Energy Bridge Builder: Finland – Namibia Cooperation in Energy Business

This study is a result of a project initiated by the author in response to a looming electric power crisis in Namibia. Namibia has traditionally imported over half (at times up to 60%) of the electricity consumed in the country from neighbouring countries through Southern African Power Pool agreements. However, the exporting countries are facing power shortages as local demand continues to grow. It is against this backdrop that Namibia has embarked on a mission to become self-sufficient in power production. The objective of the study is to promote business collaboration between energy companies and public sector in Finland and energy companies and public sector in Namibia. The objective is achieved by assessing the availability of renewable energy resources in Namibia, identifying major actors, investor networks, energy needs, and barriers to entry into the Namibian energy industry. The primary aim of the research is to build a networking platform for energy stakeholders from the two countries and ultimately create business relationships. As a result, the study proposes entry modes into Namibia for Finnish companies. The secondary aim is to promote education and research cooperation between the University of Vaasa and the Namibia University of Science and Technology. The empirical data was collected through a survey distributed to Namibian energy stakeholders. The study revealed that the country is rich in renewable energy resources and has an established government-supported energy market. The study concluded that there are numerous business opportunities for Finnish energy companies in Namibia, and the best entry strategy into this young market is through strategic partnerships with local companies. Moreover, Namibian companies and the public sector are willing and able to contribute financially and strategically to partnerships with Finnish companies.fi=Opinnäytetyö kokotekstinä PDF-muodossa.|en=Thesis fulltext in PDF format.|sv=Lärdomsprov tillgängligt som fulltext i PDF-format

DEVELOPMENT WORKERS AS KNOWLEDGE WORKERS – A STUDY OF FINNISH DEVELOPMENT WORKERS IN NAMIBIA

In the 21st century poverty still remains a pressing matter for the majority of the human population. However, as development is not anymore measured only by monetary wealth communities are evaluated by measures of social conditions and humanitarian wellbeing, as well as, their abilities to create, share and use knowledge. As development organisations tackle several challenges in the development sector, organisational efficiency has become a key tool for achieving more successful development interventions. As the business sector has identified knowledge management (KM) as a key to competitive advantage the development sector is also seeking to enforce their interventions through KM. This thesis addresses the needs of KM in the development sector from the viewpoint of the business sector; especially looking at knowledge stickiness that was originally described by Szulanski in relation to intrafirm knowledge transfers. This explorative study examines knowledge transfers between Finland and Namibia from the viewpoint of knowledge workers. Qualitative methods were used to analyze the data collected through semi-­‐‑structural interviews. The theory of knowledge stickiness was found to be useful in investigating knowledge transfer in the development sector. However, knowledge transfer alone was found to be insufficient in addressing the inadequacies in KM in the development sector. Furthermore, it was found that situated learning complements knowledge transfer in addressing the specific needs discovered in the literature review and empirical data.fi=Opinnäytetyö kokotekstinä PDF-muodossa.|en=Thesis fulltext in PDF format.|sv=Lärdomsprov tillgängligt som fulltext i PDF-format

On Predictions and Performance of Machine Foundations

A model for predicting the amplitude versus frequency response for surface footings under vibrations is presented. The model considers the effects of soil nonlinearity and confining pressures on soil modulus and has been verified by comparing model predictions with performance field tests. The elastic half space analog solutions have been used to develop a computer program for this prediction model (Manyando, 1990). Soil nonlinearity has been accounted for by incorporating an iterative procedure in the computer program. The computer program was used to predict the footing response in vertical, torsional and coupled rocking and sliding vibrations. Predicted resonant amplitudes, resonant frequencies and the total sweeps have been compared with the measured values. It has been found that predictions by this model closely match the measured data. Vertical and coupled rocking and sliding vibrations predictions closely match measured data when material damping is neglected. Predictions for torsional vibrations are observed to be satisfactory when 10 percent material damping is used and the slip at the base of the footing is neglected

A socio-pragmatic analysis of some Lozi linquistic avoidance strategies in relation to Lozi taboo language

Master of Arts in Linguistic ScienceThe current study examined the socio-pragmatic aspect of linguistic avoidance strategies in relation to Silozi taboo language.A socio-pragmatic study deals with communication in its sociocultural context. Linguistic avoidance strategies refer to goal- oriented communicative behaviour where individuals keep their conversation away from words termed as taboo words. Silozi linguistic avoidance strategies are a reflection ot the socio-culture life of the Lozi. The aim of this study was to present Silozi linguistic avoidance strategies in relation to Silozi taboo language and to define their societal significance. The objectives of the study were (a) to identify and describe the types of taboo words avoided by Lozi speakers (b) to identify and describe a range of Lozi avoidance strategies in relation to taboo language (c) to establish the significance of identified Lozi linguistic avoidance strategies which are used by speakers of Silozi language. Brown and Levinson’s theory of politeness (1978), Grice’s cooperative principle(1975 ) and Stella Ting’s face negotiating theory ( 1988) were employed. The study was framed under the qualitative approachin regard to data collection and analysis. Using purposive sampling and snowball sampling, the researcher carried out semi-structured individual interviews and focus group semi- structured interviews. Twenty- five (25) key informants were purposively sampled to elicit information for this research.And forty-three (43) were in focus groups. The focus groups were as follows: Group A ( 8 members ), Group B ( 9 members ), Group C ( 6 members ), Group D ( 6 members ), Group E ( 8 members ). The study also employed observations ( participant observations, non- participant observations, unobstrusive measures) and introspection to collect data. The study revealed that Silozi taboo language is a reality to Silozi speakers, and in order to mitigate the effect of taboo language, the Lozi always use Silozi linguistic avoidance strategies. Therefore ,Silozi speakers employ euphemisms, circumlocution, understatements, tales, name avoidance, avoidance register attributed to the Litunga, in order to eliminate the impact of facethreatening speech acts ( taboo language ). The study concluded that Silozi linguistic avoidance strategies are an iceberg to Silozi culture. They are a compass to Silozi way of life. They portray a socio- pragmatic function and are not haphazardly employed. Each linguistic avoidance strategy constitutes a function. The Lozi people try to maintain and negotiate face in all communication situations, and throughout their communication , politeness takes a central role. The implication of the findings is that Silozi linguistic avoidance strategies reflect communicative competence; that is, the ability to produce and understand utterances which are not so much grammatical but, more importantly, appropriate in the context in which they are made. Therefore the study recommends that the Ministry of Education and curriculum specialists review the Silozi syllabus to include much of the stated linguistic avoidance strategies, e.g metaphors, euphemisms, proverbs and language related to the Monarch. The study also recommends that future research on linguistic avoidance could be explored using other theories

Safety of Artemether-Lumefantrine Exposure in First Trimester of Pregnancy: An Observational Cohort.

There is limited data available regarding safety profile of artemisinins in early pregnancy. They are, therefore, not recommended by WHO as a first-line treatment for malaria in first trimester due to associated embryo-foetal toxicity in animal studies. The study assessed birth outcome among pregnant women inadvertently exposed to artemether-lumefantrine (AL) during first trimester in comparison to those of women exposed to other anti-malarial drugs or no drug at all during the same period of pregnancy. Pregnant women with gestational age <20 weeks were recruited from Maternal Health clinics or from monthly house visits (demographic surveillance), and followed prospectively until delivery. 2167 pregnant women were recruited and 1783 (82.3%) completed the study until delivery. 319 (17.9%) used anti-malarials in first trimester, of whom 172 (53.9%) used (AL), 78 (24.4%) quinine, 66 (20.7%) sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) and 11 (3.4%) amodiaquine. Quinine exposure in first trimester was associated with an increased risk of miscarriage/stillbirth (OR 2.5; 1.3-5.1) and premature birth (OR 2.6; 1.3-5.3) as opposed to AL with (OR 1.4; 0.8-2.5) for miscarriage/stillbirth and (OR 0.9; 0.5-1.8) for preterm birth. Congenital anomalies were identified in 4 exposure groups namely AL only (1/164[0.6%]), quinine only (1/70[1.4%]), SP (2/66[3.0%]), and non-anti-malarial exposure group (19/1464[1.3%]). Exposure to AL in first trimester was more common than to any other anti-malarial drugs. Quinine exposure was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes which was not the case following other anti-malarial intake. Since AL and quinine were used according to their availability rather than to disease severity, it is likely that the effect observed was related to the drug and not to the disease itself. Even with this caveat, a change of policy from quinine to AL for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria during the whole pregnancy period could be already envisaged.\u

A situational analysis on the use of sign language in the education of the deaf in Zambia: A case of Magwero and ST. Joseph schools for the deaf

This study was aimed at conducting a situational analysis of how Sign Language is used in the education of the Deaf. Among others the study tried to establish the levels of training for teachers of the Deaf, and challenges which teachers, pupils and parents face in the education of the Deaf. The study was also meant to find out how Sign language is used in the education of the Deaf children as well as to determine whether Sign language should be taught as a subject.The study adopted the case study design. The population comprised two schools from which a sample of 40 teachers and 40 pupils was chosen. However, only 35 teachers gave responses to the questionnaires distributed. The study used purposive sampling procedures where schools for the Deaf which run the full cycle of the education system from Grade 0 to Grade 12 were selected. Also key informants such as Nongovernmental Organizations (NGO) leaders working with the Deaf, lecturers that train teachers of the Deaf, standards officers in special education and parents were also purposively chosen for the study.Information was gathered through questionnaires administered to the teachers, lecturers, parents, standards officers and NGO leaders. Deaf pupils were interviewed using face to face interviews owing to their difficulties in understanding the English language. Focus group discussions with the teachers, observations and document reviews were also employed to crosscheck information. The data was then analyzed qualitatively by coming up with categories of responses, themes and sub themes. Also where necessary simple quantitative techniques such as percentages and frequency tables were used.The study revealed that the majority of the teachers teaching in the two Deaf schools investigated never underwent comprehensive training in Sign language. It also revealed that Sign language (mainly sign vocabulary) is taught at primary school from Grade 0 to Grade 4 and after that it is mainly used as a medium of instruction. It was discovered that teachers use both Sign language and signed English in which they code switch naturally. The study revealed that the major challenges which teachers and pupils face are lack of knowledge of Sign language, limited vocabulary of Sign language and limited learning and teaching materials in Sign language. The study also revealed that teachers try to overcome these challenges by learning from the learners, consulting from more experienced teachers of the Deaf, and creating new signs for words which are new to both the teachers and the pupils. Lastly the study revealed that the overwhelming majority of the teachers and pupils want Sign language as a taught and examinable subjec

First-trimester Artemisinin Derivatives and Quinine Treatments and the Risk of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Africa and Asia: A Meta-analysis of Observational Studies.

Animal embryotoxicity data, and the scarcity of safety data in human pregnancies, have prevented artemisinin derivatives from being recommended for malaria treatment in the first trimester except in lifesaving circumstances. We conducted a meta-analysis of prospective observational studies comparing the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and major congenital anomaly (primary outcomes) among first-trimester pregnancies treated with artemisinin derivatives versus quinine or no antimalarial treatment. Electronic databases including Medline, Embase, and Malaria in Pregnancy Library were searched, and investigators contacted. Five studies involving 30,618 pregnancies were included; four from sub-Saharan Africa (n = 6,666 pregnancies, six sites) and one from Thailand (n = 23,952). Antimalarial exposures were ascertained by self-report or active detection and confirmed by prescriptions, clinic cards, and outpatient registers. Cox proportional hazards models, accounting for time under observation and gestational age at enrollment, were used to calculate hazard ratios. Individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis was used to combine the African studies, and the results were then combined with those from Thailand using aggregated data meta-analysis with a random effects model. There was no difference in the risk of miscarriage associated with the use of artemisinins anytime during the first trimester (n = 37/671) compared with quinine (n = 96/945; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.73 [95% CI 0.44, 1.21], I2 = 0%, p = 0.228), in the risk of stillbirth (artemisinins, n = 10/654; quinine, n = 11/615; aHR = 0.29 [95% CI 0.08-1.02], p = 0.053), or in the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth combined (pregnancy loss) (aHR = 0.58 [95% CI 0.36-1.02], p = 0.099). The corresponding risks of miscarriage, stillbirth, and pregnancy loss in a sensitivity analysis restricted to artemisinin exposures during the embryo sensitive period (6-12 wk gestation) were as follows: aHR = 1.04 (95% CI 0.54-2.01), I2 = 0%, p = 0.910; aHR = 0.73 (95% CI 0.26-2.06), p = 0.551; and aHR = 0.98 (95% CI 0.52-2.04), p = 0.603. The prevalence of major congenital anomalies was similar for first-trimester artemisinin (1.5% [95% CI 0.6%-3.5%]) and quinine exposures (1.2% [95% CI 0.6%-2.4%]). Key limitations of the study include the inability to control for confounding by indication in the African studies, the paucity of data on potential confounders, the limited statistical power to detect differences in congenital anomalies, and the lack of assessment of cardiovascular defects in newborns. Compared to quinine, artemisinin treatment in the first trimester was not associated with an increased risk of miscarriage or stillbirth. While the data are limited, they indicate no difference in the prevalence of major congenital anomalies between treatment groups. The benefits of 3-d artemisinin combination therapy regimens to treat malaria in early pregnancy are likely to outweigh the adverse outcomes of partially treated malaria, which can occur with oral quinine because of the known poor adherence to 7-d regimens

Vibration Mitigation for Brewery Stockhouse Demolition

Nineteen thirty\u27s vintage reinforced concrete brewery stockhouses, collectively known as Borsari Cellars, were demolished to make space for the construction of a new stockhouse. (A brewery stockhouse is a refrigerated building containing beer storage or aging tanks.) The stockhouses to be demolished shared three common walls with two other stockhouses which were to remain intact during the demolition. It was necessary that the three shared walls remain attached to the remaining stockhouses and that the demolition take place without causing vibration damage to glass-lined tanks in the remaining stockhouse, adjacent stockhouscs, and to several underground tunnels present below the demolition site. The following tasks were performed to successfully complete this project: (I) design and install a rock-anchored tie-back system for retaining the three shared walls: (2) evaluate ambient ground vibrations during normal business activities in the subject stockhouscs and general project area: (3) recommend an allowable demolition vibration criteria and develop a monitoring program; and (4) implement the monitoring program. A resultant peak particle velocity (RPPV) of 1.0 inch per second was recommended as the threshold for low-risk demolition. This program was used successfully to demolish the Borsari Cellars without causing damage to adjacent stockhouses, glass-lined beer tanks, and underground tunnels on the project site. This approach could be used for similar situations or for demolition in areas where industrial buildings with sensitive equipment are in close proximity