus, Picralima nitida seed extract contain compounds that are potentially anti- inflammatory and analgesic. The extract in addition to its known opioid analgesic actions also has antagonistic actions on bradykinin-induced hyperalgesia. The extract also induces rat cytochrome P450 enzymes. It is suggested that this action be further investigated since it has important clinical significance for patients who may take picralima extracts concurrently with other medications. The extract should also be further investigated to isolate the possible bradykinin antagonists and determine if they are selective on any bradykinin receptor subtype.

Source: KNUST
Analgesic Use at the Polyclinic OPD of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

Objective: This study was conducted to determine which analgesics were commonly prescribed at a busy polyclinic as well as to document the conditions for which they were prescribed, their availability at the polyclinic pharmacy and also to pick out any cautionary cases. Method: The study was a descriptive prospective cross-sectional study over a period of 4 weeks from mid December 2006 to mid January 2007. A purposeful sampling method was employed, i.e. twenty consecutive prescriptions containing analgesics for each day were included in the data collection. Data was extracted from the prescription forms and filled on the data collection form. Numbers and percentages of the data were calculated using the electronic data processing software SPSS (version 12). Setting: The general out-patient consulting rooms and pharmacy of the polyclinic of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi. Key Findings: A total number of three hundred and forty analgesic prescriptions were collected during the period of study. The most commonly prescribed analgesic was paracetamol (52.8%). NSAIDs followed at 40.1%. Diclofenac was the most common NSAID prescribed at 68.9% of all NSAIDs prescribed. The commonest documented indication for NSAIDs was malaria (34.5%) followed by hypertension at 25%. The rationale for the use of NSAIDs in hypertension was however not clear. Malaria was the most common indication for analgesic prescribing in all age groups at 67.5%. The majority (34.1%) of all the prescriptions were for age groups of 15-45 years but the age group 45-65 years followed at 23.3%. In addition 62.7% of all paediatric prescriptions under five years were for males. Malaria was the commonest indication in children under five at 83.1% and the mean duration of therapy was found to be approximately 5 days. Generic prescribing was generally good at 79.1% whiles 95.7% of all drugs were available at the pharmacy. Also 94.3% of all drugs prescribed were in line with the hospitals Drugs and Therapeutic Committee’s recommended list. Conclusions: A high percentage of NSAID prescriptions were going to hypertensive patients over 45 years. The mean duration of days for paracetamol use in paediatric patients may need to be examined. Generic prescribing, drug availability and adherence to Drug and Therapeutic Committee drug list were however very high and thus commendable.

Source: KNUST
Analgesic use at the Polyclinic OPD of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

Objective: This study was conducted to determine which analgesics were commonly prescribed at a busy polyclinic as well as to document the conditions for which they were prescribed, their availability at the polyclinic pharmacy and also to pick out any cautionary cases. Method: The study was a descriptive prospective cross-sectional study over a period of 4 weeks from mid December 2006 to mid January 2007. A purposeful sampling method was employed, ie. twenty consecutive prescriptions containing analgesics for each day were included in the data collection. Data was extracted from the prescription forms and filled on the data collection form. Numbers and percentages of the data were calculated using the electronic data processing software SPSS (version 12). Setting: The general out-patient consulting rooms and pharmacy of the polyclinic of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi. Key Findings: A total number of three hundred and forty analgesic prescriptions were collected during the period of study. The most commonly prescribed analgesic was paracetamol (52.8%). NSAIDs followed at 40.1%. Diclofenac was the most common NSAID prescribed at 68.9% of all NSAIDs prescribed. The commonest documented indication for NSAIDs was malaria (34.5%) followed by hypertension at 25%. The rationale for the use of NSAIDs in hypertension was however not clear. Malaria was the most common indication for analgesic prescribing in all age groups at 67.5%. The majority (34. 1%) of all the prescriptions were for age groups of 15-45 years but the age group 45-65 years followed at 23.3%. In addition 62.7% of all paediatric prescript ions under five years were for males. Malaria was the commonest indication in children under five at 83.1% and the mean duration of therapy was found to be approximately 5 days. Generic prescribing was generally good at 79.1% whiles 95.7% of all drugs were available at the pharmacy. Also 94.3% of all drugs prescribed were in line with the hospitals Drugs and Therapeutic Committee’s recommended list. Conclusions: A high percentage of NSAID prescriptions were going to hypertensive patients over 45 years. The mean duration of days for paracetamol use in paediatric patients may need to be examined. Generic prescribing, drug availability and adherence to Drug and Therapeutic Committee drug list were however very high and thus commendable.

Source: KNUST
Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory constituents of annickia polycarpa stem and root barks and clausena anisata root.

Clausena anisata and Annickia polycarpa are medicinal plants used to treat various painful and inflammatory disorders among other ailments in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic/antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanol extracts of C. anisata root (CRE), A. polycarpa stem (ASE) and root barks (AR) in order to provide scientific justification for their use as anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. Analgesic activity was evaluated using the hot plate and the acetic acid induced writhing assays. The mechanism of antinociception was evaluated by employing pharmacological antagonism assays at the opioid and cholinergic receptors in the hot plate and the writhing assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was also evaluated by carrageenan induced edema in rats’ paw assay. The compounds were isolated using bioassay-guided fractionation and their structures identified by spectroscopic methods. CRE at 1000 mg/kg p.o. produce significant (p < 0.001) analgesic activity of 72.15 and 48.05 % in the hot plate and writhing assays respectively and significant (p < 0.01) anti-inflammatory activity of 27.53 %. ASE also produced significant (p < 0.001) analgesic activity of 82.54 and 44.03 % in the hot plate and writhing assays respectively and significant anti-inflammatory activity of 69.64 %. Furthermore, the results also showed that the petroleum ether (pet ether) fraction (PEF) of C. anisata root extract and the chloroform fraction (AC) of A. polycarpa stem bark extract were the most active fractions among the petroleum ether, chloroform and aqueous fractions of these extracts. A total of seven (7) compounds were isolated. Four (4) coumarins, namely, anisocoumarin B, osthol, imperatorin and xanthotoxol in addition to a carbazole alkaloid, heptaphyline were isolated from PEF. Two (2) protoberberine alkaloids namely jatrorrhizine and palmatine were also isolated from AC. Palmatine was further isolated from the chloroform fraction of A. polycarpa root bark. The seven isolated compounds were tested for analgesic activity in the writhing test. Six of them at 6 mg/kg p.o., produced significant analgesic activity of 38.13 to 47.28 %. One of the isolates (xantothoxol) was inactive. Analgesic activity of diclofenac in the writhing test was 32.92 % at 6 mg/kg p.o. Four of the isolates were also tested for analgesic activity in the hot plate assay. These isolates at 9 mg/kg p.o. produced immence analgesic effect of 30.13 to 93.87 %. The analgesic effect of tramadol 9 mg/kg p.o. was 27.13 % in the hot plate test.

Source: KNUST
Analysing the challenges associated with infrastructural project execution in the Awutu Senya District Assembly

Infrastructural assets in a community or country determines the quality of life of the people. In view of the above, it has been on the policy directives of the government of Ghana to increase infrastructure assets delivery in the country through the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs). The current study sought to assess the challenges faced by MMDAs in the delivery of infrastructure projects using the Awutu Senya District as a case study. Adopting a case study research design and qualitative research strategy, data was collected from key management personnel who play key role in developmental projects. The data collection was done using interviews. Data analysis was done using content and thematic analysis. From the results of the study, it was found that the Awutu Senya District Assembly embark on a number of developmental projects to meet the needs of their people. Despite the effort there still exist a huge infrastructure gaps that needs to be filled. This infrastructure gap was created as a results of inadequate funds. It was also found that the main challenges to infrastructure delivery by the assembly include political interference, Insufficient funds for project delivery, delay in release of funds by the Central government, abandonment of projects, lack of stakeholder involvement in project delivery, poor planning, delays in project delivery, project cost overruns, over awarding of contracts and delay in payment to contractors for work done. In view of the above it was recommended that the works done by the assembly should be devoid of political interference and conflict of interest. Moreover, adequate funds should be available before commencement of a project to avoid delays in project delivery and abandonment of projects. Stakeholders should also be involved in project planning and delivery.

Source: KNUST
Analysing the effectiveness of European Union Microprojects Programme: a case study of Asunafo District

Debate and research on effectiveness of development efforts have come to the fore in recent years, as foreign aid has not been able to achieve the desired development levels envisaged. This study was driven by the desire to join in the research on the effectiveness of development assistance. The micro project programme, is the single largest foreign financial arrangement for rural development in Ghana. The objective of this study therefore is to examine the effectiveness of the micro projects in the promotion of development in the beneficiary communities. Effectiveness was measured by participation, sustainability and impact. The study focused on local factors that determine effectiveness. Investigations were carried out in six communities in Asunafo district on six projects. The projects are: oil processing plant; a borehole; a rural clinic; a community library and a junior secondary school. Secondary sources of information used in the study included European Union reports, and other related literature on development assistance, and rural development. The study established that, micro projects programme has been able to provide Asunafo District with large number of projects within a short time. However, the effectiveness of some micro projects are questionable. In terms of participation, opinion leaders dominate the identification process of micro projects. This dominance lends itself to a situation where projects identified were not always the true priorities of the people. Most projects are under-utilised, while others are used for different purposes. The recommendations are based on theoretical logic and empirical research of similar projects. It is hoped that this study will contribute to the search for making development assistance effective.

Source: KNUST
Analysing The Impact Of Information Systems Capability As A Moderating Factor On The Relationship Between Innovation, Supply Chain Integration And Supply Chain Performance.

The dynamics of the modern global economy demand innovation for maintaining a competitive edge, particularly within the context of supply chain management. This study aimed to examine the effect of innovation on supply chain performance and to evaluate the mediating role of supply chain integration and the moderating role of information systems capability within this relationship. Anchored on the Resource-Based View (RBV) and the Dynamic Capabilities View (DCV), the study underscores innovation as a key driver of superior supply chain performance. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a survey approach to collect data from firms operating in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. The gathered data were analyzed using inferential and descriptive statistical techniques, including SPSS and SmartPLS tools. The findings of the study affirmed the direct positive influence of innovation on both supply chain integration and performance. It also underscored the positive impact of supply chain integration on supply chain performance, thereby validating the mediating role of supply chain integration between innovation and supply chain performance. On the other hand, the moderating role of information systems capability on the relationship between supply chain integration and supply chain performance was found to be insignificant. As a result, it is recommended that supply chain managers focus on boosting innovation and supply chain integration to achieve superior supply chain performance. Enhancements in inventory management practices, supplier development programs, and improved collaboration across supply chain partners are suggested as viable strategies. The study significantly contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the influence of innovation and supply chain integration on supply chain performance, specifically in the Ghanaian context. The findings provide a better understanding of how firms can leverage their innovation capabilities to enhance supply chain integration and consequently improve supply chain performance.

Source: KNUST