bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhance the Electrical Performance of TiO2 NTAs Decorated with Cobalt and Compatible with Environmentally Friendly Electrolytes
Authors: Hasan Bassam Baqer , Salman Taghried Ali , Ayal Asmaa Kadim
Published: January 2025

Titanium dioxide nanotube arrays (TiO2 NTAs) were successfully decorated with nanoclusters of cobalt by an electrochemical deposition method. This Co-TiO2 NTAs nanostructure exhibited high compatibility with aluminum chloride\ chloroacetamide (an ionic liquid) and calcium chloride dihydrate\ acetamide (a deep eutectic solvent), leading to significant improvements in the electrochemical properties of the system. Significantly, this led to a discernible augmentation in both potential and current values, concomitant with a decrease in internal resistance. The presence of cobalt facilitated a faster transfer of electric charge, enhancing the overall efficiency of the system. Moreover, the incorporation of cobalt exhibited a beneficial effect on the preservation of ideal operational temperatures in the electric cells. The temperature remained below the permissible limit during both the charging and discharging processes. The utilization of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) provided comprehensive visualization of the Co-TiO2 NTAs surface.
Structural and Stratigraphic Interpretation of Zubair Formation (Lower Cretaceous) for the Area Between Halfaya, Noor, and Amara Oil Fields, Southeastern Iraq, Using 2D Seismic Reflection Data
Authors: Al-Azzawi Bakr Samar , Ali Kamal K.
Published: January 2025

The study area is located in the Missan governorate in southeastern Iraq including oilfields (Halfaya, Noor, and Amara). Each field was previously studied separately, it was found that the structures were anticline folds. In this study, the three oilfields and the area between them will be studied structurally in one study to find out the extension of the structural axis of these structures within the Lower Cretaceous period, using 2D seismic reflection data. Seismic data improvement was carried out by using some attributes (structural smoothing, second derivative, phase shift, and trace AGC) to increase the visibility, accuracy, and signal-to-noise ratio. Also, the mis-tie correction was performed to match the interpretation pick at the intersection points of the seismic section. Depending on the 2D seismic reflection interpretation, and based on the well velocity survey, sonic and estimated density logs were used to make a synthetic seismogram of well Am-2. Two horizons were identified and picked (top Zubair and top Ratawi formations) within the Lower Cretaceous period. Two-way time and depth maps (3D structural model) were conducted for the picked reflectors to show the structural model of the subsurface formations. The structural interpretation shows two structural axes in the study area. The first one is the Halfaya-Amara axis whose direction is WNW-ESE corresponding with Amara structure. Due to the tectonic effect on the Halfaya structure, this axis deviates in the southeast direction. Another tectonic force affected the Halfaya structure in the NW-SE direction leading to the appearance of a branch of a convex extension towards the north from the middle of the Halfaya structure as a nose and directed towards the Noor structure. The second axis of Halfaya-Noor is in the direction of NW-SE. Application of the instantaneous phase attribute detects the sag which represents a decrease in seismic velocity in addition to a flat spot representing the seismic response of hydrocarbon-water contact, and a bright spot in the seismic section is considered a (DHI).
Monitoring of Main Outfall Drain and Southern Marsh in Iraq by Arithemitic Water Quality Index
Authors: Al-Janabi Zahraa  Zahraw , Maktoof Afrah  A. , Al-Ani Rana  R. , Al-Obaidy Abdul-Hameed  M.  Jawad , TA. Mohammed  M.
Published: January 2025

This  study  set  out  to  assess  the  ecological  states  to  show  that  the  Main  Outfall  Drain  and  the  Southern  Marsh  are  viable  for  irrigation  use  and  the  preservation  of  aquatic  life.  Water  quality  conditions  at  four  sites  were  evaluated  using  the  weight  model.  Samples  were  taken  monthly  to  calculate  the  water  quality  index  (WQI)  for  two  seasons,  summer  of  2021  and  winter  of  2022.  Twenty-six  parameters  were  chosen  to  apply  the  WQI:  Cl-,  CO3-,  HCO32-,  Ca2+,  Mg2+,  pH,  electrical  conductivity  (EC),  NO3,  NO2,  NH3,  Na+,  K+,  dissolved  Oxygen  (DO),  water  temperature  (WT),  total  dissolved  solids  (TDS),  Mn,  Ni,  Pb,  Fe,  Cr,  Zn,  Cd,  Cu,  sodium  absorption  ratio  (SAR),  residual  sodium  carbonate  (RSC)  andsoluble  sodium  percent  (SSP).
High  levels  of  Cl,  TDS,  Cu  and  Pb  were  found  in  all  sites  during  both  seasons,  and  their  concentrations  were  beyond  the  aquatic  life  protection  criterion.  Cl-,  Mg2+,  pH,  EC,  Na+,  Cu  and  Cd  were  above  the  permissible  limit  for  irrigation  uses.
     The  results  of  the  index  for  protection  of  aquatic  life  and  irrigation  uses  ranged  between  72.12–372.47  and  131.24–158.1  respectively.  The  WQI's  ultimate  rating  ranged  from  very  poor  to  unfit  for  both  purposes.  Therefore,  only  tolerant  species  may  find  this  water  quality  acceptable  which  is  insufficient  to  support  the  presence  of  diverse  aquatic  life.
Study of the Association of Some Tumor Markers and Serum Protein Electrophoresis Patterns with Breast Cancer in Iraqi Population
Authors: Awachti Yassin B. Ridha , Sahib Dina Hamid , Alfaily Jwan.Y.B. , Mohammed Zahraa J.
Published: January 2025

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and a leading cause of cancer mortality among females worldwide. The recruitment of less invasive serum protein electrophoresis and serum breast cancer tumor markers as monitoring factors for patient response to therapy is still controversial.
 Hence, the present study aimed to designate serum protein electrophoresis pattern of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carcinoma antigens (CA125  and CA 15-3) as novel biomarkers in monitoring breast cancer patients under and post radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
Samples included 23 breast cancer women patients after mastectomy and under or post chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Tumor markers CEA, CA 15-3, and CA 125 were measured by using electrochemiluminescence method used in Cobas ®. Total serum protein was performed by using commercially available kits suitable with semiautomated chemistry analyzer. Quantitative estimation of serum proteins was accomplished by agarose serum protein electrophoresis.
Analysis of secondary structure and identification of internal repeats in miRNA precursor sequences of Saccharum officinarum, Saccharum sp. and Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Sengupta Subhadipa , Singha Ashmita , Ganguli Sayak
Published: January 2025

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are the post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression that interact with mRNA in a sequence-specific manner. These interactions are primarily regulated by the secondary structural conformation of miRNAs. In plants, miRNAs have always been a subject to extensive research to see their explicit roles in overall development, cell to cell communications, metabolism, responses to stress and pathogen invasion. Here, we aimed to gain more understanding of the secondary structure of all possible miRNA precursor sequences (pre-miRNAs from which mature miRNAs are produced) for Saccharum and Sorghum, the two closest monocot relatives among the domesticated cultivated crops. Using computational approaches, altogether, 240 different pre-miRNAs were analyzed among which three different structural patterns were observed. The structural motifs primarily consist of stem, internal loop, bulge, and terminal loop. The pre-miRNAs of Saccharum sp. were found to have the most stable secondary structure with -193.05 kcal/mol free energy suggesting their resistance to nuclease in the cell. The Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) within the stem region of pre-miRNAs were found to be predominant with many trinucleotides, tetranucleotides and less frequent pentanucleotide repeats. AUG/AUC was the mostly observed trinucleotide in 80 percent of the studied precursors. The occurrence of these repeat sequences at varying level suggests their role in the proper functioning of miRNAs. Likewise, SSRs provide a molecular basis for the structural conformation of pre-miRNAs. All this information is substantially required for identifying miRNA targets and designing additional miRNA-based strategies to increase crop yields and enhance plant resistance to environmental stresses.
Manajemen Karung Brondolan PT. Gunung Sejahtera Dua Indah, Kalimantan Tengah
Authors: Aini Nurul Faddilah , Nurjanah Danik , Dinarti Siwi Istiana
Published: January 2025

This research was conducted at PT. Gunung Sejahtera Dua Indah, Kotawaringin Barat, Central Kalimantan. The aim of this research is to understand the management flow of loose fruit sacks and to gauge the responses of employees involved in the management of loose fruit sacks. This research uses a descriptive method with a qualitative approach, employing primary and secondary company data collected through interviews using questionnaires, observations, and documentation. The data analysis method used is Miles & Huberman’s interactive analysis. The results of this research indicate that (1) The management flow of loose fruit sacks at PT. Gunung Sejahtera Dua Indah in Central Kalimantan is implemented according to the management functions of P-O-A-C (Planning, Organizing, Actuating, and Controling). The responses regarding job responsibilities from the harvesters and the person charge (PIC) of the sacks:harvesters find their tasks enjoyable, while the PIC of the sacks finds the color-coding system for harvesters somewhat challenging.
Dampak Perubahan Cuaca dan Kemampuan Adaptasi Petani Terhadap Produksi Tanaman Hortikultura di Kabupaten Timor Tengah Utara
Authors: Funan Anselma Ose , Sipayung Boanerges Putra , Nubatonis Agustinus
Published: January 2025

This study aims to analyze the impact of weather changes and the adaptive capacity of horticultural crop farmers in North Central Timor District. The methods used in this study were cobb-douglass analysis and multinomial logistic regression. The number of samples in this study amounted to 150 respondents. The results showed that the production of horticultural crops in North Central Timor District increased by 40.6%. Horticultural farmers in North Central Timor District are at a moderate stage of adapting to weather changes. Where the majority of farmers who are adapting as many as 61 people, unable to adapt 30 and have adapted 59 people. The adaptability of farmers is influenced by the independence variable. In this case farmers manage farms with their own capital ownership, besides that farmers also try to find solutions to problems regarding farms that are managed.
Kesediaan Membayar (Willingness To Pay) Petani Padi pada Layanan Irigasi di Desa Mojomanis, Kecamatan Kwadungan, Kabupaten Ngawi
Authors: Oktaviani Alvina Widya , Laily Dona Wahyuning , Fitriana Nisa Hafi Idhoh
Published: January 2025

Irrigation is an important factor in supporting and increasing agricultural production. For the smooth running of irrigation in Mojomanis Village, awareness is needed from farmers for irrigation fees/pump rent. The purpose of this research is to analyze the characteristics of farmers in Mojomanis Village, analyze the value of farmers' willingness to pay, and analyze what affects the ability of farmers to pay for irrigation services. The analysis approach of this research includes descriptive analysis, contingent valuation method, and multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that farmers are generally older with male farmers dominating, the majority of farmers' education level is only elementary school level, farming experience is generally 31-40 years, the land area owned by farmers is generally 0.17 hectares, the average cultivated land is owned by farmers and farmers' income is classified as moderate. The average value of willingness to pay (EWTP) of all respondents who are willing to pay for irrigation services/pump rent is in the high category and the total value of willingness to pay (TWTP) for all respondent farmers is also quite high. Factors that significantly affect the willingness to pay (WTP) of farmers are the variable number of family dependents, land area, and income of farmers.
Preferensi Konsumen terhadap Atribut Produk Minuman Kopi dengan Metode Konjoin di Belikopi Driyorejo Kabupaten Gresik
Authors: Putri Netta Aprillia Andaresta , Mubarokah Mubarokah , Setiawan Risqi Firdaus
Published: January 2025

As time goes by, the number of coffee shop competitors in Driyorejo District, Gresik Regency is increasing and competition between coffee drink business actors is becoming more competitive, so Belikopi Driyorejo must be able to meet the needs and desires of its consumers. This research aims to analyze the level of importance of coffee drink product attributes and analyze consumer preferences for coffee drink products in Belikopi Driyorejo based on their utility value. The research method used is conjoint analysis, namely identifying a set of attributes that consumers most like and dislike and determining the importance of each attribute analyzed, namely price, taste, presentation, atmosphere, packaging, menu variants and facilities. The analysis results show that the menu variant attribute has the highest level of importance. The order of importance of attributes starts from the most important, namely menu variants, presentation method, price, atmosphere, taste, facilities and packaging. Consumer preferences regarding coffee drink purchasing decisions refer to the choice of moderately priced coffee drinks (Rp. 10,000 – 12,000), sweet coffee drink taste, cold (ice) serving method, calm coffee shop atmosphere, packaging size upgrade, caramel macchiato menu variant, and air conditioning facilities at the Belikopi Driyorejo coffee shop.
Analisis Kinerja Ekonomi, Sosial, dan Lingkungan Social Entrepreneurship Warung Sehat 1000 Kebun
Authors: Riyanti Fauziah , Charina Anne
Published: January 2025

This research aims to analyze economic, social performance and environmental applications as well as socialpreneurship elements in a business. This research was conducted using a qualitative design with a case study approach at Warung Sehat 1000 Kebun Bandung City, the determination of informants was carried out purposively. Data analysis uses disclosure of each item of performance indicators according to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The results of the research show that the operations of Warung Sehat 1000 Kebun apply the four elements of sociopreneurship, the GRI indicator items which reveal economic performance show that Warung Sehat 1000 Kebun as a sociopreneurship can still gain profits for its business operations to carry out its social activities, in terms of the social performance of Warung Sehat 1000 Kebun creating and absorbing local workers, helping local organic farmers who have difficulty accessing organic markets, and involving local communities in various social activities, and in terms of environmental performance Warung Sehat 1000 Kebun contributes to minimizing the problems caused by the burning of the Sarimukti City Final Disposal Site Bandung as a form of responsibility and active participation in environmental conservation.
“Show us how much it Hurts”: A Relational-processual Approach to Redistributing Shame after Rape Towards Nuanced, Effective Activism
Authors: Smith Charla , Du Toit Louise
Published: January 2025

This article systematically criticises two still prominent but deeply problematic discourses about rape. We call them the “Damaged Goods” discourse related to victims/survivors of rape, and the “Monstrous Perpetrators” discourse associated with perpetrators of rape, respectively. Our lens for doing so is characterised by a relational-processual understanding of both people and events. While both these pervasive discursive thematics have their roots in understandable considerations, we show that when the meanings of events become fixed in such terms, and moreover the involved parties are permanently identified with such fixed meanings, then neither the relational nor the processual dimension of the human condition is respected. Without becoming prescriptive about how victim-survivors or perpetrators should feel and act, our focus is upon the discursive and thus imaginative spaces that societies either open up or close down around the topic of rape. We take our cue from the controversy that surrounded the book South of Forgiveness: A True Story of Rape and Responsibility, by Thordis Elva and Tom Stranger (2017).
(Un)paid Social Reproductive Labour at a Taxi Rank in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Xulu-Gama Nomkhosi , Toshḙ-Mlambo Yonela
Published: January 2025

This article draws on the case of omama, who prepare and sell food at the Deck Station taxi rank in Cape Town, South Africa. The study that informed the article aimed to explore social reproductive labour performed through the informal economy. Omama are involved in low-paid survivalist work. According to omama, they do this work because of the lack of choices. Although their labour is key to the everyday work lives of taxi drivers, their work has not received adequate scholarly attention. This study was based on participant observation and eight extensive semi-structured interviews, which were done with women who worked at the taxi rank, cooking and selling food. The study relied on relational comparison analytical tools and was located on social reproductive labour, space, gender and informal economy literature. According to the findings of this study, omama reported that in addition to their low-paid work, they performed unpaid gendered and intimate social reproductive work as a way of keeping their clients happy. Being involved in low-paid informal work puts omama in a position where they are involved in what we have termed “reverse social reproductive labour.” Reverse social reproductive labour is a process whereby women who perform social reproductive labour at the workplace subject other women of lower class to the same survivalist conditions, whether unpaid or underpaid.
An Examination of the Need to Introduce a Strike Fund to Compensate Victims of “No Work, No Pay” during a Protracted Strike—Transplanting Lessons from other Jurisdictions to South Africa
Authors: Tenza Mlungisi
Published: January 2025

The “no work, no pay” rule during long strikes negatively affects striking workers and negatively affects the negotiation process as workers feel compelled to agree to offers that may sometimes be unfavourable to them. They do this because they fear losing wages as a result of the “no work, no pay” rule that employers normally resort to when workers are on strike. Employers use the “no work, no pay” rule to inflict economic harm on striking workers. Employers try to indirectly force workers to accept their offer prematurely, which affects the fairness of the negotiation process. To address the negative effects of protracted strikes and the “no work, no pay” rule, this article proposes that a policy on the creation of a strike fund should be adopted in South Africa to compel unions to include a provision regulating the fund and a strike pay in their constitutions. The strike fund should provide union members with financial assistance for the lost wages while participating in long strikes. The union constitution must state and clarify the eligibility criteria should members want to claim from the fund. It must also state whether there should be a waiting period before members can lodge their claims.
The Protection of Seychelles’ Exclusive Economic Zone Through Penal Law: Analysing Warnakulusuriya Fernando v Republic [2000] and Kanapathi v R [2022] in the Light of Article 73(3) of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
Authors: Mujuzi Jamil Ddamulira
Published: January 2025

Seychelles ratified the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and Article 73(3) of this Treaty provides that ‘[c]oastal State penalties for violations of fisheries laws and regulations in the exclusive economic zone may not include imprisonment, in the absence of agreements to the contrary by the States concerned, or any other form of corporal punishment.’ Section 24 of the repealed 1986 Fisheries Act provided that a person convicted of fishing in Seychelles’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) without a licence was ‘liable to a fine.’ Although section 24 did not provide for imprisonment, in Warnakulusuriya Fernando v Republic [2000], the Supreme Court convicted the appellant and imposed a fine but also imposed a custodial sentence in default of payment of the fine. On appeal, he argued that the custodial sentence was contrary to Article 73(3) of UNCLOS. However, the Court of Appeal interpreted Article 73(3) as permitting imprisonment in such circumstances. In Kanapathi v R [2022] the Supreme Court convicted the appellant under section 11(1) of the 2014 Fisheries Act and imposed the mandatory fine and also ordered that in default of payment, the applicant was to undergo two years’ imprisonment. Because he could not afford to pay the fine, he had to serve a custodial sentence. He appealed against the sentence on the grounds that it was harsh. He also argued that the sentence was contrary to Article 73(3) of UNCLOS. All three judges agreed that the sentence was harsh and reduced it. However, one held that Article 73(3) of UNCLOS was applicable; another held that it was not applicable and the third one preferred not to express an opinion on the issue. None of the judges referred to Warnakulusuriya Fernando v Republic. Since this issue is very likely to re-emerge in the future, the author relies on, inter alia, the jurisprudence of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea to argue that Article 73(3) of the UNCLOS does not permit imprisonment, including imprisonment in default for paying a fine.
An African Perspective on the Interplay Between International Solidarity and Vaccine Equity
Authors: Nel Chané
Published: January 2025

This article explores the relationship between international solidarity and vaccine equity from an African viewpoint. The importance of international solidarity in addressing vaccine inequities has not been properly acknowledged. International bodies such as the United Nations have recognised and articulated both the concept of international solidarity and vaccine equity on a global scale. The patenting of vaccines as regulated by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) often increases vaccine inequities. Compulsory licences are used seldom, leading to calls for a temporary waiver on the WTO’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property to enable developing states to manufacture COVID-19 vaccines. To advance vaccine equity during the pandemic, several initiatives such as COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) and the African Union (AU) COVID-19 Vaccine Development and Access Strategy were implemented. While COVAX relied on vaccine donations from developed states, the AU’s approach embraced international solidarity. International solidarity is frequently observed in soft and hard law instruments but not explicitly termed as such. The African approach to international solidarity views it as an obligation of justice; the principle of ubuntu provides useful insights on this concept. Recommendations in this article include forming a collaboration between the World Health Organisation (WHO) and WTO to manage vaccine patents, adopting legal instruments that recognise international solidarity as an obligation and implementing reparative justice. Reparative justice is a comprehensive recommendation since it enables states to manufacture vaccines, maintain their health systems and address patent rights and temporary initiatives simultaneously. As vaccine inequities stem from colonial legacies, it remains to be seen whether a stance will be taken against the powers of affluent states in anticipation of the next pandemic.
Between Islam and International Law: Quest for Common Ground and the Human Dignity Alternative
Authors: Olowu Oladejo
Published: January 2025

This paper seeks to find common ground between Islamic legalism and international law and develop a framework for accommodating the diverse heritage of Islamic legal thought within modern rule-of-law systems. Extrapolating from textual references, treaty norms, state practices as well as opinions of jurists and publicists across the Islamic and international law divide, this paper identifies human dignity as a critical area of common ground between these traditions, to stimulate a pragmatic debate that can nurture critical responses across traditions. While recognising that human dignity remains an area of international human rights law engendering robust debates and sometimes controversy about its content and application, this paper nonetheless argues that an opportunity exists for members of both Muslim and non-Muslim societies to come together as one global community to identify specific rights and obligations where Islamic law and international law can be reconciled and appropriately applied. The principle underpinning this paper’s approach is to adopt a reorientation in curriculum and pedagogical approaches that facilitates the exploration of shared values between two complex and highly nuanced legal traditions in a pragmatic way that deconstructs the narrow confines within which international law has been understood.
The Enforcement of Pollution Prevention Measures in a Jointly Claimed Extended Continental Shelf: Examining Mauritius and Seychelles’ Treaty Framework in the Mascarene Plateau
Authors: Ntola Siqhamo Yamkela , Tladi Dire , von Blottnitz Harro
Published: January 2025

This article examines the extent to which Mauritius and Seychelles’ treaty framework in the Mascarene Plateau region is adequate for enabling them to enforce pollution prevention measures on vessels flying their respective flags as coastal states or vessels flying the flag of another state. The examination is undertaken in light of a coastal state’s duty to protect and preserve the marine environment from seabed activities subject to national jurisdiction as provided in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOSC). In this regard, discussions on the LOSC concern pollution prevention, reduction and control from such activities. Discussions are limited to Article 194(3), read together with Article 208 of the LOSC, and other applicable international legal instruments such as the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships and its 1978 Protocol (MARPOL 73/78). In light of the latter, the treaty examined is the Treaty Concerning the Joint Management of the Continental Shelf in the Mascarene Plateau region between the Government of the Republic of Seychelles and the Government of the Republic of Mauritius (JMT). It is found that, in terms of international law, Mauritius and Seychelles cannot adequately enforce pollution prevention measures owing to the JMT’s provisions being silent on how the Joint Authority’s regulations and contingency plans are to inform the contracting parties’ cooperative efforts to enforce such measures. The Joint Authority is an institution set up by the JMT whose functions include, inter alia, undertaking the day-to-day regulation and management of natural resource activities in the JMA. The inadequacy is problematic considering that the JMT is a joint development agreement wherein Mauritius and Seychelles have agreed to cooperate on activities undertaken in the jointly claimed and established Mascarene Plateau. Such cooperation, as is shown, must be undertaken pursuant to regulations adopted by institutions established by the Treaty to maintain the instrument’s, and by extension, the states’ cooperative integrity, which is integral to an eventual equitable delimitation solution as intended by the LOSC. Recommendations for amendments to the JMT to address this deficiency are advanced.
Limiting the Use of PIE in our Constitutional Democracy: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back?
Authors: Temmers Boggenpoel Zsa-Zsa
Published: January 2025

Eviction jurisprudence has taken some interesting turns in our constitutional democracy when it comes to the applicability of PIE in various contexts. Very recently, the court in Stay at South Point Properties (Pty) Ltd v Mqulwana and Others held that PIE is not applicable to the eviction of students from student residences at higher education institutions because this type of accommodation is not considered a ‘home.’ This article reflects on whether limiting the use of PIE in this context is a step in the right direction given some pivotal judgments that have sought to ensure the eviction of vulnerable occupiers takes place in a humane and dignified manner. It is argued that bringing the rei vindicatio back in the context of eviction from residential premises should be approached with caution because it runs the risk of undoing the progress made in our constitutional democracy when it comes to proscribing arbitrary evictions. Moreover, the lack of sound justification for not recognising this type of accommodation as a home, is exactly the reason it may be necessary to maintain some court discretion in determining whether the eviction of students from student residences is just and equitable.
Land Matters and Rural Development: 2023
Authors: Pienaar Juanita M , Du Plessis Willemien , Johnson Ebrezia P
Published: January 2025

The most important land-related developments in 2023 are set out. Interesting and important developments took place within the policy, legislative and case law contexts. In this regard, the urgent need for land—suitable for residential and agricultural purposes—was again underscored. Unlawful occupation of land and corresponding eviction within urban areas continued, underscoring the need for policy initiatives like the Draft White Paper for Human Settlements. In the context of rural areas, the eviction of occupiers on farmland continued. The note deals with redistribution, restitution and tenure reform developments in the land reform arena, coupled with developments relating to new courts, deeds and registries, housing generally and traditional and Khoi-San authority constructs.
Hitting the Sweet Spot in the Next Normal: Innovative Response to Disruptive Change
Authors: Engelbrecht Doug
Published: January 2025

The tertiary education sector’s emergency remote teaching response to the COVID-19 pandemic was swift and committed. The rollout from March 2020 of EdTech to complement the extant technology platforms was rapid, but hitting the sweet spot, the nexus of teachers, students and EdTech was not uniformly attained. Interrogating the particularities of this elusive target rests on three premises: thorough and durable comprehension of knowledge beyond facts remains the goal; the post-pandemic future is different from that normal preceding it, and compensating for the lived existence of much of not most of the student body is a point of weakness. The role of tertiary education institutions is elevated to prominence in the next normal. For, if teaching is to be mechanical and learning indifferent, the pandemic will have taught us nothing. Deep learning, the goal of instruction, requires prioritisation and deliberate and considered methodisation. This, in turn, requires confronting a multiplicity of issues: the methods of teaching and assessment that prompt superficial and short-term memorisation, the shortcomings of quality assurance systems, the scant connection there appears to be between taught curricula and consequent learning outcomes, and the desires of the labour market which for younger graduates especially, remains tantalisingly out of reach. If education is to be societally relevant, it must find the balance between achieving redress aligned to ideological principles and transformation mapped to the requirements of the labour market.
From Victim to Victor: A Woman’s Journey of Trauma and Agency in Francois Smith’s The Camp Whore
Authors: Dicks Tamia
Published: January 2025

This article analyses Francois Smith’s novel of the Anglo-Boer War, titled Kamphoer in Afrikaans and translated into English as The Camp Whore. Smith’s novel draws on, but diverges from, Nico Moolman’s The Boer Whore, as Smith explores Susan Nell’s personal life through a novelistic approach and explores how the confrontation with one of her rapists may have played out. This article examines the interplay of war, sexual assault, and female agency. I argue that although Susan encounters feelings of pain and violation during her experiences, she transitions from being a victim and marginalised character to being empowered. Susan gains empowerment through her education, her profession as a psychiatric nurse, getting revenge on her perpetrator, and narrating her experience, thus taking back control over her life.
Ships That Sail and Other Divine Signs: An Analysis and Contextualisation of Surah Luqman 31:29–32
Authors: Dockrat Ashraf
Published: January 2025

This article focuses on three portions at the end of the Qur’anic chapter, Luqman 31, known as the wisdom surah par excellence. They are 31:29–30, sunrise and sunset; 31:31, ships sail; and 31:32, surviving a storm at sea. Commencing with 31:31 (ships sail) the characteristics of the individual portions are described as well as the way they link or are interchained. One objective of this study is to show how syntax, stylistics, and a theology–addressee perspective interact on an intra- and inter-textual level. A second objective is to frame the contents of the three portions within comparable Qur’anic and biblical material. Attention is also drawn to textually and methodologically related secondary sources. Two of the portions are introduced by the rhetorical question, “Do you not see that Allah ...?” Underlying the study is thus the question about the essence of the divine–human relationship suggested by the three Qur’anic portions. The answer arrived at in the study is that a vision of the ` of Allah implies ethical accountability and exacts dedicated worship.
Customer Service Quality Perceptions in Academic Libraries in Kenya
Authors: Mbua Paul , Ocholla Dennis Ng’ong’
Published: January 2025

This study seeks to establish the level of service quality in Kenyan academic libraries by analysing, evaluating, and assessing their service delivery. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used. Ten institutions were selected from the list of accredited universities in Kenya and 100 respondents from the universities’ external customers were randomly selected, while among the librarians 80 respondents were purposively selected. Out of 1000 questionnaires sent to external library customers, 714 (71%) were returned, while 47 of the 80 librarians (58.7%) returned questionnaires. The study’s findings revealed that academic libraries in Kenya are faced with a myriad of challenges such as a growing user population, a limited range of information resources/services, poor infrastructure, inadequate staff working areas and tools, poor work environment, and lack of clear market orientation strategies. Nonetheless, the academic libraries benefit from well-trained information professionals, a large market for services, and customers’ goodwill, all of which need to be fully exploited. Also noted was that the academic libraries are poorly equipped to cater for people living with disabilities (PLWDs). The study proposes the following recommendations, among others: reskilling of the library staff, upgrading of the information resources and infrastructure, focus on customer satisfaction, and more focused market surveys.
Predictors of the Entrepreneurial Intentions of Undergraduate Students at the Faculty of Communication and Information Science of the National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe
Authors: Dewah Peterson , Mututu Blessings
Published: January 2025

This study sought to establish the predictors of entrepreneurial intentions among undergraduate students of the faculty of Communication and Information Science (CIS) at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Zimbabwe with regard to the unemployment rate that is steadily rising in Zimbabwe. The research objectives were to establish how attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, entrepreneurship education, and motivational factors influence entrepreneurial intentions among undergraduates in the faculty. A quantitative descriptive research design was used. The study employed a cross-sectional survey method to collect data using a closed-ended questionnaire from a population of 154 graduating students of the four departments. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21 and Microsoft Excel. The findings revealed that students’ attitude, friends, role models and classmates, and knowledge and skills played a statistically significant role in entrepreneurial intentions among the undergraduate students in the faculty. The study concluded that the antecedents of the Theory of Planned Behaviour predict entrepreneurial intention among undergraduate students. In view of these findings and conclusions the study recommends that students should be encouraged to form or be part of business clubs, organisations, training, and workshops where they can find encouragement and inspiration.
Wedding Songs Entwine Souls: Applying Ethnomusicology in the Didactic and Pedagogical Dimensions of AmaXhosa Wedding Songs
Authors: Diko Mlamli
Published: January 2025

The amaXhosa wedding songs possess didactic and pedagogical dimensions, thereupon evidencing their relevance far beyond the entertainment component. A notable literature review indicates the instructional and educational value of these songs in various African and global contexts, especially in indigenous communities. Having said this, their scholarly examination remains of scholarly concern. With this view in mind, this article aims to uncover the didactic and pedagogical dimensions of three preferred amaXhosa wedding songs. Phenomenology, as a qualitative research technique, is deployed to recognise and appreciate the three amaXhosa wedding songs as sources of data, while ethnomusicology is applied as a theoretical framework. This implies that the two research techniques—phenomenology and ethnomusicology—operate in a symbiotic relationship. The principal findings and discussions are indicative that amaXhosa wedding songs are instrumental in conveying social and cultural expressions for the duo or marital family, while in contrast, they serve as a preservative tool for cultural legacy. Inevitably, it stands to reason that several indigenous wedding songs are critiqued in a bid to unearth covert meanings.
Perfil das intervenções farmacêuticas realizadas em um Centro de Terapia Intensiva de um hospital universitário da região norte do Brasil: Um estudo transversal
Authors: Silva Roosalyn Santos da , Oliveira Midiã Rodrigues de , Felix Luana Sousa , Pereira Vivian Nascimento , Badin Rebeka Caribé
Published: January 2025

Objetivo: Descrever o perfil das intervenções farmacêuticas (IFs) realizadas em um centro de terapia intensiva de um hospital universitário. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, observacional, retrospectivo e quantitativo, com coleta de dados primários e secundários de pacientes internados no centro de terapia intensiva entre os meses de setembro de 2022 a fevereiro de 2023. Resultados: Durante os meses de estudo foram avaliadas 624 fichas de evolução farmacêutica. A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 56 anos para homens e 51 anos para mulheres, além disso, 79% dos pacientes apresentavam alguma comorbidade, sendo o diabetes e a hipertensão as mais frequentes.  Ao todo, foram realizadas, categorizadas e quantificadas 345 intervenções farmacêuticas, das quais 91,6% foram totalmente aceitas pela equipe. A necessidade de adição (27,5%) foi a intervenção mais frequente, seguida de suspensão de medicamentos (20,3%), substituição de via de administração (11,6%) e ajuste de posologia (7,5%) e os medicamentos mais associados às IFs foram, dipirona, omeprazol, vancomicina e tramadol. Conclusão: Os farmacêuticos clínicos são profissionais indispensáveis na equipe multiprofissional e sua atuação contribui para a redução dos eventos adversos a medicamentos, redução dos gastos hospitalares e melhoria da qualidade do cuidado assistencial em hospitais.
Avaliação farmacêutica como estratégia para reduzir o risco de tromboembolismo venoso em pacientes clínicos hospitalizados
Authors: Viana João Vitor Martins , Miranda Giulianna da Silva , Diniz Danielle Maciel , Fernandes Valesca Lima , Silva Marta Hilary Marreiros da , Nunes Rafaela Odísio , Reis Gabriel Silva Abrantes , Pereira Ana Beatriz Azevedo , Silva Luna Mayra da Silva e , Silva Elayne Costa da
Published: January 2025

Objetivo: Caracterizar risco de tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) e avaliar uso de profilaxia farmacológica para trombose em pacientes clínicos hospitalizados. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, transversal e retrospectivo realizado entre maio e julho de 2023 com 140 pacientes adultos na unidade de clínica médica de um hospital universitário. O Escore de Pádua foi usado para avaliar o risco de TEV e o escore IMPROVE para o risco de sangramento. A coleta de dados foi realizada em prontuário e a análise estatística no Microsoft Excel. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética sob número 79263324.8.0000.5086. Resultados: A maioria dos pacientes internados (80%) apresentou pelo menos um fator de risco para TEV, principalmente insuficiência cardíaca/respiratória (22%). A estratificação de risco para TEV, no entanto, foi negligenciada em 98% dos casos, o que comprometeu a adequada prevenção dessa complicação. Além disso, a análise das prescrições de tromboprofilaxia revelou uma taxa elevada de não conformidade (80%), especialmente em relação à indicação da terapia. Conclusão: A falta de estratificação do risco de TEV e a profilaxia inadequada indicam a necessidade urgente de implementar protocolos padronizados direcionados a pacientes clínicos para melhorar a segurança do paciente, bem como a importância do farmacêutico clínico no uso racional de anticoagulantes.
Improving HIV Prevention for Key Populations in Nigeria: Insights on Access, Barriers, Stigma, and Service Utilization
Authors: Emmanuel Godwin Omokhagbo , Sanni Olaniyi Felix , Roger Abang , Umoh Paul , Boniface Ochonye Bartholomew , Paul Amechi , Yahaya Ismaeel Mohammed , Auwal Agie Muhmmad
Published: January 2025

Background and Objective

Human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) remains a significant public health challenge globally, with key populations (KPs) such as female sex workers (FSWs), men who have sex with men (MSM), and people who inject drugs (PWIDs) being disproportionately affected. Despite the availability of various HIV prevention services, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and community-based antiretroviral therapy (ART), the willingness of KPs to access these services remains a critical concern. This study aims to assess the prevalence of HIV and the willingness to access HIV preventive services among KPs in three selected local government areas (LGAs) in Nigeria.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 across three LGAs, Gwale, Fagge, and Tarauni, in Kano State, Nigeria, using a snowball sampling technique. A total of 1,320 participants, recruited from brothels and nightclubs, were tested for HIV using self-test kits. Willingness to access HIV services was assessed using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression.

Results

The overall HIV prevalence among KPs was 10.8%. MSM and PWIDs exhibited higher HIV prevalence rates compared to FSWs. Willingness to access HIV preventive services was recorded at 57.7%, with significant influences from geographical location and sexual practices. Participants from Tarauni were more willing to access services, and those engaging in vaginal sex were more likely to seek preventive services. HIV self-testing had a high uptake of 95.9%, while PrEP uptake was 68.0%. Major barriers included stigma, lack of comprehensive services, and limited knowledge of service providers.

Conclusion and Global Health Implications

This study highlights the critical need for targeted interventions addressing the specific barriers faced by KPs in these regions. Enhancing service accessibility and addressing stigma is essential for reducing HIV transmission and achieving epidemic control in Nigeria by 2030.
Frequency of trigeminal neurovascular contacts identified on 3D-fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition magnetic resonance imaging in asymptomatic adults
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Anwar Shayan Sirat Maheen , Bilal Khawar , Ahmed Anwar , Samnani Saira , Zafar Burhan
Published: January 2025

Background:

Neurovascular conflict is considered one of the main causes of Trigeminal neuralgia, and 3D fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the diagnostic imaging of choice. However, no tool is available to confirm imaging findings as the primary cause of trigeminal neuralgia because neurovascular contact is frequently found in asymptomatic individuals, according to some literature, although very little data is available till now. Therefore, we aim to determine the frequency of trigeminal neurovascular contact, involved nerve segment, culprit vessel, and characteristics of contacts in asymptomatic individuals. Knowledge about this is very crucial so that every patient may not be labeled as having neurovascular conflict as the primary cause and can be saved from unnecessary surgeries.

Methods:

A retrospective observational study was conducted on 105 MRI brain scans of asymptomatic individuals for trigeminal neurovascular relationships by two expert neuro-radiologists. Percentages calculated for categorical variables and for continuous variables Shapiro–Wilk test were used. The Fisher Exact test is used to assess the association between conflict and other variables. Inter-rater reliability was computed for the outcome and other variables and Cohen’s kappa to evaluate the strength of agreement. All calculations were performed using STATA version 17.0.

Results:

Out of 105 cases, neuro-vascular contact was identified in 64 cases. The most common contacting vessel was the superior cerebellar artery. The most common nerve segment involved was the cisternal segment, followed by the Root entry zone and porous trigeminus. In about 54 cases, the vessel was abutting the nerve, while in eight cases, it was compressing and, in two cases, displacing the nerve. The superior surface of the nerve was commonly involved. The inter-rater reliability between both neuroradiologists showed significant agreement.

Conclusion:

Neurovascular contact is found in asymptomatic individuals, so just the presence of contact in symptomatic individuals on MRI should not be considered as only the cause of trigeminal neuralgia. It is important to identify nerve thinning and distortion, which are more reliable signs.