The education experiences of Zimbabwean nurses recruited to undertake pre-registration nurse education in the UK

This research is concerned with decolonisation and migration in the context of nursing education. It offers a new perspective in shaping knowledge production within nursing education by drawing attention to the impact of how knowledge is produced and structured within nursing education. This research explores the experience of migrant nursing students, of whom I was one, recruited from Zimbabwe to train and work as nurses in the United Kingdom (UK). It adopts a case study approach to investigate my nursing education experience and that of 6 other Zimbabwean nurses. Scholarly Personal Narrative (SPN) was used as a framework to situate my personal story and centralise it, thus facilitating my dual role as both participant and researcher. Participants were identified and interviewed within a Heuristic Enquiry (HE) approach and gave retrospective accounts of their pre-registration nursing education in the UK following international recruitment. Through its deliberate use of a non-traditional research approach, the research broadens the understanding of what can constitute scholarship while pushing back against academia’s tendency to restrict what is permitted scholarly recognition. The research positions personal experience as a knowledge form by demonstrating personal experience’s authority in shaping knowledge and contributing to scholarly literature. Additionally, the research showcases the value of African knowledges. Through the participant accounts this research exposes and discusses the entanglements of the teaching and learning exchange. The research identifies these entanglements as relating to issues of knowledge hierarchies, non-native status, language, belonging, race and transition into a western adult education context. The research interrogates these in the context of postcolonial dynamics and how these shape diasporic identities in general and African identities in particular. Through its engagement with multiple fields of enquiry, current contextual debates and direct experiences, this research proposes a platform through which and from which to analyse the UK as an environment that frames the experiences of migrant students within nursing education

Predictive maintenance of base transceiver station power system using XGBoost algorithm: A case study of Econet Wireless, Zimbabwe

Faults incurred by Base Transceiver Stations pose challenges to telecommunication organisations. Mostly the faults are due to BTS failures. BTS power system failures can have a significant impact on organizational performance in the telecommunications industry. These failures can cause disruptions in mobile network coverage, leading to dropped calls, slow data speeds, and difficulty connecting to the network. ECONET Zimbabwe has been experiencing unprecedented BTS power system failures for the past five years. Team Data Science Process was the pillar of the study methodology. The XGBoost algorithm was employed to develop a predictive model for the maintenance of Base Transceiver Station power failure. By using Machine Learning techniques to predict power system failures, ECONET Zimbabwe can take proactive measures to prevent disruptions in service, resulting in improved resource utilization and revenue. The number of dropped calls decreases and data speeds increase. The XG Boost algorithm reached 97% accuracy

Different, resilient and relevant: A conversation about time and space for the Zimbabwean diaspora

This paper revisits the roles that Zimbabwean diaspora populations can play in shaping economic development trajectories in Zimbabwe. Building a case for recognition and harnessing of the difference, resilience and relevance of these populations, this paper argues for a conversation around time and space as vantage points of knowledge co-location and co-creation which can be leveraged at different scales to enhance individual and societal progress. Using a case study of Zimbabweans in the UK, we explore people’s current locations in different professional settings, how they had to adjust from different or similar roles that they played in Zimbabwe and how this adjustment process could be a source of lessons as Zimbabwe adjusts into a new political atmosphere. In particular, one adjustment that was inevitable was the mindset on the time resource, in professional as well as the wider social spaces. We envisage these adjustments and shifts to be tangible assets that would enable a different, yet relevant contribution to an evolving Zimbabwe by the diaspora. The idea of difference, resilience and relevance have long permeated the stories of Zimbabweans in the diaspora. As a diaspora population Zimbabweans regularly share experiences of sustained struggle, of constant compromise, that demonstrate a different kind of resilience, of battles to stay relevant against often challenging situations

Factors influencing micro and small enterprises’ access to finance since the adoption of multi-currency system in Zimbabwe.

Access to financial services is key to Micro and Small Enterprises’ (MSEs) operation and growth in Zimbabwe. A survey was done in a small town (Bindura), medium size city (Kadoma) and the city of Harare (large city) to determine major factors influencing MSEs’ access to finance since the adoption of the multi-currency system in Zimbabwe. A pilot study was done in the city of Gweru to 10 MSEs’. Structured questionnaires were administered to MSEs that have been operating for at least one year as well as registered with the respective town councils and a total of 115 responses were obtained in all the 3 urban areas. The model used was the Binary Logistic model. The best model selected was based on the Omnibus Tests of model coefficients, the Chi-Square tests, the Cox and Snell R-Sqaure and the Nagelkerke R-Squared values. The importance of each factor was determined using the Wald statistic value. The results showed that formality, value of assets, business sector, operating period, financial performance and size are all important factors in determining access to finance.MSEs; Finance; Multi-Currency; Logistic Regression

A Logistic regression analysis model for predicting the success of computer networking projects in Zimbabwe

Information and communication technology (ICT) greatly influence today’s business processes be it in public or private sectors. Everything that is done in business requires ICT in one way or the other. Research in ICTs is therefore critical. So much research was and is still carried out in projects that develop or enhance ICT but it is still apparent that the success rate of these projects is still very low. The extensive coverage of ICTs implies that if the success rate is still that low, many resources are being wasted in the failed projects; therefore, more research is needed to improve the success rate. Previous research has focussed on factors which are critical for the success of ICT projects, assuming that all ICT projects are the same. As a result, literature is full of different suggestions and guidelines of the factors critical to ICT projects’ success. This scenario brings challenges to project managers who end up using their own personal judgement to select which factors to consider for any project at hand. The end result is the high failure rate of ICT projects since there is a very high chance of applying the same critical success factors to different types of ICT projects. This research answered the question: which factors are critical to the success of computer networking projects in Zimbabwe and how these factors could be used for building a model that determines in advance the success of such projects? Literature reviewed indicated that most CSFs were not focused on specific types of ICT projects, hence were generalised. No literature was found on ICT projects’ CSFs in Zimbabwe. More so, no CSFs were found for computer networking projects as a specific instance of ICT projects. No model existed that predicts computer networking projects’ success. This study addressed the gaps by developing a CSF framework for ICT projects in Zimbabwe, determining CSFs for computer networking projects in Zimbabwe and the development of a logistic regression analysis model to predict computer networking projects’ success in Zimbabwe. Data was collected in Zimbabwe using a unique three-staged process which comprise metasynthesis analysis, questionnaire and interviews. The study was motivated by the fact that most available research focused on CSFs for general ICT projects and that no research was found on CSFs influencing projects in computer networking. Meta-synthesis analysis was therefore conducted on literature in order to identify CSFs as given in literature. The approach was appropriate since the researcher had noticed that there were extensive ICT projects’ CSFs and that no such research has been carried out in Zimbabwe. These CSFs formed the basis for the determination (using a questionnaire) of ICT projects CSFs for Zimbabwe in particular. Project practitioners’ viewpoints were sought through questionnaires. Once CSFs for ICT projects in Zimbabwe were determined, they formed the basis for the determination of unique critical success factors for computer networking projects in Zimbabwe. Interviews were used to get further information that would have been left out by questionnaires. The interview questions were set to clarify some unclear or conflicting responses from the questionnaire and providing in-depth insights into the factors critical to computer networking projects in Zimbabwe. The data i.e. critical success factors for computer networking projects guided the development of the logistic regression analysis model for the prediction of computer networking projects’ success in Zimbabwe. Data analysis from the questionnaire was analysed using SPSS Version 23.0. Factor analysis and principal component analysis were some of the techniques used in the analysis. Interview data was analysed through NVivo Version 10.0. From the results it was deduced that factors critical to ICT project management in Zimbabwe were closely related to those found in the literature. The only apparent difference was that CSFs for ICT projects in Zimbabwe were more specific thereby enhancing their applicability. Computer networking projects had fewer CSFs than general ICT projects. In addition, CSFs for general ICT projects were different from those critical to computer networking projects in Zimbabwe. The development of a comprehensive set of general ICT projects’ CSFs was the first contribution of this study. This was achieved through meta-synthesis analysis. The other contribution was the development of a CSF framework for ICT projects specific to Zimbabwe and those specific to computer networking projects in Zimbabwe. The major contribution was the development of the logistic regression analysis model that predicts computer networking projects’ success in Zimbabwe. These contributions will provide literature on ICT project management in Zimbabwe which will subsequently assist ICT project managers to concentrate on specific factors. The developed prediction model can be used by project managers to determine possible success or failure of ICT projects; thereby possible reducing wastage of resource.School of Computin

Formulating finger millet (Eleusine coracana L) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) food blend for enhanced micronutrients for children below 5 years

Malnutrition of children under 5 years is a public health concern because it is the most vulnerable stage of child’s growth where its impact results in long term health conditions such as stunting, wasting, obesity and poor cognitive development. This study aimed at developing a Rapoko-Cowpea porridge blend to enhance dietary micronutrients among children below the age of 5 years and assess its sensory acceptability. A mixed methods research approach was adopted consisting of a quasi- experiment and a cross sectional survey. Vendors from Mbare market were clustered based on the source of their finger millet and cowpea grains (Masvingo, Murewa, Gokwe). A Completely Randomised Design (CRD) was used with three treatments (blends) replicated three times. Proximate analysis was done using standard AOAC methods. Compared to cowpea, finger millet had the highest levels of carbohydrates (78.12g/100g), iron (8.7mg/100g), zinc (3.77mg/100g). Results also show that 75:25. Rapoko-Cowpea blend ratio had the ability to meet WHO daily nutrient requirements for children under the age of 5 years. Blend ratio of Rapoko: cowpeas (75:25) had the highest carbohydrates (69.41g/100g), protein (25.64g/100g), zinc (1.74mg/100g), iron (5.14mg/100g), energy (411.37kcal), and vitamins (0.11 mcg RAE) with RaCoB1 blend having the lowest nutrient composition. Results have showed that finger millet (Rapoko), cowpeas and RaCoB (Rapoko-Cowpea blend) blends have high macro and micronutrients (iron and zinc) to support daily nutritional requirements of children below the age of 5 years and may help in addressing malnutrition. Sensory evaluation was done with 100 panellists from the University of Zimbabwe and of the three blends, a 75:25 ratio was the most preferred (90.88%). Further studies need to analyse the effects of anti-nutritional factors, bioavailability of nutrients, shelf life of the food blend and commercialization potential of RaCoB blends. The government is therefore encouraged to provide agronomic support for increased productivity of small grains and pulses through improved research and extension. There is a need to develop a policy at national level that promotes blending of cereals and pulses as well as innovative small scale food processing initiatives through private-public partnerships.http://ajfand.netAnthropology and Archaeolog

Gender influence on participation in cassava value chains in smallholder farming sectors : evidence from Kigoma region, Tanzania

When the agricultural value chain involves profit making, it results in changes in the production and distribution relationships among men and women in terms of access to and control of markets, resources and benefits emanating from product value chain participation. This affects not only individual incomes but also gender equality. This study examined gender relationships in the cassava value chain in the Kigoma region of Tanzania. The aim was to assess gender participation in the cassava value chain. Multi-stage sampling was used to select the respondents in four districts. A structured questionnaire was administered to 384 randomly selected household heads. A chi-square test was used to test for significant relationships among the variables. Results indicated that gender was significantly related to socio-economic characteristics. About 34% of the women participating in the cassava value chain were young, some below 17 years of age. There were significant relationships between gender and access to resources (land, extension services and markets), control over resources (land, house and household assets) and benefits (revenue) generated from cassava value chains. Overall, there was gender disparity in participation along the cassava value chain. These results suggest that any intervention in the cassava value chain should consider gender relations to benefit men and women and alleviate household poverty.https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/experimental-agriculturehj2020Anthropology and Archaeolog

Molecular regulation of alternative polyadenylation (APA) within the Drosophila nervous system

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is a widespread gene regulatory mechanism that generates mRNAs with different 3′-ends, allowing them to interact with different sets of RNA regulators such as microRNAs and RNA-binding proteins. Recent studies have shown that during development, neural tissues produce mRNAs with particularly long 3′UTRs, suggesting that such extensions might be important for neural development and function. Despite this, the mechanisms underlying neural APA are not well understood. Here, we investigate this problem within the Drosophila nervous system, focusing on the roles played by general cleavage and polyadenylation factors (CPA factors). In particular, we examine the model that modulations in CPA factor concentration may affect APA during development. For this, we first analyse the expression of the Drosophila orthologues of all mammalian CPA factors and note that their expression decreases during embryogenesis. In contrast to this global developmental decrease in CPA factor expression, we see that cleavage factor I (CFI) expression is actually elevated in the late embryonic central nervous system, suggesting that CFI might play a special role in neural tissues. To test this, we use the UAS/Gal4 system to deplete CFI proteins from neural tissue and observe that in this condition, multiple genes switch their APA patterns, demonstrating a role of CFI in APA control during Drosophila neural development. Furthermore, analysis of genes with 3′UTR extensions of different length leads us to suggest a novel relation between 3′UTR length and sensitivity to CPA factor expression. Our work thus contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms of APA control within the developing central nervous system

'Barriers to overcoming the barriers': A scoping review exploring 30 years of clinical supervision literature.

AIMS/QUESTIONS: To explore the barriers and facilitators to nurses accessing clinical supervision; explore the barriers and facilitators to organizations implementing clinical supervision and capture what skills nurses require to facilitate clinical supervision. DESIGN: Scoping review of peer-reviewed research and grey literature. DATA SOURCES: CINAHL, Medline, PsychINFO and Scopus were searched for relevant papers published between 1990 and 2020. Google, Google Scholar, OpenGrey & EThOS were used to search for grey literature. REVIEW METHODS: PRISMA-ScR guidelines were used during the literature review process. Eighty-seven papers were included, and data were extracted from each paper using a standardized form. Data synthesis was undertaken using Seidel's analytical framework. RESULTS: Five themes were identified: Definitions and Models, (Mis) Trust and the Language of Supervision, Alternative Parallel Forums and Support Mechanisms, Time and Cost and Skills required. CONCLUSION: Since its inception in the 1990s, clinical supervision has long been regarded as a supportive platform for nurses to reflect on and develop their practice. However, this review highlights that despite an awareness of the skills required for nurses to undertake clinical supervision, and the facilitators for nurses to access and organizations to implement clinical supervision, there have been persistent barriers to implementation. This review identifies these persistent factors as 'barriers to overcoming the barriers' in the clinical supervision landscape. These require critical consideration to contribute towards moving clinical supervision forward in the spirit of its original intentions. IMPACT: This review progresses the debate on clinical supervision through critically analysing the barriers to overcoming the barriers. To this end, the review is designed to stimulate critical discussions amongst nurses in different clinical spaces and key stakeholders such as policy makers and regulatory bodies for the nursing profession