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ICT and digital preservation of historical Data: A Study of the Africa and Culture section Department of general Art Studies, Knust
(,August,2010) Amankwa, John Opuni
Estimating the transaction cost indices of public private partnership infrastructure in Ghana (Case study of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly)
Donkor, Eric Jimifoster
Public Private Partnership infrastructure projects have existed in the field of procurement for some time now however, it implementation in Ghana is at its early stages implying that transaction cost estimation of PPP projects are yet to be explored. The study focused on estimating Transaction Cost Indices for PPP projects undertaken in the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly which happens to be the first of its kind in the Ashanti Region. Two supporting objectives were set to address the aim of the study, they are: firstly, identify areas that substantially contribute to transaction cost of PPP projects and secondly, estimation of transaction cost indices of PPP infrastructure projects. The study relied on data from the works department of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly on PPP projects concurrently on-going in four of their Sub Metropolitan Assemblies namely Subin, Tafo, Bantama and Kwadaso. They are five (5) projects in all, with most of them being shopping facilities and complexity of the projects varies. Feasibility studies cost tend to be the cost area that substantially contribute higher quota to the Transaction cost of PPP projects in the KMA. Furthermore, the study was able to come out with cost index for all the five (5) projects studied, therefore future projects can rely on the cost index as a guide on transaction cost expenses. Finally, transaction cost threshold was estimated in order to provide a ceiling of estimating the transaction cost index for projects. Therefore, it is recommended that, though private investors pay for the actual cost of the projects MMDAs can also reduce the transaction costs which are incurred during the initial stages of the project. It is recommended that further studies will consider all the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly separately to come out with a transaction cost indices for the respective types of Assemblies.
Hazard Assessment of Some Heavy Metals in Tema Municipal Water Supply
Nakotey, Ebenezer
The study was undertaken to assess the quality status of drinking water in Tema municipal area. The concentrations of some selected toxic heavy metals (copper, zinc, nickel, cadmium, mercury, chromium, lead, iron, and manganese) were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Among the nine selected heavy metals nickel and lead show higher concentration than the WHO recommended limits. This is an indication of pollution however their hazard quotients (HQ) of 0.04875 and 0.034938 is far less than 1. Besides, hazard index and incremental lifetime risk were calculated to be 0.0866 and 4.499 x 109 respectively. Since hazard quotient is far less than 1, and the risk value of 4.499 x 10-9 is also far less than 1 x 10-6 it implies no health risk is associated with the water and therefore their presence had no significant health effect on human life.
“Stochastic live load studies in Ghana”
(1953) Asantey, Solomon Benjamin Akotua
This thesis reports on live load surveys conducted in the metropolises of Accra, Tema and Kumasi in 1990-1991. Main occupancy regions studied were churches, public halls, hospitals, factories, warehouses and retail shops. For each of these regions various user-categories were identified and the analyses and presentation has been done on the basis of these user-categories. A stochastic model has been used to synthesis the sustained load events obtained from the survey into a lifetime sustained equivalent uniformly distributed load(EUDL). In addition, extraordinary live load values have been evaluated for each user category studied. These two components of the live load process have been combined into design live loads. The results of this research have been compared with results of similar surveys conducted in America, Britain and Denmark which are enshrined in their codes of practice. The results of this study show considerable variability with those of the foreign surveys. The significance of this study and the evidence for the need to draw a local code of practice are discussed. Conclusions and recommendations are drawn on the relevance of this research to existing structural engineering practice in Ghana.
Taboo and art among the Guans of the mid-Volta District of Ghana
(1981) Darko, C. K.
Taboo, which is a word with a linguistic problem, is difficult to define as well. It is a word which has its origin in Polynesia. Taboo is defined as an element of all those situations in which attitudes to values are expressed in terms of danger behavior. Taboo has something to do with “sacredness” something that may be “forbidden”. Taboo may apply to “persons” or “something” and may describe things that are “element’ or “devoted”. Taboo which was first discovered by Captain Cook and King 1777 in the society Island in Tongo in the pacific Ocean during their first voyage around the world has since been incorporated into English language since its discovery in the 18th century. The Guans define taboo as “akyide” a thing that must not be done. There are various taboos about them. The purpose of this research which centres around “Taboos and Art among the Guans of the Mid-Volta District of Ghana” is to find out the relationship between taboos and Art. The main concern here is not to elaborate on those art forms which are not different from those art forms we know. The important thing is to find the taboos placed on such arts are reasonable. Attempts will be made to discuss those taboos that are not reasonable and suggestion given as to the idea behind the taboos. Some of these taboos are a disregarded. The these has a direct practical aim: to give as comparative as possible as account of general ideas about definition and origins of Taboo and to analyse those taboos about various art forms of the Guans examining their function and purpose and how taboo eventually affect art adversely. The thesis is not a diachronic but rather a synchronic representation as it takes into consideration the Guan surroundings, economic conditions and habits, regional and ethnic institutions with special reference to art and culture. Primarily the thesis is concern with matter and not history. The thesis treated from the point of view of the professional artist (ceramist/potter) and from the point of view of art historian with a sociological and anthropological background. The research also aims at the significance of taboo and what gave a rise to taboos; who observe taboos and nature and observation of taboos. There already exist some books under various headings. Investigations will therefore be made into these available literatures to find out more about taboos. References will also be made to certain general taboos in the Akan – speaking areas of Ghana but greater attention will be given to Taboo in the Guan District of Ghana To think of Art in terms of taboo it appears misleading to speak of “the art of the past; as if in contrast suggests that we are dealing with something which is over and done with, which has become merely a matter for the historian, like the events and people of the past. But pieces of sculpture which were produced hundreds or thousands of years ago exist here and now and are present to our sense in the same way as those that were produced yesterday. Apart from effects of wear and tear their age or newness does not affect their quality as art work. What was a beautiful and expressive masterpiece two or three thousand years ago still has the power to move and delight us even when we know nothing about its origin or about the significance it once had in a system of customs and beliefs and that has disappeared beyond recovery. There are no language barriers to be overcome, as there are in ancient and foreign literatures before we can understand Guan pottery, sculpture and architecture. The language of art is a universal language and it can speak directly to us even though we know nothing whatsoever about a particular work apart from what we can see of it in front of our eyes.
Ghana’s plywood production and marketing trends (1961 - 1978)
(1981) Boateng, Emmanuel Adu
The dissertation attempts to bring out some statistics on the plywood industry since 1961. Plywood industry first established in late forties, the number of operating mills at end of 1980 was nine. The, total log consumption by the plywood industry for the period 1961 - 1978 was 1650 thousand cubic metres including primary and secondary species. The major primary species are, Sapele, Mahoany, Edinam, etc. all included in 14 banned species. The total ‘plywood output for the same period was 624,800 cubic metros giving a recovery rate of 36 per cent. The statistical relation between log input and plywood output is given as: Y = 6.47 + 0.36X, whore Y is output of plywood and X log input. The co-efficient of X agrees with the recovery rate of 36 per cent. The projected local demand of plywood in 1992 is 109,514 cubic metres, resulting in overall projected output of 163,453 cubic metres. To achieve this projected output may require 66 per cent increase in existing number of plants. The plywood is characterized by two distinct markets, the local and export market. The export market started declining from 1976.
Artistic aspects of Asafo Companies in Cape Coast
(1981) Edusei, Kodwo
Some writers have written on the Asafo and their activities, but very few tackled the subject from the artistic point of view. It was therefore necessary to write on the topic to bring out the art in the Asafo. The problem has been solved by categorising the artistic aspects of the Asafo into major areas such as the environmental, bodily, performing, and verbal arts. It has been discovered that the Asafo have an original flourishing and dynamic art, which is indispensable to the institution’s effective organisation. It has also been found out that the Asafo have built up an elaborate tradition of visual arts which would be a great source of inspiration and knowledge to both the artist and the art historian.
Forest inventory by statistical methods — an evaluation of the sampling error of cruises in the Bonkoni Forest Reserve at Mim, Brong Ahafo Region
(1981) Cardoso, Roger Damien
In recent times, the timber industry in Ghana engaged on enumeration wor1c with the aim of acquiring information on all trees which are in the forests and not only on those species which have hitherto been regarded as primary or, economic to the timber industry, In the light of this development, a hundred per cent enumeration survey in the Bonkoni Forest Reserve was initiated by the Mim Timber Company, the concessionaire, with the following objectives: 1.To ascertain the actual stocking of all trees which have girth sizes of five feet and above in this Forest Reserve; 2. To teach the Company’s enumeration team the techniques of identifying the lesser known species and also the enumeration survey procedures. As expected, the field works very costly and time consuming. It is the purpose of this thesis to utilise the results of this enumeration and to find out whether satisfactory inferences can be made using statistical methods. Six compartments each were having an area of 129.5ha. (0.5 sq. ml) constituted the unit of assessment and the species on this 77a (3sq, ml.) of total area constituted the ultimate unit. It is intended to verify whether a sampling fraction of less than 10 per cent could give a useful guide as to the nature and composition of the parent population. The results of this study demonstrate that for most of the species, a sampling fraction of 5 per cent could be considered adequate for most purposes. Average deviation for Pycnanthus angolensis and Pterygota macrocarpa was nil at that level of cruising. On the other hand, if sampling were to apply to Triplochiton sclerexylon and Celtis adolfi-friderici, a 1.25 per cent cruising could be considered satisfactory.
Criticism in Akan traditional visual art
(1981-04-16) Sagoe, Isaac Kismet
The purpose of this research is threefold: (a) To find out how Akans criticize their art works. (1) To find out what Akans regard as qualitative criteria in their arts. (a) To re-assess Akan art against the background of continuing cultural eclecticism. The term art has a very wide meaning for the Akan, but for the purpose of this research it is limited to works of Sculpture, Pottery and Textiles. The Akan critic has a good knowledge of the art he criticizes and he is well conversant with the media as well the as mode of production. The Akan critic also knows the producer of the arts that he criticizes. He is able to identify the artist by his forms and style. Ho is knowledgeable about his training and the sources of his ideas. He is therefore able to bridge the gap, between the artistic intent and aesthetic achievement of the artist. The Akan critic is himself identifiable, by his knowledge of the art works, the artist, and by his store of critical vocabulary. The latter is an essential part of the critical process which, among the Akans begins with a judgment, followed by reasons, and. ends with a qualification of the reasons, Akan art of today is no more what it used to be. Changes continue to occur against the background of new societal trends, such as in economics, politics, religion, science and technology as well as culture.
The relationship between the spiritual and material life of the people of Nkonya, Central Volta Region
(1982) Asare-Tettey, Joseph Kofi
Belief is one of the factors that help shape the life pattern of a people. Beliefs are linked with the spiritual and material life of each culture. Therefore there are beliefs and spiritual activities which are associated with every stage of each individual‘s life span, and so it is with the Nkonya of Central Volta Region. The thesis is aimed at orin4 the relationship between, the spiritual and the material life of the people of Nkonya. This involves an investigation of the influence of those beliefs upon their culture. It also covers the changes in religious worship, the causes and relationship between art and the beliefs. The beliefs and spiritual activities that are associated with early life that is pregnancy, infancy and adolescence are discussed in Chapter One. Rites for the barren, the sexually impotent, the baby and the adolescent are carried out because of the beliefs which must be observed. In Chapter No beliefs surrounding marriage, adult life and death are looked at. Marriages of people such as chiefs and medicne-4aen are contracted differently because of the beliefs of the people. Adult life is controlled by beliefs that have spelled out va4oms rites and activities. Beliefs about death are many and varied, as are the rites and activities connected with death. However, these activities become complex and elaborate when chiefs die for they become ancestors of the first degree. Other spiritual activities and beliefs having to do with everyday life such as farming, hunting, trading and. other occupations are discussed in Chapter three. Festivals and taboos, which follow as a result of certain beliefs, are treated in Chapter Four. Many taboos run through life and have become part of the people’s daily routine to the extent that no one asks why this or that should not be done. The festivals occur annually or quarterly for the people to renew their beliefs, feed the gods and the ancestors and generally to make merry. Discussions and comments on changing religious and customary beliefs and the impact of these changes on the people are dealt with in the concluding Chapter.
Mobilising rural resources for development: the case of Ahafo Ano District
(1982) Asomaning, Kwaku Baffour
Local Government has undergone a series of changes in the country and it is to find, a system of local administration that would be efficient and viable that the Local Government Act of 1971 was enacted. According to the Act, there will be only one unit of local administration to every administrative district. The units are therefore larger in terms of population, area, economic resources thus increasing the economic base ad prospects of stability. Local Government in this sense should be regarded as a means not only to political, but also to economic development. Local Governments need not provide such basic infrastructure facilities such as streets, bridges, water supply and sewage disposal systems, markets, transportation and other utility services but also such social facilities as schools, housing, hospitals, and recreational centres. If the overgrowth of our cities and towns is to be avoided, there is an immediate need also for the same kind of community facilities in our rural areas where as a matter of national and regional policy, people may be provided with employment opportunities, housing, education, recreation and other necessities for healthy existence. From this, it can be assumed that local government must be efficient because it must be capable of managing the local services in a way which will help raise the standard of living of the local people. It is said to be local because the system of government is close to the local people and their problems. it is democratic because it must not only find a place for the growing class of educated men but at the same time command the respect and support of the mass of the people. It is therefore easier for the local government than the national government to be closer to the people. It is therefore the responsibility of the local government council for the conduct of such services in the widest sense and works for the general improvement of the locality. After this cursory look at the local governments a similar examination shall be done to planning and local government in this country. Planning has been given different interpretations by planners of all times, and as a result of this there is no clear cut definition of planning. But before any meaningful approach could be made on this topic a survey of the various approaches that this country has made towards her development programmes would be made so that a way could be found s to how the rural community resources through an effective local government set up could be mobilised for development purpose. According to Friedman., “Planning is primarily a way of thinking about social and economic problems, planning is oriented predominantly towards the future, is deeply concerned with the relation of goals to collective decisions and strives for comprehensiveness in policy and programs. Whenever these modes of thoughts are applied there is the presumption that planning is being done.”1 A careful study of all development programmes in this country will reveal that they all have the welfare of the society in mind since they ail aim at solving socio-economic problems facing the country. It can therefore be safely assumed that planning started in this country during the colonial era, but comprehensive planning started with African governments of pre and post independence eras. In spite of the many development plans drawn by the various governments of this country, it was during the 1967-69 Development Plan of the National Liberation Council that the idea of Regional Development was proposed in the content with the setting up of Regional Development Commission. As a result of the adoption of the same methods of planning by the various governments of this country, there has been agglomeration of industries in this country at such centres as Accra/Tema Metropolitan area, Kumasi, Sekondi/Takoradi, to the neglect of the rural areas. The local communities realising this disparity in the development process lean heavily on the various district councils for the provision of amenities like public places of convenience, schools, health centres etc., and these councils heavily depend on the central government funds for the provision of such amenities. It seems to me that with proper education and organization the councils could perform such duties without necessarily leaning heavily on the central government for assistance. Local participation in development planning is not a new phenomenon in this country. It is through this that the concept of iNnoboaII2 evolved. Under this concept, people agree to work for each other in rotation. This could be done in such areas as: land clearing ‘for farming purposes, building a house, harvesting and. carting of farm products. This method could easily be adopted for rural development instead of it being individual oriented. Rural development in this sense does not mean economic development alone but all that go to make lire worth living in the rural area. It is development from the “grass roots.” It rests on the assumption that individuals living in a community wish to come to terms with their environment and needs by raising their standard of living. The success of such development depends on the initiative of the local people, on their desire to improve the conditions of life in the area, and on the presence of leadership capable of facilitating improvement. Some of the pressing problems facing the rural people are feeder roads, transportation, good drinking water, rural electrification, rural industries, credit facilities and housing. Self-help programmes are in most cases organised in rural areas through communal labour, harvests, voluntary contributions etc., under the auspices of the various town and village development committees or associations in and outside of the community to solve some of these problems of the rural dwellers. From the foregoing, it would be seen that the concept of rural development is nothing new in this country, and the role of the District Councils in rural development should not be under-estimated since it is through them that the impact of the government would be felt at the grassroots level. It is for this reason that Mills Odoi, in his report suggested that:”in addition to the geographical decentralization through the Regional and District Authorities, the ministries should be relieved as far as possible, of the management of programmes and that management should be located as near as possible to the site of operation. Of late, community development programmes have been unplanned and haphazard in this country, more especially, in the rural areas. In the early 1950zs, the building of community centres, plazas, and roundabouts was the order of the day. It was not uncommon to see many guinea worm infested areas building palaces for their chiefs, police stations, plazas, etc., instead of sinking wells from which relatively good source of drinking water could be obtained. The upshot of this unguided planning in the rural areas is the over reliance of the rural communities on the government for the provision of the pressing amenities which could have been provided from the local resources given proper direction and assistance-
Art in the life of the Gonja with special reference to the ceremonies at birth, puberty, marriage and death
(1982) Seini, Joseph Gazari
A close observation of Africa and it societies will reveal that art is at the root of Africa culture and like their religion is their determining principle of Africa life. Like most Africans, art features in the stages of the existence (birth, life and death) of the Gonja. It is no exaggeration, therefore, to say in traditional Gonja, ‘art is life and life is art’. Gonjas are engaged in art in whatever they do – whether it be farming, fishing or hunting, or simply eating, drinking or travelling. Art give meaning and significance to their lives, both in this world and the next. It is hence not an abstraction but a part of a reality and everyday life. It should be apparent then to understand the Gonjas the influence of art on their lives must be fully appreciated. The author of this work is aware of the fact that this has not been the case for there has not been any detailed work done on the art of Gonjas. In trying to portray Art in the life cycle of the Gonja, the very first of such works on the tribe, the author has taken into consideration several things. Firstly, the Gonjas outlook the life; their belief in the Supreme Being, ‘Ebore’, Nature Spirits, magic and witchcraft. The Gonjas are a people who in all things are religious. The author also has taken note of the Pre-Natal belief of the Gonjas; birth, childhood and babyhood. Except for children who were born through the help of the fetish the Gonjas have no formal initiation ceremonies for children into adulthood. In Gonja the training for full membership of the society is a long and continuous process that begins from very early childhood and continues to the time they go into marriage. Thirdly, the author has considered art in the death of the Gonjas with special reference to lepers, pregnant women, and the bloated person, a young baby, the commoner, the sub-chief and the paramount chief. Fourthly, art in the succession of the Gonja paramountcy has attracted the author’s attention. The author has given an insight to the festivals of the Gonjas as well as the joking relationships system in the society. The desire of the author in this work has been to record something of the old tribal discipline and the society’s regard for art now regrettably slowly and surely passing
Community involvement in health care in Ghana: an evaluation of Brong Ahafo Rural Integrated Development Programme - Barided (1974-81)
(1982-06-26) Oppon-Kumi, Augustine
Since the Danfo Project - (a Joint Community Health and Family Planning project, initiated by the University of Ghana Medical School and University of California, Los Ange1es), community involvement and participation in the delivery of health care service and health programming has been recognized in Ghana to be an important factor in maintaining health systems and in sustaining community development. But what part community members should play and how they can be motivated and committed to initiate community health programmes have not been subjected to critical and empirical analysis. Recognizing the important role community members can play in health systems, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Health Organization - WHO, initiated a 5-year health project in the (former) Wenchi District in Brong -Ahafo region of Ghana, called THE BRONG AHAFO RURAL INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, hereafter coded BARIDEP, or Baridep for short. The BARIDEP is a programme for studying and obtaining experience in “how activities for improvement of health can be integrated into the general development process based on the community development approach with the active involvement of local communities.”1 Moreover, it is a programme for evaluating the effects of such integration. The programme has two components viz, the Implementation component and the Research/Evaluating component. Responsibility for the former component rests solely with the Government of Ghana primarily through the Ministry of Health, whilst the Evaluating aspect is the joint responsibility of Ghana Government and the World Health Organization - WHO, with some assistance from the Swedish, International Development Agency - SIDA.
The twins cult of the people of Teshie in Greater Accra
(1983) Sowah, Ephraim Akuetterh
This thesis is introduced by defining the term ‘twine’ according to the tradition of the Ga people of the Greater Accra Region. The study of the twin’s cult of Teshie people has brought to light the reason why our parents have maintained its celebrations. However, the cult is not celebrated by many people today as done many years ago. This is because families have refrained from taking part whilst others have embraced foreign religion such as Islam and Christianity. The celebration in held in homes where the ageing fetish priest and priestess have their shrines and gods. The thesis is made up of seven chapters. Chapter one deals with the location of Teshie and the origin of its people. Chapter two discuses twin birth. It examines various attributes of twin’s birth including its related superstitious beliefs. In the chapter three, the spirit connected with twin’s cult is briefly discussed. A number of rites such as ‘shitoo’, ‘tsemo’ and ‘awroke hamo’ are also examined. It would be realized that most of these rites are done purposely to protect the twins against evil spirits. Chapter tour describes the outdooring of twin and the significant of it. This Chapter also shows how presents are donated to the mother and twins during the naming ceremony as required by tradition. Chapter five gives an account on how twins’ horns are bathed with consecrated water. It also outlines the decoration of the horns with ‘tun’, ‘ayilo’ and ‘krobo’ pigment from trees. In addition to this the dressing and decoration of twins with beads and other ornaments are elaborately described. The ornaments include wristlets made up of black and white beads. Some of the rites for twins involve feasting. An attempt has been made in chapter five to examine some of the feasts such as ‘oto’ which is prepared for an annual twin festival. The chapter ends by showing how some of the festivals are observed. Lastly, chapter six and seven discuss twins’ social life and funeral customs. It will be observed that Ga expressions in the form of songs, and supplications accompanying some of the rites are used during various performances; as a result the author has made an effort to give their meaning in English
The role of micro-organisms and endogenous pectolytic enzymes in the fementation of cocoa
(1983) Ansah, Florence
The cause of sweating of cocoa and the involvement of micro-organisms in the process were investigated. The roles of microbial and non-microbial pectolytic enzymes in the fermentation of cocoa pulp were studied by means of aseptic micro-fermentation methods. Fermentations were carried out on a laboratory scale under sterile and non-sterile (natural) conditions and the sweating rates and yields monitored over the first 12 hr of fermentation. The beans were subsequently assessed for quality after 6 days of fermentation, and drying. Sweating obtained under sterile conditions was attributed to endogenous enzymes. Increased yield and rate of sweating observed under natural conditions, however, suggested that microorganisms played a significant role in the process. In a 12-hr collection under natural conditions, there were increases in yield of the order of 130% over sweating yield under sterile conditions. Enzymological studies under both sterile and natural conditions revealed the presence of two types of pectolytic enrynes in pulp. Pectin Esterase, (P.E.) and Polygalacturonase (P.G.) activities were detected in pulp. Inhibition of P. B. produced a 31.7% reduction in yield of sweatings, suggesting a partial involvement of the enzyme in the process. Changes in viscosity of sweatings, as well as histological Studies of the enzyme’s action on pulp indicated that P.G. is the cause for sweating. Further indications of this were obtained when the addition of different concentrations of “Commercial P.G.” to fermenting cocoa beans produced large increases in sweating rate and yield. Increases in drainage of over 200% adversely affected the quality of the bean, whilst below 150%, they were acceptable. Of several microorganisms isolated from fermenting cocoa beans, A. niger and a Penicillium sp. were found to be strongly peotolytic. When applied to cocoa beans, they produced increases in yield of about 190% and 170% respectively. Two other fungi obtained from the American type Culture Collection produced significant increases in sweating rate and yield when applied to cocoa beans. A. oryzae produced about 60%, G. candidium approximately, 35% increases in yield. Thus, depending on the choice of organism, pectolytic fungi can be employed as starter cultures in the fermentation of cocoa, to give optimum yields of sweatings within the first 12 hours of fermentation.
“Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (hdl-cholesterol) in Ghanaians in relation to risk factors for Ischaemic Heart disease”
(1983) Golightly, Edmond Kwashie Odartey
In this study the enzymatic and chemical methods of estimating total serum cholesterol were compared. The enzymatic method of estimation was found more suitable as a result of its specificity, with levels about the “true” serum total cholesterol concentration. The serum total cholesterol and High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol levels were measured in 284 men and women ad (20-69) years, in an attempt to establish the normal levels for Ghanaians. These subjects were sampled from among the University community, Ayia Township and some from the Kumasi city. Premenopausal females had higher HDL-C levels and therefore higher HDL-ratios, than men, probably as a result of induced HDL synthesis by the ovarian hormones. Postmenopausal female’s become more ‘sat-risk” than their male counter-parts upon the withdrawal of the hormones. The overall effect was the narrowing of the HDL difference between the male and female sexes till in the fifth decade when they bath run at almost equal risk to developing CVD. Cigarette stroking, obesity, hypercholesterolaemia and diabetes mellitus were the most potent risk factors studied in the work. The marked inverse relationship between index body weight (IBW) and HDL cholesterol levels was emphasised and trust be seriously considered in the investigation of risk factors for CVD. Smoking and diabetes millitus were shown to be risk factors to CVD and their inverse and direct relationships with HDL-C and TC were respectively established. These relationships were stronger with smoking than with controlled diabetes mellitus. A smoker therefore runs a greater risk than a diabetic. The level of HDL-C in controlled diabetes mallitus is influenced by the type of hypoglycaemic therapy administered. As shown in this work, diabetics on sulphonyl – ureas were found to have lower IDL-C levels, in direct contrast to the increasing levels observed with insulin-dependent diabetics (345). The level of glycosylated haemoglobin (BhA1) correlated with the level of blood sugar and therefore could be used as an index for diabetic control. HbA1 levels were found to be unaffected by the type of treatment, even though the sugar levels were controlled5 in sore diabetics. This confirmed that, HbA1 once formed remained in the red blood cell through out its life span. Uncontrolled diabetes is associated with decreasing HDL-C levels and increasing TC levels as depicted in the adult male alloxandiabetic rats. The glycosylated haemoblobiin levels increased with the severity of diabetes. It was again shown that the formation of HbA1 was slow and non-enzymatic rather dependent on the concentration of blood glucose level. Severe hyperglycaemia was observed to cause death probably as a result of vascular complications. Physiological imbalance may also lead to the development of ketoacidiosis, coma and consequently death.
Insect infestation and quality deterioration of some animal feedstuffs in storage
(1983) Owusu-Akyaw, Michael
The susceptibilities of white maize and yellow maize to Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch); of rice bran, maize bran wheat bran and brewer’s dried grain to Tribolium castaneum (Herbst); of soyabean meal, copra meal and groundnut meal to Ephestia cautella (Walk.), were tested. Yellow maize was significantly more susceptible (p < 0.01) to S. zeamais than white maize. Wheat bran, maize bran and rice bran did not significantly differ (P < 0.05) in susceptibility to T. castaneum whilst brewer’s dried grain was significantly less susceptible (P<0.01) to the insect than any of the others. The susceptibility of the oilseed meals to E. cautella was in the order: soyabean meal>copra meal> groundnut meal (p<0.01). Changes in insect population and in quality of infested and un- infested feedstuffs stored for one, three, six and nine months under laboratory conditions were studied using the test feedstuffs and insects above and then fish meal infested with Dermestes maculatus (Degeer). Throughout the test period, no significant increase was observed in the number of insects originally introduced into brewer’s dried grain and. groundnut meal and also no adults emerged from the pupae produced in fish meal. Mite contamination 4as observed in only the infested yellow maize and white maize and the infested and uninfested fish meal. Hea.ing occurred in only the infested yellow maize and white maize from the third to the ninth month and the infested and uninfested fish meal in the first month. Changes in colour and odour were noted in only the samples and extracted oil of the infested yellow maize and white maize and the infested and uninfested fish meal from the third to the ninth month. Apart from the moisture content of the uninfested copra meal which reduced and that of all the samples of brewer’s dried grain which remained unchanged in storage, the moisture content of the infested and uninfected samplen of all the feedstuffs increased with times. Of the percent proximate nutrient contents, only the crude fibre content of all the test samples, the crude protein content of the infested and uninfested rice bran, maize bran, brewer’s dried grain and wheat bran and the uninfested yellow maize and white maize, and the ash content of all the test samples but fish meal did not significantly change in storage.
Studies on the hypotensive and other pharmacological activities of an extract from Anthocleista Nobilis
(1983) Duwiejua, Mahama
The pharmacological effects of the aqueous extract and the alcohol-insoluble fraction of the aqueous extract of the dried powdered root bark of Antiocleis ta nobilis have been studied with the object of finding the possible mechanism of action of the hypoterisive principle(s) present in the extract. Cardiovascular studies were carried out on the arterial blood pressure of the anaesthetised cat and on the isolated perfused rabbit heart. A dose-dependent depressor effect, which is as slightly antagonised by atropine, was observed in both models. Bilateral vagotomy had no effect on the hypotensive effect of the extract. Phentolamine and propranolol had no effect on the extract- induced transient hypotension, indicating that the lowering of the blood pressure was not due to either a direct or an indirect anrenergic effect. The extract is not likely to have any stimulant effect on the vagus, since bilateral vagotomy had no effect on its hypotensive action. The hypotensive action was also thought to be partially due to a direct muscarinic effect because bilateral vagotomy did not affect the atropine-sensitive portion of the depressor effect. The extract also antagonised the pressor phase (nicotinic Effect) of a large dose (150 μg) of acetyicholine. This action could be due to a ganglion-blocking effect, as investigations in later experiments revealed. The crystalline compound of the extract (alcohol-insoluble fraction) had a slightly less hypotensive effect on the anaesthetised cat. This hypotensive effect was completely antagonised by atropine, indicating that the hypotensive action of the crystalline compound could be due only to a muscarinic effect. Thus this action might account for the muscarinic action of the whole extract deserved on the anaesthetised cat. Bilateral vagotony also had effect on the hypotensive effect of the crystalline compound. This further supports the suggestion that the muscarinic portion of the hypotensive effect of the extract is a direct effect and not mediated through vagal stimulation. Phentolainine and propranolol also had no effect on the blood-pressure lowering action of the crystalline compound. These also suggest that the crystals, like the extract, had no adrenergic action, either directly or indirectly. The isolated perfused rabbit heart also showed negative inotropic and chronotropic effects in the presence of the extract. This was attributed to a direct effect of the extract on heart nuscle. Similar results were obtained with the crystals but, unlike the extract, the d.epresssor effect of the crystals could be antagonised by atropine. High doses of the crystalline compound, 30 mg, also slightly increased the rate and force of the heart beats in the presence of atropine. The tachycardia was antagonised by hexamethonium, 20 μg, and propranolol. High doses of the extract above 30 mg were therefore thought to have an effect on the intrinsic sympathetic ganglia on the heart. The contractions of the nictitating membrane obtained through stimulation of the superior cervical pre-ganglionic nerve trunk were antagonised by 1.0 ml of the extract, thus confirming a ganglion blocking effect of the extract. The extract relaxed the rabbit duodenum. The relaxation could not be antagonised by either phentolamine or propranolol. On the guinea-pig ileum the extract antagonised contractions induced by nicotine, histamine and potassium chloride, in that order of decreasing susceptibility. The antagonism of nicotine-induced contractions was far greater than that for histamine or potassium chloride. Other smooth muscle preparations like the isolated guinea- pig tracheal chain were also relaxed and neither propranolol nor mepyramine had any effect on the relaxations. It was concluded from these observations that the extract did not induce its spasmolytic effect through interaction with adrenergic receptors through’ a local release of sympathomimetic amines. Though the extract showed a greater activity at the nicotinic site (ganglion) it also acted non-specifically on smooth muscles to relax them. The crystalline compound of the extract contracted the isolated guinea-pig-il.eum. The crystal-induced contractions were antagonised by only atropine i.e. mepyrarnine and hexamethonium had no effect on these contractions. This further confirmed that the crystals had muscarinic actions. The actions of the extract on skeletal muscle preparations were also studied. The twitches of the directly stimulated muscle were considerably depressed in the presence of the extract. The extract was, therefore, thought to have a direct muscle relaxant action. The contraction of the isolated rat phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparation produced by stimulation of the phrenic nerve ire also depressed. It was thought that the extract could also have a neuromuscular blocking action even though the observation could be attributed to the direct muscle relaxant actions. Results from the guinea-pig intradermal wheal and the corneal reflex experiments indicate a weak local anaesthetic action for the extract. Since local anaesthetics interfere with conduction of impulses along nerve and muscle fibres, it was thought that part of the hypotensive effect could be attributed to this action. The LD50 for the extract administered intraperitoneally to rats was 4.01 ± 0.22 ml/kg body at 95% confidence limits. The acute toxicity studies on rats revealed that the extract had neither central nervous depressant nor stimulant effects. There were, however, indications of alterations in the autonomic nervous system manifested by purgation and urination at dose levels above i.0 ml per kg body weight. The hind limbs were also paralysed at doses above 5.0 ml per kilogram body weight. From these results it was concluded that the extract had a very wide spectrum of pharmacological activity and that the hypotensive principle(s) acted mainly through blocking autonomic ng1ia and also by a non-specific depressant action on both smooth and skeletal muscles. The resultant lowered tone of the muscles can cause a drop in the blood pressure. The direct cardiac depressant effect of the extract can also partially account for the fall in the blood pressure on administering the extract, since this effect reduces the cardiac output. It is also concluded that the crystalline compound from the extract is probably the muscarinic portion of the extract. Considering the widespread nature of the activity of the extract, with particular reference to actions like the ganglion-blocking actions, together with the observed drop in the arterial blood pressure of the anaesthetised cat caused by the crystals, it was concluded that this fraction only partially accounts for the hypotensive effects of the extract from the dried powdered root of Anthocleita nobilis
Bamboo-reinforce concrete slabs subjected to concentrated loading
(1984) Kamkam, James Ampong
This thesis deals with an investigation into the effectiveness of bamboo as a substitute for steel in concrete reinforcement, with particular reference to slabs. After an extensive review of the available literature on pertinent work done by other investigators, the report gives an outline of the work in which the writer has been involved. It contains details about eleven bamboo-reinforced concrete two-way slabs which were manufactured and subjected to various conditions of loading. The variables were the grade of concrete, span/depth ratio, bamboo percentage and the treatment given to the bamboo reinforcement. In the eleven slabs tested, with bamboo percentages varying from 2.86 to 4.0, punching failure, whenever it occurred, always followed the full development of the flexural collapse mechanism and the punching load was always greater than the yield-line-theory load. There was therefore no sudden shear failure without warning. This indicates that, under certain conditions, bamboo splints may safely be used as substitutes for steel in slabs of this nature.
Transportation problems in the Ashanti Region: a case study of the cocoa industry and distributive trade
(1984) Akoto-Danso, Samuel
Transportation plays a vital role in the life of a region. It is that ‘aspect of economic activity which provides for the carriage of goods and persons from one place to another. The transportation of a country, therefore, is the circulatory system of the area. The networks of transportation in a country, thus, form the veins and arteries through which the activities of the country take place. One of the most important features of transportation, therefore, is that, it is an important element in the production of goods and services. This is because production is not complete until the finished goods get to the final consumer. A high degree of mobility therefore has a pervasive influence both on the way people live and on the vas they earn their living. An inefficient transportation system, therefore perpetuate underdevelopment and leaves the people in abject poverty. For this reason, every nation, or region, tries to have, as much as possible, the transportation system that will ensure fast and safe mobility to accelerate the rate of its economic growth. In an attempt to achieve high developmental standards, the Ashanti Region in Ghana has made efforts over the years to establish an efficient and effective transport system to ensure the smooth transportation of her agricultural commodities like cocoa, timber etc. But the existing transportation system in the region has filed to provide the needed impact. The study, therefore, seeks to investigate the transportation problems in the Ashanti Region, especially the cocoa bean industry and the distributive trade sector. Based on the stated problem the study objective is to sty the problems of the existing transportation system in the region especially, the cocoa bean industry and the distributive sector, and to come out with recommendations to help improve the situation. In order to achieve the study’s objective, the following steps were undertaken: firstly, the study had to look at the study area, as regards its characteristic — physical and human, including it economy. It was found out that the study area is rich in many resources like gold, bauxite, timber, human resources, and, above all, leads in cocoa production other food crops in the country. Secondly, the existing transportation system in the region s also studied. It was found out to be highly made to - a low road density of 0.16 km/sq.km, ranking sixth in the country and in a very poor state of disrepair. The reasons for such a poor state of the transportation system could be seen in years of improper planning and implantation of transportation projects and several years of neglect. As a result of the above, cocoa beans ware left unevacuated at the production centres; distributive trade also suffered a great setback as commodities could not be easily moved. There were also problems of erratic and insufficient supply of fuel and spare parts. The consequences of such problems include high transport fares resulting in high prices of goods, long journey time, frequent accidents and low productivity due to the poor mobility. To rectify such anomalies, the study recommends, among other things that, in the short-term, maintenance o the existing transportation system should be a priority. Roads, railways and roiling stock should be maintained to increase the rate of mobility in the region. Again, it was suggested that, the government should try to implement its policy on vehicle standardisation in order to reduce the trouble of having to import so maze different types of vehicle spares; regularise the supply of fuel and spare parts by importing more and distributing them through recognised bodies like the Ghana Private Road Transport Union; and ensuring proper planning which will be based on the region’s resources and the proper implementation and monitoring of planned transportation projects. It is hoped that the recommendations of this study will lead to the creation of an efficient and effective transportation system for the region. This will eventually lead to a sound and buoyant economy for the Ashanti Region in particular, and the nation as a whole.

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