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Library and Information Science education in Tanzania : proposing a curriculum model for the digital age
Get PDFLibrary and Information Science (LISc) is undergoing rapid technological transformations. For LIS professionals to have a competitive edge in light of these technological advancements, they must be adequately trained to excel in the competitive digital workplace. This study explored LISc education in relation to the digital age needs in Tanzania. Punctuated equilibrium theory and curriculum development model concepts were used as conceptual underpinnings for this study.
This study adopted the pragmatism paradigm and used mixed methods research employing a convergent research design that allowed concurrent collection of quantitative and qualitative data. A sample population of 779 individuals, including students, academic staff, employers and employees in the LIS sector, were the primary sources of data. The study employed non-probability purposive sampling and the census method on the study group, which had relatively few populations. The study’s response rate was 574 (71.83%), which was very good for concluding the findings.
The study discovered a significant disparity between the competencies taught by Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) and those required in the digital age job market. This indicates that the LISc programmes do not adequately equip graduates for the digital era. The study found that although most LISc curricula had some digital competency content, their focus remained primarily on traditional librarian skills. Furthermore, HLIs were found to have inadequate LISc academic staff with requisite expertise in digital content and in addition, ICT facilities were insufficient to support teaching and learning. Other challenges revealed by the study include the lack of involvement of professional boards/stakeholders, no/limited standard guidelines in developing LISc curricula, a gap between teaching and practical experience and obsolete national policies.
This study’s recommendations primarily aim to revamp the curriculum to address emerging trends and provide need-based specialisations that align with the job market in the digital age. Strategies such as attracting diverse and competent LISc academic staff, consulting relevant stakeholders, enhancing teaching methodologies, establishing governing and professional accreditation boards, conducting regular curriculum reviews and focusing on practical competencies were found to be necessary to improve
the LISc curriculum. A framework was proposed to guide the alignment of LISc curricula with the digital age’s needs.D. Phil (Information Science)Information Scienc
Process synthesis and experimental analysis of waste tire thermochemical conversion processes
No full textThe thermochemical conversion of waste tires for chemicals and power production is investigated using process synthesis techniques and experimental analysis. Pyrolysis and gasification technologies were evaluated in terms of the fundamental thermodynamic metrics of carbon efficiency, atom economy, e-factor and chemical potential efficiency, thermal efficiency and their market-related revenue potential. The synergetic effect of co-gasification and co-pyrolysis of waste tires with alternative waste materials is also evaluated experimentally. The thermodynamic analysis found that pyrolysis pathways perform better in terms of thermodynamic efficiency and carbon footprint than gasification processes, which lose about 45% of the carbon feed to carbon dioxide. However, the gasification routes offer higher potential revenue, yielding as much as 205 from the pyrolysis route. It was also found that waste tire integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) net-work output is 10.5 GJ/ton of tire much higher than that of conventional coal IGCC at 9.6 GJ/ton of coal. The results of the techno-economic analysis showed the feasibility and sustainability of operating a 550-tonne-per-day plant producing methanol or electricity requires a minimum government subsidy of 0.115 0.098/kWh and that of methanol at $420/ton. The results reported here clearly demonstrate the synergistic capabilities for integrating waste materials such as gypsum and spent fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst in tire recovery facilities to recover valuable products and reduce the carbon footprint via catalytic CO2-assisted gasification. The findings of this dissertation indicate that, from an environmental aspect, converting waste tires to transportation fuels is more desirable than landfilling them, and that gasification technologies may offer better long-term prospects than pyrolysis, despite their higher emissions. Globally, fossil fuels are currently being burned, and it has been demonstrated that waste tires potentially perform as well as or better than existing fossil fuel processes; therefore, there is still a strong environmental justification for the usage of waste tires.D. Phil. (Science, Engineering & Technology)Civil and Chemical Engineerin
“They are gaining experience; we are gaining extra hands”: a mixed methods study to assess healthcare worker perceptions of a novel strategy to strengthen human resources for HIV in South Africa
No full textAbstract
Background
Lay health workers (LHWs) can support the HIV response by bridging gaps in human resources for health. Innovative strategies are needed to expand LHW programs in many low- and middle-income countries. Youth Health Africa (YHA) is a novel LHW approach implemented in South Africa that places young adults needing work experience in one-year non-clinical internships at health facilities to support HIV programs (e.g., as HIV testers, data clerks). While research suggests YHA can increase HIV service delivery, we need to understand healthcare worker perceptions to know if this is an acceptable and appropriate approach to strengthen human resources for health and healthcare delivery.
Methods
We conducted a convergent mixed methods study to assess healthcare worker acceptance and perceived appropriateness of YHA as implemented in Gauteng and North West provinces, South Africa and identify issues promoting or hindering high acceptability and perceived appropriateness. To do this, we adapted the Johns Hopkins Measure of Acceptability and Appropriateness to survey healthcare workers who supervised interns, which we analyzed descriptively. In parallel, we interviewed frontline healthcare workers who worked alongside YHA interns and conducted an inductive, thematic analysis. We merged quantitative and qualitative results using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability to understand what promotes or hinders high acceptance and appropriateness of YHA.
Results
Sixty intern supervisors responded to the survey (91% response rate), reporting an average score of 3.5 for acceptability and 3.6 for appropriateness, on a four-point scale. Almost all 33 frontline healthcare workers interviewed reported the program to be highly acceptable and appropriate. Perceptions that YHA was mutually beneficial, easy to integrate into facilities, and helped facilities be more successful promoted a strong sense of acceptability/appropriateness amongst healthcare workers, but this was tempered by the burden of training interns and limited program communication. Overall, healthcare workers were drawn to the altruistic nature of YHA.
Conclusion
Healthcare workers in South Africa believed YHA was an acceptable and appropriate LHW program to support HIV service delivery because its benefits outweighed its costs. This may be an effective, innovative approach to strengthen human resources for HIV services and the broader health sector
Factors associated with influenza vaccine adherence among healthcare workers in Abu Dhabi
Get PDFVaccination is regarded as the cornerstone of public health policies aimed at reducing
the spread of various infectious illnesses. Influenza outbreaks and pandemics reoccur
on a regular basis, presenting a threat to public health. Healthcare workers (HCWs),
particularly those directly engaged in patient care and the handling of human tissues,
are urged to be vaccinated against influenza to boost their resistance to the virus and
improve patient safety. Aside from the danger of infecting other people in the hospital,
vaccination among HCWs is advised because it decreases staff absence, allowing
them to maintain high production levels throughout the influenza season.
This study aimed to identify and describe the factors associated with HCWs’ adherence
to the annual influenza vaccines in a hospital in the United Arabs Emirates (UAE) to
provide recommendations that can contribute to the enhancement of adherence rates.
A generic quantitative study was conducted using a questionnaire based on literature
and the health belief model to gather data from HCWs in a hospital in the UAE.
A total population sampling was done. All 2 080 staff members of the hospital under
study received an information letter with details about the research, inviting voluntary
participation. Ultimately, 1 018 respondents returned completed questionnaires, and
this data were analysed.
The findings revealed that social influence from colleagues was an essential factor
influencing influenza vaccine uptake. The lack of a convenient time to be vaccinated,
knowledge about the hospital’s policy regarding influenza uptake, a lack of follow-up
by the hospital administration, no previous cases of influenza, and fear of the injection
were also identified. Motivational factors included the need to protect their friends and
family from flu; recommendations by employers; policies that forced compliance; as
well as their own motivation to protect their patients.
The findings and a thorough literature review contributed to the proposed
recommendations. The recommendations include the provision of health education
material, social media use, mandatory vaccination, on-duty vaccination, free
vaccination services, flexible post-vaccination recovery time, special sick leave, and
greater awareness about the benefits of the vaccine. In conclusion, the study’s
objectives were met based on the above findings.M.A. (Nursing Science (Health Studies))Health Studie
Sustainable support services strategy framework for student affairs in South African universities: a resources and capabilities perspective
Get PDFOver the past sixty years, organizational strategy evolved from mainly product-centric to
service and solution-centric. Servitization as a strategy alternative, was a catalyst in the
paradigm shift to organizational performance difference that adds service value. In the
changing paradigm, service dominant logic expanded the horizons to fully incorporate
the service sector, and the service users. Researchers have thus argued that
organisations can only make value propositions to customers, because value is
experientially and contextually determined. Central to the service dominant logic stream
is the concept of resources (operant and operand). This study sought to identify critical
resources and capabilities for support service strategy, in order to make a contribution
to service strategy research and propose a strategy formulation framework for support
service managers.
Service dominant logic has been investigated in the context of higher education service
strategy, and literature shows that the higher education sector is grappling with various
strategic challenges including; competition, dwindling financial resources, and
instabilities (student dissatisfaction-induced protests). In a competitive landscape of
higher education, what differentiates one institution from another? How would university
campuses, plagued by dire resource shortages and instabilities, find strategies to attract
students as well as public capital and social investment support? Investigating the
misuse of resources, Jansen (2023) has gone further to ask, “What explains the
persistent instability of a sub-set of universities in South Africa?”(p.2). These are
complex and intractable strategic questions for higher education managers, and this
made the latter context attractive for service strategy research.
Epistemologically, this study followed a qualitatively-driven mixed methods research
approach, with an exploratory sequential design. Research was conducted at four South
African universities, and the study’s research question was; what are the critical
resources and capabilities for sustainable support service strategy in the context of
Student Affairs? The main findings revealed a typology of critical support service
resources and capabilities, namely; ‘Employee knowledge, special skills and
professional behaviour’, ‘leadership, change agency and empowered engagement’, ‘financial and internet connectivity biopower’, and ‘strategy influencing, enacting and
functional level interpretation’. A model was developed showing the type of value that
each of these bundled resources and capabilities possess. The value attributes of these
bundled resources and capabilities were measured through a new scale, named,
‘HedSUSERV’, and the results showed a pattern that supports four of the five value
constructs identified and linked to the support service resources typology. Other
associated findings of this study included the definition of support services resources
and capabilities, and identified a ‘common mission for Student Affairs’ as well as
‘principles for support service strategy formulation’. The integrated results produced a
framework for support service strategy.
The significance of the study is the contribution to the research stream of service
strategy (e.g. servitization and service dominant logic), through the proposition of the
framework of support service variable as a contributor to the macro-level strategy
differentiator. The resources typology model provides a practical heuristics for
practitioners or support service managers.D.B.L.Graduate School of Business Leadershi
Fabrication and chararcterization of spectrally selective solar absorber copper oxide (CuO) nanocoatings for photothermal application
No full textSolar-to-thermal energy is considered to be the most direct way of converting solar radiation
into usable forms of energy for a wide range of applications, including seawater desalination,
heating water, photocatalysis, space heating and cooling, thermophotovoltaics etc. Spectrally
solar selective absorber (SSSA) surfaces are the major components in photothermal energy
conversions and ideally exhibits a high solar absorptance (α ≥ 0.90) in the wavelength rage
(300 ≤ λ ≤ 2500nm) and low emissivity (ε ≤ 0.10) in the IR wavelength range (λ > 2500nm).
Copper oxide (CuO, tenorite) is a transitional metal oxide from two elements copper (Cu,
([Ar]4s1
3d10)), and oxygen (O, [He]2s2
2p4
). The Cu ions are coordinated by four oxygen ions
in a monoclinic phase of CuO crystals. Basically, CuO is a p-type semiconductor due to Cu
vacancies, and interstitial oxygen within the structure, and it has narrow band gap values of
1.2-1.9 eV that allow it to have a high solar absorptivity in the solar region.
In this investigation, spectrally selective single-layered CuO and Ag@CuO nanocermet
coatings deposited on stainless steel (SS) substrate are introduced. The SS has been widely
used as a substrate for various range applications due to its thermal and chemical stability,
environmental friendliness, and good optical properties. CuO and its plasmonic nanocermet
coatings were successfully demonstrated using facile and reproducible green synthesis,
electrodeposition, and sputtering methods aimed at high absorptance(α), and low emissivity
(ε) values for solar-to-thermal conversion application. In green synthesis, spectrally selective
single-layered CuO nanocoatings and Ag@CuO nanocermet coatings were synthesized from
copper nitrate trihydrate (Cu(NO3)2.3H2O) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) salt precursors using
plant extract (cactus pear) as stabilizing and reducing agent and then deposited on SS
substrates using spin coater at 700, 800, 900, and 1000 rpm. In electrodeposition, the Cu thin
films were reduced on the electrode or SS substrate surface from Cu(NO3)2.3H2O electrolyte at 15, 20 and 25 min deposition time at room temperature and then annealed in a furnace,
results in the growth of nanostructured CuO. Conversely, the Cu films were deposited using
RF sputtering on SS substrate at different thicknesses and then oxidized in alkaline solution at
room temperature. The morphological, structural, compositional, chemical states and
thickness of the coatings were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Atomic
microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS),
X-ray photometer spectroscopy (XPS), and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS).
The SEM images confirmed the growth of CuO nanorods, nanowalls, and nanoplates (NPs) from green synthesis, electrodeposition, and sputtering methods, respectively. The Ag@CuO
nanocermet coatings also showed a better dispersibility of white plasmonic Ag NPs in the
nanorods of CuO matrix. The XRD patterns revealed a well-crystalline nature of the
monoclinic phase of CuO, and face centered cubic of Ag metal, the incorporated Ag NPs did
not affect the monoclinic phase of CuO. The EDS clearly confirms compositional purity of
the coatings. The grain size, surface roughness and crystalline size of the coatings depend on
the thickness of the coatings, and were found to increase with coating thickness. The content
of the elements in the coatings and the thicknesses of the coatings were determined by RBS.
The thickness of the coatings is calculated to be 1416×1015 atoms/cm2 (298.2 nm), 1296×1015
atoms/cm2 (272.8 nm), 1153×1015 atoms/cm2 (242.7 nm) and 998×1015 atoms/cm2
(210.2 nm)
at 700, 800, 900, and 1000 rpm, respectively. Raman spectra showed peaks attributed to
Raman active (Ag+2Bg) modes which are characteristics of Cu-O stretching vibrations and
XPS spectra revealed peaks of Cu2p, O1s, and Ag3d core levels; These peaks are typical
characteristics of Cu (II), O(II) and Ag(I), respectively.
The optical properties of CuO nanocoatings, and Ag@CuO nanocermet coatings was
characterized as spectrally selective absorbers using UV-Vis-NIR, and IR spectrometers. The
vital solar selectivity parameters of solar absorptivity (α) and emittance (ε) were evaluated,
respectively from UV-Vis-NIR and IR spectral reflectance in a wavelength range of 300-
2500, and 2500-20000 nm. The optimized coatings exhibit a solar absorptance (α = 0.93, 0.92
and 0.97), and thermal emissivity of (ε = 0.23, 0.28, and 0.40) from green synthesis,
electrodeposition, and sputtering methods, respectively. The incorporated Ag NPs improved
the intrinsic absorption and reflectivity properties of green synthesized CuO nanocoatings
from (α/ε = 0.90/0.31) to (α/ε = 0.93/0.23) at 700 rpm. This is due to the concentrated free
electrons which contribute a plasma resonance frequency and its particle sizes are comparable to or smaller than the wavelength of incident light. The optical bandgap energy (Eg) of CuO
coatings was estimated from reflectance spectra using Kubelka-Munk (K-M) function and
found in the range of 1.65-1.27 eV. The lower band gap values are attributed to higher solar
absorption above the band gap energy. Hence, the CuO nanocoatings and Ag@CuO
nanocermet coatings are capable of a potential candidate(s) for SSSA surfaces in solar to
thermal energy conversion systems.Ph. D. (Chemistry)Chemistr
Challenges faced by midwives in the implementation of facility-based maternal death reviews in Malawi
No full textAbstract
Background
Maternal death reviews provide an in-depth understanding of the causes of maternal deaths. Midwives are well positioned to contribute to these reviews. Despite midwives’ participation as members of the facility-based maternal death review team, maternal mortality continues to occur, therefore, this study aimed to explore the challenges faced by midwives as they participate in maternal death reviews in the context of the healthcare system in Malawi.
Methods
This was a qualitative exploratory study design. Focus group discussions and individual face-to-face interviews were used to collect data in the study. A total of 40 midwives, who met the inclusion criteria, participated in the study. Data was analyzed manually using a thematic content procedure.
Results
Challenges identified were: knowledge and skill gaps; lack of leadership and accountability; lack of institutional political will and inconsistency in conducting FBMDR, impeding midwives’ effective contribution to the implementation of maternal death review. The possible solutions and recommendations that emerged were need-based knowledge and skills updates, supportive leadership, effective and efficient interdisciplinary work ethics, and sustained availability of material and human resources.
Conclusion
Midwives have the highest potential to contribute to the reduction of maternal deaths. Practice development strategies are required to improve their practice in all the areas they are challenged with
‘Integrating professional counseling during marriage counseling within neo-Pentecostalism’
No full textIt is argued here that most couples in neo-Pentecostalism tend to consult their pastors when
encountering various challenges in their marriages as opposed to professional counselling.
Some would, however, opt for consulting professional counsellors as a last resort to save their
marriages. The marriage counselling offered by pastors has proven to be effective in some
instances, but it has some shortcomings in others. This kind of counselling is often conducted
by untrained pastors who are not able to do a proper diagnosis of the problems and to offer
proper solutions. In addition, previous studies demonstrate that some Pentecostal pastors
have abused their congregants during such counselling. In this article, the integration of
professional counselling is proposed as a complementary approach to the counselling offered
by Pentecostal pastors. This will be achieved by reviewing the literature on counselling offered
by pastors and its successes and failures. The integration of professional counselling with the
counselling conducted by Pentecostal pastors will be discussed using the integrated approach
as a theoretical framework.Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiolog
Improving monitoring methods and determining the breeding success of Grey Crowned Cranes (Balearica regulorum) within a key agricultural area in South Africa
Get PDFEndangered Grey Crowned Cranes (Balearica regulorum) primarily inhabit unprotected areas subject to substantial land-use transformation. With a limited understanding of this species’ reproductive success, this study aimed to i) improve monitoring methods of nesting and social groupings and ii) identify this species’ reproductive output in response to environmental conditions. To produce monitoring guidelines, I compared behavioural responses of pairs, families and flocks to traditional on-foot and drone monitoring. Flocks took flight at greater distances when approached on-foot than by drones, while nesting birds were more sensitive to vertical drone approach angles. Breeding metrics from 95 nest sites revealed a low overall breeding success, with most nest sites failing to transition from eggs to hatchlings. Higher success rates were found at nests closer to natural grasslands and human development. Altogether, this crane species would benefit from consistent monitoring, collaborative efforts, and a skilful balance between preserving biodiversity within rapidly developing landscapes.School of Agriculture and Life Science
Mixed-methods study into the development and progression of young entrepreneurs in Soweto, South Africa
Get PDFThe objective of this study was to investigate the challenges faced by young entrepreneurs in Soweto when attempting to access funding for their businesses. The research aimed to explore and understand the specific issues and difficulties encountered by these entrepreneurs in their pursuit of financial support for their ventures. By examining these problems, the study aimed to contribute to a better understanding of the funding landscape for young entrepreneurs in Soweto and potentially identify strategies to address these challenges.
Based on the literature on challenges faced by young entrepreneurs in Soweto, a questionnaire was distributed to the young entrepreneurs. Data was collected from a sample size of 49 participants using a questionnaire and focus group interviews. Face-to-face focus group interviews comprised of 6-8 subjects per group to concretize the study's outcome. Collected questionnaire data was analyzed using SurveyMonkey software. After this, themes were developed from the survey and from in-depth focus group interviews. A deductive coding approach was used, which allowed the researcher to focus on a predetermined code using the research objectives.
The analysis of the responses demonstrates that many young entrepreneurs started their businesses out of a push-factor of unemployment. However, a substantial number of young people decided on entrepreneurship as a career of choice.
The greatest obstacle for many young entrepreneurs is getting capital, as most do not meet the criteria for obtaining business loans from banks or government financial institutions due to their socio-economic status. The study found that government rules and regulations are viewed negatively and may not always support young entrepreneurs in the way that was intended. Also, the study identified bottlenecks in the DFIs (Developmental Funding Institutions) funding application processes, including a mismatch between the credit requirements versus required skillsets and collaterals.
On this basis, it is recommended that the NYDA’s (National Youth Development Agency) credit assessment should be pliable and consider the applicant's socio-political background. In addition, there is a need to revisit the required skills and qualification requirements for funding. Government may create a business development hub to nurture young entrepreneurs. Also, tertiary institutions may assist by collaborating with successful young entrepreneurs in order to supplement academic knowledge with current entrepreneurial experiences. Finally, DFIs need to appreciate the NQF (National Qualification Framework) objectives where the principle of equivalence and the integration of skills applies.M. Ed. (Adult Education)Adult Basic Education (ABET