Browsing by Author "Moyo, M."
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- ItemAnalysis of the properties of a glass/sisal/polyester composite(Springer Nature, 2021-01-11) Baloyi, R.B.; Ncube, S.; Moyo, M.; Nkiwane, L.; Dzingai, P.Composites are gradually becoming an integral material for structural and manufacturing processes. Sisal fibre has the potential to be one of the leading reinforcement natural fibres, not only in Zimbabwe, but the world over for use in glass composites. This is mainly due to it being inexpensive, exhibiting a low density, high specifc strength, a high stiffness to weight ratio, non-toxicity, its abundance in Zimbabwe and its renewability. With an aim of coming up with a composite for partition board applications in the construction industry, five samples of sisal-glass composite were prepared with varying sisal fibre content and diferent layering techniques. Sisal fbres were pre-treated with 20% NaOH to enhance their crosslinking with the resin and reduce the chemical impurities such as lignin and waxes. Mechanical (fexural test, hardness, and tensile strength) and physical tests (density and water absorption) were conducted to analyse the properties of the composite. The results showed that treated sisal fibres had a higher breaking tenacity of 33.11 g/tex which is higher than untreated fibres with a breaking tenacity of 25.72 g/tex. The best properties were obtained in the sample with 4 layers of glass and 9 layers of sisal fibres using 200 ml of resin. The composite had a tensile strength of 57.60 MPa, fexural strength of 36 N/mm2, moisture absorption of 10% and a burning rate of 9.82 mm/ min. These results were then compared with those of the current partition boards in the market. It was noted that the composite was suitable for use in partition boards. Again, regarding cost, these composites are cheaper to produce at a rate of $11.33/m2 compared to the timber costing at $16/m2.
- ItemAnalysis of β-amylase gene (Amyβ) variation reveals allele association with low enzyme activity and increased firmness in cooked sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) from East Africa(Elsevier, 2021-02-15) Banda, L.; Kyallo, M.; Entfellner, J.B.D.; Moyo, M.; Swanckaert, J.; Mwanga, R.O.; Onyango, A.; Magiri, E.; Gemenet, D.C.; Yao, N.; Pelle, R.β-amylase is a thermostable enzyme that hydrolyses starch during cooking of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) storage roots, thereby influencing eating quality. Its activity is known to vary amongst genotypes but the genetic diversity of the beta-amylase gene (Amyβ) is not well studied. Amyβ has a highly conserved region between exon V and VI, forming part of the enzyme's active site. To determine the gene diversity, a 2.3 kb fragment, including the conserved region of the Amyβ gene was sequenced from 25 sweetpotato genotypes. The effect of sequence variation on gene expression, enzyme activity, and firmness in cooked roots was determined. Six genotypes carrying several SNPs within exon V, linked with an AT or ATGATA insertion in intron V were unique and clustered together. The genotypes also shared an A336E substitution in the amino acid sequence, eight residues upstream of a substrate-binding Thr344. The genotypes carrying this allele exhibited low gene expression and low enzyme activity. Enzyme activity was negatively correlated with firmness (R = −0.42) in cooked roots. This is the first report of such an allele, associated with low enzyme activity. These results suggest that genetic variation within the AmyB locus can be utilized to develop markers for firmness in sweetpotato breeding.
- ItemApplication of polymer‑coated Macadamia integrifolia nutshell biomass impregnated with palladium for chromium(VI) remediation(Scientific Reports, 2021) Moyo, M.; Modise, S. J.; Pakade, V. E.Freely suspended and porous basket restrained granules of palladium nanoparticles supported on polymer-grafted Macadamia nutshell biomass (Pd@Polym-MNS) composite were used for the treatment chromium(VI)-containing water. In the presence of formic acid, the Pd@Polym-MNS demonstrated its activity in the adsorption-reduction-based conversion of noxious chromium(VI) to less toxic chromium(III) with a low activation energy of 13.4 kJ mol–1, ΔH0 (+ 10.8 kJ mol–1), ΔS0 (−270.0 J mol–1 K–1), and ΔG0 (+ 91.3 to + 98.0 kJ mol–1) indicated the exothermic, endergonic and non-spontaneous nature of the catalytic redox reaction. In addition to facilitating easy recovery, rinsing, and reuse, restraining the Pd@Polym-MNS in the basket reactor helped maintain the integrity of the catalysts by preventing violent collisions of suspended granules with the mixing apparatus and the walls of the reaction vessel. Whereas the pseudo-first-order rate constant was recorded as 0.157 min–1 upon initial use, values of the mean and relative standard deviation for the second, third and fourth consecutive uses were found to be 0.219 min–1 and 1.3%, respectively. According to a response surface methodological approach to batch experimentation, the initial concentration of chromium(VI) and catalyst dosage had the greatest impact on the redox reaction rate, accounting for 85.7% and 11.6% of the variability in the value of the pseudo-first-order rate constant, respectively. Mutually beneficial effects of the combinations of high formic acid and low chromium(VI) concentration, high temperature and catalyst dosage as well as high formic acid and catalyst dosage were recorded.
- ItemBiofuel Policy as a Key Driver for Sustainable Development in the Biofuel Sector: The Missing Ingredient in Zimbabwe’s Biofuel Pursuit(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2013-12-14) Moyo, P.; Moyo, M.; Dube, D.; Rusinga, O.As global warming continues to be a challenge, there is urgency to look into fossil fuel alternatives for sustainable energy supplies which have also been hastened by the volatility of crude oil prices and the fact that fossil fuel depletion is clearly in sight. Zimbabwe has not been spared of the negative effects of climate change which have affected both the food and energy sectors. This has proved to be a major challenge for the sustainable development of the country’s economy. In an effort to be energy independent, the country has for over decades looked into the prospect of utilising its vast biomass resources to produce biofuels. These programmes have been met with a number of challenges which has seen most such projects not succeeding. The current paper gives a narration of the history of biofuel programmes in Zimbabwe looking at their driving factors and reasons that led to their collapses. Lack of a national biofuel policy is identified as the major factor that has been the missing link in the past and must be addressed. The paper goes further to call for the crafting of a National Biofuel Policy for Zimbabwe highlighting the major thematic issues it would need to cover. An implementation plan for the programme has been proposed
- ItemFoundations of Academic Accreditation: The Role of Institutional Research in Supporting Quality Assurance Efforts(IGI Global Scientific Publishing, 2025) Chasokela, D.; Moyo, M.; Phuthi, N.Institutional research (IR) is an essential component of quality assurance in higher education and plays a key role in academic accreditation processes. This book chapter explores the foundations of academic accreditation and the role of IR in supporting quality assurance efforts. It covers topics such as the purpose of accreditation, the accreditation process, the role of IR in accreditation, and the challenges and opportunities for IR in the context of accreditation. The chapter will be useful for Institutional Research professionals, administrators, and faculty members who are involved in the accreditation process. The purpose of this book chapter is to provide an overview of the foundations of academic accreditation and the role of IR in supporting quality assurance efforts. The chapter begins by exploring the purpose of accreditation, including a discussion of the key organizations and standards.
- ItemMicroplastics Originating from Paints and Synthetic Textile Materials(Springer Nature Singapore, 2024-04) Moyo, M.; Baloyi, R.B.; Sithole, B.B.; Falayi, T.There is continued growth in paints and synthetic textile materials production and consumption due to expanded use of paints in different applications, population growth and fast fashion trends. Paints and synthetic textile materials are some of the major sources of microplastics. The major sources of microplastics originating from paints are marine paints, road markings, architectural paints, and spray painting. Major contributing factors in the release of microplastics from paints to the environment are paint production processes, weathering and abrasion, paint spilling, residual paints on paint application tools and storage containers, paint end of life (EoL) disposal, and paint applicator’s expertise. In the context of synthetic textile materials, major emissions of the microplastics occur during the production processes of the synthetic textile materials, during use and laundering, washing conditions and drying. Studying the role and influence of paints and synthetic textile materials in the generation of microplastics is critical. It helps in coming up with mitigatory measures to reduce the generation of microplastics from paints and synthetic textile materials and hence promotion of sustainability. Devising a holistic approach to research and development of green chemistry and green manufacturing processes in the production of paints and synthetic textile materials is one of the mitigatory measures. Also, developing policies and legislation on wastewater treatment systems for all responsible stakeholders and introducing legislation on do-it-yourself (DIY) painting activities could help in reducing the generation of microplastics from paints and synthetic textile materials.
- ItemReports on Collection, Identification and Estimation of Microplastic in Freshwater Bodies(Springer Nature, 2024-04-27) Falayi, T.; Musiyarira, H.; Sithole, T.; Moyo, M.Microplastics (MP) are plastic materials whose particle size is less than 5 μm. MP are pervasive and are an emerging threat to fauna and flora. MPs are now being found in fresh water sources and this has a threat on the wellbeing of human beings. To properly manage the pollution problem of MP, the collection, identification, and estimation of MPs in freshwater is important. The methods described should be robust with very low estimates of uncertainty. This chapter, therefore, takes a systematic review of the current and advances in the identification, collection and estimation of MPs in freshwater. The use of non-validated marine methods for freshwater analysis is problematic. The expensive nature of some of the MPs detection method render the monitoring of MPs in resource challenged countries a problem.