Bindura University of Science Education

About: Bindura University of Science Education is a education organization based out in Bindura, Zimbabwe. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Agriculture. The organization has 542 authors who have published 714 publications receiving 6581 citations.

The Urban Crisis in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Threat to Human Security and Sustainable Development

Abstract: Urban centres have existed and have been evolving for many centuries across the world. However, the accelerated growth of urbanisation is a relatively recent phenomenon. The enormous size of urban populations and more significantly, the rapidity with which urban areas have been and are growing in many developing countries have severe social, economic and physical repercussions. This paper argues that the accelerated growth of urbanisation has amplified the demand for key services. However, the provision of shelter and basic services such as water and sanitation, education, public health, employment and transport has not kept pace with this increasing demand. Furthermore, accelerated and poorly managed urbanisation has resulted in various types of atmospheric, land and water pollution thereby jeopardising human security. This paper offers the conclusion that the increased environmental, social and economic problems associated with rapid urbanisation pose a threat to sustainable development, human security and, crucially, peace. stability

Accounting practices of SMEs in Zimbabwe: An investigative study of record keeping for performance measurement (A case study of Bindura)

Abstract: Contemporary research is emphasizing the development of sound accounting systems in SMEs in order to improve financial management in these entities. This research investigated accounting record keeping practices for performance measurement employed by SMEs in Zimbabwe, using Bindura as a case. The survey research design was used. The target population comprised of 100 SMEs operating retail shops, manufacturing firms and suppliers of various services in Bindura. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from the respondents which was analysed to generate frequencies and percentages. The study revealed that the majority of SMEs do not keep complete accounting records because of lack of accounting knowledge and as a result there is inefficient use of accounting information in financial performance measurement. The study recommended that national regulators must develop specific accounting guidelines for SMEs and develop accounting training programmes for entrepreneurs in small businesses. The study also recommended mandatory record keeping, to improve accounting practices of SMEs in Zimbabwe. Key words: Small- and medium-sized entities (SMEs), record keeping, accounting practices, accounting concepts, profit measurement, international financial reporting standard for small- and medium-sized entities (IFRS for SMEs).

Synthesis, characterisation and methyl orange adsorption capacity of ferric oxide–biochar nano-composites derived from pulp and paper sludge

Abstract: A Fe2O3–biochar nano-composite (Fe2O3–BC) was prepared from FeCl3-impregnated pulp and paper sludge (PPS) by pyrolysis at 750 °C. The characteristics and methyl orange (MO) adsorption capacity of Fe2O3–BC were compared to that of unactivated biochar (BC). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the composite material was nano-sized. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed the presence of hydroxyl and aromatic groups on BC and on Fe2O3–BC, but Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH) porosity were lower for Fe2O3–BC than BC. Despite the lower BET surface area and porosity of Fe2O3–BC, its MO adsorption capacity was 52.79 % higher than that of BC. The equilibrium adsorption data were best represented by the Freundlich model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 20.53 mg g−1 at pH 8 and 30 min contact time. MO adsorption obeyed pseudo-second-order kinetics for both BC and Fe2O3–BC with R 2 values of 0.996 and 0.999, respectively. Higher MO adsorption capacity for Fe2O3–BC was attributed to the hybrid nature of the nano-composites; adsorption occurred on both biochar matrix and Fe2O3 nanocrystals. Gibbs free energy calculations confirmed the adsorption is energetically favourable and spontaneous with a high preference for adsorption on both adsorbents. The nano-composite can be used for the efficient removal of MO (>97 %) from contaminated wastewater.