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Use of TanDEM-X and Sentinel Products to Derive Gully Activity Maps in Kunene Region (Namibia) Based on Automatic Iterative Random Forest Approach
No full textGullies are landforms with specific patterns of shape,
topography, hydrology, vegetation, and soil characteristics. Remote
sensing products (TanDEM-X, Sentinel-1, and Sentinel-2) serve
as inputs into an iterative algorithm, initialized using a micromapping
simulation as training data, to map gullies in the northwestern
of Namibia. A Random Forest Classifier examines pixels
with similar characteristics in a pool of unlabeled data, and gully
objects are detected where high densities of gully pixels are enclosed
by an alpha shape. Gully objects are used in subsequent iterations
following a mechanism where the algorithm uses the most reliable
pixels as gully training samples. The gully class continuously grows
until an optimal scenario in terms of accuracy is achieved. Results
are benchmarked with manually tagged gullies (initial gully labeled
area <0.3% of the total study area) in two different watersheds
(408 and 302 km2, respectively) yielding total accuracies of>98%,
with 60% in the gully class, Cohen Kappa >0.5, Matthews Correlation
Coefficient >0.5, and receiver operating characteristic
Area Under the Curve >0.89. Hence, our method outlines gullies
keeping low false-positive rates while the classification quality has
a good balance for the two classes (gully/no gully). Results show
the most significant gully descriptors as the high temporal radar
signal coherence (22.4%) and the low temporal variability in Normalized
Difference Vegetation Index (21.8%). This research builds
on previous studies to face the challenge of identifying and outlining
gully-affected areas with a shortage of training data using global
datasets, which are then transferable to other large (semi-) arid
region
Mini thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree B.Sc. Honours in Applied Mathematics
No full textBreast cancer, a universal health trepidation, is the principal cause of death for women in Namibia. Observing patients with low calculated risk factors being diagnosed with breast cancer compel us to probe into the possible lifetime adopted risk factors compatibility and supervision of breast cancer in Namibia. Knowing and understanding risk factors for breast cancer may pave the way for better risks assessment and provide timely, accurate diagnostics, management and treatment strategies. Therefore, it is vital to determine and establish specific risk factors guidelines based on rigorous medical and demographic mapping for appropriate breast cancer screening methods, approve accurate patient diagnosis, and enhance the management of breast cancer in Namibia
An investigation into how the Namibian print media industry is coping with contemporary economic conditions.
No full textThis study provides an investigation into how Namibia’s print media industry is surviving under the current
economic crisis, which has been affecting the country since 2016. This is done, firstly through examining
how global media has been faring when their respective countries are suffering from an economic crisis.
The examination revealed that newspapers operating in these countries are struggling and their existence
is being threatened. The verdict is the same with the newspapers in Africa, whose sustainability is being
intimidated by the economic crisis. In Namibia, print media newspapers are looking at new sustainable
models to survive the economic recession. Just like globally and continentally, the sustainability of
Namibia’s print media newspaper industry is being threatened by the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic,
which has killed millions of people and forced businesses to close since 2020. In order to collect data, the
researcher employed document analysis, semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Using
the interpretivism paradigm as a qualitative methodology, the study relied upon both the trained
researcher and the human subject as the instruments to measure some phenomena, and typically involves
both observation and interviews. Six newspapers namely: The Namibian, Namibian Sun, New Era, The
Southern Times, Windhoek Observer and the Confidente were purposely selected. At least 16 people from
these newspapers were thoroughly interviewed. For these newspapers, it was ‘business as usual’ until
their operations encountered an economic crisis in 2016. Their normal operations were further dented
when the Coronavirus (Covid-19) crippled the global economy from early 2020. This study was informed
by three interlinked sub-research objectives. These are: to examine how the print media has been affected
by the current economic challenges; to investigate the coping mechanisms put in place by the print media
in Namibia and to explore new business models emerging in Namibia’s print media to cope with the
economic recession. The findings of this study indicates that some print media newspapers in Namibia
were forced to go online while others reduced print runs with at least two ceased to exist. Other findings
revealed that newspapers were forced to cut salaries, retrench employees and streamline operations as
advertising revenues continued to dwindle. The study recommends the adoption of media sustainability
models which are not only centered on ‘migrating online’ approaches but rather encompasses five
interconnected dimensions; politics, economics, community, technology as well as content and expertise.
It also recommends that newspapers should speed up the implementation of their new business models
to ensure financial sustainability in a context characterised by economic recession and the Covid-19
pandemic
A forensic linguistic investigation of the features of threat text messages in the Windhoek High Court from 2014 - 2019
No full textTHESIS PRESENTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ENGLISH AND APPLIED LINGUISTICS AT THE NAMIBIA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (NUST)
SUPERVISOR: DR NIKLAAS FREDERICKSThe study of forensic linguistics contributes to the development of language when applied to threat text messages. Forensic linguistics involves the application of linguistic insights, knowledge and methods to language, judicial procedures, the forensic context of law, crime investigation, and trial (Olsson and Luchjenbroers, 2013). The present study investigated the features of threat text messages in the Windhoek High Court from 2014 - 2019 through the forensic linguistics lens. Permission was obtained from the Office of the Judiciary located in Windhoek. The study employed the speech acts theory as a framework for analysis. The speech acts theory assumes three aspects: the locutionary, illocutionary and the perlocutionary speech acts. The text selection criteria procedures were used to establish the merit of data from the threat text messages documents. Qualitative research methods were used to organise and analyse the data. The study found out that threat text messages can be analysed through forensic linguistics to reveal hidden criminal messages. The study also revealed that phonetic acts can be used to transcribe threat text messages. This helps in conveying and preventing the distortion of messages from one courtroom to another. The same message can be read in the exact same way as it was sent in a phonetic transcription. The study recommends that a similar study can be conducted by using a different theory other than the speech acts. Theories such as feminism, interactionism and the same morphological theories could generate different results that can enhance the study of language
A linguistic investigation into selected media campaigns on voluntary medical male circumcision in Namibia, 2018 –2019
No full textA THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTERS OF ENGLISH AND APPLIED LINGUISTICS (09MEAL)Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) is a surgical procedure which involves the total removal of the foreskin of the penis, in order to reduce a man’s risk of contracting HIV by 50-60% (MoHSS, 2018). Male circumcision is practiced by some communities as part of their traditional rituals (Kuyunde, 2017). The HIV prevalence rate in Namibia was still reported to be among the highest in the world, with an HIV prevalence rate of 12.6% among adults aged 15-64 years, and the low coverage of male circumcision was among the factors contributing to this (NAMPHIA, 2017, as cited in Stegman et al., 2019). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate how language was used in the media campaigns on VMMC in Namibia, during the period of 2018 to 2019, in terms of the linguistic devices, the types of speech acts and Aristotle’s rhetoric proofs that were incorporated in these VMMC campaign messages for persuasive purposes.
The study employed a quantitative, descriptive, exploratory design, where a purposive, non-random sampling method was used, in which a total of ten (10) online newspaper articles on VMMC campaigns published during the period of 2018 to 2019 were selected from the two Namibian newspapers, The Namibian and New Era newspaper, and eleven (11) printed commercials in the form of posters. A Content Analysis Checklist was used as a data collection tool and the collected data were analysed based on the checklist, which was made out of a collection of the linguistic devices used in advertisements, as well as data from the Speech Act Theory of Austin (1962) and Searle (1979), and Aristotle’s rhetoric proofs. The findings of the research revealed that all (100%) printed commercials on VMMC campaigns in Namibia published during the period of 2018 to 2019, incorporated the formal features of advertisements such as the headline, signature and the slogan, and about 72% of the printed posters on VMMC campaigns incorporated the body copy, while 45% included some testimonials from the individuals who had gone through the “smart cut”. However, the online media campaigns incorporated only the use of headlines and body copy. Moreover, the linguistic devices which were utilised in the printed commercials on the VMMC campaign messages in Namibia during the period of 2018 to 2019 included the use of short phrases (such as noun phrase, verb phrase and adjectival phrase), simple sentences, parallelism, rhythm, metaphors, second person’s possessive pronouns, direct address, compound words, and poetic devices such as rhyme, alliteration, anaphora and intonation. However, more linguistic devices were utilised in the online articles published during the same period, and these included the use of simple sentences, metaphors especially on headlines, the use of colloquial language and simple diction, tone and hyperbole.
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Furthermore, the findings also revealed that both the printed commercials and the online media campaigns on VMMC in Namibia utilised Austin (1962) and Searle (1979) speech Act Theory and Aristotle’s rhetoric proofs adequately. The majority (42%) of the printed commercials on VMMC campaigns utilised the directive acts, and about 34% incorporated the assertive acts, while 16% included commissive acts. Furthermore, only about 8% of the printed commercials included declarative acts and none of the printed commercials included expressive acts. However, the online newspaper articles on the VMMC campaigns in Namibia published during the period of 2018-2019, incorporated more of the assertive acts, in the form of providing information or claims, and directive acts, in the form of suggestions and advice. Moreover, the findings also demonstrated that all Aristotle’s rhetoric proofs were incorporated in both the printed commercials and the online articles. The results indicated that the printed commercials comprised of about 43.5% of the Aristotle’s rhetoric appeal to emotions (pathos), 30.4% of the Aristotle’s appeal to character (ethos) and 26.1% of Aristotle’s appeal to logic (Logos). Other findings from the study were that the barriers to VMMC included cultural beliefs that male circumcision is not part of their culture and common myths that wounds do not heal in summer but winter.
Based on the findings of the research, the researcher made recommendations to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) to research more on the barriers that hinder the desired coverage of the VMMC program, in order for it to reach its 80% target, especially in communities where male circumcision is not part of their cultural practice. The second recommendation is that the MoHSS practitioners should strengthen the VMMC campaigns, especially in the communities where it is not a part of their cultural practice, and more posters on VMMC should be printed, as they are currently few, and should be in local languages as it may assist to persuade a larger audience. Lastly, the MoHSS should modify their VMMC campaign messages to include more of testimonials from various famous people in Namibia
An investigation into the contemporary English language needs of second year students of the Department of Computer Science at the Namibia University of Science and Technology
No full textTHESIS PRESENTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ENGLISH AND APPLIED LINGUISTICS AT THE NAMIBIA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYThe contemporary English language demands for the information and technology (IT) industry are largely motivated by developments in modern digital communication technology. Modern computerised machinery with complex operational and installation manuals require high levels of literacy in all language skills as more and more machines are constantly being developed. It is for this reason that IT students need to be taught field specific English language courses that prepare them to perform well in their academic language related tasks and as future Computer Scientists. The purpose of this study therefore, was to investigate the contemporary English language needs for Computer Science students at NUST. The study determined the extent of the existing language needs and gaps. The material design model (Hutchinson & Waters, 1987) was applied as a framework for this study. The model assumes two aspects, the Target Situation Analysis (TSA) and the Present Situation Analysis (PSA). Target needs refer to what the learners need to do in the target situation for them to be able to learn. The Present Situation Analysis addresses students’ lack in language proficiencies. A mixed methods study design was applied. The quantitative method analysed data using the descriptive statistics method while the qualitative method analysed data through explanatory means. A total study population of 170 (ΣN = 170) was studied. The sample size was (ΣS = 118) derived using the convenience sampling method. The data were collected using three mixed methods research instruments. An essay competency performance evaluation scale and two questionnaires were employed. The study findings revealed that there is a need to develop the essay competency writing skills for IT students. The students lacked the knowledge of technical vocabulary, which ultimately weakened their scientific arguments. They need to be taught field specific language courses as a way to prepare them for their current academic and future occupational language needs. Furthermore, the study revealed that there is a gap between what is currently offered to Computer Science students and the tasks that they are expected to perform in the IT industry. The study recommends the assignment of trained English for Specific Purposes practitioners to teach English for Science and Technology courses. IT students can be taught with examples of texts related to their field of study. Lastly, the study recommends that Computer Science language lecturers should be encouraged to use science related academic language in the classroom
The portrayal of Namibia and Namibians in selected crime fiction: Social reflections, ethnicity and race
No full textTHESIS PRESENTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF
MASTER OF ENGLISH AND APPLIED LINGUISTICS AT THE NAMIBIA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY
Supervisor: Prof. Sarala KrishnamurthyThis thesis explored the portrayal of Namibia and its people in three Crime Fiction novels: Blood Rose by
Margie Orford (2007), The Hour of the Jackal by Bernhard Jaumann (2011), and The Kupferberg Mining
Company by Johan J. Beyers (2013). It is a qualitative desktop study, which made use of a simple analysis
checklist for guiding purposes. Using the theory of Postcolonialism, the research focused on what social
reflections were found in the selected texts regarding the Namibian nation, how ethnic groups are
portrayed, and racial relationships, specifically their assignment to key characters, namely the victims, the
criminals, and the protagonists. The thesis aimed to demonstrate that the Crime Fiction genre is not
merely entertainment‐centred, that it can be read against the grain, and applicable truths are found in
them, with a specific focus on Namibia. The analysis of the texts revealed that all three contain fictional
narratives with actual Namibian historical backgrounds, which reflect on truthful aspects of that period;
and the portrayal of ethnic groups and racial issues was found to be a blend of positive showcasing, as
well as stereotypical bias
Rethinking Pre-trial Detention (PTD) in Namibia:
No full textA research project by Hennie Bruyns & Stefan SchulzThe documentation following below refers to a project proposal the beginnings of which date back to the initiative by Dr Bruyns, who began to gather data pertaining to the broader issue of pre-trial detention in 2015. Then, together with 3rd year students of correctional management, a first data set was created, shedding some light on the conditions and experiences of detainees in police holding cells. Another initiative from about the same time by Dr Schulz brought about the idea of criminal justice section anchor projects, broader in nature, which would integrate criminal justice honours students’ honours projects. Students under the theme of the anchor project would prepare research proposals, which would cover one or more research objectives of the anchor project. Following the data collection for the anchor project, in which students would participate under supervision of their supervisors as student research assistants, sample of data from the entire data set would be provided to each participating students, who after analysis and interpretation of the data would prepare their criminal justice honours mini-thesis. This would create win-win situations, because ethical research procedures, application procedures for a research permit from National Commission of Science Research and Technology (NCRST) would only be necessary in respect of the anchor project; stakeholders would benefit from one broader and deeper investigation and have to only focus on one project instead of multiple smaller project with little benefit in terms of progress of actionable scientific knowledge; with the support of student research assistants, resources required for the execution of the project would be at hand. Finally, in 2021 Drs Schulz and Bruyns put pen to paper and crafted the anchor project Rethinking Pre-trial Detention (PTD) in Namibia in parallel with 23 honours students working on their proposals under the same theme. The product is hereto attached. It has been submitted with an application for research permit to NCRST
Social meaning and material constraints of land scarcity in Northern Namibia (ILMI Working Paper No. 13)
No full textThe paper scrutinizes perceptions of and discourses about scarcity of land in northern Namibia in order to
show the multiple meanings that land has for the population. It is based on two years of fieldwork, and
brings together interdisciplinary perspectives on why people argue that land is scare. Our research
contributes to a better understanding of the meaning of land in a rapidly changing setting, in which
demands for land are changing and diversified. Furthermore, new land uses have come into play, and
subsistence agriculture is no longer the mainstay of livelihoods, but one of the many sources. We argue for
a more nuanced concept of scarcity of land, in order to acknowledge the different meanings of access to
land to different people and to improve land policies
Assessment of Heavy Metal Content of Drain Water within Cement Production Environment in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
No full textThis study was based on the assessment of heavy metal content of drain water within the vicinity of cement factory and other associated activities. Heavy metal concentration analysis was done using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer as described in APHA 3111B and ASTM D3651 The present research work deals with the study of seven (7) heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb). The result showed ranges of Cr (0.25±0.01-0.29±0.01, Fe (<0.01-0.02±0.00), Mn (0.34±0.01-0.39±0.02), Cu (0.41±0.05-0.52±0.03), Zn (0.44±0.04-0.54±0.04), Cd (0.09±0.03-0.18±0.04), Pb (0.01±0.00-0.02±0.00). There was low concentration of Fe but Cu is gradually building up as its concentration is very close to the WHO limits even though below that of FEPA/ FMENV and SON. A one way ANOVA was used to compare the relationship of the three months (April, May and June) and the three stations (X, Y, Z). Temporal and spatial variation showed result not significant (p<0.05) as F-ratio were 0.1224 and 0.0121 respectively. Similarly, t-test was used to compare the mean values from the control values (p≤0.05). The result showed that for April and June there were statistical significance unlike in May compared to the control station results. The study also revealed that Cr, Mn, Zn, Cd exceeded the regulatory standards but Pb presence is a potential threat. The potential variation of heavy metals in the study was of the trend, Fe<Pb<Cd<Cr<Mn<Cu<Zn. The concentrations of all the heavy metals were larger than their respective control values showing the impact of external factors which must be checked. There should be deliberate attempt to regulate the activities of subsidiary operations within the premises of the cement factory and the associated industries around the area