“Akuma’su Adie3” (A Hearts Desire) A Metal Mural Depicting The Psychology of Fraud

Fraud has over the past decade become an epidemic, impacting not only Ghana as a country or Africa as a continent but the whole world. It has proven to be a most challenging criminal act to tackle and address and hence has left many nations stunned. In Ghana Fraud accounts for about 47.7% of victimization rate in Ghana as was recorded in a 2010 report issued by the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC,2010). It has since then towered in severity, manifolds. In response to this increasing menace, the need arose to establish the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO). This was because the “responsibility and management of fraud as well as corruption could no longer be left to police and other quasi anti-crime organizations alone. However, with the increasing sophistication of society, complex frauds and other economic crimes, EOCO despite many efforts has even become more widespread. Education and sensitization of the masses has become ever more needed in the prevention and detection of fraud. The project hence is an attempt to contribute to the education of the public regarding the severity of fraud and the need to be aware and vigilant in regards fraudulent tricks and antics through metal art. It employs various metal working methods and techniques in creating an amazing metal art which serves as an effective communicative tool for creating awareness on the psychology behind fraudulent acts in general and in particular Ghana. The production of this art piece further, exposes and widens the practical application and creativity of metal artists. DOI: 10.7176/ADS/89-01 Publication date: January 31st 202

Metal Welding Sculptural Portraiture for the Historical Remembrance of Political Figures in Ghana: The Case of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah

Artists in Ghana who produce sculptural busts or portraits mostly limit their production materials to clay P O P cement and metal cast These materials may have defects and could be potentially affected by environmental conditions for lifelong periods Aluminium welding is not practiced by artists in the fabrication of photorealistic portraits The techniques used by artists in Ghana is the clay and cement model which can further be used in the creation of a cast resin or metal The researchers investigated the most used materials for creating realistic busts The pros and cons of the materials as well as their techniques were rigorously analyzed in comparison with the aluminium forming and welding technique Welders are constrained as far as what they can create Mostly welders produce iron gates burglar-proof and security locks There is the need to diversify the technique to be able to produce portraits as a step in experimenting and diversifying the material and techniqu

Avocado Pear as a Source of Inspiration for the Design of a Model Truck as a Desk Organiser

This publication seeks to explore and design a model truck with a concept idea development that will serve as a desk organizer. The automobile selected is a semi-truck that has a sleeper. The sleeper is what serves as a resting place for drivers during long journeys. This truck is best suited for the concept because of the sleeper to convey all necessary compartments to accommodate office supplies. Observation of most desk organizers found on the desk of some general offices are containers that have simple shapes like cylinders, boxes where items are placed. These organizers do not add any aesthetic appeal to the office since it's very simple and the items placed in them are not singled out thereby making accessing them inconvenient. There is also no distinct design that will make them stand out and also welcome the visitor. This research explores various design ideas of combining the truck concept into a desk organizer. The descriptive research and studio-based methods based on the qualitative research approach were employed. The researchers rather employed the use of an inanimate object being Avocado or Pear fruit as the design inspiration that guided all design experiments. The Latin word for Pear is 'Pirum', which means to 'bear fruit'. Every nation's income is partly dependent on the money generated from the movement of goods and services. Therefore, for a nation to bear fruit economically, the import and export of goods and services must be very effective. Trucks are very instrumental in conveying these goods and services across the country. The design is meant to serve as a wheel of academia where all necessary items needed at offices are well organized and conveyed for knowledge acquisition. To explore and produce further unique objects of product design that can serve a completely different purpose aside its original purpose or its aesthetic appearance and value was recommended. It was also recommended that there should be a form of collaboration with other departments to produce interesting results. There should be a collaboration between the Metal Product Design Section and the Engineering Section to produce works of art where the engineers introduce their technological concepts into the design ideas and concepts of the Metal Product Designer. Keywords: model, truck, sentinel, desk organizer, avocado pear DOI: 10.7176/ADS/86-05 Publication date:October 31st 202

Design and Fabrication of Metal Key Holders and Cufflinks as Souvenirs for Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

This study explored how to merge creativity in design with the Crest of KNUST to design and fabricate quality metal key holder and cufflink as souvenirs for KNUST. Based on the assumption that the various KNUST souvenirs seem to be limited in design and therefore lack creativity and variety, which limit the option of those purchasing. In executing the study, the philosophical underpinnings of the crest of KNUST was brought to bear. The study employed aesthetics and studio- based research methods under qualitative research approach to design and fabricate quality metal key holder and cufflinks to be used as souvenirs for Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. By using the Gestalt theory of design, which is concerned with the relationship between the parts and the whole of a composition, the researchers carefully select parts of the emblem of KNUST to design and fabricate a key holder and a cufflinks. Metal working techniques such as chasing and repoussé, fording and piercing were used to these souvenirs for KNUST.  The researchers made use of the various tools and machinery available at the various studios of Meta T l Product Section of Industrial Art Department, KNUST. These included the milling studio, 4th Year production studio where all the piercing vices, drilling machines, stakes and soldering turntable are made available and finally the forging studio where brass scraps were melted into ingot. Results of the study revealed that by adopting the fundamental processes such as idea development, forming processes, joining processes and finishing processes coupled with the fact that local metal scraps are used, underpin the argument that producing quality and professional metal souvenirs can be done here in Ghana to meet any standard elsewhere. This shows that other metal products could be produced as souvenirs for KNUST. After carefully observing some souvenirs of KNUST and other institutions of higher learning, unique designs based on the emblem of KNUST can be done. Keywords: fabricate, Gestalt, key holder, cufflinks, souvenirs, chasing and repousse. DOI: 10.7176/ADS/83-01 Publication date:July 31st 202

An Exploratory Study on Management Competence for Better Work Practices of The Traditional Metal Fabrication Industry in Kumasi, Ghana

One of the identifiable resources that an industry can utilize as a driver for survival is managerial competence. Although literature is replete with evidence on this subject matter, no research work has been conducted on the relationship between managerial competence and performance of the traditional metal fabrication industries in Ghana. To address this information gap, this study explored the work place practices of three traditional metal craft industries in Kumasi, Ghana with managerial competence as a moderating factor. An inductive research approach based on qualitative research methodology was adopted. The target population was 300 people of which a sample size of 171 respondents was selected. Data were collected through the use of questionnaire designed with open and close-ended responses as well as personal observations conducted using a well-designed observation guide with clear attributes and angles of observation. The results showed that all the study participants interviewed exhibited various levels of operational competence of knowledge, technical skills, experience and character attitude needed to enhance the performance and day-to-day administration of their work. They also had good conflict resolution abilities and good decision-making skills, as well as an excellent apprenticeship system embodied in a succession plan. On the other hand, the study identified several factors that impacted negatively on the operations of their work including the inability to create a conducive work environment for high performance, poor equipment and tool maintenance culture, lack of proper PPEs, poor record keeping, poor innovation and creativity skills, and nonexistence of a system for the acquisition and utilization of modern equipment and technology. These limitations suggest lack of management competence. The study considers this as quite worrisome and recommends for the needed support from both governmental and NGOs, to safeguard the survival of the metal craft industry in Ghana

THE RHYTHM OF GLOBALIZATION AND PERSISTENCE OF THE SOCIO-CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF GOLD JEWELLERY IN ASANTE, GHANA

Gold jewellery is one essential art form by which the people of Asante express their sociocultural identity and distinctiveness. It is perceived however that this heritage is being eroded in recent times through the rhythm of globalization. This study provides empirical evidence on the persistence or otherwise of the sociocultural significance of gold jewellery in Asante. The study employed the explanatory design approach. Data was obtained from a total of 198 respondents comprising traditional rulers, goldsmiths and the general public through the use of questionnaire designed in open and close ended patterns and personal observations. The statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) computer package was used for data analysis, whilst descriptive statistical tools such as frequency and percentage were used to analyze the facts sought from the questionnaire. The study observed that a lot of myths that surrounded gold jewellery have been demystified as a result of education, religion, trade liberalization, ICT and the current political dispensation which gives people the right of choice and makes it difficult to control production, designing and sale of products. While this trend of change is of great significance to national building, on the other hand it offsets the preservation objective of the Asante culture, by which the Asante historical culture may lose its value

The Changing Face of Precious Jewellery as a Body Adornment: An Exploratory Study in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

This paper provides empirical evidence on the factors influencing the upsurge in the use of fashion jewellery in the Ashanti region of Ghana. An inductive research approach based on qualitative research methodology was adopted. Questionnaires and personal interviews were used to collect data from 400 respondents comprising jewellers, chiefs and traditional rulers, jewellery traders and the general public in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Netnography was also used to gather insight from online communities regarding fashion jewellery in Ghana and factors that account for their purchase. The findings of this study showed that traditional precious jewellery has been influenced dramatically by designs of global trends. More fashion jewellery is being manufactured that combines traditional and Ghanaian “adinkra’ symbol designs with contemporary global trends. The majority (58%) of the people interviewed now focus on fashion jewellery for frequent wear. They considered jewellery generally as fashionable material pieces that are worn from casual to special occasions and from day to night and hence do not need to be precious. Product-related factors included availability, fashion innovativeness, fine finishing and societal acceptability. In terms of marketability dynamics, the study observed that price affordability and celebrity endorsements played a significant role towards the purchase intentions of respondents. Access to websites and software applications also influenced respondents’ options beyond local craftsmen and retail shops to enable them to opt for more contemporary designs inspired by global trends. The findings of this study suggest that the face of precious jewellery as a body adornment in Ghana is being influenced by several operating factors and, therefore, there is a need for players in the industries to fashion out strategies in accordance with the dimensions of these identified factors, to safeguard and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Ghana

Strategic Implementation of the PDCA and 5S Concepts to Improve the Productivity of the Informal Welding Industry in Kumasi, Ghana

The informal welding industry is one of the major SMEs in Ghana. The industry is however confronted with a lot of challenges which, therefore, can be addressed by the use of Plan-do-check-act (PDCA) and 5S concepts. This study evaluated the benefits of the PDCA and 5S concepts as strategic tools for improving the performance of the informal welding industry in Kumasi, Ghana, by using the exploratory research technique. The PDCA and 5S concepts were implemented for a period of six months using 50 welder industries selected by the stratified random sampling procedure. The diagnosis of the current state of the industry was initially measured through performance indicators generated through questionnaires, interviews and direct observations. The design of the solution strategy was then implemented using the concepts to mitigate the challenges previously identified. This was followed by data collection to monitor the performance of the study factors. The results showed a significant (66%) general improvement in the cleanliness of the work environment, work safety and health of workers of all the study workshops. There was also a general decrease in defective products, and reduction in raw material waste and an enhanced aesthetic value of products. A total of over 17 productivity variables were evaluated out of which 11 saw between 4% and 96 % improvement, which in all translated into boosting the morale of workers and customer confidence. The study contributes to the paradigm shift of SMEs to modern management systems for enhanced performance and competitiveness

Glycine/NMDA Receptor Pathway Mediates the Rapid-onset Antidepressant Effect of Alkaloids From Trichilia Monadelpha

Introduction: Major depressive disorder is often associated with suicidal tendencies, and this condition accentuates the need for rapid-acting antidepressants. We previously reported that Alkaloids (ALK) from Trichilia monadelpha possess antidepressant action in acute animal models of depression and that this effect is mediated through the monoamine and L-arginine-NO-cGMP pathways. This study investigated the possible rapid-onset antidepressant effect of ALK from T. monadelpha and its connection with the glycine/NMDA receptor pathway. Methods: The onset of ALK action from T. monadelpha was evaluated using the Open Space Swim Test (OSST), a chronic model of depression. The modified forced swimming and tail suspension tests were used to assess the effect of the ALK on the glycine/NMDA receptor pathway. The Instutute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were treated with either ALK (30–300 mg/kg, orally [PO]), imipramine (3–30 mg/kg, PO), fluoxetine (3–30 mg/kg, PO), or saline. To identify the role of glycine/NMDA receptor pathway in the effect of ALK, we pretreated mice with a partial agonist of the glycine/NMDA receptor, D-cycloserine (2.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [IP]), and an agonist of glycine/NMDA receptor, D-serine (600 mg/kg, IP), before ALK administration. Results: ALK reversed immobility in mice after the second day of drug treatment in the OSST. In contrast, there was a delay in the effects induced by fluoxetine and imipramine. ALK also increased mean swimming and climbing scores in mice. ALK was more efficacious than imipramine and fluoxetine in reducing immobility and increasing distance traveled. It is noteworthy that ALK was less potent than fluoxetine and imipramine. D-cycloserine potentiated mobility observed in the ALK- and fluoxetine-treated mice. In contrast, D-serine decreased mobility in the ALK-treated mice. Conclusion: The study results suggest that ALK from T. monadelpha exhibits rapid antidepressant action in mice, and the glycine/NMDA receptor pathway possibly mediates the observed effect

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods: The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results: NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion: As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population