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Population dynamics of religious affiliations in Nigeria
No full textThe study presents an overview on population dynamics of the two main religious affiliations in Nigeria: Christian and Muslim religions. The population of the two groups was estimated at 30-year intervals (1930, 1960, 1990, 2020). Data used for the reconstruction came from three population censuses and from ten demographic sample surveys. Population growth rates of Christians and Muslims were compared with estimates of net fertility derived from the same demographic surveys over the 1960 to 2020 period. Results were overall consistent and showed major trends over time: the rise of Christian religions and the fluctuations of Muslim religions as main affiliation, and as a consequence the apparent decline of African traditional religions. Between 1980 and 2010, both monotheist religions shared approximately half of the population. However, since 1995 the growth rate of the Muslim population became higher than that of the Christian population. In particular, population growth in the Northern part of the country, mainly Muslim, was outstanding. Recent trends could have serious implications in the future, and in particular could lead to demographic imbalance between the two groups, could raise serious environmental issues, especially in the North, and could have numerous political and social consequences
Electrolyte design for lithium-sulfur batteries: progress and challenges
No full textLithium-sulfur batteries (LiSBs) have gained popularity in recent years because of their high specific capacity (1675 mAh/g), high energy density (2600 Wh/kg) and abundance of sulfur in nature. Yet, unlike Lithium-ionbatteries, their commercialization has been challenging. In spite of significant studies on cathodes made of sulfur, lithium metal anodes, changes in separator topologies, embedded layers in cell topologies, and electrolyte architecture, it is still difficult to explain the polysulfide shuttling effect in electrolytes used in LiSBs. This review provides a comprehensive perspective on electrolyte design and critically examines recent research on electrolytes in LiSBs. It additionally provides distinctive techniques for improving the performance and lifespan of these batteries. In short, this review provides a clear and insightful evaluation of the development, prospects, and challenges related to LiSB electrolytes. The advancement of LiSBs holds immense potential to significantly enhance the sustainability and efficiency of our energy landscape. Hence, this field presents an impactful opportunity for researchers and investors to contribute to a more sustainable future
The role of infection in root resorption mechanism and clinical implication
No full textThe aim of the Review is to explore the role of infection in the pathogenesis of root resorption and discuss its clinical implications and management strategies. Root resorption is a pathological condition involving the destruction of hard tissues such as dentin and cementum, often influenced by infection. The process is complex, requiring a multidisciplinary approach for effective management. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted, focusing on infection driven root resorption mechanisms, diagnostic techniques, and emerging treatment modalities. Infection-driven root resorption involves microbial invasion, an inflammatory response, osteoclastic activation, and tissue destruction. Early diagnosis and effective management strategies, including antimicrobial therapy, regenerative techniques, and advanced imaging, are critical for successful outcomes. Infection plays a central role in root resorption, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention. Emerging technologies and targeted therapies offer promising advances in diagnosis and treatment, necessitating ongoing research to enhance clinical outcomes
In this life one must live and not survive: understanding day labourers’ vulnerability through the lens of Max-Neef
No full textDay labouring is one of the most visible forms of precarious employment in South Africa as those involved earn low and uncertain levels of income, leaving many of them in a state of deprivation, poverty, and marginalisation. This article aims to contribute to the documentation and analysis of the precarious nature of informal employment and the vulnerabilities workers face in this uncertain work environment. A case study research design involving 66 (45 respondents from quantitative data collection and 21 participants from qualitative data collection) male day labourers from Mbekweni was used. The findings of this study were analysed using Max-Neef’s theory of the nine fundamental human needs. This study found that day labourers from Mbekweni receive little to no income, struggle with access to decent housing, face food insecurity, and often struggle with access to basic services. In addition, while all day labourers face various forms of poverty, only South African day labourers have access to social security benefits, while those who are foreign nationals do not
Usungulo lwenkqubo yeziqulatho zevidiyo nemixholo yesifundo sekhemistri ngolwimi lwesiXhosa
No full textEyona njongo iphambili yolu phando kukusungulwa kwenkqubo yeziqulatho zesifundo seKhemistri ngolwimi lwesiXhosa. Ekwenzeni njalo, olu phando luzakwenza uguqulolwimi lweziqulatho zevidiyo kwanemixholo yesifundo seKhemistri ukusukela kulwimi lwesiNgesi ukuya kulwimi lwesiXhosa ngeenjongo zokuzenza zifumaneke kubafundi abantetho yabo isisiXhosa, bezifumana ngolwimi lwabo lwemveli. Ngelilungiselela ungqamanongqo (ulingano) kuguqulolwimi, iifankshinalisti ezifana noVemeer (1996) kwingcingane yakhe ye‘Skopos’ ziphakamisa uluvo lokuba, ‘uguqulolwimi ngalunye lunenjongo elifuna ukuyiphumeza, kwaye ngesizathu sokuba iilwimi ezi zinendima ebalulekileyo ezithi ziyidlale kwiinkcubeko zazo, uguqulolwimi kufaneleke ngoko ukuba lubonwe okanye luthathwe njengoku- “tshintshiselana ngeenkcubeko’.
Olu phando, ngokukhokelwa sisihloko kwaneenjongo zalo luqhutywe ngokusebenzisa izixhobo eziquka ulwazi olutsha, olube ludliwanondlebe kumakhasi omoya phakathi komphandi kunye neengcali ezingabahlohli kwisiza seKhemistri nesebe leInformation Systems zeYunivesithi yaseNtshona Koloni. Umphandi ngokwakhe, ‘ubesesinye sezixhobo ezibalulekileyo ekucholacholeni ulwazi’, Miles noHuberman (1940: 40). Uphando lusebenzise nolwazi olusele lukhona (uphando lwaseDesikeni). NgokukaSimelane (2014: 29) ulwazi olusele lukhona, ‘lulwazi olusele luqokelelwe lwadityaniswa lwaze lwashicilelwa ngalo naluphi na uhlobobo loncwadi’. Imithombo yolu phando kolu hlobo lolwazi ibe yiManyuwali yesifundo seKhemistri (iKhemistri 114/116), iziqulatho zevidiyo ezingemixholo yesi sifundo sonyaka wokuqala kwiYunivesithi yaseNtshona Koloni, iiJenali kwaneeNcwadi zoguqulolwimi Ukuze kube kanti iinjongo zolu phando ziyazaliseka, indlela yophando enobungqina obuxabisekileyo (khwalitheyithivu) yeyona isetyenzisiweyo kolu phando. NgokukaLeedy (1993) ecatshulwa nguSimelane (2014: 27), ‘indlela yokwenza uphando enobungqina obuxabisekileyo kufanele ngalo lonke ixesha xa uphando olo lugxile ebantwini isetyenziswe, ingakumbi xa luchaphazela unxibelelwano phakathi kwabo, iindlela abanika iintsingiselo ngazo kwizinto ezibangqongileyo, imigaqo nemiqathango elawula ubomi bomntu, iimvakalelo, ukholo, kwaneengcinga zabo’. Olu phando lufumanise ukuba akukho ndlela nankqubo iyodwa isekiweyo ilungele zonke iintlobo zenguqulo, koko uguqulolwimi ngalunye luxhomekeke kwiinjongo, umyalelelo kwakunye nomguquli.
Kwakhona olu phando ekufuneni kwalo ungqamanongqo kuguqulolwimi lunyathele ezinye zezona ngcingane zoguqulolwimi ezisematheni, iforeyinazeyishini kunye nedomestikheyishini. NgokukaVenuti (1995); noMunday (2016) ngokucatshulwa nguAjtony (2017: 93), iforeyinazeyishini yazisa kangangoko ngenkcubeko yetekisi yentsusa abo umyalezo ujoliswe kubo, ibonakalisa oko kungaqhelekanga, logama idomestikheyishini yona isondeza iilwimi ezimbini kunye neenkcubeko ezimbini (nangaphezulu), icutha ukungaqheleki kwitekisi yabo umyalezo ujoliswe kubo, ithobela imigaqo nemiqathango yenkcubeko yelo qela umyalezo ujoliswe kulo, ngokwenza njalo yenza oko kungaqhelekanga kube nokufikeleleka’.
Kwanjengoko olu iluphando lweakhademikhi, iziphumo kwanoguqulolwimi olwenziweyo luzakufumaneka kwiZiko iSisanda Technical High School, kwiSebe leKhemistri nakwiSebe leInformation Systems kwiYunivesithi yaseNtshona Koloni, ngeenjongo zokufumana inkcazelo malunga nokusebenziseka, ukuchaneka kwanokwamkeleka kwalo msebenzi. Olu phando ngoko ke, luneenjongo zokwenza ukuba abafundi beKhemistri abantetho isisiXhosa babenokuyiqonda nangakumbi imixholo yeKhemistri kwananjengoko bezakube beyifumana ngolwimi lwabo lweenkobe
Factors affecting Smallholder Farmers' Adoption of big data analytics in the South African food supply chain
No full textThe adoption of big data analytics in the food supply chain holds significant potential for enhancing efficiency, improving decision-making, and addressing environmental concerns. This is particularly relevant for smallholder farmers in South Africa, who play a crucial role in advancing the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 2, which focuses on eradicating hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture. The study explores factors affecting smallholder farmers' adoption of big data analytics in the South African food supply chain. . The study employs a survey to examine the factors affecting the adoption of big data analytics in the food supply chain. Key predictors of technology adoption identified include farming occupational type, awareness of big data analytics, and perceptions related to these factors. The study results indicate that farmers with more experience and those engaged in full-time farming are more likely to adopt big data analytics
Dark matter fraction in disk-like galaxies over the past 10 Gyr
No full textWe present an observational study of the dark matter fraction in star-forming disk-like galaxies up to redshift z 25 selected from publicly available integral field spectroscopic surveys: KMOS3D, KGES, and KROSS. To model the H kinematics of these galaxies, we employed 3D forward modeling, which incorporates beam-smearing and inclination corrections and yields rotation curves. Subsequently, we corrected these rotation curves for gas pressure gradients, resulting in circular velocity curves or ‘intrinsic’ rotation curves. Our final sample comprises 263 rotationally supported galaxies with redshifts ranging from 06 z < 25, stellar masses within the range 90 log(Mstar [M]) < 115, and star formation rates between 049 logSFR [M yr 1] 25. We estimated the dark matter fraction of these galaxies by subtracting the baryonic mass from the total mass, where the total mass is derived from the intrinsic rotation curves. We provide novel observational evidence suggesting that at a fixed redshift, the dark matter fraction gradually increases with radius such that the outskirts of galaxies are dark matter dominated, similarly to local star-forming disk galaxies. This observed dark matter fraction exhibits a decreasing trend with increasing redshift, and on average, the fraction within the e ective radius (up to the outskirts) remains above 50%, similar to the galaxies in the local Universe. We investigated the relationships between dark matter, baryon surface density, and the circular velocity of galaxies. We observed that low stellar mass galaxies, with log(Mstar [M]) 100, undergo a higher degree of evolution, which may be attributed to the hierarchical merging of galaxies. We discuss several sources of uncertainties and current limitations in the field as well as their impact on the measurements of the dark matter fraction and its trend across galactic scales and cosmic time
Principles for chronic pain management in the adult traumatic spinal cord injury population at the primary healthcare level, in a developing context: a delphi study
No full textIntroduction: Individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) are dissatisfied with their chronic pain management. A biopsychosocial approach has been proven to improve chronic pain. Guidelines are required to holistically manage chronic pain in the TSCI population. Methods: A Delphi study was conducted to gain consensus on design principles for chronic pain in the TSCI population, for the Western Cape of South Africa. Purposive sampling was used to recruit first-line primary health care providers from primary health care settings in the Cape Metropolitan region. Participants were asked for consent on principles pertaining to the assessment, education and planning for chronic pain management, pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy for neuropathic and nociceptive pain, as well as the monitoring of chronic pain and referral of resistant pain. For consensus analysis, a median of 3.24 or higher was considered in addition to two categories of consensus, namely weak consensus (50%–70%) and strong consensus (>70%). Results: The first-line primary health care providers agreed on eighteen principles to guide chronic pain management in the TSCI population. Consensus could not be reached on the second to fourth line pharmacological management of neuropathic pain. Conclusion: The agreed upon design principles may be considered as starting points for implementation at the primary health care level in the Western Cape of South Africa
Cathodically-activated boron-doped diamond electrode reactor for sensing and analysis of environmental tenofovir and emtricitabine from combination antiretroviral therapy drugs
No full textTenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and emtricitabine (FTC), sold under the brand name Truvada®, are amongst the highly prescribed combination antiretroviral therapy (c-ART) for the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Herein, for the first time, a simple, selective and rapid electroanalytical approach for the simultaneous co-determination of TDF and FTC on a non-chemically modified boron-doped diamond electrode (BDD) is described. The surface chemistry of the electrode was modified by cathodic pretreatment (CPT) in H2SO4 to generate a CPT-BDD. On a CPT-BDD, TDF and FTC exhibit irreversible oxidation peaks at higher potentials of +1.4 V and +1.65 V, respectively. Comparatively, the voltammetric signal of FTC was not visible on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) was able to spatially separate the oxidation peaks of both analytes, and the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0218 µM and 0.0886 µM were obtained for TDF and FTC, respectively, in the concentration range of 0.1 – 50 µM. The electrochemistry of TDF is pH-dependent, while that of FTC is not at pH>2. Moreover, the signals of TDF and FTC were not affected by the presence of interfering compounds, except for mercury (Hg2+) and lamivudine (3TC). The practicability of this electroanalytical approach was demonstrated by analyzing TDF and FTC in synthetic urine, pharmaceutical formulation and wastewater samples without prior sample pretreatment. The achieved recovery percentages of 93.6 % to 105.7 % demonstrate the practicability of this analytical method in simultaneously monitoring TDF and FTC in real sample
The constraining power of the marked power spectrum: an analytical study
No full textThe marked power spectrum — a two-point correlation function of a weighted density field — has emerged as a promising tool for extracting cosmological information from the large-scale structure of the Universe. In this work, we present the first comprehensive analytical study of the marked power spectrum's sensitivity to primordial non-Gaussianity (PNG) of the non-local type. We extend previous effective field theory frameworks to incorporate PNG, developing a complete theoretical model that we validate against the Quijote simulation suite. Through a systematic Fisher analysis, we compare the constraining power of the marked power spectrum against traditional approaches combining the power spectrum and bispectrum (P+B). We explore different choices of mark parameters to evaluate their impact on parameter constraints, particularly focusing on equilateral and orthogonal PNG as well as neutrino masses. Our analysis shows that while marking up underdense regions yields optimal constraints in the low shot-noise regime, the marked power spectrum's performance for discrete tracers with BOSS-like number densities does not surpass that of P+B analysis at mildly non-linear scales (k ≲ 0.25 h/Mpc). However, the marked approach offers several practical advantages, including simpler estimation procedures and potentially more manageable systematic effects. Our theoretical framework reveals how the marked power spectrum incorporates higher-order correlation information through terms resembling tree-level bispectra and power spectrum convolutions. This work establishes a robust foundation for applying marked statistics to future large-volume surveys