Artisanal mining versus sustainability of agricultural food supply chains: effects of the conflicts in Southern Zimbabwe
- Chari, Felix, Novukela, Cawe, Ngcamu , Bethuel Sibongiseni
- Authors: Chari, Felix , Novukela, Cawe , Ngcamu , Bethuel Sibongiseni
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: Traditional farming Small Scale mining Great Zimbabwe Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/7082 , vital:52810 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2021.2002542"
- Description: This article seeks to establish the social and environmental consequences of artisanal mining on economic sustainability of agricultural food supply chains in Zimbabwe. Following a descriptive research design, interviews were conducted with 36 farmers. Interviewees were purposively sampled from potential respondents in Southern Zimbabwe. Interview results were triangulated with data from published reports and newspaper articles. Data was analysed using NVivo application version 12 and presented in vignettes. The results of this study are useful to artisanal miners, farmers, and government. Recommendations for further studies are given. KEYWORDS: Artisanal mining farmers food supply chains Zimbabwe sustainability
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chari, Felix , Novukela, Cawe , Ngcamu , Bethuel Sibongiseni
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: Traditional farming Small Scale mining Great Zimbabwe Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/7082 , vital:52810 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2021.2002542"
- Description: This article seeks to establish the social and environmental consequences of artisanal mining on economic sustainability of agricultural food supply chains in Zimbabwe. Following a descriptive research design, interviews were conducted with 36 farmers. Interviewees were purposively sampled from potential respondents in Southern Zimbabwe. Interview results were triangulated with data from published reports and newspaper articles. Data was analysed using NVivo application version 12 and presented in vignettes. The results of this study are useful to artisanal miners, farmers, and government. Recommendations for further studies are given. KEYWORDS: Artisanal mining farmers food supply chains Zimbabwe sustainability
- Full Text:
Cereal stem borer (Lepidoptera) assemblage structure in a sub-tropical agro-ecosystem, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Niba, AS. , Mdazu, S.
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Cereal products Stem borers Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6958 , vital:52619 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/0035919X.2021.1893861"
- Description: Insect pests, especially lepidopterous stem borers, cause significant losses to cereal production at local and global scales. The borer species associated with cultivated grain cereals and alternative wild host plants were identified at three elevation gradients in the former Transkei area of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Stem borer sampling was undertaken during maize crop and non-crop seasons in Port St Johns (PSJ), Mthatha and Elliot, sites that differ in elevation above sea level, annual precipitation and temperature. Morphologically identical borers retrieved from each sampling unit were recorded, processed and reared to adult stage for identification at an ambient temperature range of 25–28°C and a relative humidity range of 65–80%. Specimens were sorted first into morphospecies (MS1–MS6) based on external morphological characteristics. Six stem borer species (Busseola fusca, Sesamia calamistis, Eldana saccharina, Chilo orichalcocili, Chilo sacchariphagus and Chilo partellus) were collected during the survey. E. saccharina and C. orichalcocili were absent in PSJ; in Elliot, E. saccahrina occurred in very low numbers whereas C. partellus was absent. Busseola fusca was more abundant at high altitude (i.e. Elliot). Borer community structure in the study showed similarity between Mthatha and Elliot. Species richness and abundance across study sites were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The study provides information on borer species occurrence in the study area, and techniques to identify larval stages for effective control by local farmers and extension workers. When designing strategies for borer control, elevation may not be a major concern at this spatial scale.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Niba, AS. , Mdazu, S.
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Cereal products Stem borers Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6958 , vital:52619 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/0035919X.2021.1893861"
- Description: Insect pests, especially lepidopterous stem borers, cause significant losses to cereal production at local and global scales. The borer species associated with cultivated grain cereals and alternative wild host plants were identified at three elevation gradients in the former Transkei area of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Stem borer sampling was undertaken during maize crop and non-crop seasons in Port St Johns (PSJ), Mthatha and Elliot, sites that differ in elevation above sea level, annual precipitation and temperature. Morphologically identical borers retrieved from each sampling unit were recorded, processed and reared to adult stage for identification at an ambient temperature range of 25–28°C and a relative humidity range of 65–80%. Specimens were sorted first into morphospecies (MS1–MS6) based on external morphological characteristics. Six stem borer species (Busseola fusca, Sesamia calamistis, Eldana saccharina, Chilo orichalcocili, Chilo sacchariphagus and Chilo partellus) were collected during the survey. E. saccharina and C. orichalcocili were absent in PSJ; in Elliot, E. saccahrina occurred in very low numbers whereas C. partellus was absent. Busseola fusca was more abundant at high altitude (i.e. Elliot). Borer community structure in the study showed similarity between Mthatha and Elliot. Species richness and abundance across study sites were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The study provides information on borer species occurrence in the study area, and techniques to identify larval stages for effective control by local farmers and extension workers. When designing strategies for borer control, elevation may not be a major concern at this spatial scale.
- Full Text:
Cereal stem borer (Lepidoptera) assemblage structure in a sub-tropical agro-ecosystem, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Niba, AS. , Mdazu, S.
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Cereal products Stem borers Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6948 , vital:52620 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/0035919X.2021.1893861"
- Description: Insect pests, especially lepidopterous stem borers, cause significant losses to cereal production at local and global scales. The borer species associated with cultivated grain cereals and alternative wild host plants were identified at three elevation gradients in the former Transkei area of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Stem borer sampling was undertaken during maize crop and non-crop seasons in Port St Johns (PSJ), Mthatha and Elliot, sites that differ in elevation above sea level, annual precipitation and temperature. Morphologically identical borers retrieved from each sampling unit were recorded, processed and reared to adult stage for identification at an ambient temperature range of 25–28°C and a relative humidity range of 65–80%. Specimens were sorted first into morphospecies (MS1–MS6) based on external morphological characteristics. Six stem borer species (Busseola fusca, Sesamia calamistis, Eldana saccharina, Chilo orichalcocili, Chilo sacchariphagus and Chilo partellus) were collected during the survey. E. saccharina and C. orichalcocili were absent in PSJ; in Elliot, E. saccahrina occurred in very low numbers whereas C. partellus was absent. Busseola fusca was more abundant at high altitude (i.e. Elliot). Borer community structure in the study showed similarity between Mthatha and Elliot. Species richness and abundance across study sites were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The study provides information on borer species occurrence in the study area, and techniques to identify larval stages for effective control by local farmers and extension workers. When designing strategies for borer control, elevation may not be a major concern at this spatial scale.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Niba, AS. , Mdazu, S.
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Cereal products Stem borers Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6948 , vital:52620 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/0035919X.2021.1893861"
- Description: Insect pests, especially lepidopterous stem borers, cause significant losses to cereal production at local and global scales. The borer species associated with cultivated grain cereals and alternative wild host plants were identified at three elevation gradients in the former Transkei area of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Stem borer sampling was undertaken during maize crop and non-crop seasons in Port St Johns (PSJ), Mthatha and Elliot, sites that differ in elevation above sea level, annual precipitation and temperature. Morphologically identical borers retrieved from each sampling unit were recorded, processed and reared to adult stage for identification at an ambient temperature range of 25–28°C and a relative humidity range of 65–80%. Specimens were sorted first into morphospecies (MS1–MS6) based on external morphological characteristics. Six stem borer species (Busseola fusca, Sesamia calamistis, Eldana saccharina, Chilo orichalcocili, Chilo sacchariphagus and Chilo partellus) were collected during the survey. E. saccharina and C. orichalcocili were absent in PSJ; in Elliot, E. saccahrina occurred in very low numbers whereas C. partellus was absent. Busseola fusca was more abundant at high altitude (i.e. Elliot). Borer community structure in the study showed similarity between Mthatha and Elliot. Species richness and abundance across study sites were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The study provides information on borer species occurrence in the study area, and techniques to identify larval stages for effective control by local farmers and extension workers. When designing strategies for borer control, elevation may not be a major concern at this spatial scale.
- Full Text:
Covid-19 and the restrictive measures: The national security conundrum for Zimbabwe
- Mugari, Ishmael, Obioha, Emeka E.
- Authors: Mugari, Ishmael , Obioha, Emeka E.
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) National security Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6926 , vital:52571 , xlink:href="https://10.1080/10246029.2021.1972015"
- Description: The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic at the onset of the year 2020 brought unprecedented suffering to humanity. Economic activities in virtually all nations across the globe were brought to a shuddering halt, with the third world suffering the worst effects on the economic front. The health security of nations across the globe was shaken, as nations came to terms with the surging health needs for the infected citizens. In order to grapple with the pandemic, nations took drastic measures, chief among them being the implementation of lockdowns, coupled with harsh restrictions. These measures, however, came at a cost. This paper explores the impacts of the restrictive measures that were implemented by the Zimbabwean government to combat COVID-19 pandemic. The paper interrogates these measures in the context of the national security discourse. In the analysis, the paper also makes reference to South Africa- a more developed nation and Zimbabwe’s neighbour. Keywords: COVID-19 , national security, health security, lockdown
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mugari, Ishmael , Obioha, Emeka E.
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) National security Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6926 , vital:52571 , xlink:href="https://10.1080/10246029.2021.1972015"
- Description: The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic at the onset of the year 2020 brought unprecedented suffering to humanity. Economic activities in virtually all nations across the globe were brought to a shuddering halt, with the third world suffering the worst effects on the economic front. The health security of nations across the globe was shaken, as nations came to terms with the surging health needs for the infected citizens. In order to grapple with the pandemic, nations took drastic measures, chief among them being the implementation of lockdowns, coupled with harsh restrictions. These measures, however, came at a cost. This paper explores the impacts of the restrictive measures that were implemented by the Zimbabwean government to combat COVID-19 pandemic. The paper interrogates these measures in the context of the national security discourse. In the analysis, the paper also makes reference to South Africa- a more developed nation and Zimbabwe’s neighbour. Keywords: COVID-19 , national security, health security, lockdown
- Full Text:
Encouraging and discouraging factors to crime reporting in South Africa: a survey of residents’ crime reporting behaviour in Mthatha South Africa police service precinct
- Mbewu, Ithandile, Obioha, Emeka E, Mugari , Ishmael
- Authors: Mbewu, Ithandile , Obioha, Emeka E , Mugari , Ishmael
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Crime Citizen crime reporting Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6967 , vital:52622 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2021.2002542"
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore issues concerning dispositions of crime-reporting behaviour of both witnesses and victims and comes against a backdrop of a rise in crime levels in South Africa. The study specifically examined the discouraging and encouraging factors for crime reporting in Mthatha area in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A quantitative methodology was adopted, wherein a closed-ended questionnaire was used to gather data from 120 respondents. The result of the analysis revealed police absence of loyalty to citizens, lack of support for victims and lack of follow-up on reported cases as the major factors which discourage citizens from reporting crimes to the police. Further regression analysis confirmed gender, race, location of respondents and socio-economic status as significant predictors that influence discouragement. As regards the encouraging factors, overall, the citizens’ collective responsibility for safe communities was viewed as the major drive for reporting crimes to the police. From the findings, it can be concluded that poor police-public relations is the main driver for non-reporting of crime. The study recommends strengthening of police-public relations in order to encourage citizens to report crime.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mbewu, Ithandile , Obioha, Emeka E , Mugari , Ishmael
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Crime Citizen crime reporting Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6967 , vital:52622 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2021.2002542"
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore issues concerning dispositions of crime-reporting behaviour of both witnesses and victims and comes against a backdrop of a rise in crime levels in South Africa. The study specifically examined the discouraging and encouraging factors for crime reporting in Mthatha area in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. A quantitative methodology was adopted, wherein a closed-ended questionnaire was used to gather data from 120 respondents. The result of the analysis revealed police absence of loyalty to citizens, lack of support for victims and lack of follow-up on reported cases as the major factors which discourage citizens from reporting crimes to the police. Further regression analysis confirmed gender, race, location of respondents and socio-economic status as significant predictors that influence discouragement. As regards the encouraging factors, overall, the citizens’ collective responsibility for safe communities was viewed as the major drive for reporting crimes to the police. From the findings, it can be concluded that poor police-public relations is the main driver for non-reporting of crime. The study recommends strengthening of police-public relations in order to encourage citizens to report crime.
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Heavy metal profiles in limpets and algae on the Eastern Cape coast of South Africa
- N Mbandzi, N., Nakin, MDV., Saibu, GM, Oyedeji, AO
- Authors: N Mbandzi, N. , Nakin, MDV. , Saibu, GM , Oyedeji, AO
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Marine Pollution Bioaccumulation Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6936 , vital:52572 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.2989/1814232X.2021.1948918"
- Description: Heavy metal pollution is an increasing threat to the marine environment and is a major health concern. Both marine limpets and algae have been employed as biomonitors elsewhere in the world, but there are few or no data for these taxa along the South African coast. We investigated heavy metal concentrations in the tissues of selected limpet and algae species sampled at four sites on the southeast coast of South Africa (Silaka, Hluleka, Mthatha and Mbhashe), and determined whether there was any relationship between heavy metal concentrations in the limpets and their algae food sources as evidenced by the trophic transfer factor (TTF). Samples were collected in July 2019 and the tissues were digested following normal protocols. Heavy metals were detected using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Significant differences in metal concentrations were observed among the algae species. The soft tissues of limpets from Silaka had the highest heavy metal concentrations, and samples from Mthatha had the lowest, with only mercury (Hg) occurring in high concentrations. Metal concentrations in soft tissues were generally 10-times higher than in shell tissues and differed between lower- and upper-shore species. Cadmium (Cd) biomagnified (TTF > 1) in all limpet species at all sites. Cd, arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and Hg measured in our study were above the maximum limits set by the South African Department of Health. This study suggests that the use of limpet and algae species as bioindicators is feasible since they are widely distributed and can accumulate a wide range of heavy metals.
- Full Text:
- Authors: N Mbandzi, N. , Nakin, MDV. , Saibu, GM , Oyedeji, AO
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Marine Pollution Bioaccumulation Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6936 , vital:52572 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.2989/1814232X.2021.1948918"
- Description: Heavy metal pollution is an increasing threat to the marine environment and is a major health concern. Both marine limpets and algae have been employed as biomonitors elsewhere in the world, but there are few or no data for these taxa along the South African coast. We investigated heavy metal concentrations in the tissues of selected limpet and algae species sampled at four sites on the southeast coast of South Africa (Silaka, Hluleka, Mthatha and Mbhashe), and determined whether there was any relationship between heavy metal concentrations in the limpets and their algae food sources as evidenced by the trophic transfer factor (TTF). Samples were collected in July 2019 and the tissues were digested following normal protocols. Heavy metals were detected using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Significant differences in metal concentrations were observed among the algae species. The soft tissues of limpets from Silaka had the highest heavy metal concentrations, and samples from Mthatha had the lowest, with only mercury (Hg) occurring in high concentrations. Metal concentrations in soft tissues were generally 10-times higher than in shell tissues and differed between lower- and upper-shore species. Cadmium (Cd) biomagnified (TTF > 1) in all limpet species at all sites. Cd, arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and Hg measured in our study were above the maximum limits set by the South African Department of Health. This study suggests that the use of limpet and algae species as bioindicators is feasible since they are widely distributed and can accumulate a wide range of heavy metals.
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Imiba edinga ukuthathelwa ingqalelo kuguqulelo loncwadi lwabantwana Pertinent issues in translation of children's literature
- Authors: Madolo, Yolisa
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Children Xhosa Children, Black, in literature Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6990 , vital:52635 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.2989/16073614.2021.1974903"
- Description: Amagqabantshintshi Ukuguqulela uncwadi lwabantwana kudinga ingcali engapheleli nje ekujongeni ukuvelisa umyalezo wolwimi lwentsusa ngolwimi ekusiwa kulo; koko eza kuwuvelisa ngendlela eyamkelekileyo kubalesi bolu lwimi kusiwa kulo. Abo balesi ngabantwana ke kule meko. Ithiyori yeSikoposi icebisa ukuba umguqulelimbhali aqiniseke ngokufezekisa injongo yoguqulelo kwakunye nokwaneza abantu abaza kuyilesa loo nguqulelo. Oku kunokwenzeka ngokusebenzisa iindlela ezithile ezicetyiswayo kule thiyori nakwezinye iithiyori ezijonge ukuvelisa inguqulelo efundeka njengeyoqobo kulwimi ekusiwa kulo. Umphandi usebenzise le thiyori yeSikoposi ukuphicotha iincwadi zabantwana eziguqulelwe zasuswa esiNgesini zasiwa esiXhoseni. Ekuphicotheni kwakhe ezi ncwadi ubhaqe iimpazamo ezithile ezinokuwethisa umdla womntwana ekufundeni incwadi enjalo. Kweli nqaku kucaciswa ezi mpazamo zifumanisekileyo kunye neendlela ezinokuphetshwa ngazo. Umphandi ufumanise ukuba zikhona iimpazamo ezenzeka kuba umguqulelimbhali elandela ulwimi lwentsusa, zikwakhona nezo zibangelwa kukungalandeli imigaqo yentetho yolwimi ekusiwa kulo. Ezinye iimpazamo sezendele kangangokuba kusenokwenzeka ukuba abanye abaguqulelibabhali abasazithathi njengeempazamo kubhalo lwabo. Enye yezinto ezicetyiswayo kukuba umguqulelimbhali aqiniseke ukuba uyayifundisisa inguqulelo yakhe ukuyigqiba kwakhe, phambi kokuba ayidlulisele kumhleli nomjongizimpazamo. Abstract Translation of children’s literature needs an artist who not only aims at producing the source language message in the target language, but will produce it in an appropriate manner and language to the target audience. In this case, the audience is children. The Skopos theory maintains that the translator needs to ensure that they fulfil the translation aim and the expectations of the target reader. This can only happen by using various strategies suggested by this and other functional equivalence theories. The researcher has used the Skopos theory to critically analyse children’s texts translated from English into isiXhosa. In the critique, the researcher noticed some errors in the translations, which may end up discouraging the child reader from reading such texts. This article explains the errors found in the texts and how they could be averted. The findings were that there are errors that happen because the translator is faithful to the source language, while there are others that are caused by nonconformity to the target language conventions. Some of these errors are so common in isiXhosa that it is possible that they are no longer considered errors by the translators. One of the recommendations is for the translator to reread the translation before they forward it to the editor and proofreader.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Madolo, Yolisa
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Children Xhosa Children, Black, in literature Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6990 , vital:52635 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.2989/16073614.2021.1974903"
- Description: Amagqabantshintshi Ukuguqulela uncwadi lwabantwana kudinga ingcali engapheleli nje ekujongeni ukuvelisa umyalezo wolwimi lwentsusa ngolwimi ekusiwa kulo; koko eza kuwuvelisa ngendlela eyamkelekileyo kubalesi bolu lwimi kusiwa kulo. Abo balesi ngabantwana ke kule meko. Ithiyori yeSikoposi icebisa ukuba umguqulelimbhali aqiniseke ngokufezekisa injongo yoguqulelo kwakunye nokwaneza abantu abaza kuyilesa loo nguqulelo. Oku kunokwenzeka ngokusebenzisa iindlela ezithile ezicetyiswayo kule thiyori nakwezinye iithiyori ezijonge ukuvelisa inguqulelo efundeka njengeyoqobo kulwimi ekusiwa kulo. Umphandi usebenzise le thiyori yeSikoposi ukuphicotha iincwadi zabantwana eziguqulelwe zasuswa esiNgesini zasiwa esiXhoseni. Ekuphicotheni kwakhe ezi ncwadi ubhaqe iimpazamo ezithile ezinokuwethisa umdla womntwana ekufundeni incwadi enjalo. Kweli nqaku kucaciswa ezi mpazamo zifumanisekileyo kunye neendlela ezinokuphetshwa ngazo. Umphandi ufumanise ukuba zikhona iimpazamo ezenzeka kuba umguqulelimbhali elandela ulwimi lwentsusa, zikwakhona nezo zibangelwa kukungalandeli imigaqo yentetho yolwimi ekusiwa kulo. Ezinye iimpazamo sezendele kangangokuba kusenokwenzeka ukuba abanye abaguqulelibabhali abasazithathi njengeempazamo kubhalo lwabo. Enye yezinto ezicetyiswayo kukuba umguqulelimbhali aqiniseke ukuba uyayifundisisa inguqulelo yakhe ukuyigqiba kwakhe, phambi kokuba ayidlulisele kumhleli nomjongizimpazamo. Abstract Translation of children’s literature needs an artist who not only aims at producing the source language message in the target language, but will produce it in an appropriate manner and language to the target audience. In this case, the audience is children. The Skopos theory maintains that the translator needs to ensure that they fulfil the translation aim and the expectations of the target reader. This can only happen by using various strategies suggested by this and other functional equivalence theories. The researcher has used the Skopos theory to critically analyse children’s texts translated from English into isiXhosa. In the critique, the researcher noticed some errors in the translations, which may end up discouraging the child reader from reading such texts. This article explains the errors found in the texts and how they could be averted. The findings were that there are errors that happen because the translator is faithful to the source language, while there are others that are caused by nonconformity to the target language conventions. Some of these errors are so common in isiXhosa that it is possible that they are no longer considered errors by the translators. One of the recommendations is for the translator to reread the translation before they forward it to the editor and proofreader.
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Mildly elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone is associated with endothelial dysfunction and severe preeclampsia among pregnant women with insufficient iodine intake in Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Businge, Charles Bitamazire, Longo-Mbenza, Benjamin, Kengne, Andre Pascal
- Authors: Businge, Charles Bitamazire , Longo-Mbenza, Benjamin , Kengne, Andre Pascal
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Preeclampsia Iodine deficiency diseases Endothelial cells Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6908 , vital:52565 , xlink:href="https://10.1080/07853890.2021.1947520"
- Description: Background Preeclampsia and hypothyroidism are associated with endothelial dysfunction. Iodine deficiency is a risk factor for subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy. However, there is a paucity of data on the relationship between iodine nutrition state in pregnancy, the degree of endothelial dysfunction, and the risk of preeclampsia. Methods Ninety-five normotensive pregnant women, 50 women with preeclampsia with no severe features, and 50 women with severe preeclampsia were enrolled into the current study from the maternity units of Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital and Mthatha Regional Hospitals in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC), serum markers of thyroid function, aortic augmentation index, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were compared. Results Median UIC was 167.5, 127.7, and 88.5 µg/L, respectively for normotensive pregnant women, those with preeclampsia and severe preeclampsia (p = .150). Participants with severe preeclampsia had significantly higher median thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and oxidized LDL than normotensive and preeclamptic women without severe features (respectively 3.0, 2.3, and 2.3 IU/L; 1.2, 1.0, and 1.0 IU/L, p less .05). The median Aortic augmentation index was 7.5, 19.0, and 21.0 (p less .001), and the pulse wave velocity 5.1, 5.7, and 6.3, respectively for normotensive, preeclampsia, and severe preeclampsia participants (both p less .001). In linear regressions, TSH, age, and hypertensive disease were independent predictors of elevated PWV. Conclusion Upper normal-range TSH levels in women with severe preeclampsia were associated with markers of endothelial dysfunction. The low UIC and trend towards the elevation of thyroglobulin suggest that inadequate iodine intake may have increased TSH levels and indirectly caused endothelial dysfunction. Keywords: Preeclampsia, Iodine deficiency, Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone, Pulse wave velocity, Endothelial dysfunction
- Full Text:
- Authors: Businge, Charles Bitamazire , Longo-Mbenza, Benjamin , Kengne, Andre Pascal
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Preeclampsia Iodine deficiency diseases Endothelial cells Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6908 , vital:52565 , xlink:href="https://10.1080/07853890.2021.1947520"
- Description: Background Preeclampsia and hypothyroidism are associated with endothelial dysfunction. Iodine deficiency is a risk factor for subclinical hypothyroidism in pregnancy. However, there is a paucity of data on the relationship between iodine nutrition state in pregnancy, the degree of endothelial dysfunction, and the risk of preeclampsia. Methods Ninety-five normotensive pregnant women, 50 women with preeclampsia with no severe features, and 50 women with severe preeclampsia were enrolled into the current study from the maternity units of Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital and Mthatha Regional Hospitals in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC), serum markers of thyroid function, aortic augmentation index, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were compared. Results Median UIC was 167.5, 127.7, and 88.5 µg/L, respectively for normotensive pregnant women, those with preeclampsia and severe preeclampsia (p = .150). Participants with severe preeclampsia had significantly higher median thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and oxidized LDL than normotensive and preeclamptic women without severe features (respectively 3.0, 2.3, and 2.3 IU/L; 1.2, 1.0, and 1.0 IU/L, p less .05). The median Aortic augmentation index was 7.5, 19.0, and 21.0 (p less .001), and the pulse wave velocity 5.1, 5.7, and 6.3, respectively for normotensive, preeclampsia, and severe preeclampsia participants (both p less .001). In linear regressions, TSH, age, and hypertensive disease were independent predictors of elevated PWV. Conclusion Upper normal-range TSH levels in women with severe preeclampsia were associated with markers of endothelial dysfunction. The low UIC and trend towards the elevation of thyroglobulin suggest that inadequate iodine intake may have increased TSH levels and indirectly caused endothelial dysfunction. Keywords: Preeclampsia, Iodine deficiency, Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone, Pulse wave velocity, Endothelial dysfunction
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Power, Powerlessness and Radical Protest in Contemporary Cameroonian Popular Music
- Authors: Sone, Enongene Mirabeau
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Popular music Marginal society Power (Social sciences) Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6896 , vital:52474 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/18125980.2021.1947154"
- Description: The fraught relationship between popular music and the various kinds of power in Africa has stimulated intensive scholarship and encouraged heated discussions on the topic. Of special interest seems to be the multifaceted character of that interrelationship. It is generally agreed that artistic expression is influenced by political power and that the two mutually inform and shape each other. This article examines the themes of power, powerlessness, and protest as they affect political governance in Cameroon, Central Africa, and as they are reflected in Cameroonian popular music. It further shows how popular songs are used to examine fundamental issues of national concern and to criticise the political leadership. The purpose of the article is to demonstrate how popular music can open a window of understanding into the current political process in Cameroon with a view to drawing implications for positive change. Written against the background of new historicism and postcolonial theories, the article is built on the assumption that popular music is a vibrant and dynamic form of oral literature which is shaped by social, economic, and political forces in present-day Cameroon. As a result, popular music has the potential to play a role in influencing a society’s perception and sense of direction. The article concludes by recommending that if the issues of power and marginality in Cameroon are to be addressed more successfully, and if the politically fraught conditions are to be ameliorated, then Cameroonians must be prepared to undergo a radical change of mentality. Keywords: Cameroon; marginalisation; popular music; power; powerlessness; radical protest
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- Authors: Sone, Enongene Mirabeau
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Popular music Marginal society Power (Social sciences) Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6896 , vital:52474 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/18125980.2021.1947154"
- Description: The fraught relationship between popular music and the various kinds of power in Africa has stimulated intensive scholarship and encouraged heated discussions on the topic. Of special interest seems to be the multifaceted character of that interrelationship. It is generally agreed that artistic expression is influenced by political power and that the two mutually inform and shape each other. This article examines the themes of power, powerlessness, and protest as they affect political governance in Cameroon, Central Africa, and as they are reflected in Cameroonian popular music. It further shows how popular songs are used to examine fundamental issues of national concern and to criticise the political leadership. The purpose of the article is to demonstrate how popular music can open a window of understanding into the current political process in Cameroon with a view to drawing implications for positive change. Written against the background of new historicism and postcolonial theories, the article is built on the assumption that popular music is a vibrant and dynamic form of oral literature which is shaped by social, economic, and political forces in present-day Cameroon. As a result, popular music has the potential to play a role in influencing a society’s perception and sense of direction. The article concludes by recommending that if the issues of power and marginality in Cameroon are to be addressed more successfully, and if the politically fraught conditions are to be ameliorated, then Cameroonians must be prepared to undergo a radical change of mentality. Keywords: Cameroon; marginalisation; popular music; power; powerlessness; radical protest
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Strategies utilised in translating children’s stories from English into isiXhosa
- Authors: Madolo, Yolisa
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Children Xhosa Grammar, Comparative and general--Ideophone Children, Black, in literature Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/7010 , vital:52637 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/02572117.2021.2010919"
- Description: Translation scholars suggest various strategies for dealing with equivalence and non-equivalence. These popular strategies address non-equivalence, the converse of equivalence, that is commonly found in translation. Nonequivalence is found at word, phrase, sentence, and pragmatic levels. Not a great deal of research has been done in the translation strategies used between English and South African indigenous languages. It is possible that these languages employ some strategies that are not listed under current, popular strategies. These strategies may be necessitated by the linguistic and historical differences between English and African languages. For instance, what is acceptable in question form in English might be more suitable as a statement in African languages, specifically isiXhosa. The strategies to be presented are from an ongoing study of selected children’s stories translated from English into isiXhosa. The aim of the study is to scrutinise some of the strategies used by the translators in their translations. Preliminary results reveal that translators from English into isiXhosa may explicitate or implicitate the translation using various strategies like addition, infusing target language culture, translating source language idiom by another figure of speech or even omitting some words. This may have minimal or significant impact on the transferred message.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Madolo, Yolisa
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Children Xhosa Grammar, Comparative and general--Ideophone Children, Black, in literature Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/7010 , vital:52637 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/02572117.2021.2010919"
- Description: Translation scholars suggest various strategies for dealing with equivalence and non-equivalence. These popular strategies address non-equivalence, the converse of equivalence, that is commonly found in translation. Nonequivalence is found at word, phrase, sentence, and pragmatic levels. Not a great deal of research has been done in the translation strategies used between English and South African indigenous languages. It is possible that these languages employ some strategies that are not listed under current, popular strategies. These strategies may be necessitated by the linguistic and historical differences between English and African languages. For instance, what is acceptable in question form in English might be more suitable as a statement in African languages, specifically isiXhosa. The strategies to be presented are from an ongoing study of selected children’s stories translated from English into isiXhosa. The aim of the study is to scrutinise some of the strategies used by the translators in their translations. Preliminary results reveal that translators from English into isiXhosa may explicitate or implicitate the translation using various strategies like addition, infusing target language culture, translating source language idiom by another figure of speech or even omitting some words. This may have minimal or significant impact on the transferred message.
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Acute and sub-chronic antihypertensive properties of Taraxacum officinale leaf (TOL) and root (TOR)
- Authors: Adebola O. Oyedeji2
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: Journal
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/5091 , vital:44344
- Full Text:
- Authors: Adebola O. Oyedeji2
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: Journal
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/5091 , vital:44344
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Cloud computing adoption: Strategies for Sub-Saharan Africa SMEs for enhancing competitiveness
- Authors: Adane, Martin
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: business intelligence small businesses business planning Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6862 , vital:51101 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/20421338.2018.1439288"
- Description: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to design and implement strategies for adopting new technologies as a competitive tool for maintaining their competitive advantage and cloud computing is at its peak. Since its emergence, there has been a surge in the adoption of cloud computing with research into its adoption primarily concentrated on bigger firms. However, a major characteristic of cloud computing is the anticipated possibilities it holds for SMEs. This paper primarily explores cloud computing adoption strategies for SMEs operating in Sub-Saharan Africa. Using a mixed method approach, a sample of 261 respondents and 11 SMEs was respectively used for the quantitative and qualitative stages of the research. The results reveal that, even though SMEs have their unique expectations for adopting cloud computing, they were of the consensus that elements of an adoption strategy should include adoption goals, a roadmap, and considerations. The paper makes specific recommendations to SMEs to develop adoption strategies that meet their specific needs if they expect cloud computing to play a stronger role to support more strategic initiatives to grow their businesses and improve customer experience.
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- Authors: Adane, Martin
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: business intelligence small businesses business planning Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6862 , vital:51101 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/20421338.2018.1439288"
- Description: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to design and implement strategies for adopting new technologies as a competitive tool for maintaining their competitive advantage and cloud computing is at its peak. Since its emergence, there has been a surge in the adoption of cloud computing with research into its adoption primarily concentrated on bigger firms. However, a major characteristic of cloud computing is the anticipated possibilities it holds for SMEs. This paper primarily explores cloud computing adoption strategies for SMEs operating in Sub-Saharan Africa. Using a mixed method approach, a sample of 261 respondents and 11 SMEs was respectively used for the quantitative and qualitative stages of the research. The results reveal that, even though SMEs have their unique expectations for adopting cloud computing, they were of the consensus that elements of an adoption strategy should include adoption goals, a roadmap, and considerations. The paper makes specific recommendations to SMEs to develop adoption strategies that meet their specific needs if they expect cloud computing to play a stronger role to support more strategic initiatives to grow their businesses and improve customer experience.
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Incidence of unnatural deaths in Transkei subregion of South Africa (1996 –2015)
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South Africa Death 2078-6204 Journal article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6172 , vital:45258 , xlink:href=": https://doi.org/10.1080/20786190.2017.1292697"
- Description: Background: Unnatural deaths are a serious and preventable public health problem in South Africa. Such an event is more than the death of an individual who has died in an unnatural way. It has a negative and long-lasting impact on family members as well as on society as a whole. Objective: To study the pattern of unnatural deaths in the Transkei sub-region of South Africa. Method: A record review was undertaken from 1996 to 2015 of 24 693 medico-legal autopsies performed at Mthatha Forensic Pathology Laboratory. Results: At the Mthatha Forensic Pathology Laboratory, 24 693 autopsies were performed between 1996 and 2015 on people who had died unnatural deaths. The average rate of unnatural death is 205 per 100 000 per year in this region. The figure is 160 per 100 000 among males and 44 per 100 000 among females. The rate of unnatural death has increased from 153 per 100 000 in 1996 to 260 per 100 000 in 2015. In two-thirds (69%) of cases, the cause of death is related to trauma. Slightly less than half (45%) of the victims in this study were murdered. Conclusion: There is an increasing trend of unnatural deaths in the Mthatha region of South Africa. The male-to-female ratio is 3.8:1, and about half (48%) of the victims were between 11 and 30 years old. This situation needs the urgent attention of the law enforcement agencies. Keywords: unnatural deaths, traumatic deaths, violent death
- Full Text:
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South Africa Death 2078-6204 Journal article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6172 , vital:45258 , xlink:href=": https://doi.org/10.1080/20786190.2017.1292697"
- Description: Background: Unnatural deaths are a serious and preventable public health problem in South Africa. Such an event is more than the death of an individual who has died in an unnatural way. It has a negative and long-lasting impact on family members as well as on society as a whole. Objective: To study the pattern of unnatural deaths in the Transkei sub-region of South Africa. Method: A record review was undertaken from 1996 to 2015 of 24 693 medico-legal autopsies performed at Mthatha Forensic Pathology Laboratory. Results: At the Mthatha Forensic Pathology Laboratory, 24 693 autopsies were performed between 1996 and 2015 on people who had died unnatural deaths. The average rate of unnatural death is 205 per 100 000 per year in this region. The figure is 160 per 100 000 among males and 44 per 100 000 among females. The rate of unnatural death has increased from 153 per 100 000 in 1996 to 260 per 100 000 in 2015. In two-thirds (69%) of cases, the cause of death is related to trauma. Slightly less than half (45%) of the victims in this study were murdered. Conclusion: There is an increasing trend of unnatural deaths in the Mthatha region of South Africa. The male-to-female ratio is 3.8:1, and about half (48%) of the victims were between 11 and 30 years old. This situation needs the urgent attention of the law enforcement agencies. Keywords: unnatural deaths, traumatic deaths, violent death
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Objectivity of the subjective quality: Convergence on competencies expected of doctoral graduates
- Kariyana, Israel, Sonn, Reynold A., Marongwe, Newlin
- Authors: Kariyana, Israel , Sonn, Reynold A. , Marongwe, Newlin
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South Africa Doctoral students Computer File
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/5794 , vital:44645 , https://DOI:10.1080/2331186X.2017.1390827
- Description: This study assessed the competencies expected of doctoral graduates. Twelve purposefully sampled education experts provided the data. A case study design within a qualitative approach was adopted. Data were gathered through interviews and thematically analysed. Member checking ensured data trustworthiness. Factors affecting the quality of a doctoral graduate were said to be embedded in characteristics of universities and doctoral students. Competencies expected of doctoral graduates included being autonomous researchers and knowledge producers and consumers. Measures to enhance competence of doctoral graduates comprised implementing rigorous institutional mandates and creating doctoral collaborative communities. The study recommends higher education institutions to pragmatically capacitate supervisors and implement rigorous institutional doctoral transformation programmes. Subjects: Information and Communication Technology (ICT); Social Sciences; Education; Humanities Keywords: doctoral graduates; competencies; supervisors; higher education institutions
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- Authors: Kariyana, Israel , Sonn, Reynold A. , Marongwe, Newlin
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South Africa Doctoral students Computer File
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/5794 , vital:44645 , https://DOI:10.1080/2331186X.2017.1390827
- Description: This study assessed the competencies expected of doctoral graduates. Twelve purposefully sampled education experts provided the data. A case study design within a qualitative approach was adopted. Data were gathered through interviews and thematically analysed. Member checking ensured data trustworthiness. Factors affecting the quality of a doctoral graduate were said to be embedded in characteristics of universities and doctoral students. Competencies expected of doctoral graduates included being autonomous researchers and knowledge producers and consumers. Measures to enhance competence of doctoral graduates comprised implementing rigorous institutional mandates and creating doctoral collaborative communities. The study recommends higher education institutions to pragmatically capacitate supervisors and implement rigorous institutional doctoral transformation programmes. Subjects: Information and Communication Technology (ICT); Social Sciences; Education; Humanities Keywords: doctoral graduates; competencies; supervisors; higher education institutions
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Prevalence and factors associated with tobacco use among adults attending selected healthcare facilities in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa
- Owolabia, E O, Goona, D T, Adeniyi, Oladele Vincent, Seekoea, E, Adedokun, A O
- Authors: Owolabia, E O , Goona, D T , Adeniyi, Oladele Vincent , Seekoea, E , Adedokun, A O
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South Africa Tobacco 2078-6204 Computer File
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6127 , vital:45127 , https://doi.org/10.1080/20786190.2017.1340251
- Description: Tobacco use increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, premature death and certain cancers. This study investigated the prevalence and determinants of tobacco use among adults in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM), South Africa. Methods: This study forms part of the cardio-metabolic risk survey carried out at the three largest outpatient clinics in BCMM. This multi-centre cross-sectional survey utilised the relevant items of the WHO STEPwise questionnaire to obtain information on demographic and behavioural characteristics of 1 107 participants. A total of 109 participants were excluded as a result of incomplete data. Thus, 998 participants (male = 327; female = 671) were included in the analysis. Self-reported, current use of any tobacco product was defined as tobacco use while secondary smoking was defined as exposure of non-smokers to environmental tobacco smoke, either at home or in the workplace. Results: Of all the study participants, 150 (15%) were current tobacco users and 335 (39.5%) of the non-smoking participants were exposed to secondary smoking. The majority of the tobacco users were males (70.7%) compared with females (29.3%). The commonest form of tobacco use was the manufactured cigarette. The mean age at initiation of smoking was 18.3 ± 5.1 and 22.6 ± 8.0 years for men and women, respectively. Only male sex (p = 0.000), single status (p = 0.003), no formal education (p = 0.007) and self-employment (p = 0.043) were significantly associated with tobacco use. Conclusion: High prevalence of tobacco use, especially cigarette smoking, in BCMM is worrisome given its strong association with cardiovascular events and cancers. The district health authorities should prioritise smoking cessation measures at the primary health care level.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Owolabia, E O , Goona, D T , Adeniyi, Oladele Vincent , Seekoea, E , Adedokun, A O
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South Africa Tobacco 2078-6204 Computer File
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6127 , vital:45127 , https://doi.org/10.1080/20786190.2017.1340251
- Description: Tobacco use increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, premature death and certain cancers. This study investigated the prevalence and determinants of tobacco use among adults in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM), South Africa. Methods: This study forms part of the cardio-metabolic risk survey carried out at the three largest outpatient clinics in BCMM. This multi-centre cross-sectional survey utilised the relevant items of the WHO STEPwise questionnaire to obtain information on demographic and behavioural characteristics of 1 107 participants. A total of 109 participants were excluded as a result of incomplete data. Thus, 998 participants (male = 327; female = 671) were included in the analysis. Self-reported, current use of any tobacco product was defined as tobacco use while secondary smoking was defined as exposure of non-smokers to environmental tobacco smoke, either at home or in the workplace. Results: Of all the study participants, 150 (15%) were current tobacco users and 335 (39.5%) of the non-smoking participants were exposed to secondary smoking. The majority of the tobacco users were males (70.7%) compared with females (29.3%). The commonest form of tobacco use was the manufactured cigarette. The mean age at initiation of smoking was 18.3 ± 5.1 and 22.6 ± 8.0 years for men and women, respectively. Only male sex (p = 0.000), single status (p = 0.003), no formal education (p = 0.007) and self-employment (p = 0.043) were significantly associated with tobacco use. Conclusion: High prevalence of tobacco use, especially cigarette smoking, in BCMM is worrisome given its strong association with cardiovascular events and cancers. The district health authorities should prioritise smoking cessation measures at the primary health care level.
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