CUT Journals Online Chinhoyi University of Technology
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Determination of functional groups and nutrients in a local ready- to -use supplementary food by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Full text linkDevelopment of new functional foods must ensure presence of adequate nutrients to mitigate acute malnutrition. This study consists of an innovative approach for simultaneous detection of chemical bonds and organic content such as carbohydrates, fibres, lipids, and proteins of a local Ready-toUse Supplementary Food (RUSF) by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and proximate analysis techniques. The RUSF was prepared by mixing peanut butter with soy bean oil into thin slurry. Icing sugar, baobab powder, extruded sorghum powder, and extruded soy meal powder were added into the peanut butter- soy bean oil slurry and thoroughly blended a the peanut butter making machine until a brown thick RUSF paste was produced. The RUSF was thoroughly mixed and a sample enough to cover the diamond crystal on the FTIR was placed onto the diamond crystal after zeroing the machine by scanning the air at mid-infrared region (4000-400 cm-1). Obtained experimental FTIR wave numbers and literature-based wave ranges were used to assign chemical bonds and identify nutrients in the local RUSF. The proximate analysis fat content by Analysis of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) Soxhlet method (AOAC, 2016), protein content using the VELPA SCIENTIFICA automatic distillation and titration system (Model UDK159), carbohydrate content through the carbohydrate by difference method (AOAC, 2004), and moisture by Adams analyser. FTIR analysis detected various different functional groups like amine groups, quinones, alcohols, aliphatic amines, alkanes, alkenes, alkyl halides, carboxylic acids, esters, ethers, ketones, peroxides, nitro compounds, phenols, and triglycerides. Carbohydrates, fibres, lipids, proteins, and water were detected by both FTIR and proximate analysis. This research underscored the potential of FTIR spectroscopy and proximate analysis as tools for rapid assessment and identification of nutrients in food science. This study concluded that the RUSF contained nutrients that could reduce and manage malnutrition and non-communicable diseases
Impact of Business Ethics and Corporate Governance on Various Aspects of Public Procurement within Urban Local Authorities in Zimbabwe
Full text linkThis study is an assessment of the impact of business ethics and corporate governance on various aspects of public procurement within urban local authorities. Guided by the agency theory, the research aimed to establish how adherence to ethical guidelines and governance principles influences procurement outcomes. Through a quantitative research design involving the distribution of a questionnaire to procurement managers, the study unravelled both positive and negative effects of business ethics and governance on procurement processes. A sample size of 323 participants out of a target population of 2000 using Raosoft sampling technique were randomly selected from 5 urban local authorities in Harare Metropolitan Province. The study found a negative relationship between business ethics, and transparency and accountability in procurement, suggesting that as adherence to business ethics decreases, transparency and accountability tend to decrease. The study also found that strong corporate governance practices may lead to increased efficiency in procurement processes. In conclusion, the study emphasized the importance of a balanced approach that takes into account contextual factors when implementing ethical standards and governance principles in public procuremen
Environmental Impacts of Ecotourism in Zimbabwe's National Parks
Full text linkWith a focus on sustainability and conservation, ecotourism has developed into a major driver of global economic growth. But it's still unclear how it impacts on national parks, especially in Zimbabwe. With a focus on Mana Pools and Hwange National Parks, this study analyzes the environmental effects of ecotourism operations in Zimbabwe's national parks. The research employed qualitative methodology, using in-depth interviews with main stakeholders, including local community members and park authorities. Thematic analysis was applied to interpret the data, revealing both positive and negative effects of ecotourism. Findings indicate that ecotourism activities, such as guided safaris, canoeing, birdwatching, and cultural tourism, generate revenue for conservation and community development. However, these activities also present environmental problems, such as pollution, disturbance of wildlife, and habitat degradation. Techniques like strengthening community involvement, enforcing visitor carrying capacities, and upgrading infrastructure were suggested as ways to lessen these effects. The study emphasizes the necessity of well-balanced ecotourism regulations that uphold socioeconomic advantages while giving ecological integrity top priority. Adopting certification programs, enhancing environmental education, and cultivating alliances for sustainable management are some of the recommendations
Antonomasia and Personal Naming among the Ndebele of Lupane
Full text linkAntonomasia refers to the semantic mechanism of replacing a proper name with an allusion or ascription that denotes a perceived set of traits. This paper aims to examine how antonomasia as a phenomenon is used in personal naming, as driven by cognitive metonymic and metaphoric mechanisms. It seeks to explore how the Ndebele conceptualise different members of society and consequently name them. From a Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT) perspective, the study employs autoethnography and focus group discussion to study a group of adults in a rural community, exploring how antonomasia has been used in their adult-acquired names. Convenience sampling techniques were used to identify twelve participants who were put into three groups based on their social and physical proximity. Sources of antonomasia in personal naming include perceived physical or behavioural qualities, one’s life history and experiences, as well as one’s speech habits. In other instances, antonomasia is based on metaphorisation that is founded on association and transfer of semantic conceptual structure. The study concludes that antonomasia is a primary naming strategy among the Ndebele, especially about names acquired at adulthood, where one dimension of a person’s character becomes a typical representation of who they are
Using Porter’s Diamond Model to Enhance Reindustrialisation and Export Performance in Zimbabwe
Full text linkThis study sought to enhance Porter’s Extended Diamond Model by incorporating additional elements to better explain reindustrialisation and export performance in the Zimbabwean manufacturing sector. The study sought to identify the relationship between internal organisational factors and export performance in Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector; evaluate the relationship between macroeconomic conditions and export performance in Zimbabwe; examine the moderating effect of institutional quality on the relationship between reindustrialisation and export performance; and propose an enhanced Extended Diamond Model for reindustrialisation and improved export performance. Data was collected through a quantitative survey of 384 active manufacturing exporters in Zimbabwe, and analysed using multiple linear regression and structural equation modelling. Findings revealed that internal organisational factors and macroeconomic conditions significantly improved export performance, while institutional quality moderated the foregoing relationship. This provided a basis for an enhanced model for understanding the determinants of competitive advantage in developing economies, offering actionable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders. The study concludes that Zimbabwe’s reindustrialisation efforts must prioritise organisational capabilities, macroeconomic stability, and institutional reforms to achieve sustainable export growth. The study recommended that exporting manufacturers intensify investment in internal organisational capabilities; the government maintain and enhance macroeconomic stability; institutional reforms be accelerated to improve governance and regulatory quality; the enhanced Extended Diamond Model be adopted and operationalised as a policy diagnostic tool; transport and logistics infrastructure be upgraded to lower trade costs; and export diversification be promoted through market intelligence and trade promotion
Developments in Nuclear Energy Power Plants-A Review
Full text linkThe paper posits that nuclear energy is energy from the nucleus of atoms that binds neutrons and protons together and can be released by bombardment and can be exploited for electricity generation. The paper reviews literature on nuclear power plants and positions it as a viable substitute for replacing fossil fuel generation in order to avoid and avert emission of greenhouse gases which results in global warming and consequent climate change. The paper defines nuclear power and describes how nuclear power stations operate. The paper also describes the disadvantages and advantages of nuclear electricity generation. It compares nuclear power plants with fossil, solar and wind power plants. The paper says current nuclear power plants are mainly based on nuclear fission as nuclear fusion is still in experimental stage. Nuclear fission particularly of uranium-235 is a mature technology. If successful, nuclear fusion will provide electricity for thousands of years as nuclear fusion material are plenty whereas nuclear fission material is scarce, depletable and estimated to continue to last for the next 50 years only. The paper posits that nuclear power stations need less geographical space than solar or wind energy power stations per given MW output. The paper concludes by recommending nuclear power stations for countries like Zimbabwe with energy shortfalls
Mushroom fly pest incidence in four button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) production centres of Zimbabwe-An exploratory study
Full text linkMushroom fly pests are a serious deterrent to many wood-be button mushroom producers in Zimbabwe due to their yield and quality degrading damage. Mushroom fly ubiquity is exacerbated by conducive environmental factors, arguably the rampant food and fruit waste disposal in the environment. Although modest fly pest management methods are available, expensive methods are employed to contain pest spread and the subsequent damage they cause. The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate prevalence, infestation sources, damage, seasonal severity and control methods for mushroom fly pests on button mushroom farms in four production centres of the crop. A farmer survey was conducted using a postal questionnaire to farmer respondents using a mobile phone-integrated application. This study found that sciarid and phorid fly attack button mushroom crop starting at the early spawn running phase through to the second crop flush with rapid population build up if uncontrolled. The infestations were found to be high across four surveyed sites with greatest infestations coinciding with the rainy season. Mushroom fly incidence and the damage to button mushroom were not explained by location or farmer experience, making these two variables insignificant in constructing a predictive model for the resultant fly pest incidence or crop losses experienced. Hence production practices need to be re-evaluated to develop sustainable methods of managing mushroom fly incidence and novel methods such as fly repellents, baiting or manipulation of the mating mechanisms and overwintering disruption have to be explored. From this study we found three species of mushroom fly as significant button mushroom pests in the studied areas and hence appropriate pest management measures must be taken to protect the crop to enable good quality and yield. Such adopted pest management methods will go a long way in promoting and sustaining standard agro-ecological principles
Emerging trends on epidemiology of infectious coryza disease in Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe
Full text linkInfectious coryza disease is an upper respiratory disease of avian species, commonly affecting chickens. It is caused by Avibacterium paragallinarum, a gram-negative bacterium. Infectious coryza poses a threat to the economy due to increased culling rates of infected chickens and a decrease in egg production of up to 40%. This study aimed to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of Infectious Coryza disease in Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe across seven districts from 2018- 2021, with a focus on disease prevalence and risk assessment. A retrospective method was used using a database obtained from the Central Veterinary Laboratory, which indicated infectious coryza disease cases in Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe. Data was examined using correlation analysis to determine the relationships between the total number of cases and deaths, and chi-square test to evaluate infectious coryza prevalence across districts .Prevalence of infectious coryza among districts was significant (p<0.05 )for the period of 2018 -2021.Low disease incidence was reported in 2018 across all the seven districts ;2019 had a peak increase of infectious coryza disease prevalence across all the districts with Zvimba district having cases above 2500.A weak correlation between total cases and deaths (co efficient 0.115 ), not statistically significant (p> 0.05), indicating other factors influencing the mortality rates. These findings highlight the need to improve management practices and vaccination programs in poultry production across Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe
The Systematic challenges for implementing a broader digital tax policy in Zimbabwe
No full textThe world has been grappling to develop an international consensus-based framework for the taxation of the digital economy since 1996 however a concrete solution is yet to be found. Upon realising the potential revenue, Zimbabwe implemented a unilateral tax policy. The revenue realised from such policies however does not match the potential that could be realised. The objective of this study was to examine challenges of implementing a broader digital tax policy in Zimbabwe. The study adopted a qualitative approach because the study was explorative. Data was collected using in depth interviews. The population of the study consisted of tax experts drawn from the Zimbabwe revenue authority (ZIMRA), private sector tax practitioners, development partners supporting taxation administration programs in the country and Civic Society Organisations (CSOs) interested in the area of the taxation. Based on the principle of saturation, a total of 12 tax experts were interviewed. A six-stage thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The study revealed that the systematic challenges that are hindering Zimbabwe from enacting a broader digital tax policy are lack of information, lack of technology and the unilateral stance Zimbabwe has adopted. The study concluded that these challenges can be addressed. Notwithstanding this, international co-operation is paramount
The Vicious Counterattack: How Corruption Fights Back Against Anti-Corruption Efforts in Zimbabwean State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).
Full text linkDespite numerous anti-corruption mechanisms within the Zimbabwean State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), little can be ascertained about the manner in which corruption proactively resists and adapts to such interventions. While prior research focuses on prevalence and effect, few examine the dynamic, vengeful processes by which corruption forestalls reform. This study bridges this gap by analyzing the ways in which corruption "pushes back" in global, African, and Zimbabwean SOEs, analyzing strategies such as lawfare, political intrusion, propaganda, infiltration of anti-corruption agencies, and intimidation of whistleblowers. Drawing on qualitative content analysis of recent literature, the study identifies patterns and localized dynamics and concludes that corruption evolves in step with governance reforms and is inclined to employ state machinery and legal instruments to stall accountability. In Zimbabwe, these are further exacerbated by lack of institutional resilience, elite complicity, and limited international enforcement. The report emphasizes the need for adaptive anti-corruption, in the form of greater institutional insulation, regional and international legal cooperation, and immunity for reformers. The study contributes theoretically by shifting corruption as an actor, in practice by outlining resilient anti-corruption system design, and policy-wise by encouraging political will, effective legal systems, and civic empowerment in SOEs