R&P Entries
Articles in Journals
Prempeh, E., Owusu-Mensah, I. and Piesie-Frimpong, K (2015). Different Levels of Perturbations of Operators of Hammerstien Type Operator Equations. British Journal of Mathematics and Computer Science, 7,
Abstract
We have studied perturbations of Hammerstein’s Type Operator Equations in general Banach Spaces. In this paper, two different levels of perturbations have been studied in Hilbert spaces.We prove that these levels satisfy the regularization conditions for Hammerstein type operator equations
We have studied perturbations of Hammerstein’s Type Operator Equations in general Banach Spaces. In this paper, two different levels of perturbations have been studied in Hilbert spaces.We prove that these levels satisfy the regularization conditions for Hammerstein type operator equations
Faculty of Science and Environment EducationJul 19, 2015
Kuffour, R. A., Dartey, E., Owusu, W and Dabuoh, P. M. (2014). Level of Awareness of Effects of the Use of Cosmetic Bleaching Products among Women: A Case Study of Bolgatanga Municipality of Ghana.. Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 11,
Abstract
This study intends to find out the level of awareness of the harmful effects of cosmetic bleaching products among women in Bolgatanga municipality of Ghana. The study also investigated the motives for skin bleaching as well as observing any physical manifestation of bleaching effects on the skin. Structured questionnaire was the main instrument used for the data collection. The questionnaires were administered in ten (10) selected communities in the Bolgatanga Municipality from which one hundred and twenty (120) women were randomly selected. The results showed that 39.2% of the women interviewed used cosmetics bleaching products, 9 women representing 7.5% experienced related side-effects and 82.4% had no knowledge on the side effects of these bleaching products. Chi-square analysis showed that lack of formal education could account for their ignorance. High amount of sunshine in addition to skin bleaching could serve as a predisposing factor which would lead to the contraction of skin cancer. The knowledge of the effects of cosmetic bleaching products is an imperative measure in maintaining a healthy skin.
This study intends to find out the level of awareness of the harmful effects of cosmetic bleaching products among women in Bolgatanga municipality of Ghana. The study also investigated the motives for skin bleaching as well as observing any physical manifestation of bleaching effects on the skin. Structured questionnaire was the main instrument used for the data collection. The questionnaires were administered in ten (10) selected communities in the Bolgatanga Municipality from which one hundred and twenty (120) women were randomly selected. The results showed that 39.2% of the women interviewed used cosmetics bleaching products, 9 women representing 7.5% experienced related side-effects and 82.4% had no knowledge on the side effects of these bleaching products. Chi-square analysis showed that lack of formal education could account for their ignorance. High amount of sunshine in addition to skin bleaching could serve as a predisposing factor which would lead to the contraction of skin cancer. The knowledge of the effects of cosmetic bleaching products is an imperative measure in maintaining a healthy skin.
Faculty of Science and Environment EducationJul 18, 2015
Sarpong, K. Dartey, E and Owusu-Mensah, I. (2015). Phytochemicals and Hazardous Metal Contents in Unregistered Herbal Drugs sold in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana.. International Journal of Green and Herbal Chemistry, 4,
Abstract
Sixty (60) unregistered herbal drug samples sold as cures for several ailments were collected from six communities (Atonsu, Bomso, Twumduase, Breman, Tafo and Bantama) in the Kumasi Metropolis and assessed. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry was employed to determine hazardous metal levels and concentrations expressed in μgg-1. Standard methods for qualitative determination of secondary metabolites in samples were applied to the ethanolic extract. Arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) contents observed in the samples showed amounts lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) Maximum Permissible Limits (MPL) for the respective metals and pose no health threat to consumers. The range of As, Pb and Zn concentrations in the samples from the six communities studied were: As (0.00 - 0.657μgg-1) , Pb (0.0013- 0.553 μgg-1) , Zn (0.014 μgg-1 - 0.785 μgg-1) for Atonsu; As (0.133 μgg-1 - 0.650 μgg-1) , Pb (0.005 μgg-1 - 0.173 μgg-1) , Zn (0.00 - 0.817 μgg-1) for Bomso; As (0.033 μgg-1 - 1.545 μgg-1) , Pb (0.00-0.776 μgg-1) , Zn (0.051 μgg-1 - 0.423 μgg-1) for Twumduase; As (0.00 - 0.153 μgg-1) , Pb (0.023 μgg-1 - 0.430 μgg-1) , Zn (0.002 μgg-1 - 0.867 μgg-1) for Tafo; As (0.017 μgg-1 - 1.33 μgg-1) , Pb (0.00-2.067 μgg-1) , Zn (0.00 - 0.513 μgg-1) for Breman; As (0.00 - 0.620 μgg-1) , Pb (0.00 - 1.267 μgg-1) , Zn (0.013 μgg-1 - 0.536 μgg-1) for Bantama. The samples contained no alkaloids. However, overall they contained 75 % polyphenols, 8 % flavonoids, 42 % steroids, 48 % saponins and 28 % triterpenes.
Sixty (60) unregistered herbal drug samples sold as cures for several ailments were collected from six communities (Atonsu, Bomso, Twumduase, Breman, Tafo and Bantama) in the Kumasi Metropolis and assessed. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry was employed to determine hazardous metal levels and concentrations expressed in μgg-1. Standard methods for qualitative determination of secondary metabolites in samples were applied to the ethanolic extract. Arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) contents observed in the samples showed amounts lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) Maximum Permissible Limits (MPL) for the respective metals and pose no health threat to consumers. The range of As, Pb and Zn concentrations in the samples from the six communities studied were: As (0.00 - 0.657μgg-1) , Pb (0.0013- 0.553 μgg-1) , Zn (0.014 μgg-1 - 0.785 μgg-1) for Atonsu; As (0.133 μgg-1 - 0.650 μgg-1) , Pb (0.005 μgg-1 - 0.173 μgg-1) , Zn (0.00 - 0.817 μgg-1) for Bomso; As (0.033 μgg-1 - 1.545 μgg-1) , Pb (0.00-0.776 μgg-1) , Zn (0.051 μgg-1 - 0.423 μgg-1) for Twumduase; As (0.00 - 0.153 μgg-1) , Pb (0.023 μgg-1 - 0.430 μgg-1) , Zn (0.002 μgg-1 - 0.867 μgg-1) for Tafo; As (0.017 μgg-1 - 1.33 μgg-1) , Pb (0.00-2.067 μgg-1) , Zn (0.00 - 0.513 μgg-1) for Breman; As (0.00 - 0.620 μgg-1) , Pb (0.00 - 1.267 μgg-1) , Zn (0.013 μgg-1 - 0.536 μgg-1) for Bantama. The samples contained no alkaloids. However, overall they contained 75 % polyphenols, 8 % flavonoids, 42 % steroids, 48 % saponins and 28 % triterpenes.
Faculty of Science and Environment EducationJul 18, 2015
Sarpong, K., Dartey, E. and Owusu-Mensah I. (2014). Assessment of trace metal levels in commonly used vegetables sold at selected markets in Ghana.. International Journal of Medicinal Plant Research, 3,
Abstract
Trace metal levels were assessed in edible parts of thirteen (13) common vegetables sold at seven (7) selected markets; Kumasi, Asante-Mampong, Obuasi, Nkenkesu, Akomadan, Daboase and Nobekwaw in Ghana. The vegetable samples were analysed for Pb, Fe, Zn and Cu using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The concentration of Pb registered in Lactuca sativa (1.82 mg/kg), Daucus carota (1.72 mg/kg), Solanum melongena (1.44 mg/kg) and Cucumis sativus (1.37 mg/kg) all from Obuasi were above the FAO/WHO MPL of 0.3 mg/kg. The mean concentrations of Zn in the vegetable samples were all below the FAO/WHO MPL of 100 mg/kg with the exception of Piper nigrum from Kumasi which recorded a mean Zn value of 298.78 mg/kg. The highest mean Fe concentration of 698.79 mg/kg was registered in Lycopersicum esculentus, above the WHO/FAO MPL for Fe of 425 mg/kg. The mean concentration of Cu recorded for all the vegetables were below the FAO/WHO MPL of 73 mg/kg for Cu. The overall mean concentration of trace metals in the vegetables analysed appeared to be within safe limits laid down by FAO/WHO.
Trace metal levels were assessed in edible parts of thirteen (13) common vegetables sold at seven (7) selected markets; Kumasi, Asante-Mampong, Obuasi, Nkenkesu, Akomadan, Daboase and Nobekwaw in Ghana. The vegetable samples were analysed for Pb, Fe, Zn and Cu using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The concentration of Pb registered in Lactuca sativa (1.82 mg/kg), Daucus carota (1.72 mg/kg), Solanum melongena (1.44 mg/kg) and Cucumis sativus (1.37 mg/kg) all from Obuasi were above the FAO/WHO MPL of 0.3 mg/kg. The mean concentrations of Zn in the vegetable samples were all below the FAO/WHO MPL of 100 mg/kg with the exception of Piper nigrum from Kumasi which recorded a mean Zn value of 298.78 mg/kg. The highest mean Fe concentration of 698.79 mg/kg was registered in Lycopersicum esculentus, above the WHO/FAO MPL for Fe of 425 mg/kg. The mean concentration of Cu recorded for all the vegetables were below the FAO/WHO MPL of 73 mg/kg for Cu. The overall mean concentration of trace metals in the vegetables analysed appeared to be within safe limits laid down by FAO/WHO.
Faculty of Science and Environment EducationJul 18, 2015
Dartey, E., Berlinger, B., Thomassen, Y., Ellingsen, D. G., Odland, J. O., Nartey, V. K., Yeboah, F. A. and Weinbruch, S. (2014). Bioaccessibility of lead in airborne particulates from car battery repair work.. Environmental Science Processes & Impacts, 16,
Abstract
The bioaccessibility of Pb in air particulate matter from two car battery repair workshops in Kumasi (Ghana) was measured (64 full shift personal aerosol samples). An artificial lung lining fluid simulant (Hatch solution) was applied for leaching the bioaccessible fraction in half of the samples, the other half was leached with synthetic gastric juice. At both locations, the Pb solubility (median) in gastric juice (89% and 92%) is substantially higher than in Hatch solution (4.9% and 5.6%). The high solubility of Pb in gastric juice may be related to the presence of Pb oxides. The low bioaccessibility of Pb in Hatch solution is in good agreement with previous work on mine tailings, urban aerosol, car exhaust, welding fumes and indoor dust. The high bioaccessibility of Pb in the gastrointestinal tract underpins the importance of improving the personal hygienic behavior at the workplace. It is recommended that air monitoring of Pb should include the extrathoracic aerosol fraction using inhalable aerosol samplers, as particles of this size fraction are most likely transferred to the gastrointestinal tract in addition to the non-lung-soluble particles transported from the lung by mucociliary and phagocytosis clearance.
The bioaccessibility of Pb in air particulate matter from two car battery repair workshops in Kumasi (Ghana) was measured (64 full shift personal aerosol samples). An artificial lung lining fluid simulant (Hatch solution) was applied for leaching the bioaccessible fraction in half of the samples, the other half was leached with synthetic gastric juice. At both locations, the Pb solubility (median) in gastric juice (89% and 92%) is substantially higher than in Hatch solution (4.9% and 5.6%). The high solubility of Pb in gastric juice may be related to the presence of Pb oxides. The low bioaccessibility of Pb in Hatch solution is in good agreement with previous work on mine tailings, urban aerosol, car exhaust, welding fumes and indoor dust. The high bioaccessibility of Pb in the gastrointestinal tract underpins the importance of improving the personal hygienic behavior at the workplace. It is recommended that air monitoring of Pb should include the extrathoracic aerosol fraction using inhalable aerosol samplers, as particles of this size fraction are most likely transferred to the gastrointestinal tract in addition to the non-lung-soluble particles transported from the lung by mucociliary and phagocytosis clearance.
Faculty of Science and Environment EducationJul 18, 2015
Kemevor, A.K (2014). Traditional Ingenuity in Ghanaian Atumpan Drum Construction (From Locally Obtainable ‘Cordia Millenii’). International Institute for Science and Technology and Education, 22,
Abstract
The forest abounds in different species of trees that the African wood carver capitalizes on to make artifacts. Design and construction of drums particularly in the form of wood art has been in existence for so many years. The purpose of this article is to highlight on the design of traditional carving of Atumpan drum as an excellent art work; As an artwork, its nature, design elements and production process have been discussed. The selection of appropriate wood and design motifs for production and their symbolism have also been considered. Descriptive research method based on the qualitative research approach was employed. This study shows an important distinction between the seeing, viewing, and liking of a specific piece of art and lack of understanding. The investigation of creativeness in the art requires some theoretical originality to enable the development of an effective research method capable of subtly reporting upon original artistic activity. The study states that traditional methods and approaches of Atumpan drum carving must be revived in order to give room for creativity which is indispensable for any development to happen.
The forest abounds in different species of trees that the African wood carver capitalizes on to make artifacts. Design and construction of drums particularly in the form of wood art has been in existence for so many years. The purpose of this article is to highlight on the design of traditional carving of Atumpan drum as an excellent art work; As an artwork, its nature, design elements and production process have been discussed. The selection of appropriate wood and design motifs for production and their symbolism have also been considered. Descriptive research method based on the qualitative research approach was employed. This study shows an important distinction between the seeing, viewing, and liking of a specific piece of art and lack of understanding. The investigation of creativeness in the art requires some theoretical originality to enable the development of an effective research method capable of subtly reporting upon original artistic activity. The study states that traditional methods and approaches of Atumpan drum carving must be revived in order to give room for creativity which is indispensable for any development to happen.
School of Creative ArtsJul 17, 2015
Kemevor, A.K., & Kassah, J.K (2015). Challenges of Technical and Vocational Education and Training and Educational Stakeholders in the Volta Region of Ghana. International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education, 2,
Abstract
The purpose of this paper was to find out the attitude of Educational Stakeholders towards challenges confronting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the Volta Region of Ghana. The qualitative research method with questionnaire and interview guide helped to examine the nature and scope of the Technical and Vocational education in Ghana as well as the roles it plays in creating jobs for unemployed Ghanaians and to minimize poverty and the challenges of Technical and Vocational Education in Ghana. The stratified random sampling method was used in sampling out the various subjects. These comprised stakeholders such as parents, teachers, employers, government and private institutional heads, alumna and, students of second cycle institutions were selected for the study. These groups were chosen because they would provide relevant information needed for this paper. Technical and Vocational Education and Training in the Volta Region of Ghana faces a lot of challenges. This paper revealed that technical and vocational institutions in Ghana are inadequate considering the number of Junior High School graduates in the system. This has resulted in large class size in the few existing Technical and Vocational Institutions. The large class sizes do not match with the supply and provision of training resources. This does not allow the instructor to attract and sustain the attention of all students during demonstration lessons. Also, the infrastructure and training facilities of the institutions are in deplorable state resulting in outdated training content. This paper recommended Ministry of Education and other stakeholders in charge of Technical and Vocational Education and Training to formulate policies that will make TVET meet international standard so that graduates of TVET also meet the demands of international labour market.
The purpose of this paper was to find out the attitude of Educational Stakeholders towards challenges confronting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the Volta Region of Ghana. The qualitative research method with questionnaire and interview guide helped to examine the nature and scope of the Technical and Vocational education in Ghana as well as the roles it plays in creating jobs for unemployed Ghanaians and to minimize poverty and the challenges of Technical and Vocational Education in Ghana. The stratified random sampling method was used in sampling out the various subjects. These comprised stakeholders such as parents, teachers, employers, government and private institutional heads, alumna and, students of second cycle institutions were selected for the study. These groups were chosen because they would provide relevant information needed for this paper. Technical and Vocational Education and Training in the Volta Region of Ghana faces a lot of challenges. This paper revealed that technical and vocational institutions in Ghana are inadequate considering the number of Junior High School graduates in the system. This has resulted in large class size in the few existing Technical and Vocational Institutions. The large class sizes do not match with the supply and provision of training resources. This does not allow the instructor to attract and sustain the attention of all students during demonstration lessons. Also, the infrastructure and training facilities of the institutions are in deplorable state resulting in outdated training content. This paper recommended Ministry of Education and other stakeholders in charge of Technical and Vocational Education and Training to formulate policies that will make TVET meet international standard so that graduates of TVET also meet the demands of international labour market.
School of Creative ArtsJul 17, 2015
Donkor, E., Adu, C., & Kemevor, A. K. (2014). Comparative Study of Fashion Production Units in Ghanaian Polytechnics. Arts and Design Studies, 24,
Abstract
Technological and vocational Education has emerged as one of the most capable Human Resource Improvement Strategies that African countries need to conform, in other to train and update their technical labour force for speedy industrialization and national development. The impact of Technical and Vocational Education and the way skills training and competences are learnt in developing countries can improve polytechnic education of which Fashion is one. The Ghanaian Polytechnics have mostly since their inception relied heavily on industries outside the school environment to give their students hands-on-training in industrial practices related to their various programmes. Students studying fashion design and textiles also face similar challenges. This study therefore focuses on comparative study of production units in Polytechnics that offer fashion design and textile courses by examining the need to compare production units in Polytechnics and the role production units play especially in fashion education. The study also seeks to identify best practices in the fashion industry that could be replicated in a production unit for effective fashion education in Ghanaian Polytechnics. The study seeks to compare equipment available in production units in fashion design and textile department in Accra, Ho, Kumasi and Takoradi Polytechnics. The simple random sampling technique was used to sample views from the respondents and as data collection instrument a structured questionnaire was administered to one hundred and forty seven respondents (147). Out of the one hundred and forty seven respondents, twenty eight (28) were interviewed. The interpretation of the data reveals that most Polytechnics offering fashion education have production units. From the responses it can be concluded that the machines in the institutions production units if maintained and used properly will improve polytechnic education and also bridge the gap between Polytechnics and industries. Since the institutions will produce competent and skilled graduates, garment manufacturing industries will have confidence in the polytechnic’s graduates and willingly employ them. Based on the study certain recommendations have been made.
Technological and vocational Education has emerged as one of the most capable Human Resource Improvement Strategies that African countries need to conform, in other to train and update their technical labour force for speedy industrialization and national development. The impact of Technical and Vocational Education and the way skills training and competences are learnt in developing countries can improve polytechnic education of which Fashion is one. The Ghanaian Polytechnics have mostly since their inception relied heavily on industries outside the school environment to give their students hands-on-training in industrial practices related to their various programmes. Students studying fashion design and textiles also face similar challenges. This study therefore focuses on comparative study of production units in Polytechnics that offer fashion design and textile courses by examining the need to compare production units in Polytechnics and the role production units play especially in fashion education. The study also seeks to identify best practices in the fashion industry that could be replicated in a production unit for effective fashion education in Ghanaian Polytechnics. The study seeks to compare equipment available in production units in fashion design and textile department in Accra, Ho, Kumasi and Takoradi Polytechnics. The simple random sampling technique was used to sample views from the respondents and as data collection instrument a structured questionnaire was administered to one hundred and forty seven respondents (147). Out of the one hundred and forty seven respondents, twenty eight (28) were interviewed. The interpretation of the data reveals that most Polytechnics offering fashion education have production units. From the responses it can be concluded that the machines in the institutions production units if maintained and used properly will improve polytechnic education and also bridge the gap between Polytechnics and industries. Since the institutions will produce competent and skilled graduates, garment manufacturing industries will have confidence in the polytechnic’s graduates and willingly employ them. Based on the study certain recommendations have been made.
School of Creative ArtsJul 17, 2015
Siaw, S.D., Kemevor, A.K., & Dzramedo, B.E (2014). The appropriate effects of elements and principles of designing apparel in fashion. Global Journal of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences, 2,
Abstract
Fashion makes a dramatic statement about one’s personality and when worn with elegance and flair, gives an impression of sophistication and style. That is why a true fashion designer is said to possess the ability to transform a piece of fabric into a work of art. It can be said therefore that, the proper use of elements of art play an important role in designing beautiful and attractive dresses. That is why several factors ought to be considered before choosing the right design elements and principles for a fabric. This and many other factors led to the need to understand designers and consumers technicalities on the proper use of elements and principles for designing apparel. The study employed structured questionnaire survey of 105 respondents of fashion designers and consumers with basic ideas on fashion. The data analysis was carried out with simple frequency levels and using the regression analysis to test the hypothesis of the study and determine the coefficient of the effects of elements and principles on fashion design. It was established that, most consumers and designers have a general idea on elements and principles of design as being part of garment construction and daily dressing codes but also acknowledge that they were not aware of its technicalities and effects on the overall look of fashion. The study however recommends that, a broader awareness on these materials of design with descriptive and common word should be selected and that which easily represents each concept group and effectively communicates its essence.
Fashion makes a dramatic statement about one’s personality and when worn with elegance and flair, gives an impression of sophistication and style. That is why a true fashion designer is said to possess the ability to transform a piece of fabric into a work of art. It can be said therefore that, the proper use of elements of art play an important role in designing beautiful and attractive dresses. That is why several factors ought to be considered before choosing the right design elements and principles for a fabric. This and many other factors led to the need to understand designers and consumers technicalities on the proper use of elements and principles for designing apparel. The study employed structured questionnaire survey of 105 respondents of fashion designers and consumers with basic ideas on fashion. The data analysis was carried out with simple frequency levels and using the regression analysis to test the hypothesis of the study and determine the coefficient of the effects of elements and principles on fashion design. It was established that, most consumers and designers have a general idea on elements and principles of design as being part of garment construction and daily dressing codes but also acknowledge that they were not aware of its technicalities and effects on the overall look of fashion. The study however recommends that, a broader awareness on these materials of design with descriptive and common word should be selected and that which easily represents each concept group and effectively communicates its essence.
School of Creative ArtsJul 17, 2015
Opoku, M., Baiden, S., & Kemevor, K. A. (2015). QUALITY SYSTEMS OF FINISHING CLOTHING IN THE SMALL SCALE INDUSTRIES IN GHANA.. Projournal of Humanities and Social Science (PHSS), 3,
Abstract
The study is intended to address the quality systems of finishing locally manufactured garments which contribute tremendously to the sales and acceptance of garments globally of the small scale industries in Ghana. The sample size of the study was 70 respondents which mainly constituted fashion designers, fashion students and consumers. Questionnaires, interviews and observations were used for data collection and analysis made. Major findings from the study indicated that most of the local fashion designers do not adhere to quality systems of finishing since they were trained informally and besides, no law governs their activities. The inability of these designers to practice the appropriate finishing procedures affects their sales both locally and internationally. On the other hand, the clothing students admitted that finishing cannot be underestimated or ruled out in garments production since it (finishing) plays a very vital role in terms of the volume of sales which is directly related to the quality of the final output. They however asserted that finishing forms part of the core courses taught in school. Consumers had little knowledge in garment finishing as revealed by the study. The study concludes with a call on institutions, agencies and stakeholders to collaboratively help develop and sensitize local fashion designers on the importance of finishing in garment designing for a better global acceptance and value.
The study is intended to address the quality systems of finishing locally manufactured garments which contribute tremendously to the sales and acceptance of garments globally of the small scale industries in Ghana. The sample size of the study was 70 respondents which mainly constituted fashion designers, fashion students and consumers. Questionnaires, interviews and observations were used for data collection and analysis made. Major findings from the study indicated that most of the local fashion designers do not adhere to quality systems of finishing since they were trained informally and besides, no law governs their activities. The inability of these designers to practice the appropriate finishing procedures affects their sales both locally and internationally. On the other hand, the clothing students admitted that finishing cannot be underestimated or ruled out in garments production since it (finishing) plays a very vital role in terms of the volume of sales which is directly related to the quality of the final output. They however asserted that finishing forms part of the core courses taught in school. Consumers had little knowledge in garment finishing as revealed by the study. The study concludes with a call on institutions, agencies and stakeholders to collaboratively help develop and sensitize local fashion designers on the importance of finishing in garment designing for a better global acceptance and value.
School of Creative ArtsJul 17, 2015
