Thermodynamic effects of temperature during roasting of chromite for sodium chromate salts formation

This paper aims to assess the potential effects of roasting temperature on the formation of sodium chromate (Na2CrO4). To perform this task, chromite samples were complexed with NaCl at temperatures ranging from 900 °C to 1 200 °C in the presence of excess oxygen. These experimental conditions were set and assessed based on the predicted phase transformations using Facstage as a prediction tool. The scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) have revealed the roasting behaviour of chromite to be governed by a fully reacted outside layer and an unreacted core. As per the x-ray diffraction (XRD) results, at lower temperature settings, mineral phases such as hematite and chromium oxide reported as an indication of predicted oxidation of chromite. The key results indicate that the addition of NaCl reduces the equilibrium temperature, thereby fully decomposing the stable and refractory spinel structure of chromite at 1 200 °C

Employee perceptions of the management of cultural diversity and workplace transformation

This study assesses managerial perceptions of the management of cultural diversity and workplace transformation in three production companies in Gauteng. A sample comprising 668 employees was drawn from a population of 1 259 (53% response rate) using simple random sampling and data were collected through self-developed questionnaires and personal interviews. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicate that whilst the South African Transformation (SAT) Agenda has propelled change in the political and economic spheres, similar developments have not been realised in the South African labour market. Hence, based on the findings, recommendations are made to enhance the management of cultural diversity and workplace transformation, and the need for urgent government intervention, through legislative amendments, is emphasised

Social and gender analysis report: Barotse Floodplain, Western Province,Zambia

There is increasing awareness that integrating gender into development frameworks is critical for effective implementation of development strategies. In working to alleviate rural poverty, the CGIAR Research Program on Aquatic Agricultural Systems (AAS) recognizes that “business as usual” gender integration approaches will not deliver lasting and widespread improvements in agricultural productivity, poverty reduction and food security. In response, AAS operationalized a gender transformative approach. The approach is informed by conceptual frameworks that explicitly recognize the potent influence of social relations on creating and perpetuating gender inequalities. In this way, AAS aims to address the underlying causes of rural poverty and gender inequality in Zambia’s Barotse Floodplain, where people rely extensively on riverine and wetland ecosystems for food and livelihood security. A central question guiding the research program is “How do social norms and gendered power relations influence agricultural development outcomes?” The findings presented in this report provide insights that help answer this question. The report presents a review of literature relevant to livelihoods, ecosystem services, and gender and social relations in Zambia, with a specific focus on Western Province, where AAS is currently implemented. It also presents a synthesis of findings of a social and gender analysis conducted in 2013 in 10 focal communities situated in and around the Barotse Floodplain

Evaluating the clinical management of severely malnourished children--a study of two rural district hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Severe malnutrition is an important cause of preventable mortality in most South African hospitals. Work recently done in two rural Eastern Cape hospitals supports the literature which shows that many deaths occur as a result of outdated clinical practices and that improving these practices reduces case fatality rates. Rapid assessment of clinical management in paediatric wards is necessary to highlight areas for improvement. OBJECTIVE: To assess the management of severely malnourished children in two rural district hospitals and to recommend improvements for their care. METHODS: Based on draft World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for inpatient care of children with severe malnutrition, data collection instruments were developed in conjunction with the district nutrition team to assess the quality of care given to malnourished children in two Mount Frere hospitals, Eastern Cape. Data were collected through retrospective review of case records, with detailed studies of selected cases, structured observations of the paediatric wards, and interviews with ward sisters and doctors. RESULTS: The combined case fatality rate for severe malnutrition was 32%. Inadequate feeding, poor management of rehydration and infection, lack of resources, and a lack of knowledge and motivation among staff were identified as areas that need attention. CONCLUSION: The clinical management of severely malnourished children can be rapidly assessed to highlight areas for improvement. Involving staff in the assessment process has led to their active involvement in improving the management of malnourished children in their hospitals

Investigating the suitability and cost-benefit of copper tailings as partial replacement of sand in concrete in Zambia: An exploratory study

Purpose: This study investigated the suitability and cost-benefit of using copper tailings as partial replacement of sand in concrete production. The study was motivated by the accumulation and non- utilisation of Copper Tailings in dams among them Tailing Dam 25 also known as TD 25 in Kitwe city of the Copperbelt province in Zambia that take up approximately 111 hectares of unutilised land. Design/methodology/approach: Laboratory experimental approach of concrete production based on water/cement ratios of 0.3 and 0.5 was used because this was an exploratory study designed to establish the primary performance of .concrete. 30 concrete cubes were cast based on the two water-cement ratios. 0% to 30% partial sand replacement with copper tailings was used in both mixes with the 0% copper tailings replacement being the control mix and reference point. Other concrete tests included workability, density, compressive strength and element composition analysis. Findings: Results revealed that copper tailings from TD 25 were suitable for partial replacement of sand in concrete. 30% of sand replacement with copper tailings was established as the maximum replacement amount in order to produce optimum compressive strength values from both mixes. The drier mix of 0.3 water-cement ratio produced higher compressive strength results of 23 MPa at 28 days of concrete curing with 2.34% as optimum concrete cost reduction. Originality/Value: The study provides guidance on optimum concrete grade produced and cost reduction details of copper tailing-based concrete to support for local authorities in suitable land wand waste management using real data

PABRA means partnership: Transforming agriculture in Africa together

For two decades, the Pan-Africa Bean Research Alliance (PABRA), a partnership developed and facilitated by the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) – a CGIAR Research Center – has fostered a pan-African research and development partnership to strengthen the common bean value chain. Common beans are important food legumes and contribute to the food and nutrition security, income generation and enhances production systems in over 32 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. To achieve food and nutrition security, Africa must participate, promote regional, continental, and global markets, and strengthen key value chains. Our policies need to be deliberately tailored, made conducive and supportive so as to take advantage of opportunities offered by technological development and innovations. Enhancing capacities of different stakeholder cannot be emphasized. With a changing climate, Africa needs to be prepared with mitigation strategies, plans, policies, tools and actions that enhance resilience of our production systems and communities

Improving validity of informed consent for biomedical research in Zambia using a laboratory exposure intervention.

BACKGROUND: Complex biomedical research can lead to disquiet in communities with limited exposure to scientific discussions, leading to rumours or to high drop-out rates. We set out to test an intervention designed to address apprehensions commonly encountered in a community where literacy is uncommon, and where complex biomedical research has been conducted for over a decade. We aimed to determine if it could improve the validity of consent. METHODS: Data were collected using focus group discussions, key informant interviews and observations. We designed an intervention that exposed participants to a detailed demonstration of laboratory processes. Each group was interviewed twice in a day, before and after exposure to the intervention in order to assess changes in their views. RESULTS: Factors that motivated people to participate in invasive biomedical research included a desire to stay healthy because of the screening during the recruitment process, regular advice from doctors, free medical services, and trust in the researchers. Inhibiting factors were limited knowledge about samples taken from their bodies during endoscopic procedures, the impact of endoscopy on the function of internal organs, and concerns about the use of biomedical samples. The belief that blood can be used for Satanic practices also created insecurities about drawing of blood samples. Further inhibiting factors included a fear of being labelled as HIV positive if known to consult heath workers repeatedly, and gender inequality. Concerns about the use and storage of blood and tissue samples were overcome by a laboratory exposure intervention. CONCLUSION: Selecting a group of members from target community and engaging them in a laboratory exposure intervention could be a useful tool for enhancing specific aspects of consent for biomedical research. Further work is needed to determine the extent to which improved understanding permeates beyond the immediate group participating in the intervention