bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teologi Inkulturasi dalam Sejarah Gereja dan Dewasa Ini di Flores, Indonesia
Authors: Kirchberger Georg Ludwig
Published: June 2023

This article is based on a book by Emanuel Martasudjita on Inculturation Theology. The author of this article supports the
statement of E. Martasudjita that inculturation of theology is not a new reality, but has been known and practiced
throughout the history of the Church. By expanding on the description given by Martasudjita regarding the stages in the
development of history, the author of the article draws on the basic insight from that history that inculturated theology is not
constructed, but must grow in the reflections made by the faithful about their Christian faith, where they use the way of
thinking, they have according to the culture they live in.
From the research on history, it is learned that changes in form in theology often occur based on different favorite ideas
held by different cultures, besides that there has also been the formation of new theology, where people with certain cultural
backgrounds learn theology from other cultures. In this case it is easy to misunderstand which can trigger a long discussion
that results in a new form of expression of the Christian faith.
By taking the results of this historical research, the author highlights the situation of practice of faith and reflection of faith
in the Flores island in South East Indonesia.

Keywords: Inculturation, history of theology, local culture in Flores, Basic Ecclesial Communities
DETERMINATION OF TOTAL PHENOLS, ANTHOCYANINS AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY IN THE BUTCHER’S BROOM (Ruscus aculeatus L) RIPE FRUIT
Authors: Gabidzashvili Manana  , Guleishvili Nino  , Inga Bochoidze
Published: June 2023

The useful properties of medicinal plants are due to the presence of various biologically active substances in them, such as phenolic compounds, alkaloids, anthocyanins, glycosides, saponins, essential oils, resins, mucus, vitamins and so on, which have a certain effect on physiological processes in the human body. The object of the study was the the butcher’s broom fruit growing wildly in Georgia, collected in August-September upon full maturation. Our research confirms that the alcoholic extract of the butcher’s broom fruit contains biologically active substances (total phenols - 39 , 4 mg/g; anthocyanins - 39.4 mg/g), which leads to the high antioxidant activity of the said extract - 45% (F=10).
Un portail de ressources en ligne pour aider à la scolarisation des jeunes atteints de cancer
Authors: El Haïk-Wagner N.
Published: June 2023

Le groupe de travail « Jeunes Générations » de la Société française d’accompagnement et de soins palliatifs (SFAP) a initié en 2021 le portail « La vie, la mort… On en parle ? ». Ce site se veut une boîte à outils pour aider les professionnels de l’éducation, la médecine scolaire et les parents à ouvrir des espaces d’expression sur les questions de fin de vie, de mort et de deuil auprès des enfants et des adolescents. Ce site peut appuyer les acteurs de l’oncologie dans leurs accompagnements des patients et de l’entourage, dans leurs liens avec les autres services hospitaliers et l’école, et pour diffuser une pédagogie de la finitude.
Baroque Travesty
Authors: Filippello Roberto
Published: June 2023

The archival-artistic practice of fashion designer and performer Gwen van den Eijnde attends to the bodily feelings prompted by physical engagement with historic costumes and textiles as a source of emotional discovery. Touching and wearing old fabrics of which we have no previous direct sensory knowledge can activate unexpected imaginings of ourselves that would otherwise be foreclosed: by dressing up in baroque costumes we can phenomenologically feel the past. This interview-based article examines the work of van den Eijnde through the lens of “queer anachronism,” arguing that his performances enable a queer way of “feeling history” and establish transgenerational affective relationships with figures whose queer haunting has the potential to erotically instigate new collective desires and attachments.
Growing Old (Dis)gracefully
Authors: Collins Jacky , Gilligan Sarah
Published: June 2023

Through a close textual analysis of Dolor y Gloria (dir. Pedro Almodóvar 2019), Todos lo Saben (dir. Asghar Farhadi 2018), and cross-media promotions, this article argues that through costuming, facial hair, and the body, Antonio Banderas and Javier Bardem offer intersecting, but diverging performances of visibly ageing masculinity. On screen, the spectator is offered sensitive and emotional explorations of Spanish masculine identities that represent Banderas and Bardem as men forced to sacrifice those they love. Conversely, off screen in editorial photography and on the red carpet, their star-celebrity representations are characterized by flux and difference. Bardem's persona offers an aspirational representation of heteronormative stability, whereas Banderas’ image is dominated by instability, playfulness, and striving to retain his youthful sex appeal.
Beyond the Binary
Authors: Beyer Judith
Published: June 2023

After his appointment in 2015 as creative director at Gucci, Alessandro Michele broke with the brand's look of sleek sophistication and introduced an eccentric, maximalist, and ultimately queer approach to fashion. Taking the campaign as a case study, the article aims to investigate the shifting norms of masculinities in Michele's designs. Following a visual cultural analysis as proposed by Martin Lister and Liz Wells, this article aims to consider Gucci's Spring/Summer 2016 campaign in a cultural and societal context. Focusing on the transgressive potential of gender-fluid fashion, the article draws on a theoretical framework deriving from queer theory and gender studies. The article interrogates how masculinities are constituted and renegotiated in contemporary Western culture and highlights the relevance of fashion in constituting and tackling issues of masculinity in contemporary times of change.
Book Review
Authors: Loranger David
Published: June 2023

Vicki Karaminas, Adam Geczy, and Pamela Church Gibson (eds.), Fashionable Masculinities: Queers, Pimp Daddies, and Lumbersexuals (Rutgers University Press, 2022) 263 pp. ISBN: 9781978823297, $49.95 paperback.
Experimental Investigation of Microstructure and Phase Characterization of Rice Hush Ash (RHA) for Potential Utilization in Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Mangai M. M  , Tokan Aje , Bawa Mohammed , Datau Nicodemus
Published: June 2023

Recent trends in material research and development of composite materials are geared towards reducing cost, recycling and ensuring environmental sustainability. Agricultural waste derivatives have proven to be an alternative or complimentary reinforcement material in the development of metal matrix composites. The current work is an investigation of the microstructure and phase characterization of rice husk ash (RHA) obtained through open air burning. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with electron dispersive spectrometry (EDS) was used for the microstructural examination, X –ray fluorescence (XRF) forthe mineralogical composition and X –ray diffraction (XRD) for the determination of phases present. Results revealed that RHA is highly siliceous with 93.8% SiO2, highly porous and fibrous material with a wide surface area. EDS profile confirmed the presence of SiO2and Al2O3. The XRD pattern revealed the presence of quartz, crystabalite and anorthite phases in the RHA. Silica is a hard substance with strong covalent bonds similar to diamond with hardness rating of 7 on Mohs scale and melting point of 1713OC. Thus,RHA can be suitable used as a reinforcing material in the development of metal matrix composites for automotive components
Ward Hierarchical Clustering: Indonesia's Green Economy Implementation Performance based on Environmental Quality towards Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Agustina Fitri , Helynda
Published: June 2023

Environmental issues have recently emerged as an essential topic of discussion on a global scale. Actions to protect and preserve the environment should be addressed, which causes several problems such as water and air pollution, soil degradation, forest destruction, and diversion of agricultural land. Economic goals are given higher priority than other goals, such as environmental and community goals, in national development strategies and programs. The "green economy" concept is a solution to the sustainable concept to overcome the abovechallenges. Thus, this paper attempts to build a sustainable economic model based on research from various scientific sources. The indicators presented in this paper can help advise regional policymakers to continue progressing and developing according tothe Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) pillars. This study uses the Ward Hierarchical Clustering method. The first cluster is the provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, which also interpret that the performance of implementing a green economy in related areas based on environmental quality is very good. The second cluster is East Java, South Sumatra, and South Sulawesi, which indicates that the performance of the implementation of a green economy in related areas based on environmental quality is quite good. Then the third cluster is West Java, which interprets that the performance of implementing a green economy in related areas based on environmental quality still needs attention from the local government. It is known that 97.06% of Indonesia's territory has implemented a green economy in related areas based on very good environmental quality.
CORRELATIONS BETWEEN DENTAL CARIES AND CLINICAL INDICATORS OF ORAL FLUID AMONG PATIENTS WITH COVID-19, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE PSYCHO-EMOTIONAL STATE
Authors: Savielieva N.M. , Diasamidze M.Ye.
Published: June 2023

Important indicators of the oral fluid that influence the development of caries are saliva flow rate, viscosity and pH. Deterioration of these parameters leads to rapid plaque formation and changes in its microbial

composition, which causes demineralization of enamel. The combination of significant psycho-emotional and physical stress, changes in lifestyle and social environment can also lead to the manifestation of the caries process. In the period from 2019 to 2023, the professional literature published a lot of data on the impact of the new coronavirus disease not only on the physical condition of a person but also on his or her psychoemotional stability.

The aim of the study is to investigate the correlations between caries of permanent teeth and changes in physicochemical parameters of oral fluid, taking into account the psycho-emotional state of patients with coronavirus disease.

Materials and methods. All patients were examined in a series of ways, such as taking a medical history, clinical methods (determination of the DMFT index and oral hygiene status using the GreenVermillion index), laboratory methods (studying the salivation rate of unstimulated saliva, its viscosity and pH), and psychological methods (assessment of the level of reactive and personal anxiety using the Spielberger Psychodiagnostic Scale, adapted by Khanin).

Research results and their discussion. The results of the study revealed changes in oral fluid parameters in patients with coronavirus disease: a decrease in salivation rate, an increase in viscosity, and a shift in pH towards more acidic values. The psychological methods used in our study allowed to assess personal and reactive anxiety among patients with COVID-19 with a predominance of indicators corresponding to moderate and high levels.

Conclusions. The obtained results will be used to develop preventive measures to increase the resistance of hard dental tissues to prevent the occurrence and development of caries.
PREVALENCE OF MAXILOFACIAL ABNORMALITIES AMONG CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN UZHGOROD
Authors: Melnyk V.S. , Zombor K.V. , Melnyk S.V.
Published: June 2023

The article presents a comparative analysis of maxillofacial abnormalities in children and adolescents in Uzhhorod. There is a tendency to increase maxillofacial anomalies depending on the age of the patient. It was established that the smallest number of anomalies is observed in children with a temporary bite, and the largest – in children with a permanent bite. In the conditions of a high level of orthodontic morbidity in the population, the purposeful reduction of the level of pathology and solving the problems of improving orthodontic care for children become especially relevant. Data on the prevalence and structure of maxillofacial anomalies and dentition defects determine the indications for treatment and the scope of treatment and prevention measures in the region.

Purpose and task. To study the prevalence of maxillofacial anomalies in children of Uzhgorod in order to determine the scope of treatment and prevention measures.

Materials and research methods. The total number of examined patients is 946 children aged 6 to 18, including 447 boys and 499 girls. According to the stages of bite formation of temporary and permanent teeth, the examined children were divided into 4 age groups: 6-9 years early variable bite; 10-12 years late variable bite; 13-15 years the beginning of formation of the bite of permanent teeth: 16-18 years permanent bite 6-9 years early mixed eruption of teeth; 10-12 years late mixed teething; 13-15 years the beginning of the formation of the bite of permanent teeth: 16-18 years the permanent dentition. Statistical data processing was performed on a personal computer using licensed software for the Windows operating system and the standard Statsoft software package. Inc STATISTICA 6.0 2300 East 14th Street Tulsa, OK 74104 USA. The Student's t-test value was used to determine the reliability of the difference in results.

Results of the research. The study revealed a high prevalence of dento-maxillary anomalies, reaching 47.1%. The highest need for orthodontic treatment was observed in 16-18 year olds. The most common pathologies were diastema (15.1%), crowding of lower jaw teeth (14.9%), dystopia (12.7%), deep bite (11.4%), crowding of teeth on both jaws (5.9%), crowding of upper jaw teeth (5.3%), tortoamalia (4.0%), progeny (3.2%), cross bite (2.2%), open bite (1.9%), abnormalities in tooth size and shape (1.8%), and prognathia (1.2%).

Conclusion. The study revealed a high prevalence of dental mandibular anomalies (47.1%) among children aged 6 to 18 years in Uzhhorod. Therefore, there is a need to expand sanitary and educational efforts, including promoting a healthy lifestyle and early detection and treatment of dental mandibular anomalies.
ANALISIS KUALITAS AIR DALAM PEMENUHAN KEBUTUHAN AIR BERSIH DI KECAMATAN NATAR HAJIMENA LAMPUNG SELATAN
Authors: Djana Miftahul
Published: June 2023

Penggunaan air dalam kehidupan sehari-hari di Kelurahan Hajimena Kecamatan Natar Lampung Selatan tepatnya di Perumahan Griya Saka dengan kurang lebih 50 kepala keluarga hampir rata-rata menggunakan air sumur bor. Permasalahan yang diangkat dalam penelitian ini adalah kelayakan pemakaian sumur bor tersebut sebagai air bersih untuk kebutuhan sehari-hari berdasarkan standar Peraturan Menteri Kesehatan. Adapaun tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mengevaluasi kualitas dan kelayakan air sumur bor sebagai air bersih untuk kebutuhan sehari-hari oleh masyarakat setempat. Penelitian ini mengkaji kualitas air sumur bor sebagai air bersih dengan uji Fisika, Kimia dan Biologi. Parameter yang diujikan pada penelitian ini meliputi warna, bau, kekeruhan, rasa, zat padat terlarut, dan temperatur, sedangkan pada parameter Kimia diantaranya meliputi uji  kadar Besi (Fe), Kadmium (Cd), Kesadahan (CaCO3) yang terlarut dalam air sumur, dan Parameter Biologi diantaranya MPN. Coliform dan Coli. Dari penelitian tersebut menunjukkan bahwa kualitas air sumur bor yang melebihi baku mutu yang telah ditetapkan adalah warna sebesar 67% yang melebihi baku mutu standar, kadar besi sebesar 75% melampaui baku mutu, klorida sebesar 65%, dan secara biologi yaitu total koliform sebesar 80% melampaui dari baku mutu dengan perpipaan 3% dari baku mutu dan perpipaan sebesar 17%. Garis besar yang bisa diambil dari penelitian ini, secara kualitas air sumur bor di Daerah Kelurahan Hajimena Kecamatan Natar Lampung tidak layak digunakan sebagai air bersih karena beberapa kandungan seperti kadar besi, zat warna, dan coliform melebihi baku mutu dari Permenkes No. 32 Tahun 2017.
V CHASY DOSUGA (“IN LEISURE HOURS”): CHILDREN’S HANDWRITTEN ILLUSTRATED MAGAZINE OF THE EARLY XX CENTURY IN THE FUNDAMENTAL LIBRARY OF THE HERZEN UNIVERSITY
Authors:   Herzen University, Voloskova Snezhana
Published: June 2023

This publication is dedicated to the handwritten illustrated magazine of the early 20th century. The publication is dedicated to the handwritten illustrated magazine “In Leisure Hours”, which is stored in the Sector of Specially Valuable Collections of the Herzen State Pedagogical University’s Fundamental Library. The magazine is intended for children and on its 30 pages contains stories, poems, charades, and a letter to readers with a review of books read. Based on an analysis of the content of the texts, conclusions are drawn about the supposed authors of the texts. The period of the magazine’s creation is determined approximately by the realities mentioned in the texts and by the peculiarities of artistic design, characteristic of the Art Nouveau style. Presumably, the magazine was created between 1906 and 1908. During this period, in the late 19th century and the first decade of the 20th century, there was a sharp increase in the number of amateur magazines for children and teenagers as an embodiment of children’s self-expression and self-organization. This process is associated, among other things, with the relaxation of censorship after the 1905 revolution. Historically, the majority of handwritten periodicals produced by children in educational institutions or at home have not survived, or are kept in libraries and archives, and access to texts of this kind is difficult for a wide range of readers and researchers. Fixing and analyzing this type of sources is a new stage in understanding the worldview of children and teenagers at the turn of the 20th century.
CHILDREN’S TEXTS ON THE PAGES OF MAGAZINES FOR PRE-TEENS AND TEENAGES IN RUSSIA IN THE LATE 19TH AND EARLY 20TH CENTURIES
Authors:   South Ural State University, Nikonova Ol’ga , Kravchenko Elena ,   South Ural State University
Published: June 2023

The article is focused on children’s letters, which were published in magazines for older children in the late 19th — early 20th century. The historiography of this topic is not too extensive. Research interest has focused on children’s essays and questionnaires of the Soviet period. Foreign researchers gave preference to the study of children’s texts of the First World War period. The source base of the article consists of children’s letters published in the magazines Zadushevnoe Slovo (“A soulful word”), Putevodny Ogonyok (“Guiding light”), Uchebnik (“Textbook”), and Rodnik (“Spring”). The article reconstructs editorial strategies of attracting readers to an active dialogue, the specificity of the content and the structure of children’s letters. By creating a relevant sample of letters from the maga- zine Zadushevnoe Slovo (“A soulful word”) and its analysis the conclusions are made about the subject of children’s correspondence and genre features of communication, the evolution of children’s language. The authors conclude that editorial strategies for organizing children’s communication through magazines were successful, turning periodicals into a space of children’s “virtual” communication, covering the most remote corners of the Russian Empire. Children’s correspondence illustrates the active involvement of young readers in magazine clubs and associations. The result of children’s epistolary communication was the mastery of the principles of written speech, the “growing up” of children’s texts in content and style. At the same time, personal interests, family, hobbies and journeys remained the dominant features of children’s letters.
The Socio-Cultural Cost of Men as Victims of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Nigeria
Authors: Onyilor Achem Victor , Johnmary Ani Kelechi
Published: June 2023

IPV is a significant worldwide problem. In general, men are considered perpetrators of this type of violence, but they can also be victims. Relevant pieces of literature uphold women as the principal victims of IPV. An emerging question raised within this context is, “What about the men who are also victims of IPV?” So far, there are limited studies that describe men as victims, especially in Nigeria and West Africa. The routine activity theory of Cohen and Felson was used to provide a theoretical backdrop to the discourse in this study. Precipitant factors like class, culture, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and religion influence male victimisation circles. Indeed, policymakers, social and health care planners, and providers have not paid much attention to men’s victimisation at the local and international levels. There is an urgent need to modify policies and laws concerning IPV by including men as victims.
Healthcare Choices and Challenges among Female Inmates in Selected Correctional Facilities in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Chiedu A. Abrifor , Glory U. Essien , O. Monday Ojeizele , Solagbade Sikiru Popoola , Caroline O. Muoghalu , Folakemi J. Ayemo
Published: June 2023

The study examined healthcare choices and challenges among female inmates in selected correctional facilities in Nigeria. This is with a view to examining the major healthcare challenges and choices available. The study employed the descriptive research method, the purposive sampling technique was employed in the selection of the correctional facilities, while the proportionate sampling technique was used to select the female respondents, and a 50% proportion was used. While descriptive analysis was used to analyse the primary data, such parameters as frequency, percentage, mean, and inferential (Pearson’s product moments correlation coefficients) were adopted in the analysis of the primary data. The study reveals that there is a positive and significant relationship between available healthcare and female inmates’ reproductive health, as well as a negative and insignificant relationship between major healthcare challenges and female inmates’ health. The study concludes that available healthcare and female inmates’ reproductive health move in the same direction, while major healthcare challenges and female inmates’ reproductive health move in the opposite direction. The study recommends that in order to improve the female inmate’s reproductive health, the available healthcare facilities require improvement, and the identified health challenges should be addressed as public health issues by the medical practitioners. It is also recommended that a large proportion of the health sector budget be directed towards providing qualitative health facilities in the correctional facilities across the nation in order to improve the standards of female inmates’ reproductive health status.
The Perceptions of Caregivers and other Stakeholders on the Usefulness of the Child Support Grant: The Case Study of Emalahleni, Nkangala District
Authors: Maureen Ubisi Tricxy , Munyaradzi Mukonza Ricky , Boikhutso Moeti Kabelo
Published: June 2023

The South African government faces the triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequalities. This article focuses on the challenge of poverty. One of the ways in which the government of South Africa seeks to address the challenge of poverty is through the Child Support Grant (CSG) programme that was first implemented in 1998. The Child Support Grant is intended to ensure that the basic needs of the children of a vulnerable group of society are met. The context is Emalahleni Local Municipality, and the main objective is to investigate the perceptions of caregivers on the utilisation of the Child Support Grant. The study adopted qualitative research which focuses on the issues to be understood by applying qualitative measures. In this regard, qualitative data collection and analysis methods and primary and secondary data were used. The primary data was collected through a survey that focused on the residents of Emalahleni Local Municipality. Key findings of the study are that the Child Support Grant improves households’ ability to meet basic needs such as food and clothing. In addition, the grants assists families make investments in education, which increases the chances of breaking the cycle of poverty. However, there was some evidence from community members (who are not caregivers) suggesting that there are cases of abuse of Child Support Grant money by some recipients in the community. As a result of this, the researchers suggest that SASSA must employ social workers directly to monitor whether caregivers use the grants for the intended purpose, which is to take care of the needs of beneficiaries. This, however, does not in any way suggest that the Child Support grant is not making a positive impact on recipient households. The article makes a contribution to the body of knowledge by providing empirically backed conclusions on this important social security intervention by the South African government.
The Role of Community Participation in the Development of an Integrated Development Plan in the Greater Taung Local Municipality
Authors: Palesa Mokoto , Lusanda Juta , Abongile Zweni , Aaron Tshidzumba
Published: June 2023

This empirical study was conducted to assess community participation in the development of the IDP as a management planning tool for effectively improving service delivery in the Greater Taung Local Municipality. A qualitative research method and case study design were used in this study with the objective of obtaining the views and understanding of community members (ward committees) and municipal officials regarding their participation in the Integrated Development Planning of the Greater Taung Local Municipality. Non-probability sampling, such as purposive sampling, structured interviews, and focus group interviews, were utilised to get perceptions from community members (ward committees) as well as the municipal officials of the Greater Taung Local Municipality regarding community participation. A key finding is that people at the grassroots level have little understanding of how government structures work, making it difficult for them to participate in meaningful and effective ways. Due to a lack of consultation on important municipal activities such as the IDP draft that affect the daily lives of community members, this has resulted in too many service delivery protests in the Greater Taung Local Municipality. We recommend that a management planning tool such as the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) be adopted to improve service delivery in municipalities and conclude that the IDP must be a requirement for successful municipal governance and service delivery as expected.
The Impact of Basotho Migrant Labourers’ Retrenchment from South African Mines on Rural Development in Lesotho: The Post-Mine Livelihood Strategies of Former Basotho Miners at Koro-Koro in the Maseru District
Authors: A. Rantšo Tšepiso , Ralitjeleng-Mahlelebe Maseeiso
Published: June 2023

The migration of Basotho men in search of employment opportunities in South African diamond and gold mines dates back to the 1800s. The South African mining industry has been the source of employment and livelihood for many Basotho families by remitting incomes for centuries. However, there was a downturn in events starting in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when many South African mines started to downsize their foreign labour force. This contributed to the loss of remittances that were invested in farming and the maintenance of many rural households in Lesotho. This study was conducted to investigate the post-mine livelihood strategies of former Basotho migrant labourers at Koro-Koro in the Maseru district. The research followed a descriptive research design where primary data was collected from a sample of 50 former Basotho mine workers using snowballing and simple random sampling techniques. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using face-to-face interviews and observation. The collected data was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively using descriptive statistics, mainly percentages. It is argued in this paper that retrenchment and the loss of jobs by many Basotho men in South African mines were major blows to the livelihoods of many rural households. In addition, Basotho men who worked in South African mines are now confronted with unemployment as well as futile exertions while engaging in alternative income generating activities, both farm and non-farm.
Community and Political Based Protests in South Africa: Issues, Challenges, and Lessons for the Continent
Authors: Achu Check Nicasius
Published: June 2023

The paper seeks to examine the key reasons behind the recent violent community protests in South Africa. It analyses the challenges the political elites would have to navigate in order to address the concerns of the people and the impact such protests would have on peace, stability, and governance on the African continent. Suffice it to note that political and community-based protests have been a common occurrence in South Africa since the advent of democracy in the country in 1994. Though the nomenclature and manifestation of such protests have been a subject of great debate, their frequent reoccurrence is a cause for concern for many in South Africa and, to a greater extent, the continent. The magnitude and scale of the July 2021 protests in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, precipitated by the incarceration of the former president Jacob Zuma, raises key fundamental concerns. First was the spontaneity in the manner in which the riots were undertaken; second was the scale and magnitude of destruction the two provinces experienced. This calls into question whether the protests were planned or genuine concerns arising from the incarceration of a political leader? While the incarceration of the former president was the trigger, there is evidence that the protests were inspired by unmet promises and the limited capacity of the country to deliver on people’s hopes and aspirations. However, Hough (2008), Tsheola (2012), and Nyamnjoh (2018) have argued that the root causes of violent protests in post-apartheid South Africa are not so much the unmet promises to address poverty and unemployment but rather people’s experiences of inequality and relative deprivation. In other words, people are dissatisfied when they compare their own quality of life and their economic and social opportunities with those of better-off communities and households. Fundamentally, therefore, one of the reasons the country has experienced violent protests is not necessarily the fact that the people are poor, but rather that protesters consider themselves poor vis-à-vis better-off communities. Evidently, the paper attempts to clarify some of the key issues political elites need to look out for as they put in place measures to avoid the re-occurrence of such protests and provides challenges the country would have to overcome in order to address people’s grievances. Fundamentally, what lessons can the African continent learn from these protests? What measures should the African Union, together with its member states, adopt in order to ensure that people’s genuine grievances are addressed in a timely and expeditious manner. The paper concludes by suggesting that a careful reassessment of local governance structures in South Africa would have to be contemplated with an emphasis on accountability and strict measures to sanction recalcitrant councilors.
Corruption at the Municipal Level: Insight(s) from Post-Apartheid South Africa
Authors: N. Mlambo Daniel , H. Mphurpi Jabu , Makgoba Sinnah
Published: June 2023

One of the many impediments to a country's political, social, and economic growth prospects is corruption, and this is particularly true from an African perspective post-colonial era. In recent years, corruption has manifested itself in many ways, forms, and sizes in the South African public sector, particularly post-1994, when the first democratically elected government emerged. Corruption diverts funds and resources meant to benefit the local populace, which makes some people rich and those needing essential delivery of services in turmoil. From a South African perspective, and just like most parts of Africa, corruption has manifested itself to be a stumbling block to South Africa's continuous socio-economic growth prospects, particularly for the majority of blacks who continue to remain marginalised in terms of service delivery mandates from local government. By narrowing this to the government's structures closer to the people, municipalities are mandated to provide essential services to the local people. However, post the apartheid era, many municipalities in South Africa have found themselves in turmoil due to many internal irregularities driven by corruption. Using a qualitative research methodology supplemented by secondary data resources, this article examines the dire effects of corruption at the municipal level and what consequences this has for people at the grassroots level in South Africa. Drawing from the engaged literature, the article finds that corruption is a global phenomenon, particularly in African states. More needs to be done by corruption watchdogs to curb this phenomenon, particularly in South Africa and at the local government level. Notably, individuals occupying top positions in local government must be appointed on merit; there is a need to support anti-corruption watchdogs; independent institutions must be allowed to function without fear; and whistleblowers must be protected.
Challenges of Land Regularization in Unplanned Peri-urban Settlements in Tanzania
Authors: J. Mbilinyi Jane , L. Kaswamila Abiud , A. Assenga Emiliana
Published: June 2023

Land regularization has been implemented in Tanzania to promote formal land rights through the issuance of certificates of right of occupancy to land owners in unplanned settlements in peri-urban areas. However, information on challenges in the implementation of land regularization and the extent of issuance of the certificates of right of occupancy (CRO) to land owners in these settlements remains a grey area. A study to explore the challenges of land regularization and the extent of the issuance of certificates of right of occupancy was carried out in two peri-urban areas, Kimara and Buhongwa wards, in the cities of Dar es Salaam and Mwanza, respectively. A total of 441 households were involved in the study. Data were collected through a household questionnaire, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used in data analysis. Findings indicate that the major challenges of land regularization were bureaucracy in the issuance of rights of occupancy, high costs in the issuance of formal land rights, and conflicts on the demarcation of land parcels for public use. A significant relationship (P<0.05) between felt challenge and socio-economic and demographic variables (education, age, and ward location) was also observed. The findings further indicate that the issuance of CROs was low and varied depending on location. Kimara Ward in Dar es Salaam City was relatively more disadvantaged than Buhongwa Ward. To mitigate these challenges, researchers recommend devolution of power to the local institutions at the ward and sub-ward level. This can reduce bureaucracy and can capture and contextualize people’s aspirations during early planning processes.
An Assessment of Parental Involvement in the Supplementary Feeding Programme in Early Childhood Development in Rural Southern Africa
Authors: Vurayai Simon
Published: June 2023

This conceptual discourse interrogates the contributions and challenges faced by parents in supporting the supplementary feeding programme at the Early Childhood Development (ECD) level in rural Southern Africa. This conceptual paper is a literature review study that relies on secondary data to draw the findings. The research hinges on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and Epstein’s theory of overlapping spheres of influence. The study notes that parents play an important role in supporting the programme through activities such as the construction of cooking sheds, providing relish, fetching firewood, cleaning, and serving meals. Factors such as lack of knowledge, financial constraints, lack of cooperation, poor communication, and time constraints hinder their ability to make a sustained and effective contribution to the programme. The study recommends that parents be educated about the benefits of the supplementary feeding programme, empowered with various projects to improve their economic status, and encouraged to contribute to the programme. Another recommendation is that the school should build strong relationships with the corporate world, government, and non-governmental organisations so that they can work with parents to participate fully in the programme.
Effects of Business Development Service Providers’ Resources Endowment on Service Delivery to Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Northern Tanzania
Authors: Kweka A.E , Makindara J.R , Bengesi K.M.K
Published: June 2023

The resource endowment of business development service providers (BDSPs) is crucial for the provision of services to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This paper assessed BDS providers’ resource endowment and the extent to which it enhances service delivery to SMEs in Arusha City and Moshi Municipality. A total of 65 BDS providers and 254 SMEs were sampled for the study. A cross-sectional design was used for this study. Respondents were sampled using purposive and simple random sampling. Data were collected through a questionnaire-based survey, focus group discussions, observation and documentary reviews. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data, while quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicated that BDS providers hardly have sufficient resource endowment to deliver their BDS to SMEs in the form of human capital, physical resources, networking ability and information systems. However, the level of resource endowment differs among BDS providers. Similarly, the surveyed BDS providers were not performing to their full potential in service delivery due to a number of challenges they were encountering. Among the reported challenges facing BDS providers were SMEs’ slow rate of adopting new knowledge and technology and insufficient financial and human resources and geographical location. The study concludes that resources such as human capital, physical capital, networking abilities, and information systems available among BDS providers contribute to building their capabilities to deliver services to SMEs. The study recommends that BDS providers capitalize on their resources to be in a better position to provide competitive services to their clients.
The Rising Influence of Sustainability in South Africa’s Fashion Industry
Authors: Grace Gatawa Nyasha
Published: June 2023

The designer fashion industry has become a key creative sector and a vibrant wave of fashion innovation has transformed the global fashion industry from a small economy to a significant economic sector in a bustling global creative and arts scene. The African fashion industry has shown creative dynamism and innovation aligned to global trends but infused with a unique cultural flavour showcasing the range of creative dynamism on the African continent. Sustainability has risen to the fore as a design philosophy and an integral part of garment making. In line with global trends, sustainability has heralded a new era in fashion design globally very evidently. In this paper trends in the fashion industry are explored with a focus on Johannesburg and South Africa as well as the influence of a growing move towards sustainability becoming more evident globally and in South Africa.
Innovation and Self-Service Technology Adoption in a Semi-Urban Community in Ghana
Authors: Coker Ayimah John , Kuada John , Kwame Ayimey Edward
Published: June 2023

This paper reports the results of an investigation that tests the applicability of technology acceptance model (TAM) in understanding consumers’ attitude to self-service financial technologies (SSTs) and the determinants of their adoption decisions in a semi-urban community in Ghana. A quantitative cross-sectional research approach was adopted to collect data from 372 randomly selected respondents for the study. The hypothesized model was subjected to structural equation modelling. The results show that usefulness of the technology to consumers combined with trust, reliability, and security influence consumers’ adoption decisions. The results further indicate that SSTs provides a pathway to financial inclusion and can stimulate small enterprise development and job creation in Ghana’s semi-urban communities.
Responsible Entrepreneurship for Environmental Sustainability and Human Wellbeing: A Missiological Perspective
Authors: Dambula Chrispin
Published: June 2023

Entrepreneurship is a lucrative occupation that offers its pursuers promises of wealth. However, as much as entrepreneurship is rewarding, it can bear undesirable consequences if it is not guided by a sense of responsibleness to consider seriously sustainability of the earth and flourishing of all humanity. Surely, entrepreneurship which only focuses on profit optimization can contribute to environmental pollution and income and wealth disparity. The earth is experiencing rising temperatures partly due to some entrepreneurial activities as individuals and nations seek to create wealth. Furthermore, the world is experiencing increased human suffering partly due to exploitation by business owners who prioritize personal gain at the expense of their employees. This paper critically reviews relevant literature to highlight the dark side of entrepreneurship and to appeal for responsibleness among entrepreneurs based off missiological perspective on the purpose of humans on earth. The paper points to missiology as a potential academic field that can encourage a sense of responsibleness in entrepreneurial endeavors to enrich scholarship. The main contribution of this paper is that a missiological understanding of the origins and the purpose for which humans exist on earth could help to foster responsible entrepreneurship that could promote environmental sustainability and flourishing of all humanity. By doing so, this paper also appeals to missiologists to engage entrepreneurship seriously in their scholarly work.
Influence of Antecedent Beliefs on Digitized Financial Services Adoption among Customers in Rural and Semi-urban Towns in Ghana
Authors: Coker Ayimah John , Kuada John , Kwame Ayimey Edward
Published: June 2023

This paper reports results of an investigation into modelling factors that influence customers’ attitude and decisions to adopt digitized financial services (DFSs) in rural and semi-urban towns in Ghana. Quantitative cross-sectional research approach was used. Seven hundred and twenty-seven (727) rural customers were randomly selected from a semi-urban town and three adjoining rural communities in Ghana to test the applicability of technology acceptance model (TAM) within such a context. Structural equation modelling was employed to assess stated hypotheses. The results of the study suggest that perceived usefulness, trust in bank and security and reliability positively influence DFS usage. DFSs can play a positive role in financial service outreach and can increase the participation of rural population in formal financial activities. Hitherto, little academic attention has been given to digitization of financial services in semi-urban African towns. The study contributes to filling this research gap.
Crack simulation for the cover of the landfill – A seismic design
Authors: Namdar Abdoullah , Karimpour-Fard Mehran , Mughieda Omer , Berto Filippo , Muhammad Nurmunira
Published: June 2023

The stability of the landfill is an environmental issue. The collapse of the landfill causes environmental pollution and influences human life. In the present study, the crack on the cover of the landfill was simulated. Rankine’s theory and the Phantom Node Method were used for the simulation length of the crack and the mechanism of the crack propagation in the nonlinear extended finite element method (NXFEM). Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) based on Levenberg-Marquardt Algorithm and Abalone Rings Data Set mode were used to predict displacement in critical points of the model. The vibration mechanism of the landfill was changed in each model. During applying seismic load on the model, the optimized thickness of the clay cover on the landfill was discussed. The thickness of the landfill cover controls the seismic response of the landfill. The numerical simulation shows differential displacement of the landfill impacts on the crack propagation and the need for the appropriate design of the cover thickness of the landfill.
A Study on Micro-structure, Hardness and Optimization of Wear Characteristics of Al6061/TiB2/CeO2 Hotrolled MMCs using Taguchi Method
Authors: Sreenivasa Iyengar S. R. , Sethuramu D. , Ravikumar M.
Published: June 2023

Aluminium composites are extensively used in several industrial applications. The production of Metal Matrix Composite (MMCs) with varying wt. % of reinforcement/s leads to enhancement of wear and mechanical behavior. In the present work, the varying wt. % of TiB2 and constant wt. % of CeO2 particulates were reinforced in Al6061 alloy to manufacture hybrid Al MMCs by Vortex (Stircasting) technique. Developed hybrid MMCs were hotrolled at 515°C of temperature. Hardness of hybrid MMCs was evaluated by using hardness test rig (Vickers). Result revealed that the hardness strength of developed hybrid MMCs increased with increase of the reinforcement content. The rate of wear of developed hybrid MMCs was evaluated by using Pin on Disc wear test. Test trials were conducted according to Taguchi technique. L27 array was implemented for evaluation of data. Effect of varying factors on the rate of wear and COF was analyzed by applying ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) method. ANOVA outcomes showed that the reinforcement content had a more significant impact on wear behavior and COF of the MMCs. Finally, L27 array outcomes were verified through confirmation experiments. A wear fractography outcome shows the internal fractured structure of a wear specimen which was studied using a SEM.
High carbon steel/Inconel 718 bimetallic parts produced via Fused Filament Fabrication and Sintering
Authors: Ferro Paolo , Fabrizi Alberto , Bonollo Franco , Elsayed H.S.A. , Berto Filippo , Savio Gianpaolo
Published: June 2023

The possibility of producing high carbon steel/Inconel 718 bimetallic parts via Fused Filament Fabrication and Sintering is explored. Compatibility of the two alloys with particular attention to elements interdiffusion through the interface as well as the effect of the deposition strategy were analyzed. Microstructural features, relative density and parts shrinkage were investigated, as well. Although first-tentative process parameters values were not sufficient to reach an acceptable material densification, a good bonding between Inconel 718 and carbon steel was observed, suggesting the potential to obtain sound bimetallic parts with a great range of material properties. Due to a difference in densification kinetics, sintering temperature was revealed to be the most critical process parameter to optimize to minimize porosity.