152 research outputs found
A narratological analysis of C.M. Elliott’s Sibanda series as representative Zimbabwean crime fiction
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: Professor Sarala KrishnamurthyThis thesis analysed C.M. Elliott’s Sibanda series as representative Zimbabwean crime fiction.
Narratology theory was applied to the analysis of the novels. The study was a qualitative
desktop research, and it employed textual analysis in the analysis and interpretation of the
selected novels. These are Sibanda and the rainbird (2013), Sibanda and the death’s head
moth (2015), and Sibanda and the black sparrowhawk (2017). The study adds to the body of
knowledge on African crime fiction as it addresses contemporary societal issues which are
relevant. The study further contributes to semiotics and structuralist literary analysis. The study
focused on selected narrative strategies in communicating the events in the novels. The
researcher analysed Sibanda series by focusing on narrative components such as narrative
instance, narrative order, narrative speed and narrative perspective. The narrative aspects
which the author employs and their usefulness were also discussed in relation to ritual murder,
rhino and elephant poaching (ivory smuggling), and serial murder. The study found that by
reading Sibanda and the rainbird (2013), Sibanda and the death’s head moth (2015), and
Sibanda and the black sparrowhawk (2017), C.M. Elliott has successfully woven intricate
detective narratives using narrative strategies. The narrative strategies enable her to
communicate Zimbabwean crime fiction concerns which she has addressed in these three
novels in an effective manner. The study recommends for future studies that there might be a
need to consider Zimbabwean crime fiction in other genres such as poetry and drama
Sustainable Energy Development in Liquid Waste and Biomass
No full textThe Special Issue, entitled “Sustainable Energy Development in Liquid Waste and Biomass”, presents a cutting-edge exploration of the transformative potential of organic waste streams and biomass in addressing global energy and environmental challenges. Bridging microbiology, environmental engineering, and renewable energy science, this Special Issue reprint examines how liquid waste and lignocellulosic or biomass can be converted into clean, sustainable energy. Rooted in circular economy principles and environmental stewardship, it explores both the scientific foundations and technological innovations of waste-to-energy strategies. Core themes include anaerobic digestion, thermochemical conversion, bioenergy systems, and the use of advanced biocatalysts for improved energy yields. Emphasis is placed on emissions control and byproduct valorisation, promoting a holistic sustainability model. Authored by leading experts, each chapter guides readers from theory to application, supported by real-world case studies. The Special Issue reprint also critically reviews policy frameworks, economic drivers, and life cycle impacts, offering insights into aligning innovation with environmental governance. Designed for researchers, graduate students, practitioners, and policymakers in this field, this volume serves as both a foundational reference and a forward-looking guide. As the world confronts climate change, energy insecurity, and resource depletion, this work stands as a timely and authoritative contribution to the pursuit of resilient and inclusive energy systems
The Student Movement Volume 107 Issue 21: Evensong Vespers Honors President Luxton\u27s Gift of Service
No full textHUMANS
Apple vs Android, Grace No
Senior Plans, Interviewed by: Solana Campbell
Student Workers: Claudia Ruiz, Interviewed by: Nora Martin
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
WAUS: An Update on our Beloved Campus Radio Station, Grace No
Creatives on Campus: Mateo Banks, Grace No
Meditation for the Easter Season: Community Celebrates President Luxton, Lily Burke and Alannah Tjhatra
NEWS
A Night of Avant-Garde, Solana Campbell
Environmental Events Bring Awareness to Berrien County, Andrew Francis
Interview with Dr. Heather Thompson Day: Becoming an Author and Inspiring Change, Brendan Oh
The Living Library: Stories from the Andrews Community, Isabella Koh
IDEAS
Enough with the Self Help Books, Valerie Akinyi
Social Media and Authenticity, Nathaniel Reid
The Resurgence of the Jim Crow Era in America, Shania Watts
PULSE
At Home at Andrews University, Elizabeth Dovich
Sex Education in Adventist Institutions, Lexie Dunham
The Importance of the Office of Culture and Inclusion, Zothile Sibanda
LAST WORD
Last Word, Solana Campbellhttps://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/sm-107/1020/thumbnail.jp
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ACCESS TO PATENTED HIV/AIDS PHARMACEUTICAL MEDICINES THROUGH THE CANADIAN AND EU TRIPS FLEXIBILITIES MEASURES: ARE THEY EFFICACIOUS OR OVERLY BURDENSOME AND INEFFECTIVE MEASURES?
No full textThis paper evaluates the Canadian and the European Union's (EU) implementation of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) General Council Decision of 2003, which resolved that developed nations could export patented pharmaceutical drugs to member states in order to address public health challenges such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), tuberculosis, malaria and other epidemics, such states including Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The author makes a primarily textual appraisal of how and to what extent the Canada Access to Medicine Regime (CAMR) and European Union (EU) Regulations benefit, for instance, SSA countries in the WTO in their quest to make essential medicine more accessible. The author argues that although there are identifiable complexities inherent in the Canadian and the EU's access to pharmaceutical product regimes, there are far more important incentives and benefits that can be reaped in taking advantage of the respective systems. The author recommends that countries facing public health crises/emergencies, such as SSA countries, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) take advantage of the regulatory flexibilities of Canada and the EU in their efforts to provide their communities with essential HIV/AIDS treatment, and treatment for other diseases such as malaria. The author dismisses the arguments against TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property) flexibilities-inspired legislation and similar measures as mostly mere rhetoric and hair-splitting, because they sometimes unwarrantedly dismiss a workable solution to public-health problems
Correction: sibanda et al. application of drone technologies in surface water resources monitoring and assessment: a systematic review of progress, challenges, and opportunities in the global south. drones 2021, 5, 84
No full textIn the original publication [1], “Fahad Alawadi. Detection of surface algal blooms using the newly developed algorithm surface algal bloom index (SABI)”, “Proc. SPIE 7825, Remote Sensing of the Ocean, Sea Ice, and Large Water Regions 2010, 782506 (18 October 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.862096” [2] was not cited. The citation has now been inserted in “3.5. The Role of Drone Data Derived Vegetation Indices and Machine Algorithms in Remote Sensing Water Quality and Quantity” as reference [60] and should read: “Numerous vegetation indices were derived from drone remotely sensed data for characterizing surface water quality and quantity. The most widely used sections of the electromagnetic spectrum in detecting water quality parameters were the visible section (blue and green) and the NIR wavebands. In this regard, vegetation indices such as the red and near-infrared (NIR), Surface Algal Bloom Index (SABI) [60], two-band algorithm (2BDA) [26], NDVI, and Green NDV [33], as well as band combinations and differencing such as (R+NIR/G) were used mostly in characterizing chlorophyll content as well as TSS
COVID-19 TRIGGERED TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCED STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IN BLENDED LEARNING
No full textPurpose: This study reflects on three technology integration strategies for enhanced student engagement, namely; keeping the learning social, keeping the learning authentic, and ensuring that the technology adds value to learning.
Methodology: The study employed a student technology profiling survey involving 3rd Year Cell Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Genetics students at the University of Namibia in 2021. The survey used a Google Document whose link was distributed to students through class WhatsApp group. Further, literature is reviewed on student engagement, and blended learning. The data was qualitatively presented using graphs.
Findings: The study revealed that keeping the learning social ensures learning from sociocultural perspectives, and allows for social constructivist methods of learning while the adoption of authentic learning as a pedagogical model can help to better prepare students for professional practice. Teachers can ensure that technology integration adds value by using instructional strategies that stimulate students into engaging with higher-level cognitive skills and differentiated learning. The study found that based on the nature of the course under review, we identified the Flipped Classroom model and the Enriched-Virtual model is most appropriate blended learning modes for full-time students and distance students, respectively.
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: It is recommended that higher education institutions should consider redesigning their curriculum policies in order to integrate blended learning in all their courses in order to improve the quality of education, enhance student learning and engagement, as well as overall quality of the university graduates.</jats:p
Assessment of the physicochemical and microbiological qualities of Tyume River in Amathole District in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
No full textThe bioflocculant-producing potentials of three marine bacteria isolated from the sediment samples of Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa were assessed. Analysis of the partial nucleotide sequence of the 16S rDNA of the bacteria revealed 99 percent, 99 percent, and 98 percent similarity to Cobetia sp. L222, Bacillus sp. A-5A, and Bacillus sp. HXG-C1 respectively and the sequence was deposited in GenBank as Cobetia sp. OAUIFE, Bacillus sp. MAYA and Bacillus sp. Gilbert (accession number JF799092, JF799093, and HQ537128 respectively). Cultivation condition studies for Cobetia sp. OAUIFE revealed that bioflocculant production was optimal with an inoculum size of 2 percent (v/v), initial pH of 6.0, Mn2+ as the metal ion, and glucose as the carbon source. Metal ions, including Na+, K+, Li+, Ca2+and Mg2+ stimulated bioflocculant production resulting in flocculating activity of above 90 percent. This crude bioflocculant is thermally stable, with about 78 percent of its flocculating activity remaining after heating at 100 oC for 25 min. Analysis of the purified bioflocculant revealed it to be an acidic extracellular polysaccharide. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of methoxyl, hydroxyl, and carboxyl - groups in the compound bioflocculant and SEM micrograph of the bioflocculant revealed a crystal-linear structure. On the other hand, bioflocculant production by Bacillus sp. MAYA was optimal when glucose (95.6 percent flocculating activity) and ammonium nitrate (83.3 percent flocculating activity) were used as carbon and nitrogen sources respectively; inoculum size was 2 percent (v/v); initial pH 6; and Ca2+ as coagulant aid. Chemical analysis of the purified bioflocculant shows that it is composed of uronic acid, neutral sugar and protein. FTIR analysis also revealed the presence of methoxyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl and amino- groups in this bioflocculant. The bioflocculant is thermostable with about 65.6 percent residual flocculating activity retained after heating the bioflocculant at 100 oC for 25 min. However bioflocculant production by Bacillus sp. Gilbert was optimal when sodium carbonate (95.2 percent flocculating activity) and potassium nitrate (76.6 percent flocculating activity) were used as carbon and nitrogen sources respectively; inoculum size was 3 percent (v/v); initial pH 9; and Al3+ as cation. The crude bioflocculant retained 44.2 percent residual flocculating activity after heating at 100 oC for 15 min. FTIR analysis reveals the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl and methylene - groups in the compound bioflocculant. SEM micrograph of the bioflocculant revealed an amorphous compound. The consortia of these bacteria strains also produced bioflocculants with high flocculating activities which were highly efficient in removing turbidity and chemical oxygen demand (COD) from brewery wastewater, diary wastewater and river water. The bioflocculants from the consortia seemed better than traditional flocculants such as alum . The characteristics of the bioflocculant produced by the consortium of Cobetia sp. OAUIFE and Bacillus sp. MAYA showed that this extracellular bioflocculant, composed of 66percent uronic acid and 31percent protein and an optimum flocculation (90 percent) of kaolin suspension, when the dosage concentration was 0.8 mg/ml, under weak alkaline pH of 8, and Ca2+ as a coagulant aid. The bioflocculant is thermally stable, with a high residual flocculating activity of 86.7 percent, 89.3 percent and 87.0 percent after heating at 50 oC, 80 oC and 100 oC for 25 min respectively. The FTIR analysis of the bioflocculant indicated the presence of hydroxyl, amino, carbonyl and carboxyl functional groups. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image revealed a crystal-linear spongy-like bioflocculant structure and EDX analysis of the purified bioflocculant showed that the elemental composition in mass proportion of C,N,O,S and P was 6.67:6.23:37.55:0.38:4.42 (percent w/w). However, the characteristics of the bioflocculant produced by the consortium of Cobetia sp OAUIFE and Bacillus sp. Gilbert showed an optimum flocculation (90 percent) of kaolin suspension when the dosage concentration was 0.2 mg/ml, under neutral pH of 7, and Ca2+ as a coagulant aid. The FTIR analysis of the bioflocculant Tyume River water samples were collected monthly, over a 12-month period starting from August 2010 and ending in July 2011, and transported on ice to the Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG) Laboratory at the University of Fort Hare, Alice for analyses within 6 h of collection. Electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) of water samples were determined in situ using a multi-parameter ion-specific meter. Concentrations of orthophosphate and total nitrogen (nitrate + nitrite) were determined by standard photometric methods. Total coliforms (TC), faecal coliforms (FC) and enterococci were determined by the membrane filtration method. Viruses in water samples were concentrated using the adsorption-elution method, followed by extraction of viral nucleic acids and purification done using commercially available kits. The concentrations of human enteric viruses in the river-water samples were estimated using quantitative PCR. RNA viruses were quantified in a two-step protocol where RNA was first transcribed into cDNA in a separate reverse-transcription step. Adenovirus species and serotypes were simultaneously detected using serotype-specific multiplex PCR. Norovirus genogroups GI and GII were detected by semi-nested PCR. The risk of infection associated with recreational and domestic use of the water was also estimated. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels fell within the stipulated BOD guideline of 10 mg/ℓ for surface waters where full contact use is allowed and ≤ 30 mg/ℓ where public access is prohibited, restricted, or infrequent. DO concentrations generally ranged between 7.47 mg/ℓ and 10.42 mg/ℓ, well within the target water quality requirements. The temperature regime ranged between 6°C and 28°C and for most sampling sites, the temperature regimes were within the acceptable limit of no risk (≤ 25°C) for domestic water uses in South Africa. EC ranged between 47 μS/cm and 408 μS/cm well within the South African target water quality EC guideline of 700 μS/cm though it was observed to increase as the river flowed through settlements. The pH in the period beginning September 2010 through to January 2011 was consistently below pH 9, but from February 2011 to June 2011 the pH significantly increased to between pH 10 and pH 11 at most sampling sites. Unpolluted waters normally show a pH of between 6.5 and 8.5. Most of the pH values observed in this study lie between pH 8.5 and pH 10.8 levels which are not far off from the upper level guideline of pH 9.0 for domestic use. Turbidity ranged between 6 NTU and 281 and fell short of the target water quality range (0 NTU to 1 NTU) of no risk for domestic water uses in South Africa. Monthly TDS values and EC values showed direct proportionality. TDS concentrations at all sites fell within the acceptable guideline of 0 mg/ℓ to 450 mg/ℓ of TDS for domestic use. Nutrient profiles were as follows: nitrate (0.18 mg/ℓ to 4.21 mg/ℓ); nitrite (0.02 mg/ℓ to 2.35 mg/ℓ); and orthophosphate (0.06 mg/ℓ to 2.72 mg/ℓ). The bacteriological qualities of the water were poor, exceeding the guideline of 200 CFU/100 mℓ and 33 CFU/100 mℓ for FC and enterococci respectively, for recreational water. FC counts also exceeded the 1 000 CFU/100 mℓ guideline for water used in fresh produce irrigation. Generally, higher counts of TC, FC and enterococci were recorded at the sampling sites located at the lower reaches of the river compared to the upper reaches. Adenovirus was detected in 31percent of the river samples in concentrations ranging between 1.0×100 genome copies/ℓ and 8.49×104 genome copies/ℓ. Serotyping showed the presence of species C adenovirus serotypes 1, 2, 6 and 7, and species F adenovirus serotype 41. The prevalence of norovirus was 4percent while rotavirus was detected in 4percent of river samples in concentrations ranging between 9×100 genome copies/ℓ and 5.64×103 genome copies/ℓ. Hepatitis A virus was detected in 13percent of river samples in concentrations ranging between1.67×103 and 1.64×104 genome copies/ℓ while enteroviruses were not detected. Detection of enteric viruses was inversely correlated to temperature. Risk analysis showed that both hepatitis A virus and adenovirus presented significantly higher risk of infection values compared to rotavirus in the case of ingestion of 10 mℓ or 100 mℓ of water from Tyume River while enteroviruses did not present any significant risk of infection. Tyume River water samples also did not conform to the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) bacterial criteria of 200 CFU/100 mℓ faecal coliforms and 33 CFU/100 mℓ enterococci for bathing waters. Whereas the physicochemical parameters showed that Tyume River water was relatively clean, the bacteriological water quality was poor. Most of the microbiological contamination observed in this study (especially FIBs) can be blamed on inadequate sanitary infrastructure as we observed that open defecation is commonplace in this catchment, which also serves as a conduit for effluent discharges from wastewater-treatment facilities. Enteric viruses were detected along the course of the river in a sporadic pattern, generally not related to natural hydrological cycles and so we conclude that the presence of enteric viruses in the river is suggestive of the dynamics of the same in the host population. Even though the proportion of infective viruses was estimated in this study, fact remains that there is considerable risk of infection posed by the use of raw surface water for either domestic or recreational use. This study further confirmed the lack of correlation between faecal indicator bacteria and enteric virus occurrence in environmental waters, showing that assaying for enteric viruses in environmental waters remains the best method for determining the health risks associated with the use of faecally contaminated water.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 201
Animal Manure as an Alternative Bioenergy Resource in Rural SubSaharan Africa Present Insights Challenges and Prospects for Future Advancements
No full textOpen seminar with How to do things with disability (DOABLE)
No full textOpen seminar 16 December at 9-11 CETCampus Kalvskinnet, room U201, Department for Teacher Education, Sverres gate 12, NTNU or zoom.9-9.30 Digital book launch of Theatre and Performing Arts, Disability Citizenship and Community Development - Perspectives from the Global South and North / Cappelen Damm AkademiskEditors and authors: Vibeke Glørstad, Tone Pernille Østern, Tony McCaffrey, Kelvin Chikonzo, Nehemiah Chivandikwa, Nimal Wijesiri, Liisa Jaakonaho, Cletus Moyo, Nkululeko Sibanda, Courage Chipatiso, Inez Hussey, Felipe Henrique Monteiro Oliveira, Andrea Pagnes, Alexandra Dunaeva, Ciane Fernandes, Daniela Musli, Gugulethu Ngwenya, Courage Chinokwetu, Hilde Guddingsmo, Terje Olsen, Elen Øyen, Lise Lien, Lene Christin Holum, Anne Ogundipe, Kaja Tvedten Jorem, Caroline Marie Sprott, Cont Mdladla Mhlanga, Fortune Ruzungunde, Josadaque Albuquerque da Silva Pires, Nara Salles, Sara Granath, Tine Skjold.9.45-10.05 Foredrag av scenekunstner Bentine Borge: «Mine erfaringer og tanker om inkludering»Bentine Borge driver med teater, dans og musikk på fulltid. Hun startet med teater og dans i syvårsalder og har erfaring fra flere teatergrupper, teater- og danseskoler. Hun har i tillegg erfaring som skuespiller foran kamera. Bentine har tatt pianotimer ved kulturskolen siden hun var 11 og holdt en rekke foredrag de siste 10 årene.10.15-10.30 Presentation Saša Asentic: «Aesthetics of Access and Politics of Memory»Saša Asentić, a choreographer and cultural worker from a working-class background in former Yugoslavia, has presented work internationally since 2007. Founder of Per.Art, he unites disabled and non-disabled artists to counter ableism in dance and culture. His practice emphasizes solidarity and resistance to cultural oppression and indoctrination.10.40-10.55 Digital presentation by Tim Smith: «Neurodiversity and arts pedagogy»Timothy Smith, Ph.D., MFA, (they/he) is an artist, educator, and university researcher in the Artist Pedagogy theme at the Research Institute at University of the Arts Helsinki. Their research focuses on critical disability and neurodiversity studies approaches to higher education in the arts, with a particular emphasis on analyzing and challenging ableism in university institutions.</p
Mean-Variance Optimisation of A South African Index Based Portfolio Using Machine Learning
No full textA research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021This study embarked on a comparison of the effectiveness of the Markowitz Mean- Variance Portfolio Optimisation against utilising a Machine Learning Technique to construct an optimal portfolio. The study aimed to: Construct an optimal portfolio using the Mean-Variance Analysis Framework, Construct an optimal portfolio using a Machine Learning Technique (Support Vector Regression), Contrast the results of the Minimum-Variance Portfolio and the Machine Learning Portfolio. The stocks of the FTSE JSE FIN15 index were chosen to construct the portfolio. The historical returns of the stocks in the index were used to trained (December 2014 to June 2019) and test the models(June 2019 to December 2020). The Mean-Variance Analysis and Minimum-Variance Portfolio were constructed using Python code that the author compiled. Similarly, the Support Vector Regression model was built in Python. The weights for the Machine Learning portfolio were calculated using the pseudo-inverse matrix and the predicted value of the Regression Model. It was found that the Minimum-Variance and Machine Learning portfolio produced
different portfolios, but both containing fewer holdings than the original index. The performance of the Minimum-Variance Portfolio exceeded that of the index and the Machine Learning Portfolio with regards to relative(excess) returns and total returns in the out of sample period. It was found that the Machine Learning portfolio performs well at replicating the index returns but fails to exceed them and typically has a higher risk associated with it. It was concluded that the Minimum-Variance portfolio would be the most attractive to a risk-averse investor and the Machine Learning portfolio underperforms the Minimum variance and the index. Therefore confirming the effectiveness of Mean-variance Optimisation in a South African context against a Machine Learning TechniqueMM202
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