alfred owusu - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by alfred owusu

Research paper thumbnail of Social constructs, late recognition and decision making for managing fast breathing in children

Children and Youth Services Review, 2020

Abstract Purpose Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is one of the topmost childhood killers ahead ... more Abstract Purpose Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is one of the topmost childhood killers ahead of diarrhoea and malnutrition in children. This exploratory qualitative study sought to examine the influence of maternal social constructs on the recognition and care seeking for fast breathing in children to inform the development of an intervention aimed at addressing fast breathing and acute respiratory infection related illness among children in Ghana. Method Focus group discussions with 23 mothers with children aged 6 weeks – 12 weeks old was conducted. The study used an abbreviated grounded theory and thus the full iterative cycle was not performed during the interview and data analysis. Results Fast breathing is locally called ‘oteeso’(difficulty in breathing), and ‘mframa-ko-ne-mu’(air has entered the child). Evil spirit, heredity, and exposure to windy weather were mentioned as the causes. Herbs and herbal preparations are perceived to be more effective in managing fast breathing. Mothers have varying construction of causes, presentation and treatment options for fast breathing, and these have implications in control and prevention. Conclusion Understanding the local construction of illness beliefs is key to designing interventions aimed at empowering mothers to seek early care for their children on respiratory related illness.

Research paper thumbnail of Regulatory Autonomy in International Economic Law: The Evolution of Australian Policy on Trade and Investment

New Zealand Yearbook of International Law, 2019

Chapters relating to regulatory coherence or cooperation are becoming significant features in new... more Chapters relating to regulatory coherence or cooperation are becoming significant features in new preferential trade agreements, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). While the existing literature has considered in detail the potential for harmonisation of standards or institutional cooperation and its impact on the regulatory autonomy of treaty parties, this chapter focuses on those elements of regulatory coherence that relate to domestic processes for the development of regulations. It examines whether the adoption of ‘good regulatory practices’ in accordance with the TPP will help to ensure that measures states enact to protect non-economic interests (such as the environment or public health) are consistent with other key obligations of international trade and investment law. Although many elements of good regulatory practice mirror the criteria used to distinguish legitimate regulatory measures from disguised protectionism, there is no guarantee that a tribunal will come to the same conclusions as those reached during a domestic regulatory impact assessment.

Research paper thumbnail of Supplementary document for Raman spectra recovery using a second derivative technique and range independent baseline correction algorithm - 5399676.pdf

Research paper thumbnail of Optimization of Ultrasonic Flow Maters for Crude Oil Metering

Ultrasonic flow meters, as all velocity or inference t ype devices, require an adequate flow stre... more Ultrasonic flow meters, as all velocity or inference t ype devices, require an adequate flow stream conditioning in order to assure an accurate performance. Typical flow conditioning consists of straightening the upstream and downstream of the measuring section. The upstream section usually contains a tube bundle, which allows the upstream section to be reduced in length. This tube bundle serves to eliminate any swirl in the flow stream before reaching the meter, presenting a symmetrical velocity profile to the turbine rotor. Some ultrasonic flow meters may produce a non-uniform pulse output, which can prove a wide span of repeatability. For such cases where is a need to correct the velocity flow profiles which affect the robustness of the integration method, this research work tries to develop a mathematical modeling and simulation in MATLAB and Microsoft Excel, with the purpose to combine the individual acoustic path measurements into a full volumetric flow rate measurement procedure. The relationship between velocity and viscosity, using Reynolds Number, was calculated in Microsoft Excel. The Nusselt Number was then used to plot fluid mean temperature and wall temperature diagrams in Microsoft Excel.

Research paper thumbnail of Curriculum setting and students' feedback of pre‐clinical training in different dental schools in China—A national‐wide survey

European Journal of Dental Education, 2021

INTRODUCTION Adequate time and effective training facilities are essential for undergraduate dent... more INTRODUCTION Adequate time and effective training facilities are essential for undergraduate dental students participating preclinical dental practice to ensure them providing safe treatment for patients in the future. The study aimed to explore the current status of preclinical dental training in China in relation to the curriculum setting and students' feedback of pre-clinical training in different dental schools and thus provide information for further standardize curricula. MATERIALS AND METHOD An online questionnaire was distributed electronically to undergraduates in 44 Chinese dental schools of different levels according to China Discipline Ranking (CDR). The questionnaire collected information in relation to the training hour and student to facility ratio of four main dental courses (cariology and endodontics, periodontology, prosthodontics and oral surgery), as well as the application and effect of virtual reality (VR) simulator in preclinical dental practice in different schools. Students' feedback was also collected. RESULTS 565 valid questionnaires were recruited. Results of this cross-sectional survey show that training hour of periodontology course was the lowest, and oral surgery course showed most prominent shortage of facilities. The application of VR simulator among schools is uneven. Students from A and A+ level schools showed higher satisfaction with their pre-clinical courses and reported a more positive attitude toward the use of VR simulator than other students. (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Pre-clinical dental training in China remained imperfect in insufficient training time, training facility and students didn't have access to standard pre-clinical training and quality assurance. VR technique has potential values in preclinical dental practice in China.

Research paper thumbnail of Collaboration across the Arctic: A Tool of Regionalism or simple Pragmatism

Research paper thumbnail of Alleviating Rural Poverty in Ghana through Marketing Of Tourism Sites And Protected Areas

European Journal of Business and Management, 2013

Alleviating poverty, marketing of tourism sites and protected areas in Ghana is the three of the ... more Alleviating poverty, marketing of tourism sites and protected areas in Ghana is the three of the biggest issues facing the country today. In developing country like Ghana, poverty and environmental degradation is linked and this inhibits environmental sustainability. Marketing of tourism sites in Ghana can help address the challenges of reducing poverty and ensuring environmental sustainability. The paper seeks to address rural poverty and ensure environmental sustainability with a focus on protected areas in Ghana .Again the paper seeks to examine how tourism sites in Ghana can be marketed worldwide to generate socio-economic benefits that can help reduced poverty in tourism sites. Key words: Rural poverty, tourism sites, Ghana, environmental sustainability, protected sites

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of Market Segmentation Strategies on Customer Loyalty: The Mediating Role of Positioning Effectiveness of Interior Design Industries within the Kumasi Metropolis

The buying behaviour of potential customers in terms of interior designs in Ghana differs from th... more The buying behaviour of potential customers in terms of interior designs in Ghana differs from those in the Western context. There is a relatively low patronage of interior design products or services compared to the Western context (Ogunduyile et al, 2008). Existing literature have often looked at the direct causal relationship between market segmentation strategies and customer loyalty without emphasizing the effectiveness of positioning which could drive customer loyalty (Yim et al., 1999). The paper focuses on assessing the impact of market segmentation strategies on customer loyalty of Interior Design Industries, with the mediating role of positioning effectiveness. A total of 220 customers of Interior Design Industries within the Kumasi Metropolis of which 200 responses were obtained representing 90% response rate. Convenience sampling techniques was used in selecting customer’s whiles Structural Equation Model was used to analyze the data. The study revealed that, Behavioural...

Research paper thumbnail of Defining success in bushfire management: Critical moments in the 2012-13 ACT bushfire season

The Australian journal of emergency management, 2017

The 2012-13 Australian Capital Territory fire season saw no loss of life, no major property loss ... more The 2012-13 Australian Capital Territory fire season saw no loss of life, no major property loss and minimal environmental damage. It was therefore successful according to the main aims of bushfire management. This outcome hinged on a few critical moments when, due to a combination of strategy and good fortune, things went right. This case study demonstrates how influential chance can be in determining the outcome of bushfires and this in turn begs the question: should agencies be held responsible for factors that are beyond human control? It is proposed that holding agencies responsible for outcomes that are not entirely within their control, acts to reduce community resilience because it implicitly removes the onus on individuals to take personal responsibility; a vital component for good outcomes.

Research paper thumbnail of Influences of Price And Quality On Consumer Purchase Of Mobile Phone In The Kumasi Metropolis In Ghana A Comparative Study

The study focused on the consumers of the selected mobile phones in Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana. T... more The study focused on the consumers of the selected mobile phones in Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana. The study use both primary data and secondary data. Questionnaires, personal interviews and price list of the selected mobile phones were used. The study use non probability sample method. This study is descriptive research which tries to describe how consumers are been influence by Price and Quality when buying mobile phone. Interviews and questionnaires were the main instrument used for collecting data in this study. The outcome of the study was that Price and quality has influence on the consumer buying decision and that consumers consider both price and quality in their buying situation. Key words: Mobile phones, buying decision, Price, Quality, Consumers, Quality.

Research paper thumbnail of A Composite Algorithm for Optimized Baseline Correction in Raman Spectroscopy

Frontiers in Optics 2017, 2017

We propose a novel algorithm for the pre-treatment and recovery of Raman signals from fluorescenc... more We propose a novel algorithm for the pre-treatment and recovery of Raman signals from fluorescence contaminated spectra. This algorithm combines the second derivative and iterative smoothening routines for optimized spectral baseline estimation and correction.

Research paper thumbnail of Raman spectra recovery using a second derivative technique and range independent baseline correction algorithm

OSA Continuum, 2021

We report on a computational technique that recovers Raman peaks embedded in highly fluorescent c... more We report on a computational technique that recovers Raman peaks embedded in highly fluorescent contaminated spectra. The method uses a second derivative technique to identify the most intense Raman peak, and a modified Savisty Golay algorithm to filter and recover the embedded Raman peaks iteratively. This technique is an improvement on existing background removal algorithms in both performance and user objectivity.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of Measured Values of CTDI and DPL with Standard Reference values of Different CT Scanners for dose Management

International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology, 2017

The study is based on estimate of CTDI and DLP values for patients' dose optimization procedu... more The study is based on estimate of CTDI and DLP values for patients' dose optimization procedures. Technical parameters were obtained for three groups of randomly selected patients undergoing abdominal CT examinations of 320 patients of age 20-80 years. The measured values were obtained on image data and the standard reference values of various machines were obtained from service manual as part of QC/QA and the recommended values from ICRP publication 103. The mean CTDI and DLP parameters were; 6.33mGy and 936.25mGy respectively. Furthermore, the mean recorded values of CTDIVOL values were well within ICRP recommendation when the protocol was completed in one scan. On the other hand, in the case of multiscan the total CTDIVol was higher than the ICRP recommendations. While the mean DLP values were higher than the recommended value of 780 mGy-cm by ICRP publication 103. Finally, approximately 37% of the total varied CTDI and DLP values were higher than the recommended dose by ICRP...

Research paper thumbnail of Optimization of Dose Parameters to Patients Undergoing CT Scan Using Four Different CT Scanners with International Guidelines

International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology, 2017

Although the use of CT in medical diagnosis delivers radiation doses to patients that are higher ... more Although the use of CT in medical diagnosis delivers radiation doses to patients that are higher than those from other radiological procedures, lack of proper optimized protocols could be an additional source of increased dose in developing countries. The aims of this study is to determine the variations of doses to patients undergoing CT scan using four different CT scanners with different CT scanning protocols for the purposes of optimizations and to compare with other available international standard and guidelines. The method involve the use of patients scanning protocol and image data to estimate patient body regional doses with four common CT examinations. These were obtained from four CT units/hospitals in Ghana. A large variation of mean body regional doses among different CT scanners were observed for similar CT examinations. These variations largely originated from different CT scanning protocols used, with different CT scanner type. The measured CTDIVOL with GE Lightspeed...

Research paper thumbnail of Merger and Acquisition in Ghana Revenue Authority, Human Resource Issues Involved

Journal of Human Resource Management, 2017

The study explored the human resource issues in merger and acquisition using the case of Ghana Re... more The study explored the human resource issues in merger and acquisition using the case of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Specifically, the study sought to investigate how the human resource issues were being dealt with in the merging of IRS, CEPS and VAT into GRA; also the study examines the impact that merging exercise would have on GRA employees and to come out with measures that could be put in place to ensure that future M&A deals do not adversely affect merging institutions work force. The study was conducted using cross-sectional survey. The total population of the study was 500 employees constituting all the employees in the Kumasi district offices of GRA. A simple random sampling was employed in selecting the sample for the study and based on the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sampling table; the sample size for this study was 217 on a 95 percent confidence level. Of the 217 questionnaires distributed in all the Kumasi offices of GRA, 150 responded and 108 were usable generating an overall usable response rate of 61.7%. Data was collected using a questionnaire which used a 5-point Likert scale questions and was analysed further using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation and frequency. The study established that the human resource department of all the three entities was somehow involved in the entire process of the integration process. The study recommended that in any attempt to implement any policy in the future, management of GRA ought to consult all parties especially the minor groups since it became apparent that most of the employees were not consulted but instead the consultation was done with the employee's representatives at the expense of the entire workforce.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Poor Supervision on the Sustainability of Micro-Financial Instutions in Ghana (A Focus on Nkoranza Municipality in the Brong Ahafo Region)

Advances in Sciences and Humanities, 2016

Micro financial institution undoubtedly helps to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor in ... more Micro financial institution undoubtedly helps to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor in the community. This is because the poor gets financial assistance through the various products rolls out by these institutions and therefore being termed as banking for the poor, and Nkoranza municipality has been left out. However, MFIs in the Nkoranza municipality have been a source of worry as most of these institutions have folded up less than five years of their establishment. It is against this backdrop that the study focuses on the effects of poor supervision on the sustainability of MFI in Ghana. Both primary and secondary sources of data as well as interview guide were used for the study. The study find out that the main causes of this menace is about poor internal and external supervision by both management and the regulatory bodies on the activities of these failed MFI. Diversion of funds as well as corrupt practices by management and some officials from Bank of Ghana also accounted for the failure of these MFI.

Research paper thumbnail of Conditioned Attraction, Similarity, and Evaluative Meaning

Research paper thumbnail of Designed and Developed Low Cost Raman Spectroscopic System

Frontiers in Optics 2016, 2016

A simple Raman setup which offers a cost-efficient alternative to a commercial Raman system has b... more A simple Raman setup which offers a cost-efficient alternative to a commercial Raman system has been developed. The results obtained from the analysis showed good correlation with literature.

Research paper thumbnail of Direct Current Generation in Carbon Nanotubes by Terahertz Field

World Journal of Condensed Matter Physics, 2016

We report on a theoretical investigation of a direct current generation in carbon nanotubes (CNTs... more We report on a theoretical investigation of a direct current generation in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that are stimulated axially by terahertz (THz) field. We consider the kinetic approach based on the semiclassical Boltzmann's transport equation with constant relaxation time approximation, together with the energy spectrum of an electron in the tight-binding approximation. Our results indicate that for strong THz-fields, there is simultaneous generation of DC current in the axial and circumferential directions of the CNTs, even at room temperature. We found that a THz-field can induce a negative conductivity in the CNTs that leads to the THz field induced DC current. For varying amplitude of the THz-field, the current density decreases rapidly and modulates around zero with interval of negative conductivity. The interval decreases with increasing the amplitude of the THz-field. We show that the THz-field can cause fast switching from a zero DC current to a finite DC current due to the quasi-ballistic transport, and that electron scattering is a necessary condition for switching.

Research paper thumbnail of An Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Sediments of a Tropical Lagoon: A Case Study of the Benya Lagoon, Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem Municipality (KEEA) — Ghana

Journal of Health and Pollution, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Social constructs, late recognition and decision making for managing fast breathing in children

Children and Youth Services Review, 2020

Abstract Purpose Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is one of the topmost childhood killers ahead ... more Abstract Purpose Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is one of the topmost childhood killers ahead of diarrhoea and malnutrition in children. This exploratory qualitative study sought to examine the influence of maternal social constructs on the recognition and care seeking for fast breathing in children to inform the development of an intervention aimed at addressing fast breathing and acute respiratory infection related illness among children in Ghana. Method Focus group discussions with 23 mothers with children aged 6 weeks – 12 weeks old was conducted. The study used an abbreviated grounded theory and thus the full iterative cycle was not performed during the interview and data analysis. Results Fast breathing is locally called ‘oteeso’(difficulty in breathing), and ‘mframa-ko-ne-mu’(air has entered the child). Evil spirit, heredity, and exposure to windy weather were mentioned as the causes. Herbs and herbal preparations are perceived to be more effective in managing fast breathing. Mothers have varying construction of causes, presentation and treatment options for fast breathing, and these have implications in control and prevention. Conclusion Understanding the local construction of illness beliefs is key to designing interventions aimed at empowering mothers to seek early care for their children on respiratory related illness.

Research paper thumbnail of Regulatory Autonomy in International Economic Law: The Evolution of Australian Policy on Trade and Investment

New Zealand Yearbook of International Law, 2019

Chapters relating to regulatory coherence or cooperation are becoming significant features in new... more Chapters relating to regulatory coherence or cooperation are becoming significant features in new preferential trade agreements, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). While the existing literature has considered in detail the potential for harmonisation of standards or institutional cooperation and its impact on the regulatory autonomy of treaty parties, this chapter focuses on those elements of regulatory coherence that relate to domestic processes for the development of regulations. It examines whether the adoption of ‘good regulatory practices’ in accordance with the TPP will help to ensure that measures states enact to protect non-economic interests (such as the environment or public health) are consistent with other key obligations of international trade and investment law. Although many elements of good regulatory practice mirror the criteria used to distinguish legitimate regulatory measures from disguised protectionism, there is no guarantee that a tribunal will come to the same conclusions as those reached during a domestic regulatory impact assessment.

Research paper thumbnail of Supplementary document for Raman spectra recovery using a second derivative technique and range independent baseline correction algorithm - 5399676.pdf

Research paper thumbnail of Optimization of Ultrasonic Flow Maters for Crude Oil Metering

Ultrasonic flow meters, as all velocity or inference t ype devices, require an adequate flow stre... more Ultrasonic flow meters, as all velocity or inference t ype devices, require an adequate flow stream conditioning in order to assure an accurate performance. Typical flow conditioning consists of straightening the upstream and downstream of the measuring section. The upstream section usually contains a tube bundle, which allows the upstream section to be reduced in length. This tube bundle serves to eliminate any swirl in the flow stream before reaching the meter, presenting a symmetrical velocity profile to the turbine rotor. Some ultrasonic flow meters may produce a non-uniform pulse output, which can prove a wide span of repeatability. For such cases where is a need to correct the velocity flow profiles which affect the robustness of the integration method, this research work tries to develop a mathematical modeling and simulation in MATLAB and Microsoft Excel, with the purpose to combine the individual acoustic path measurements into a full volumetric flow rate measurement procedure. The relationship between velocity and viscosity, using Reynolds Number, was calculated in Microsoft Excel. The Nusselt Number was then used to plot fluid mean temperature and wall temperature diagrams in Microsoft Excel.

Research paper thumbnail of Curriculum setting and students' feedback of pre‐clinical training in different dental schools in China—A national‐wide survey

European Journal of Dental Education, 2021

INTRODUCTION Adequate time and effective training facilities are essential for undergraduate dent... more INTRODUCTION Adequate time and effective training facilities are essential for undergraduate dental students participating preclinical dental practice to ensure them providing safe treatment for patients in the future. The study aimed to explore the current status of preclinical dental training in China in relation to the curriculum setting and students' feedback of pre-clinical training in different dental schools and thus provide information for further standardize curricula. MATERIALS AND METHOD An online questionnaire was distributed electronically to undergraduates in 44 Chinese dental schools of different levels according to China Discipline Ranking (CDR). The questionnaire collected information in relation to the training hour and student to facility ratio of four main dental courses (cariology and endodontics, periodontology, prosthodontics and oral surgery), as well as the application and effect of virtual reality (VR) simulator in preclinical dental practice in different schools. Students' feedback was also collected. RESULTS 565 valid questionnaires were recruited. Results of this cross-sectional survey show that training hour of periodontology course was the lowest, and oral surgery course showed most prominent shortage of facilities. The application of VR simulator among schools is uneven. Students from A and A+ level schools showed higher satisfaction with their pre-clinical courses and reported a more positive attitude toward the use of VR simulator than other students. (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Pre-clinical dental training in China remained imperfect in insufficient training time, training facility and students didn't have access to standard pre-clinical training and quality assurance. VR technique has potential values in preclinical dental practice in China.

Research paper thumbnail of Collaboration across the Arctic: A Tool of Regionalism or simple Pragmatism

Research paper thumbnail of Alleviating Rural Poverty in Ghana through Marketing Of Tourism Sites And Protected Areas

European Journal of Business and Management, 2013

Alleviating poverty, marketing of tourism sites and protected areas in Ghana is the three of the ... more Alleviating poverty, marketing of tourism sites and protected areas in Ghana is the three of the biggest issues facing the country today. In developing country like Ghana, poverty and environmental degradation is linked and this inhibits environmental sustainability. Marketing of tourism sites in Ghana can help address the challenges of reducing poverty and ensuring environmental sustainability. The paper seeks to address rural poverty and ensure environmental sustainability with a focus on protected areas in Ghana .Again the paper seeks to examine how tourism sites in Ghana can be marketed worldwide to generate socio-economic benefits that can help reduced poverty in tourism sites. Key words: Rural poverty, tourism sites, Ghana, environmental sustainability, protected sites

Research paper thumbnail of Impact of Market Segmentation Strategies on Customer Loyalty: The Mediating Role of Positioning Effectiveness of Interior Design Industries within the Kumasi Metropolis

The buying behaviour of potential customers in terms of interior designs in Ghana differs from th... more The buying behaviour of potential customers in terms of interior designs in Ghana differs from those in the Western context. There is a relatively low patronage of interior design products or services compared to the Western context (Ogunduyile et al, 2008). Existing literature have often looked at the direct causal relationship between market segmentation strategies and customer loyalty without emphasizing the effectiveness of positioning which could drive customer loyalty (Yim et al., 1999). The paper focuses on assessing the impact of market segmentation strategies on customer loyalty of Interior Design Industries, with the mediating role of positioning effectiveness. A total of 220 customers of Interior Design Industries within the Kumasi Metropolis of which 200 responses were obtained representing 90% response rate. Convenience sampling techniques was used in selecting customer’s whiles Structural Equation Model was used to analyze the data. The study revealed that, Behavioural...

Research paper thumbnail of Defining success in bushfire management: Critical moments in the 2012-13 ACT bushfire season

The Australian journal of emergency management, 2017

The 2012-13 Australian Capital Territory fire season saw no loss of life, no major property loss ... more The 2012-13 Australian Capital Territory fire season saw no loss of life, no major property loss and minimal environmental damage. It was therefore successful according to the main aims of bushfire management. This outcome hinged on a few critical moments when, due to a combination of strategy and good fortune, things went right. This case study demonstrates how influential chance can be in determining the outcome of bushfires and this in turn begs the question: should agencies be held responsible for factors that are beyond human control? It is proposed that holding agencies responsible for outcomes that are not entirely within their control, acts to reduce community resilience because it implicitly removes the onus on individuals to take personal responsibility; a vital component for good outcomes.

Research paper thumbnail of Influences of Price And Quality On Consumer Purchase Of Mobile Phone In The Kumasi Metropolis In Ghana A Comparative Study

The study focused on the consumers of the selected mobile phones in Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana. T... more The study focused on the consumers of the selected mobile phones in Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana. The study use both primary data and secondary data. Questionnaires, personal interviews and price list of the selected mobile phones were used. The study use non probability sample method. This study is descriptive research which tries to describe how consumers are been influence by Price and Quality when buying mobile phone. Interviews and questionnaires were the main instrument used for collecting data in this study. The outcome of the study was that Price and quality has influence on the consumer buying decision and that consumers consider both price and quality in their buying situation. Key words: Mobile phones, buying decision, Price, Quality, Consumers, Quality.

Research paper thumbnail of A Composite Algorithm for Optimized Baseline Correction in Raman Spectroscopy

Frontiers in Optics 2017, 2017

We propose a novel algorithm for the pre-treatment and recovery of Raman signals from fluorescenc... more We propose a novel algorithm for the pre-treatment and recovery of Raman signals from fluorescence contaminated spectra. This algorithm combines the second derivative and iterative smoothening routines for optimized spectral baseline estimation and correction.

Research paper thumbnail of Raman spectra recovery using a second derivative technique and range independent baseline correction algorithm

OSA Continuum, 2021

We report on a computational technique that recovers Raman peaks embedded in highly fluorescent c... more We report on a computational technique that recovers Raman peaks embedded in highly fluorescent contaminated spectra. The method uses a second derivative technique to identify the most intense Raman peak, and a modified Savisty Golay algorithm to filter and recover the embedded Raman peaks iteratively. This technique is an improvement on existing background removal algorithms in both performance and user objectivity.

Research paper thumbnail of Comparison of Measured Values of CTDI and DPL with Standard Reference values of Different CT Scanners for dose Management

International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology, 2017

The study is based on estimate of CTDI and DLP values for patients' dose optimization procedu... more The study is based on estimate of CTDI and DLP values for patients' dose optimization procedures. Technical parameters were obtained for three groups of randomly selected patients undergoing abdominal CT examinations of 320 patients of age 20-80 years. The measured values were obtained on image data and the standard reference values of various machines were obtained from service manual as part of QC/QA and the recommended values from ICRP publication 103. The mean CTDI and DLP parameters were; 6.33mGy and 936.25mGy respectively. Furthermore, the mean recorded values of CTDIVOL values were well within ICRP recommendation when the protocol was completed in one scan. On the other hand, in the case of multiscan the total CTDIVol was higher than the ICRP recommendations. While the mean DLP values were higher than the recommended value of 780 mGy-cm by ICRP publication 103. Finally, approximately 37% of the total varied CTDI and DLP values were higher than the recommended dose by ICRP...

Research paper thumbnail of Optimization of Dose Parameters to Patients Undergoing CT Scan Using Four Different CT Scanners with International Guidelines

International Journal of Scientific Research in Science and Technology, 2017

Although the use of CT in medical diagnosis delivers radiation doses to patients that are higher ... more Although the use of CT in medical diagnosis delivers radiation doses to patients that are higher than those from other radiological procedures, lack of proper optimized protocols could be an additional source of increased dose in developing countries. The aims of this study is to determine the variations of doses to patients undergoing CT scan using four different CT scanners with different CT scanning protocols for the purposes of optimizations and to compare with other available international standard and guidelines. The method involve the use of patients scanning protocol and image data to estimate patient body regional doses with four common CT examinations. These were obtained from four CT units/hospitals in Ghana. A large variation of mean body regional doses among different CT scanners were observed for similar CT examinations. These variations largely originated from different CT scanning protocols used, with different CT scanner type. The measured CTDIVOL with GE Lightspeed...

Research paper thumbnail of Merger and Acquisition in Ghana Revenue Authority, Human Resource Issues Involved

Journal of Human Resource Management, 2017

The study explored the human resource issues in merger and acquisition using the case of Ghana Re... more The study explored the human resource issues in merger and acquisition using the case of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Specifically, the study sought to investigate how the human resource issues were being dealt with in the merging of IRS, CEPS and VAT into GRA; also the study examines the impact that merging exercise would have on GRA employees and to come out with measures that could be put in place to ensure that future M&A deals do not adversely affect merging institutions work force. The study was conducted using cross-sectional survey. The total population of the study was 500 employees constituting all the employees in the Kumasi district offices of GRA. A simple random sampling was employed in selecting the sample for the study and based on the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sampling table; the sample size for this study was 217 on a 95 percent confidence level. Of the 217 questionnaires distributed in all the Kumasi offices of GRA, 150 responded and 108 were usable generating an overall usable response rate of 61.7%. Data was collected using a questionnaire which used a 5-point Likert scale questions and was analysed further using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation and frequency. The study established that the human resource department of all the three entities was somehow involved in the entire process of the integration process. The study recommended that in any attempt to implement any policy in the future, management of GRA ought to consult all parties especially the minor groups since it became apparent that most of the employees were not consulted but instead the consultation was done with the employee's representatives at the expense of the entire workforce.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of Poor Supervision on the Sustainability of Micro-Financial Instutions in Ghana (A Focus on Nkoranza Municipality in the Brong Ahafo Region)

Advances in Sciences and Humanities, 2016

Micro financial institution undoubtedly helps to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor in ... more Micro financial institution undoubtedly helps to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor in the community. This is because the poor gets financial assistance through the various products rolls out by these institutions and therefore being termed as banking for the poor, and Nkoranza municipality has been left out. However, MFIs in the Nkoranza municipality have been a source of worry as most of these institutions have folded up less than five years of their establishment. It is against this backdrop that the study focuses on the effects of poor supervision on the sustainability of MFI in Ghana. Both primary and secondary sources of data as well as interview guide were used for the study. The study find out that the main causes of this menace is about poor internal and external supervision by both management and the regulatory bodies on the activities of these failed MFI. Diversion of funds as well as corrupt practices by management and some officials from Bank of Ghana also accounted for the failure of these MFI.

Research paper thumbnail of Conditioned Attraction, Similarity, and Evaluative Meaning

Research paper thumbnail of Designed and Developed Low Cost Raman Spectroscopic System

Frontiers in Optics 2016, 2016

A simple Raman setup which offers a cost-efficient alternative to a commercial Raman system has b... more A simple Raman setup which offers a cost-efficient alternative to a commercial Raman system has been developed. The results obtained from the analysis showed good correlation with literature.

Research paper thumbnail of Direct Current Generation in Carbon Nanotubes by Terahertz Field

World Journal of Condensed Matter Physics, 2016

We report on a theoretical investigation of a direct current generation in carbon nanotubes (CNTs... more We report on a theoretical investigation of a direct current generation in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that are stimulated axially by terahertz (THz) field. We consider the kinetic approach based on the semiclassical Boltzmann's transport equation with constant relaxation time approximation, together with the energy spectrum of an electron in the tight-binding approximation. Our results indicate that for strong THz-fields, there is simultaneous generation of DC current in the axial and circumferential directions of the CNTs, even at room temperature. We found that a THz-field can induce a negative conductivity in the CNTs that leads to the THz field induced DC current. For varying amplitude of the THz-field, the current density decreases rapidly and modulates around zero with interval of negative conductivity. The interval decreases with increasing the amplitude of the THz-field. We show that the THz-field can cause fast switching from a zero DC current to a finite DC current due to the quasi-ballistic transport, and that electron scattering is a necessary condition for switching.

Research paper thumbnail of An Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Sediments of a Tropical Lagoon: A Case Study of the Benya Lagoon, Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem Municipality (KEEA) — Ghana

Journal of Health and Pollution, 2014