bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Participatory Evaluation of Development Projects Contribution to Poverty Reduction in Northern Benin
Authors: Zoundji Gérard C. , Zossou Espérance , Vodouhè Fifanou , Sackey Charles Kwame , Bognonkpe Gillette 
Published: November 2022

This study analyzed the sustainable changes induced by the "Banikoara Millennium Village Project" on rural poverty reduction. Using the purposive sampling method, 126 household heads were selected from three project beneficiary villages and one non- project beneficiary village. Data was collected through focus group discussions and a structured questionnaire which were processed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that nearly 78% of the respondents have adopted the improved technologies of soil fertility, and yields have increased from 1.2 tons to 3.5 tons per hectare for rice, from 1.4 tons to 2.1 tons per hectare for maize, and from 1 ton to 1.6 tons per hectare for sorghum. We also found that that the project has contributed to decreasing poverty in terms of the achievements of socio-community infrastructures in the education, health and agricultural sectors, the capacity building of communities etc. Majority (85%) of the project beneficiary households consider their current economic living conditions better than the period before the project implementation. This project has a great impact on household food security and shortening the hunger season. However, the project achievements are still fragile and require an action for sustainability. This study suggests that development projects should actively involve the target beneficiaries starting from the needs assessment in particular and implementation to ensure its sustainability.
Keywords: Development project, Millennium Villages, Impact evaluation, poverty reduction
Assessing Socio-Environmental Externalities of Big Hydro Power Projects: The Case of Skavica
Authors: Shkurti Aranit 
Published: November 2022

The transition towards renewable energy sources has increased the interest in Hydro Power generation. The socio-environmental externalities produced from big HPPs have a significant impact on the local communities and on the overall economy of the country. There is consensus in the literature that small HPPs cause fewer and less severe environmental and social externalities than large HPPs. Anyway, the electricity supply is guaranteed by bigger investments and the trade-off is not quite simple to clarify. The study is based on a set of sustainability indicators which provide a life cycle analysis of the Skavica Hydro Power Plant and the relative investment scheme. The aim of this paper is to identify the general externalities related to the construction of a big HPP and to connect to the specific case study of Skavica HPP. Furthermore, the estimation of benefits and costs along with public discussions is integrated to evidence the legitimate social and environmental concerns of people living in areas where dams are planned. Policy options intended to adopt these externalities are also addressed.
Keyword: Hydro Power Plant, renewable energy, Skavica, externalities, policy, floodings prevention, electricity
Solar still Design and Construction for its Implementation in Rural Communities in Mexico
Authors: Castillo Téllez Margarita , Castillo-Téllez Beatriz , Pérez Gerardo Alberto Mejía , Domínguez Niño Alfredo , May Tzuc Oscar 
Published: November 2022

Water scarcity and sufficient energy sources without affecting climate change are complex problems facing humanity. Water purification, such as desalination using solar radiation as an energy source, is a mature technology method that provides economic savings in electricity, gas, and oil consumption, achieving good quality fresh water. Solar water distillation is an example of nature's purification mechanism through the water cycle. This paper presents a solar still design and construction with easily accessible, low-cost materials and simple manufacturing, which obtain the patent MX2020/070739. The energy evaluation and experimental results are also presented, verifying the device's technical feasibility. As a result, water production of 805/day was obtained, with a maximum solar irradiance of 980 W/m2 and 36 °C ambient temperature and the efficiency during the test days was 38%. Using the distiller can benefit rural communities in Mexico by obtaining fresh water, achieving significant energy savings, and contributing to caring for the environment.
Keywords: Solar Irradiance, Solar still, Energy efficiency, Solar Technologies
Sustainability of Open Educational Resources in Forensic Sciences: International Experience
Authors: Palkova Karina , Agapova Olena , Zīle Aelita , Polianskyi Anton , Vadym Khosha , Hasparian Serafyma , Mykhailo Mozhaiev 
Published: November 2022

Open educational resources are among the important factors that affect the quality of contemporary education. The new form of education has been recognised by UNESCO and has become an important element in reaching sustainable development goals in educational sector. This article covers the experience of using open educational resources for expert support in justice, based on international experience. To identify the possibility of using open educational resources in the specific area of forensic experts’ education, the authors of the article have conducted a survey among expert community, and the survey results are presented in this study. Representatives of expert institutions from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Israel, Latvia, Montenegro, Poland, Slovenia, Ukraine and other countries have participated in the survey. The analysis of survey results shows that the introduction of open educational resources is acceptable for most respondents. It was found that ‘OER: Forensic Science’ project is going to be the first educational content of the kind to be introduced in forensic expert institutions and universities entitled to support educational activities. It is proven that open educational resources can enhance quality of the learning process at two levels at least. First, it is the quality of teaching and secondly, it is the new digital approach to learning environment that allows access to all studies necessary to perform forensic expert activities.
Integrating Gender Equity in Vocational Studies to Transform Agricultural Activities Towards Green and Inclusive Businesses
Authors: Vásquez Paola , Gómez Elizabeth , Gallego Viviana , Potes Andrea 
Published: November 2022

Productive sectors greatly contribute to environmental pollution in Colombia, especially in rural areas. Green businesses emerged as an alternative to reduce such environmental impacts, applying clean technologies that require STEM knowledge. However, the participation of women in environmental STEM careers is still low, particularly those vocationally oriented to eco-efficient agricultural activities. Thus, the research aimed to answer the question: How to integrate gender equity in vocational training processes to transform agricultural activities towards green and inclusive businesses? A vocational institute acted as the unit of analysis for the case study. Interviews, focus groups and surveys were used to collect data on women in two selected training programs. The gender transformative and sustainable production approaches guided the identification of gender barriers and the implementation of strategies to remove them. As a result, female models led trainings and the installation of environmental prototypes, which inspired and developed STEM skills in the female apprentices, and reduced pollution in rural units. Finally, innovative pedagogical processes and gender aspects were introduced in organizational guidelines, seeking the institutionalization of the gender perspective in STEM environmental vocational training programs and fields.
Assessment of Household Solid Waste Management Techniques in Nassarawa “A” Ward in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: Dada Abubakar Dauda , Righelato Pınar Ulucay 
Published: November 2022

The most pressing environmental challenge encountered by the urban areas of Nigeria is domestic solid waste management. With its population reaching 200 million, Nigeria sustains its position as one of Africa's largest producers of solid waste. It is indicated that more than 30 million tons of solid waste are generated annually, mostly by households (URL1). Insufficient collection and disposal of municipal waste and lack of reliable transport infrastructures, including inadequate budgetary provisions make the implementation of waste management processes across the States very difficult. Despite the measures put in place by governments across the country, waste management is still a challenge to tackle in high-density residential areas, specifically in informal settlements. Public awareness and participation are critical components in waste management programs besides appropriate legislation, resilient technical support, and adequate funding if certain accomplishments are required. Based on this perspective, the research focuses on understanding what kind of solid waste is generated and how it is disposed of in a selected high-density residential area, the Nassarawa “A” Ward in Minna city where the existence of rising informal settlements is a pressing issue. A household survey is conducted amongst informal settlers to assess the connection between the level of education of households, their awareness of the topic, and also, willingness to participate in the process. The research results proved that majority of the residents were concerned and affected by the poor state of their environment due to the lack of an appropriate solid waste management approach. Very few residents had awareness regarding the stages of waste management such as reusing, recycling, and composting. The research concludes that based on the results obtained from the survey, any waste management strategies introduced should encourage the education of residents and their active participation in the process.
Classification of the extreme points of ${\mathcal L}_s(^2l_{\infty}^3)$ by computation
Authors: Kim Sung Guen 
Published: November 2022

Let $l_{\infty}^3=\mathbb{R}^3$ be endowed with the supremum norm. In [Comment. Math. 2017, 57 (1), 1-7], S.G. Kim classified the extreme points of the unit ball of ${\mathcal L}_s(^2l_{\infty}^3)$ only using Mathematica 8, where ${\mathcal L}_s(^2l_{\infty}^3)$ is the space of symmetric bilinear forms on $l_{\infty}^3$. It seems to be interesting and meaningful to classify the extreme points of the unit ball of ${\mathcal L}_s(^2l_{\infty}^3)$ without using Mathematica 8. The aim of this paper is to make such classification by mathematical calculations.
Facilitating or hindering social cohesion? The impact of the Community Work Programme in selected South African townships
Authors: Langa Malose , Masuku Themba , Bruce David , Van der Merwe Hugo 
Published: November 2022

In recent years, the term “social cohesion” has become an important concept in post-apartheid South Africa.[i] In this paper, we discuss the potential of the Community Work Programme (CWP) as a violence-prevention project based on a study conducted[ii] in six communities, namely Ivory Park, Orange Farm and Kagiso (situated in Gauteng Province), Bokfontein (North West Province), Grabouw and Mannenberg (Western Cape). In this paper, we discuss the potential of CWP in facilitating social cohesion to prevent violence in communities. The CWP work includes community violence-prevention programmes against gangsterism, drug abuse, domestic violence and xenophobic violence. Ordinarily many of these violence prevention projects would not have been possible if it was not for the CWP. However, this paper shows that that the impact of the CWP is not always positive. In some of the six communities, the CWP was a source of racial or interpersonal conflicts, power struggles amongst the local elites for the control of the CWP, xenophobic or ethnic divisions. This paper provides all this analysis to show tensions and contradictions of the CWP in facilitating and hindering social cohesion in communities. It is recommended in conclusion that, if not implemented well, the CWP may be a source of conflict rather than social cohesion. It needs to be implemented in a reliable and stable way if it is to assist in reducing violence in communities.[i] Ingrid Palmary, Reflections on social cohesion in contemporary South Africa, Psychology in Society (forthcoming)[ii] This study was conducted by researchers at the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR)
Pulling us apart? The association between fear of crime and social cohesion in South Africa
Authors: Roberts Benjamin J. , Gordon Steven L. 
Published: November 2022

Fear of crime, like crime itself, is thought to be a factor that constrains efforts by government and non-state actors at promoting socially cohesive communities and a caring society. As concern over South Africa's social fabric have mounted, increasing policy attention has been directed at perceptions of safety and nation-building. In this study, we use nationally representative survey data to examine recent theoretical models on the link between fear of crime and social cohesion within communities. The results do not offer strong support for the hypothesis that higher fear of crime is associated with lower levels of social trust, neighbouthood ties and civic cohesion, although fear does have a moderate, adverse influence on attitudes towards law enforcement.
On the record: Interview with Phumeza Mlungwana, Social Justice Coalition
Authors: Faull Andrew 
Published: November 2022

In March this year a prominent South African grassroots organisation, the Social Justice Coalition (SJC), announced that it would be taking the South African Police Service (SAPS) to court. Andrew Faull spoke to the SJC’s General Secretary, Phumeza Mlungwana, about crime and policing in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.
Book Review: Don Pinnock, Gang Town, Cape Town, Tafelberg, 2016.
Authors: Van der Spuy Elrena 
Published: November 2022

Gang Town, so promises the back leaf, ‘tells a tale of two cities’. The front cover juxtaposes the two cities – Cape Town and Gang Town. The outline of Table Mountain beckons in the distance. Superimposed onto that world heritage emblem of the city is the body of a young man. A crude tattoo is visible on his naked torso. The arms of the body are stretched outward. The hands clasp a handgun. The torso, the tattoo and handgun signify ‘the gangster’. He hails from Gang Town. The gangster-subject is not without agency. The body is tilted in anticipation of the deadly velocity of the gun. But that agency, we know, is painfully circumscribed by the debilitating conditions of social exclusion that characterise Gang Town. So it is with anticipation that one turns to Pinnock’s account of the interplay between structure and agency and gangs.
Interview with Shaun Abrahams, National Director of Public Prosecutions
Authors: Du Plessis Anton , Maunganidze Ottilia 
Published: November 2022

Executive Director of Institute for Security Studies, Anton du Plessis, and Senior Researcher, Ottilia Maunganidze, sat down with the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) National Director of Public Prosecutions, Shaun Abrahams to discuss life, presidents, politics and prosecutions in South Africa. Du Plessis and Abrahams have known each other for many years
Combating drunken driving: Questioning the validity of blood alcohol concentration analysis
Authors: Ehmke Ursula , Du Toit-Prinsloo Lorraine , Deysel Christelle , Jordaan Joyce , Saayman Gert 
Published: November 2022

The reliability and accuracy of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) results presented in South African courts of law in respect of possible driving under the influence (DUI) cases, have in recent years been subjected to intense scrutiny and severe criticism. Research has shown that multiple factors may negatively impact on the reliability of results obtained from the analysis of such samples - including inappropriate or non-standardised sample management after acquisition thereof. In particular, long delays between sample acquisition and the analysis thereof may compromise the validity of results. Such delays may also negatively affect the outcome of both criminal and civil legal proceedings in possible DUI cases. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on records from the Pretoria Forensic Chemistry Laboratory (PFCL) regarding the relevant dates pertaining to blood samples from deceased persons which were received for analysis. These parameters included the date of sample acquisition at medico-legal mortuaries, delays in submission of samples to the laboratory and date of actual analysis. In addition, the expiration dates of sample collection kits were recorded. Our results show that numerous expired kits were utilised and that there was an average delay of approximately five months between sample acquisition and laboratory analysis thereof. This delay period varied greatly but appears to correlate with geographical distance of the medico-legal mortuary from the PFCL. In order to optimise and facilitate the administration of justice in both criminal and civil cases of alleged DUI, these shortcomings should be urgently addressed. It is argued that the implementation of prescribed measures and standard operating procedures in sample management, together with other interventions such as accreditation of laboratories and improved resourcing of medico-legal and toxicology laboratories, is urgently required.
The killing fields of KZN: Local government elections, violence and democracy in 2016
Authors: De Haas Mary Elizabeth 
Published: November 2022

Various government initiatives focus on the promotion of social cohesion for nation building. The impact of social cohesion on levels of violence is also the subject of research. This article argues that despite official rhetoric organs of state - are used in KwaZulu-Natal to serve party political interests by targeting cohesive groupings struggling for their constitutional rights. Violence is promoted and nation building retarded. The main case study cited is that of violence-wracked Glebelands hostel in Durban. Since it is also argued that what is happening in Glebelands is not an isolated case reference is also made to the similar targeting of the shack dwellers’ movement Abahali baseMjondolo.
Public Order Transparency - Using freedom of information laws to analyse the policing of protest
Authors: Bruce David 
Published: November 2022

This article discusses two research projects that have used the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to analyse protest and the policing thereof. A total of 19 information requests were submitted to the South African Police Service and four submitted to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate on behalf of the two projects. After briefly describing information that the SAPS routinely publishes in its annual report, the PAIA framework, and some of the limitations of the process in generating information, the articles focuses on two sets of issues that emerge from the research process. On the one hand this concerns the issue of quantifying protest, understanding the focus of protest, and related issues of violence. On the other hand this concerns insights emerging from the records that have been disclosed with regard to the recording of the use of force by police in response to protest, and issues relating thereto. The article concludes by reflecting on the implications and lessons of these exercises in police transparency.
Violence and injury observatories: Reducing the burden of injury in high-risk communities
Authors: Jabar Ardil , Matzopoulos Richard 
Published: November 2022

Background The meaning of an observatory has expanded recently from its origins in astronomy to that of specialised informational repositories and knowledge building centres housing cross-referenced databases with advanced analytic and research capacities. The purpose of the violence and injury observatories is directed toward preventing crime and violence at the local and regional level. Data around the burden of violence and injury for the African continent is limited and often not collected periodically thus limiting the implementation and evaluation of timely violence prevention interventions.MethodsAn observatory is primarily a tool to support the authorities in formulating effective responses to citizen safety and security issues. It is a centre dedicated to systematising information from different sources to produce periodic analyses or studies, to show the development of crime and violence in a given area. These surveillance systems primarily comprise two components: (1) Collection, analysis and interpretation of violence and injury data (2) Dissemination of findings to stakeholders within the safety and security cluster and the general public. There are several important data collection strategies which include health surveys, administrative data, mandatory reports and studies of special groups. Surveillance data initially may be analysed in terms of time, place, and person, by looking at time trends and geographic distribution and comparing age, sex, and population groups. Advanced data analysis methods for surveillance data include space-time clustering, time-series analysis, geospatial analysis, life tables, logistic regression, trend and small area analysis and methods for the forecast of epidemics based on surveillance dataConclusion Violence and injury observatories seeks to collect comprehensive data on violence and injury data with the system serving as a platform for violence prevention intervention development and evaluation for their respective sites.
Location, location, location: The settling of organised crime in Bedfordview
Authors: Haysom Simone , Shaw Mark 
Published: November 2022

Why do ‘crime bosses’ settle in one place and not another? It is an intriguing and under researched question on which little has been written. In South Africa a cluster of individuals associated with organised crime moved into, or were associated with, a particular suburb: Bedfordview, south-east of Johannesburg. The most notorious was Radovan Krejcir, but he himself plugged into an established network of individuals with links to the underworld. This article, based on interviews with people close to high level crime figures or in political or civic leadership roles in Bedfordview, explores why this neighbourhood in particular was chosen. Our analysis suggests that a range of factors coalesced to make Bedfordview, an upper class predominantly white neighbourhood, attractive to organised crime figures. These include a combination of pull factors linked to geography, lifestyle, ethnic and infrastructural reasons that combined in a way that was unique in Johannesburg. Significantly, these were linked with a set of push factors that reflect changes in wider urban development and the upward (and geographic) mobility of a set of ‘businessmen' linked to grey or illegal markets in the city.