ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Pain Description and Presentation in Children Admitted to a Teaching Hospital in Ghana

Background/Aim: Pain is a cardinal symptom of many disease states and a common reason for hospital attendance. In children, however, it is often undertreated, partly due to the difficulty in its assessment. This study outlines the causes, anatomic locations and verbal descriptions of pain in children admitted to the Pediatric Emergency Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ashanti, Ghana. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 273 children aged 5-12 years. Using a structured questionnaire, we obtained information through patient interview and folder review on the causes, locations and verbal descriptions of pain in children hospitalized for non-traumatic medical conditions including cancers. Findings: Sickle cell disease, infections and cancers were the main causes of pain in children admitted to the unit. Abdominal pain was the most frequently reported. Pain description in either English or the local language, Akan was difficult for most children. Conclusion/Recommendations: Pain description is difficult for most Ghanaian children as it requires the use of complex adult language. Therefore, in the management of pain in this population, it is recommended that the clinician places less emphasis on the exact description of pain and rather focus on effective pain relief.

Source: KNUST
Pain Description and Presentation in Children Admitted to a Teaching Hospital in Ghana

Pain is a cardinal symptom of many disease states and a common reason for hospital attendance. In children, however, it is often under treated, partly due to the difficulty in its assessment. This study outlines the causes, anatomic locations and verbal descriptions of pain in children admitted to the Pediatric Emergency Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ashanti, Ghana. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 273 children aged 5-12 years. Using a structured questionnaire, we obtained information through patient interview and folder review on the causes, locations and verbal descriptions of pain in children hospitalized for non-traumatic medical conditions including cancers. Findings: Sickle cell disease, infections and cancers were the main causes of pain in children admitted to the unit. Abdominal pain was the most frequently reported. Pain description in either English or the local language, Akan was difficult for most children. Conclusion/Recommendations: Pain description is difficult for most Ghanaian children as it requires the use of complex adult language. Therefore, in the management of pain in this population, it is recommended that the clinician places less emphasis on the exact description of pain and rather focus on effective pain relief.

Source: KNUST
Paint and painting in traditional Ghanaian art: evolution, application and meaning

The research is about paint, pigments or dyes used in traditional Ghanaian art; its evolution, application and meaning. It focuses on Ashanti and Upper East, two regions with considerable traditional art background involved with the unit of research. The study employed a qualitative approach with a constructivist paradigm driven by aesthetic contextualism. The methods adopted were ethnographical, historical and phenomenological employing observational, focus group and open-endedinterviews as instruments. Eventually twenty-three people were interviewed using the purposive and snowball approach. The work revealed a rich and colourful traditional art culture rife with paint and pigments of various kinds, culminating in eleven different media, classified according to their origin. It was observed that traditional Ghanaian ethnicities freely explored and used different kinds of paint to protect surfaces, decorate and express both proverbial and philosophical ideas. They respected the environment and wisely explored it to meet their needs. The environment was nurtured rather than exploited. Sustainability was a concept well ingrained within the traditional mind. The paints found in this research were all organic; implying that continual involvement with its use should enhance rather thandeteriorate life. All the art forms mentioned in the study are vested with history, philosophy and cultural values of the people. Contrary to what most documents hold about African art, it abounds in sculpture as it does in paintings. In Ghana the practice of painting harks back far beyond the 1900s when easel painting was introduced to Ghana in Achimota, the painting tradition was well ingrained in traditional Ghanaian art before the fifteenth century when Europeans arrived in the Gold Coast. Therefore it could be described as integral with Ghanaian culture. The study suggests several recommendations including the possibility of establishing a Traditional Ghanaian Industry among others that are hoped to make positive impact on Ghanaian art and culture.

Source: KNUST
Panicum maximum (Guinea Grass) for interior decoration

The purpose of the research work was to work with the grass Panicum maximum to see how it could be used for interior decoration. The study revealed that the material can be used for diverse works of art, from the making of hats, bags, and mats to basket. The problem was exploring and developing other uses for Panicum maximum. The researcher used the following objectives for the study: 1. To identify materials and models commonly used in making interior designs. 2. To design the identified materials and models for construction in Panicum maximum. The researcher used qualitative research design and employed observations and interviews to identify, describe and experiment with Panicum maximum. This study used the descriptive research method to analyse the data. The results of the findings indicated that Panicum maximum could be used for making interior decorative models such as ceiling panel, door panel, floor mat, wall hanging, wall picture, corner vase, wall vase, lamp shade, window blind and wall panel.

Source: KNUST
The papa festival of Kumawu and its artistic aspects

The aim of the thesis is mainly to explore and study the ‘Papa’ festival and its artistic aspects pertaining to the role it plays in the lives of the people of Kumawu - Ashanti It goes further to examine and bring into focus the dazzling and potential artistic splendour and design elements of the ‘Papa’ festival. The Thesis is broken down into three chapters including the conclusion. Chapter one deals with the geographical, historical, and religious introduction of Kumawu. The ‘Papa’ festival and its artistic aspects form chapter two and chapter three is on discussions, suggestions and conclusion. The break down of the chapters turns to exhibit the marriage between the mode of life of the people and their art, how they are woven together as well as manifesting their importance in the celebration of the festival in the light of the chief and the people’s beliefs and philosophies. The research for the thesis was conducted through the help of library studies, interviewing of some of the elders of Kumawu and also through questionnaires and eye witnessing. Sons of the photographs illustrate various scenes during the celebrations of the festival. There are illustrations created by the author, with the rest culled, from books and magazines. The purposes of the illustrations are to throw more light on some aspects of the festival, so as to help the reader have a clearer picture of the whole festival.

Source: KNUST
Papier mâché cement mix and the concept of “naivety” in sculpture.

The objective of working in Papier mâché- cement mix and “naivety” sculpture (using the pseudo technique in imitating others works of art) with colour painting to generate aesthetics and more excitement in sculpture was accomplished.In order to fulfil the objective of the research, the experiments also covered various sizes and shapes of relief and in-the-round sculpture.This development helped effect a successful pattern of creation, while the interplay of light and shade of the direct modelling with the papier mâché- cement mix helped to enhance their aesthetic qualities, resulting in attractive and appealing images in each case.“Naivety” mostly portrays the idea of inexperience and lack of technical knows how which does not conform to the popular ways of executing artworks. The research represents a structuring of some of the past and present experiences and methods by which when reflected on can lead one in creating artworks without thinking about his or her weakness in executing any form of artwork. The research also delves into the desire to render works that were technically beyond one’s reach as an inexperienced artist. So in the process of creating such works, the researcher’s adult hand brings a sense of neglect of experience factors to the translation of amazed admiration and naivety. “Naivety” offers a whimsical view of abstract traditionally oriented artworks of a particular environment in Ghana (Ashanti region) and the environments they occupy, but one that is tinged with intentional impulse of the researcher’s views. The researcher therefore explores the concept of “naivety” to conceive the ideas into artworks.The merging of Papier mâché and cement mix gives the artist with less experience to express the ideas from his mind in direct modelling because of the slow drying rate of the materials. This gives the inexperience artist the chance to revisit the work and add or subtract what is deemed appropriate to the artist. As such, the various styles and techniques executed by the artist are all employed in sculpture.

Source: KNUST
Paradise Club Redevelopment

Paradise club is an existing club house located in Tema. It is a private establishment with the main objective of providing a membership club facility that will have a total sports and fitness environment, and commercial activities such as shops to take care of members’ immediate needs. The club house is located in community two in Tema with its main boundaries being Sergeant Adjetey drive along its eastern border, residential houses to its western and northern borders, the Bethel clinic to its southern end, and a minor access road to its north eastern end. The site covers a total area of 3.66 acres with the present existing facilities on site occupying about 22% of it. Paradise club was built in 1954 with its original owner being Parkerson Howard. It was then known as Tay Court and was mainly patronized by the British Mariners. The original facilities included the multi-purpose faculty of the Tennis Courts. Around 1968, the property was acquired by another foreigner, Mr. Basil Papaonnou who changed its name to Parhow club. It was used as a club house and video theatre around this period. The restaurant was added to the existing facility at that time. Management, however, was taken over by Mrs. Nana Obu Michaelis around the mid 1970’s, who was the proprietress until the facility was acquired by the present management, Business Development Consultancy (BDC) in 1994. Existing facilities on site presently include a multipurpose facility which is centrally positioned on site and comprises of a multi-purpose hall, a video room, a bar and an open air theatre; a restaurant and its ancillary facilities to the eastern side; four (4no.) tennis courts to the north eastern portion; and a caretaker unit with its detached toilet facility to the western end of the site. Membership of the club has mainly been made up of young professionals in and around Tema. Other users include expatriate staff of some organisations in Tema, and other residents in Tema and surrounding areas. Other activities by the club apart from its outdoor sports include indoor games such as draught, ludo, chess and cards. Recently, a keep fit club was formed, who make use of the tennis courts. The management committee of the club also organises dances, lectures and plays among others for its members. The club has reciprocal membership with Hill top club in Cape Coast, GPHA Club in Tema, Accra Tennis club in Accra, and Valco club in Tema.

Source: KNUST
Paper Sculpture: Interpretation of Selected Ewe Proverbs and Appallations in Soft Sculpture

This study concerned itself with mass and weight. Though the works were huge, their weight did not correspond to their sizes and this could be largely attributed to the material that was used. The objectives of the project were met as several themes of life have been the wellspring for the sculptures that had been produced. In the end, this document has given a comprehensive report of the project. The production of these works was based on the basic traditional method of sculpting that is modelling, though there was a bit of assemblage and construction. The themes have been based on some Ewe proverbs whose meanings are considered difficult so as to make them easily understood. The sculptures produced are representational rather than illustrative, therefore, they evoke the thoughts of the observer but they do not necessarily tell the observer what they are. Every sculpture produced could be said to be a mask. Therefore until it has been unmasked, its discernment will be relative. The study revealed that the size of a sculpture is not synonymous to its weight. Again, the weight could also not be determined by the look or the textures on the sculptures. This is evident in the fact that the sculptures that have been produced in this project are huge and enormous but are also, portable because they are not heavy.

Source: KNUST
Paradoxical reactions in Buruli ulcer after initiation of antibiotic therapy: Relationship to bacterial load

Background We investigated the relationship between bacterial load in Buruli ulcer (BU) lesions and the development of paradoxical reaction following initiation of antibiotic treatment. Methods This was a longitudinal study involving BU patients from June 2013 to June 2017. Fine needle aspirates (FNA) and swab samples were obtained to establish the diagnosis of BU by PCR. Additional samples were obtained at baseline, during and after treatment (if the lesion had not healed) for microscopy, culture and combined 16S rRNA reverse transcriptase/ IS2404 qPCR assay. Patients were followed up at regular intervals until complete healing. Results Forty-seven of 354 patients (13%) with PCR confirmed BU had a PR, occurring between 2 and 42 (median 6) weeks after treatment initiation. The bacterial load, the proportion of patients with positive M. ulcerans culture (15/34 (44%) vs 29/119 (24%), p = 0.025) and the proportion with positive microscopy results (19/31 (61%) vs 28/90 (31%), p = 0.003) before initiation of treatment were significantly higher in the PR compared to the no PR group. Plaques (OR 5.12; 95% CI 2.26–11.61; p<0.001), oedematous (OR 4.23; 95% CI 1.43–12.5; p = 0.009) and category II lesions (OR 2.26; 95% CI 1.14–4.48; p = 0.02) were strongly associated with the occurrence of PR. The median time to complete healing (28 vs 13 weeks, p <0.001) was significantly longer in the PR group. Conclusions Buruli ulcer patients who develop PR are characterized by high bacterial load in lesion samples taken at baseline and a higher rate of positive M. ulcerans culture. Occurrence of a PR was associated with delayed healing.

Source: KNUST
Parameter Estimation in Rainfall-Watertable Relationship Using Kalman Filter

Employing a proper groundwater recharge estimation technique is extremely important for efficient water resource development in a groundwater basin. This paper describes the estimation of groundwater recharge in the Besease basin using the linear Kalman filter mathematical model. The physical model estimated the watertable levels and subsequently derived the infiltration parameters from rainfall inputs and groundwater levels data. The Kalman Filter method used as a recharge estimate resulted in a fit between the simulated hydraulic head and observed sub-surface water level fluctuation. The results show that the infiltration parameter varied considerably over the period of time when it was assumed as time dependent with the recharge values ranging between 0.0-1.27 % for P4 and 0.0-16.5 % for P14 of the incident rainfall. A very high infiltration factor α was obtained when considerable rain fell during June 2009, October 2009 and in June and July, 2010. However, during the periods from December 2009 to April 2010, the infiltration factor was zero which suggested that infiltrated water could not reach the water table but was retained in the unsaturated zone to replenish moisture deficit. Therefore, efficient application of irrigation water, knowledge about the moisture regime and the cropping pattern in the basin is fundamental for ensuring optimal moisture content and watertable level management.

Source: KNUST
Papier-mache as a viable medium in education through art

Almost every school, from kindergarten to the tertiary level, is facing a lot of problems with the acquisition of the necessary art materials to work with. The success of most developed countries have been their abilities to make judicious use of the locally available materials and that made them self—sufficient and self—reliant. Presently, while the Engineering and other science departments and faculties of U.S.T have made a great f93t in the use of appropriate technology, the College of Art too is inculcating into its students the use of the locally available materials in creating something meaningful. Therefore, the use of papier-mache will assist in no small way to solve the problem of lack of art materials in the teaching of art in schools and colleges in Ghana. This long essay is an attempt to popularize papier-mache as a viable medium in Art Teaching in schools and colleges of education and to research into the various possibilities available in modelling and casting with it. The main research methods employed are the descriptive and experimental. The instruments used are interviews and observation. The scope of the research covered the review of related literature, papier-mache as a viable medium in education through art, materials needed and tools, modelling and casting with conclusions and recommendations,

Source: KNUST
Parameter optimisation of punched grating surface of rotary drum for producing Agbelima (Cassava Dough)

The production of agbelima with a single step grating local technology has been optimised using a response surface methodology. By response surface methodology, a complete realisation of the sheet surface parameters and their effects on grating efficiency and particle size distribution were achieved. Towards this, the average particle size distribution of agbelima was determined from the second step size reduction local process which goes into the market to be sold. Particle size distribution of agbelima sold on the market ranged from 0.49 mm to 0.67 mm. The first step which is a rotary drum grating activity was then modelled to determine its surface parameters that influence the two responses (average particle size and grating surface efficiency) using a three-level, three factor (tooth diameter, tooth type and inter-tooth spacing) Central Composite Design to produce equal particle size that would otherwise have been produced in the second step. This design saw the experimentation of thirteen runs to evaluate the effect of the studied factors on both responses. The experimental results were fitted into the second-order polynomial model to describe and predict the two responses of this study. It was evident that, the tooth diameter which influences tooth height significantly affected particle size as well as grating efficiency at a level of p < 0.05. The effect of inter-tooth spacing, and tooth type were found to be non-significant at a level of p > 0.05. The optimum conditions to produce desired particle size for agbelima with the first step local technology were found to be 1.58 mm tooth diameter for a flat tooth type and 3.3 mm inter tooth spacing to produce an efficiency of 96 %.

Source: KNUST
Parental roles, financial literacy, and budgeting behaviour amongst tertiary students in ghana

The goal of this research is to make available findings concerning parental fiscal positions influence within the family on the development of financial literacy and budgeting abilities in children. Using data from surveys of 242 level 400 students Universitiesin Ghana's.This study looked at the relationship between parental participation, students' financial literacy, and budgetary behaviour. The study's major approaches were logistic regression and correlation matrix, which were studied using STATA version 14 statistical software. This study revealed a relationship between parental leadership duties and students' financial knowledge and budgeting behaviours. The study's findings assist parents, especially mothers, who are often the most susceptible members of the family, in better understanding the importance of being the family's financial participants and how this can improve the youth's financial awareness and help them handle money successfully. Financial awareness does not appear to have an empirically meaningful influence on students' savings habits. Our result, on the other hand, that as students' a monthly allowance grows, so does their proclivity to save, is consistent with the savings behavior hypothesis, which states that saving is an advantageous form of disposable income.

Source: KNUST
Parents’ perception on the education of the deaf – the perspective of parents of children with deafness at Ashanti school for the deaf, Jamasi, Ghana.

This study assessed the perception of parents of deaf children on deaf education at Ashanti School for the Deaf, Jamasi. The target population was 500 and consisted of all parents of deaf children in Ashanti School for Deaf, Jamasi. A quantitative descriptive design using questionnaire to collect data from the respondents. Data ware coded and entered into a computer using SPSS. Descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages were generated and used to explain and interpret the data. It was found that although parents thought educating deaf children is as important as educating hearing children, majority did not think deaf children can perform academically as hearing. It was also found that negative perception on the part of society and parents have affected the education of deaf children negatively. To change the perception on deaf education, quality education in accessible form should be made available to improve their chances of gaining employment thereby increasing their standard of living and quality of life .It is also recommended that the government should make it a point to provide adequate facilities and other services in the deaf schools to improve on teaching and learning. Furthermore, parents should make it a point to take full responsibility of their deaf children’s education.

Source: KNUST
A parametric model for estimating force of infection for hepatitis B-case study Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

Serological data are increasingly being used in monitoring the transmission of infec tious deseases. The aim of this study is to estimate the age-dependent force infection for patients show ing symptoms of hepatitis B virus (HBV). A secondary data was obtained from the serology department at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH,January 2013- June 2016). A total of 18,528 blood donors and people coming to the serology department to test for antigen in the blood voluntarily. Linear and quadratic age-dependent logits models was suitable for the mean preva lence of HBV, with a significant negative linear and positive quadratic effect respec tively. From the results, the prevalence increase from a lower age to age 40 decrease at a higher ages and the estimated force of infection (FOI) is higher at lower ages de creasing to age 26 and increases to age 52. In conclusion, the prevalence of HBV is higher at age 40 and the FOI is lower at 26 but higher at ages 2 and 52.

Source: KNUST