Unisa Press Journals (University of South Africa)
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Enhanced Physical Properties of Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles for Energy Storage Applications
No full textCobalt dioxide (CoO₂) nanostructured material was synthesised via a solid-state reaction using cobalt nitrate tetrahydrate (Co(NO₃)₂·4H₂O) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as precursors. The resulting materials were fabricated into three distinct working electrodes and evaluated electrochemically in a three-electrode configuration using 3 M KOH as the electrolyte. Cyclic voltammetry revealed pronounced redox peaks, which confirmed Faradaic charge storage behaviour. At a scan rate of 10 mV·s⁻¹, the specific capacitances of CoO₂ samples annealed at 25 °C, 250 °C and 300 °C were 223, 348 and 473 F g⁻¹, respectively. This indicated improved performance with increasing annealing temperature. X-ray diffraction patterns showed characteristic peaks corresponding to the (111), (112), (200), (211) and (311) planes, which confirmed the crystalline nature of the CoO₂ nanostructures. Annealing was found to significantly influence morphology, crystallinity and electronic properties, with the bandgap narrowing from 2.00 eV (unannealed) to 1.77–1.86 eV (annealed). These results demonstrate that thermal treatment enhances the electrochemical and structural properties of CoO₂, which highlights its potential as a high-performance electrode material for next-generation energy storage devices.
Article Title “Exploring the Impact of ChatGPT on Scientific Research: Assessing Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats”
No full textReading Rabbinic Distinctions Between the Titles and Texts of the Psalms as Metaphors for Theological Framing Devices
No full textThis article examines how subtle “textual framing” embedded within the presentation of all religious texts can influence the texts even before they are read. Using Psalms as a point of departure, 116 of the 150 psalms begin with introductory titles or superscriptions also known as paratexts, for example, “Lamenatzeach—For the Choirmaster.” Depending on the editions, these paratexts are often distinguished from the base or main text of the psalm by some form of spacing to indicate that they were not part of the original text. Their purpose is to frame the psalm for the reader. This study explores the Psalter’s paratexts as metaphors for the framing strategies adopted by various theological ideologies within their internal written, oral, and other formulations; and suggests a critical and conscious engagement with all “paratextual framing,” rather than an unmitigated acceptance thereof
A language of the unconscious and the enervation of the text
No full textThe parallel between literary theory a·nd psychoanalysis made by way of linguistics suggests that the psychoanalytic symptom, as an utterance of the language of the unconscious, speaks in a distinctively poetic style which formally and practically approximates the utterances of literary language, the poem and the text. However, an examination of the extent to which the symptom can be seen as an expression of an unconscious language, and the literary text as an instance of a rhetorical or poetic one, indicates that each is better understood as in opposition to the linguistic. Only if the text and the symptom are understood as the re-implementation of a material or perceptual logic necessarily at odds with that governing language as a system can literature and psychoanalysis be recognised as both epistemologically privileged and programmatically radical.
Opsomming
Die parallel tussen literere teorie en psigoanalise via linguistiek, suggereer dat die psigoanalitiese simptoom, as \u27n uiting van die taal van die onbewuste, in \u27n kenmerkende poetiese styl spreek wat formeel en prakties na aan die uiting van literere taal, die gedig en die teks kom. Tog toon \u27n ondersoek van die mate waarin die simptoom gesien kan word as \u27n uitdrukking van \u27n onbewuste taal, en die literere teks as \u27n voorbeeld van \u27n retoriese of poetiese uiting, dat albei beter begryp word as teenstellend tot die linguistiese. Slegs as die tel<s en die simptoom verstaan word as die herimplementering van \u27n materiele of persepsionele logika, wat noodwendigerwys ingaan teen dit wat die heersende taal as \u27n sisteem reguleer, kan literatuur en psigoanalise erken word as sowel epistemologies bevoorreg as programmaties radikaal
South African Chapter 9 Institutions: Are Their Decisions Binding After All?
No full textChapter 9 of the South African Constitution of 1996 makes provision for six institutions, amongst them, the Office of the Public Protector, such that each would, in some prescribed ways, support the constitutional democracy ushered in, with effect from 1994 in South Africa. This article addresses the issue of whether recent case law developments for the institutions to date assist in determining the binding effect of their decisions. The need to investigate how exactly the institutions’ decisions are to be construed by affected parties and what the implications of the pertinent judgments examined in this paper are, to the rest of the Chapter 9 institutions’ decisions, overwhelmingly beckons. The documentary research method was assumed to be the most appropriate research vehicle for this kind of study. The paper analyses a sample of relevant judgments of South African courts and enabling national legislation for each of the six Chapter 9 institutions. The analysis concludes that a Chapter 9 institution’s decision is provisionally binding to the affected party(ies), until otherwise determined: through interactions between the investigating Chapter 9 institution and the affected party(ies), or by the institution alone, where appropriate, or else through a law court review. Crucially, a “recommendation” is reasonably construed as also “appropriate remedial action.
A Pathway to Reach Equity: Unearthing Gender Discourse in the Paradigm of Indonesian History Education Curriculum
No full textAchieving gender equity in education is essential for national development, yet history education often reinforces gender bias. This study examines gender mainstreaming in the curriculum of Indonesian history, comparing the 2013 Curriculum and the Merdeka Curriculum through Nancy Fraser’s social justice framework on redistribution, recognition, and representation. This study aims to: (1) analyse the paradigm of history education in both curricula, (2) evaluate how gender discourse is integrated, and (3) assess the shift in historical narrative towards gender inclusivity. This study examines curriculum documents and history textbooks using a qualitative content analysis approach. The findings reveal that although both curricula emphasise national identity, the Merdeka Curriculum adopts a more progressive attitude towards gender equality by integrating feminist historiography and multidimensional narratives. This marks a shift towards redistributive justice and recognition, ensuring increased visibility of women’s contributions in history education. However, the extent of curriculum implementation remains untested, raising concerns about teacher readiness and classroom implementation. The study highlights the need for ongoing curriculum reform to better integrate gender perspectives across subjects. In addition, teacher training is essential to prevent unintentional reinforcement of gender bias. Future research should explore how gender-inclusive history education affects student perceptions and how educators interpret and implement these curriculum changes. Although the Merdeka Curriculum reflects progress, achieving gender justice in education requires systemic reforms in pedagogy, teacher training, and policy
The Dark Side of Northern Sotho Folklore: A Study on the Emotional Vulnerability of Children
No full textThis study investigates the role of folklore and folktales in the transmission of cultural values across generations within Northern Sotho communities. Folklore has historically been a key medium for passing down cultural traditions, with elderly women typically acting as the narrators and children as the primary recipients. However, African societies, including Northern Sotho communities, have not always considered the emotional impact of these stories on the listeners. This study aims to explore how folktales are narrated and to assess whether they may inflict emotional trauma on their recipients. The study reveals that the narrators, typically elderly women, are not formally trained in addressing the psychological impact of their stories. As a result, children may be exposed to folktales that, although rich in tradition, could be emotionally damaging, especially when these stories contain themes of violence, fear, or moral dilemmas that may be too heavy for young minds to process. A qualitative research approach was employed, using a case-study design. Data were gathered through focus group interviews and document analysis. The study found that (1) narrators of folktales are not formally trained, (2) the original versions of folktales are still told despite changing social contexts, and (3) the emotional harm caused by certain folktales is often overlooked. Based on these findings, the study recommends two key actions: (1) a review of cultural folktales to eliminate harmful content and (2) training for narrators to ensure the delivery of trauma-free folktales
Digitalising Narration of Sesotho Folktale: Analysing the Impact of Power Dynamics as Depicted in the Folktale “Phakwe le Mokoko”
No full textFolktales are literary texts utilised by diverse African tribes aimed at inculcating educational values, attitudes, and knowledge. African societies are immersed in the practice of narrating folktales from one generation to the next, with an educational objective explicated from folktales. A variety of factors such as socio-economic, technological, and political factors contribute to the complexities of life in societies. Despite these complexities, research outputs are minimal in respect to generating insights on the nuances of the African context that can shed light on traditional measures and knowledge of socially orientating people into conventional methods of power dynamics. As a result, the article aims to demonstrate the effects of digitalising the narration of folktales to distil the central themes of power dynamics between protagonist and antagonist characters. The article enlists critical pedagogy as a conceptual framework and on the auspices of the qualitative approach, questionnaires are used to collate responses and comments in respect to the aftermath of Sesotho folktales. The thematic analysis technique was employed to describe and interpret spoken and written texts. Moreover, emancipatory research underpins the research paradigm to synthesise the meanings of these effects. The findings infer that digital technology harnesses narrative structure, invokes the audience’s attention and engagement, retains cultural conceptualisation, and leverages heritage
Proposition Internship Programme for Administration Graduates between the OR Tambo District Municipality (ORTDM) and an Eastern Cape University
No full textInternships are widely regarded as an effective strategy to equip university graduates with job-related knowledge and experience, thereby enhancing their employability in a competitive labour market. This study evaluates the implementation of an internship programme within the tripartite relationship of OR Tambo District Municipality (ORTDM), Eastern Cape University, and its administration graduates. Many graduates face challenges in securing employment due to a lack of experience, skills, professional networks, and interview competence. A mixed-methods approach was employed to gain a comprehensive understanding of internship implementation, combining qualitative and quantitative data to provide deeper insight into practices at ORTDM and Eastern Cape University. The study followed an exploratory and descriptive design and used both simple random and purposive sampling to select participants. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire survey. Key findings indicate that ORTDM is capable of hosting Eastern Cape University administration graduates as interns and is open to engaging them through its internship programme. Additionally, the university’s Department of Administration can provide suitable graduates who are willing to participate in and complete the programme. Eastern Cape University should develop a job readiness programme, which it will monitor and evaluate with other municipalities and companies. The Eastern Cape University has partnerships with many public and private entities, and it has formed relationships with these entities in various ways and for numerous reasons. Therefore, the institution must adequately and effectively utilise opportunities and partnerships to benefit its programmes, curriculum and graduates
Psychological Impact of Maternal Deaths and Fresh Stillbirths on Midwives in the Khomas Region, Namibia
No full textDue to the nature of their profession, midwives often work autonomously and are frequently exposed to traumatic experiences, such as maternal deaths (MDs) and fresh stillbirths (FSBs). This article discusses the results of the study of the psychological impact on midwives who experienced maternal deaths and stillbirths in the Khomas Region, Namibia. Results revealed that midwives experienced a range of psychological effects, including vicarious trauma, symptoms associated with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and emotional responses like depression, sadness and heightened empathy. The study concluded that maternal deaths and stillbirths have significant psychological impacts on midwives, emphasising the necessity for targeted interventions. It is recommended that hospitals in Namibia develop and implement wellness programmes to support midwives who experience these traumatic events