The number of people on Earth and human activities are currently taking on frightening proportions with far-reaching consequences for our planet, its biodiversity and ultimately the human race itself. Ten thousand years ago, humans represented 1% of the total biomass of all land vertebrates. The rest was made up by wild animals. Currently, humans, livestock and pets make up 99% of terrestrial vertebrate biomass, while wild animals represent only 1%. It took millennia for the human population to reach the 1 billion mark and that only by 1890. By 1960, however, the world population had grown to 3 billion. Today there are 8 billion people living on our planet. According to Population Matters, the world population will be approximately 10,4 billion by the end of this century, despite the gradual decline in the growth rate in some countries. There is only a 23% chance that the total population growth rate will tail off before 2100. The population of the 47 least developed countries is likely to triple between 2017 and 2100 to around 3 billion. There are currently 62 million people in South Africa. About 67,9% of our population (in 2021) live in urban areas. The South African population grew by 0,87% in 2023. The fertility rate is 2,30 (2023). It is estimated that by 2050 75,5 million people will be living in South Africa, with 8 out of every 10 people living in urban areas, which would significantly increase the pressure on infrastructure. The Global Footprint Network states that humans currently use the resources of 1,75 Earths. If the situation does not improve, by 2050 we would need the equivalent of three Earths to survive. More than 4 billion people will have little or no water by 2050, and South Africa even now has been classified as a "water-stressed" country. Medical science is continually contributing to more babies surviving their entry into the world and to our living increasingly longer. Life expectancy has risen from 46 years in 1950 to 73,2 years in 2023. By 2050 it will be 77 years. What can be done? Empowerment of women is important. Population growth can be curbed to a reasonable extent by giving more girls access to education. This certainly does not mean that girls or women alone should be held responsible for the current population growth, but much more will have to be done about sex education, women's rights will have to be actively promoted and there will have to be better provision and use of contraceptives. Obviously, these issues should be approached and handled with due caution. In this regard, countries such as Thailand and South Korea have, in the recent past, proved that good education may result in lower birth rates. In Africa, women with no education have an average of 5,4 children; women who completed high school an average of 2,7 children and women with tertiary education an average of 2.2. In Nigeria, every year of school attendance by girls cuts the birth rate by a tenth. In addition, intensified efforts to reform economies and societies should be considered. For the sake of the survival of the human species and the sustainability of the Earth, ecological and economic justice and the empowerment ofwomen have to be encouraged. The Millennium Project - a global participatory think tank that was founded in 1996 under the auspices of the American Council for the United Nations University, but which became independent in 2009 and has since grown into a global network of institutions and individuals - aims to improve humankind's prospects for a better future. It recommends, among other things, the following: • Support a policy aimed at improving the survival of children, responsible family planning and educational opportunities for (especially) girls. • Improve methods that will ensure skills and employment opportunities for young people, as well as care and services for the elderly. • Implement the UN's urban agenda. • Create enough smart cities where citizens with urban intelligence can help in eco-smart ways with the necessary improvements in the city. • Increase training in resilience, and improve disaster prediction and management. • Provide guidance for people about urban ecology. • Intensify research and development in saltwater agriculture (halophytes or salt plants) on coastlines to produce food for humans and animals, biofuel and pulp for the paper industry, and to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2). This will ease the pressure on freshwater agriculture. • Improve agricultural and irrigation management. • Invest in precision agriculture and aquaculture. • Reduce food losses from the "farm to the mouth" (one third or 1,3 billion tons of agricultural production is wasted in this way every year). • Establish seaweed to restore wild fish populations along coastlines. The World Bank estimates that 90% of marine life is completely depleted. • Expand the production of insects for animal feed and human diets (insects have a low environmental impact, and 2 billion people already supplement their diet with insects today). • Encourage vegetarianism. Although there are more ways to address these important global challenges, responsible family planning remains one of the most important. This is an extremely sensitive issue for many people (especially in Africa), but if it is not promoted in a humane, informed and responsible way, the sustainability of life on our planet will increasingly come under tremendous pressure in various respects.

Die aantal mense op aarde en hulle/ons aktiwiteite neem tans skrikwekkende afmetings aan met wydlopende gevolge vir ons planeet, biodiversiteit en uiteindelik onsself. Die moderne mens het sy teenwoordigheid op die aarde en die benutting van hulpbronne baie lank as sy onaantasbare reg gesien. Die huidige uitwerking van byvoorbeeld bevolkingsgroei en besoedeling versteur die aarde se natuurlike ritme in so 'n mate dat ons nou nie meer op 'n kitsoplossing kan hoop nie. Die mens se getalle neem teen so 'n tempo toe dat dit nie net nadelig vir die planeet is nie, maar ook vir die mensdom self. Wat kan gedoen word? Bemagtiging van vroue speel 'n belangrike rol. Dit beteken beslis nie dat meisies en vroue alleen vir die huidige bevolkingsgroei verantwoordelik gehou moet word nie. Die bevolkingsgroei kan egter in 'n redelike mate vertraag word deur veral meer meisies toegang tot onderwys en opleiding te gee - asook hul lewensomstandighede te verbeter. Ook sal daar heelwat meer aan seksopvoeding gedoen moet word, vroueregte sal daadwerklik bevorder moet word en daar sal beter voorsiening en gebruik van voorbehoedmiddels moet wees. Uiteraard moet hierdie kwessies met die nodige omsigtigheid benader en hanteer word. In hierdie verband kan onder andere Thailand en Suid-Korea genoem word wat in die onlangse verlede bewys het dat goeie onderwys geboortesyfers laat daal. In Afrika het vroue wat geen onderwys ontvang nie, gemiddeld 5,4 kinders; vroue wat hoërskool voltooi het gemiddeld 2,7 kinders en vroue wat tersiêre studie deurloop het, gemiddeld 2,2 kinders. In Nigerië sny elke jaar wat meisies skool bywoon, die geboortesyfer met 'n tiende. Hiermee saam sal daar ook verskerpte pogings moet wees om ekonomieë en samelewings te hervorm. Ter wille van die mens se voortbestaan en die volhoubaarheid van lewe op aarde moet ekologiese en ekonomiese geregtigheid, en die bemagtiging van vroue aangemoedig word.

ABSTRACT • Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Neem) is a tree native to India that, due to its multiple properties, is currently widely distributed throughout the world, mainly in tropical and semi-arid areas, being able to withstand adverse conditions such as high temperatures and soils. arid, infertile, stony or acid. Insect repellents and insecticides, fungicides and fertilizers of extraordinary value for integrated or organic agriculture are made from this plant. The objective of this research is the determination of quality parameters of the physical-chemical variables of the oil from the seeds of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (neem). The oil was extracted, by artisanal cold pressing, from the seeds of fruits collected from specimens cultivated in the San Antonio del Sur municipality of the Guantánamo province. The quality parameters were determined: density, acidity index, pH, refractive, iodine and saponification indices. The values of the oil quality parameters of the neem seeds were shown to be similar to the results of other researchers and to be within the ranges required by the Codex. Of all the parameters, the only one that is above the required values is the acidity index. The Neem oil from trees located in Guantánamo could be an alternative to replace imported vegetable oils for industrial use, although with previous refining processes

RESUMEN • Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Neem) es un árbol originario de la India que, por sus múltiples propiedades, se encuentra en la actualidad distribuido ampliamente en el mundo, principalmente en zonas tropicales y semiáridas, pudiendo soportar condiciones adversas tales como: altas temperaturas y suelos áridos, no fértiles, pedregosos o ácidos. A partir de esta planta se elaboran repelentes de insectos e insecticidas, fungicidas y fertilizantes de extraordinario valor para la agricultura integral o biológica. El objetivo de esta investigación es la determinación de parámetros de calidad de las variables físico-químicas del aceite de las semillas de Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Neem). El aceite se extrajo, mediante prensado al frío artesanal, de las semillas de frutos recolectados de especímenes cultivados en el municipio San Antonio del Sur de la provincia de Guantánamo. Se determinaron los parámetros de calidad: densidad, índice de acidez, pH, índices de refracción, de yodo y de saponificación. Los valores de los parámetros de calidad del aceite de las semillas de Neem mostraron ser similares a los resultados de otros investigadores y que se encuentran dentro los rangos exigidos por el Códex. De todos los parámetros el único que está por encima de los valores exigidos es el índice de acidez. El aceite de neem de árboles localizados en Guantánamo podría constituir una alternativa en la sustitución de aceites vegetales importados de uso industrial, aunque con previos procesos de refinación.

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how the once-off increase in regional income that will result from investment in roads and the recurring increase in regional income that will stem from the use of economically viable new roads can be estimated. Once-off economic benefits occur because of the multiplier effect triggered by the initial investment expenditure on a road, while recurring economic benefits result from the income accelerator effect that use of the road during its service period will have. To determine the regional income multiplier effect of the investment expenditure on a proposed road during its construction period, it is necessary to estimate (i) the tax amounts included in the investment amount as a ratio of the total project investment amount, (ii) the monetary amount saved by project workers as a ratio of the total project investment amount, and (iii) the expenditure on imported project inputs as a ratio of the total project investment amount. An analysis that incorporates the above-mentioned three fund leakages from the circular flow of regional income will show that the representative income multiplier of South African rural paved road construction projects has a value of 4,58. The gross national income multiplier effect stemming from road construction expenditure can be categorised as follows: In the rating scale above, a gross national income multiplier effect stemming from road construction projects with a value of less than 2,00 is regarded as "poor", because such a multiplier value is usually associated with economically unviable road projects. Gross national road construction multiplier effects with a value of 2,00 or more are associated with economically viable projects. An analysis as referred to above will show that, with a once-off gross income multiplier value of 4,58, the construction of economically viable roads will afford the government a "very good" opportunity to generate income effectively, especially considering that the national economy-wide gross income multiplier in South Africa is 3,27, which shows that the gross income multiplier of road construction is 40% higher than the economy-wide gross income multiplier. The reasons why the once-off gross regional income multiplier stemming from construction expenditure on rural road projects is "very good" are as follows: Multiplier Rating 1 – 1,99 Poor 2 – 2,99 Satisfactory 3 – 3,99 Good 4 – 4,99 Very good < 5 Excellent (1) A substantial proportion of the payroll of road construction workers is subject to zero or low personal income tax rates. (2) The propensity to consume among rural, unskilled and semi-skilled workers (in areas where rural roads are constructed) is generally high, which implies a low savings leakage. (3) Labourers needed for road construction are usually recruited from (or from close by) the areas where a road is to be built. Furthermore, low-income earners tend to buy and consume goods that are produced locally. (4) Generally, there is a relatively small need to import economic resources for road construction projects. Items like timber, sand, stone, gravel, filling material, bitumen, cement, steel and most of the road construction equipment are of regional or, at least, South African origin. The pace at which an economically viable road will stimulate regional income will be reflected by the new traffic it induces and any existing traffic that it diverts from less beneficial roads. In the social cost-benefit analysis of a road, it is estimated by what proportion induced and diverted traffic will increase the road user surplus. This expected proportional increase in road user surplus will accelerate (stimulate) the once-off regional multiplier and is termed the "regional income stimulation factor". Project-driven induced investment activities - i.e. downstream investment activities made possible by the provision of the road - usually (a) involve technically more sophisticated construction projects than the analysed road itself, (b) require the importation of a greater proportion of finished goods and specialised equipment, and (c) involve more skilled and highly skilled workers, whose income is subject to high income tax rates and who exhibit a higher propensity for saving than unskilled workers. Such downstream activities will collectively have a greater leakage effect than that incorporated in the once-off regional multiplier pertaining to construction of the road, which will depress the magnitude of the recurring regional income accelerator. The different formulae used to calculate the recurring income accelerator are detailed in the body of the article.

Hierdie artikel dui aan hoe die eenmalige verhoging in streeksinkome wat uit investeringsbesteding tydens die bou van 'n pad spruit, en die herhalende bykomende streeksinkome wat uit die gebruik van 'n ekonomies geregverdigde nuwe pad spruit, deur onderskeidelik streeksinkomevermenigvuldigerontleding en streeksinkome-versnellerontleding beraam kan word. Om die effek van die streeksinkomevermenigvuldiger van die uitgawe verbonde aan die bou van 'n pad te bepaal, moet (i) die belastings wat by die bou-uitgawe ingesluit is, as 'n verhouding van die totale bou-uitgawe, (ii) die bedrae geld wat deur projekwerkers gespaar word, as 'n verhouding van die totale bou-uitgawe, en (iii) die besteding aan ingevoerde projekinsette, as 'n verhouding van die totale bou-uitgawe, bepaal word. Ontledings wat bogenoemde drie fondslekkasies uit die kringloop van streeksinkome in ag neem, toon dat die verteenwoordigende inkomevermenigvuldiger van Suid-Afrikaanse bouprojekte vir buitestedelike geplaveide paaie 'n waarde van 4,58 het. Op die beoordelingskaal van inkomevermenigvuldigerwaardes vir die bou van buitestedelike paaie bied dit aan die staat 'n "baie goeie" geleentheid om inkome te genereer, veral as in ag geneem word dat die gemiddelde inkomevermenigvuldiger van besteding in die Suid-Afrikaanse ekonomie 'n waarde van 3,27 het. Die formules waarmee die eenmalige inkomevermenigvuldiger beraam word, word in die liggaam van die artikel uiteengesit. Die herhalende versnelde streeksinkome wat uit die gebruik van 'n ekonomies lewensvat-bare pad spruit, is gelyk aan die produk van (a) die huidige waarde van die herhalende pad-gebruikersvoordele wat uit die gebruik van die pad spruit, en (b) die waarde van die streeks-inkomeversneller van die gebruik van die pad. 'n Streeksinkomeversneller wat as verstekwaarde kan dien in die ekonomiese-impakontleding van 'n ekonomies lewensvatbare geplaveide buitestedelike pad in gevalle waar dit nie haalbaar is om 'n projek-eie versneller te probeer beraam nie, word in die artikel bereken. Die formules waarmee die herhalende-inkomeversneller beraam word, word in die liggaam van die artikel uiteengesit.

Resumen Dismiccoccus brevipes (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) es una de las plagas de la piña de mayor importancia a nivel mundial, no solo por los daños directos que ocasiona, sino por ser trasmisor del virus marchitez roja de la piña. Los hongos entomopatógenos son una alternativa para el manejo de este insecto. En un experimento preliminar se evaluó la patogenicidad y la virulencia de dos aislamientos de Beauveria bassiana (BbCT, BbCa) y uno de Metarhizium anisopliae (Ma), sobre hembras adultas de D. brevipes. Posteriormente, los aislamientos más virulentos y una cepa comercial de Paecelomyces fumosoroceus (PAE-SIN), fueron evaluados en otro experimento en condiciones de invernadero, solos o en combinación con aceite de soya y aceite de neem. Los aislamientos evaluados presentaron diferente grado de virulencia; sin embargo, B. bassiana resultó ser el más virulento. El aislamiento BbCa a una concentración inicial de 1×107 conidios mL-1 fue más efectivo contra adultos de D. brevipes comparado con el control, causando mortalidad del 66% ± 6% a los 8 días pos inoculación a 26 ± 1°C. BbCa presentó la mayor virulencia con una CL50, de 3.45x107 conidios mL-1 y una CL95 de 2.29x108 conidios mL-1, bajo condiciones controladas. Sin embargo, la eficacia se incrementó para BbCa, cuando se combinó con aceite de neem, al causar el 100 % de mortalidad a los 6 días pos inoculación. En conclusión, la combinación B. bassiana (BbCa) y aceite de neem fue el mejor tratamiento, con una mortalidad de 100% de D. brevipes bajo las condiciones experimentales reportadas en este estudio.

Abstract Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is an important insect pest of pineapple worldwide due to the direct damage it causes and because it is a vector of mealybug pineapple wilt. Entomopathogenic fungi are an alternative management tool for this pest. A preliminary experiment evaluated the lethal effects of two isolates of Beauveria bassiana (BbCT, BbCa) and one isolate of Metarhizium anisopliae (Ma) against adult female D. brevipes. Subsequently, the efficacy of the most virulent isolates and a commercial strain of Paecilomyces fumosoroceus (PAE-SIN) were evaluated under laboratory and greenhouse conditions, either alone or in combination with soybean oil or neem oil. Results showed variation amongst isolates and that B. bassiana was the most effective. Isolate BbCa at 1×107 mL-1 conidia, was the most effective against D. brevipes nymphs and adults at 26 ± 1°C, causing 66% ± 6% mortality 8 days after inoculation. BbCa was the most virulent with an LC50 of 3.45x107 mL-1 conidia and a LC95 of 2.29x108 mL-1 conidia, under controlled conditions. Efficacy of BbCa increased when combined with neem oil, causing 100% mortality 6 days after inoculation. In conclusion, a combination of B. bassiana isolate BbCa and neem oil achieved 100% mortality in D. brevipes under the experimental conditions reported in this study.

Resumo A etologia dos insetos é um fator importante quando se deseja relizar manejo de pragas. Através deste conhecimento, é possível manipular atividades comportamentais, repelir, ou atrair os insetos de acordo com as necessidades e interesses. O gorgulho do milho Sitophilus zeamais (Mots., 1855) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), uma das principais pragas de grãos armazenados tem sido alvo de estudos de alterações comportamentais através de substâncias naturais devido à sua resistência a diferentes classes de insecticidas. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de concentrações subletais de extrato de neem e do óleo de copaíba sobre o comportamento de movimentação de S. zeamais. As características comportamentais consideradas foram: a atividade de caminhamento, a frequência do contato dos insetos com a massa de grãos tratada, e o tempo gasto para realização destes comportamentos. A atividade de caminhamento do S. zeamais aumentou quando os insetos foram expostos ao extrato de Neem e ao óleo de copaíba. Em geral, o extrato de Neem e o óleo de Copaíba induziram mais contato com a massa de grãos do que o controle, sugerindo um efeito atrativo sobre o inseto, contudo este efeito foi mais significativo para o óleo de Neem. O comportamento do inseto foi alterado, apresentando um caminhamento específico devido aos estímulos do óleo de copaíba e do extrato de Neem. Estes resultados indicam que o óleo de copaíba e o extrato de Neem podem ser alternativas potenciais para o controle do S. zeamais em produtos armazenados, uma vez que alterações no comportamento desta praga podem reduzir os danos qualitativos e quantitativos nos grãos. Assim, o desenvolvimento de produtos baseados no óleo de copaíba e no extrato de Neem pode ser útil para o manejo de pragas de armazenamento.

Abstract Insects' ethology is an important factor when it is desired to carry out pest management. This knowledge makes it possible to manipulate behavioral activities, repel, or attract insects according to needs and interests. The maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais (Mots., 1855) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), one of the main stored grain pests, has been the target of studies of behavioral changes studies through natural substances due to its resistance to different insecticidal classes. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of sublethal concentrations of neem extract and copaiba oil on the locomotor behavior of S. zeamais. The behavioral characteristic considered were walking activity, the frequency of contact of insects with the treated grain mass, and the time spent for this behavior. The walking activity of the S. zeamais increased with exposure to Neem extract and Copaiba oil. In general, the Neem extract and Copaiba oil-induced more contact with grain mass than the control, suggesting an attractive effect on the insect, however more significant for the Neem oil. The insect's behavior was altered, presenting a specific path due to Copaiba oil and Neem extract stimuli. These results indicate that Copaiba oil and Neem extract can be a potential alternative for controlling S. zeamais on stored products since changes in this pests' behavior can reduce qualitative and quantitative grain damage. Thus, the development of products based on Copaiba oil and Neem extract may be helpful for storage pest management.

In stedelike kontekste is geheue en plek onafskeidbaar en is dit belangrik vir identiteitsvorming. Individuele en kollektiewe herinneringe van die stad se inwoners koppel hul identiteit met plekidentiteit. Spesiale kenmerke in die landskap en stedelike struktuur help inwoners om te onderskei tussen en met die stad se identiteit te skakel. Die gebruik van kollektiewe geheue om stedelike identiteit te identifiseer en te behou tydens stedelike hernuwingsprojekte kry egter minder aandag as funksionele en ekonomiese beleggingsoorwegings. Hierdie artikel ondersoek die belangrikheid van stedelike landskapidentiteit tydens stedelike vernuwing. Dit postuleer dat 'n stad se individuele en kollektiewe geheue belangrik is om sy uniekheid in terme van stedelike landskapidentiteit te handhaaf, maar dit vereis ekonomiese belegging om basiese fisiese gemak en toegang te handhaaf. 'n Kwalitatiewe navorsingsbenadering met foto-ontlok onderhoude (PEI) is gebruik om die kenmerke te ondersoek wat die geheue van die deelnemers geaktiveer het en belangrik was om by te dra tot die beeld van Kisumu City, Kenia. Daar was deurlopende en voltooide stedelike hernuwingsprojekte binne Kisumu City ten tyde van die studie, wat dit 'n goeie gevallestudie vir post-koloniale Afrika gemaak het. Twaalf inwoners (as PEI-deelnemers), vier amptenare van die County Government en vier professionele persone is as sleutelinformante ondervra. 'n Veldondersoek is uitgevoer deur middel van kartering en fotografie bykomend tot 'n argiefbron-oorsig. Die studie het aan die lig gebring dat die ou spoorwegstasie, die hawe, en mark sterk in die kollektiewe geheue verskyn het as deel van historiese handelsontwikkeling. Ten spyte van die belangrike rol van burgerlike en administratiewe geboue uit die koloniale era in die vorming van geheue, plek, en identiteit, was daar ook 'n positiewe reaksie van inwoners op die 'nuwe voorkoms' van die stad. Die fisiese opgradering, ontstuwing en skoonmaak van die stad, sy strate en parke as openbare ruimtes, het gelei tot groter veiligheid en openbare gebruik, wat vanuit 'n beleggingsoogpunt goed waardeer is. Die studie beklemtoon die belangrikheid daarvan om die elemente wat geheue en identiteit ondersteun tydens stedelike hernuwingsprojekte te identifiseer, in ag te neem, en te behou as ewe belangrik aan ekonomiese ontwikkeling en funksionaliteit wanneer langtermyn volhoubaarheid oorweeg word.

In urban contexts, memory and place are inseparable and important for identity formation. The individual and collective memories of city residents link their identity with place identity. Special features in the landscape and urban fabric help residents differentiate between, and connect with the city's identity. The use of collective memory to identify and retain urban identity during urban renewal projects, however, receives less attention than functional and economic investment considerations. This article investigates the importance of urban landscape identity during urban renewal. It postulates that a city's individual and collective memory is important in maintaining its uniqueness in terms of urban landscape identity, but requires economic investment to maintain basic physical comfort and access. A qualitative research approach with photo-elicitation interviews (PEI) was used to investigate the features that activated the memory of the participants and that were important in contributing to the image of Kisumu City, Kenya. There were ongoing and completed urban renewal projects within Kisumu City at the time of the study, which made it a good case study for postcolonial Africa. Twelve residents (as PEI participants), four officials from the County Government, and four professionals were interviewed as key informants. A field investigation was carried out through mapping and photography in addition to an archival review. The study reveals that the old railway station, the port, and the market featured strongly in collective memory as part of historical trade development. Despite the important role of civic and administrative buildings from the colonial era in the formation of memory, place, and identity, there was also a positive response from residents to the 'new look' of the city. The physical upgrade, decongestion and cleaning of the city, its streets and parks as public spaces resulted in greater safety and public use, which was well appreciated from an investment point of view. The study emphasizes the importance of identifying, considering, and retaining the elements that support memory and identity during urban renewal projects as equal in importance to economic development and functionality when considering long-term sustainability.

As deel van die strewe na volhoubare ontwikkeling, kan lewende muurstelsels biofiliese waarde en ekosisteemdienste verskaf. Ten spyte van hul voordele en potensiaal om globale uitdagings krisisse aan te spreek, beperk hul ekonomiese haalbaarheid, veerkragtigheid, instandhouding en volhoubaarheid hul toepassing en gebruik. Hierdie artikel gee 'n oorsig van 'n pragmatiese studie wat die faktore wat lewende mure se prestasie as groen infrastruktuur (GI) belemmer, evalueer het, en die werkverrigting van buitemuurse modulëre lewende mure as GI ontleed het. Die doel is om 'n stel kriteria te ontwikkel om die mees geskikte LWS vir groen infrastruktuur te bepaal. Datavaslegging het 'n gemengde metode-metodologie behels. Plaaslike kundiges het deur middel van vraelyste insig gegee in plaaslike lewende mure-tipologieë. Die ses maande-lange eksperimentele studie het twee geselekteerde LWSs van 4m² elk in omvang op die Universiteit van Pretoria se Future Africa-kampus in Pretoria, in Suid-Afrika se Gauteng-provinsie, behels. Veranderlikes het minimum en maksimum daaglikse temperature, relatiewe humiditeit, neerslag, grondtemperatuur, waterinhoud en elektriese geleidingsvermoë, blaarbiomassa-opbrengs en plantstres ingesluit. Die navorser het vars en droë biomassa-opbrengste gemonitor met 'n gekalibreerde laboratorium skaal as die primêre prestasie-aanwyser. Plantstres, die sekondêre prestasie-aanwyser, is deur chlorofilfluoressensie-analise gemeet. Data is statisties ontleed. Die bevindinge lê die grondslag vir die verbetering van lewende mure as GI wat kan bydra tot meer volhoubare stede. Dit word bereik deur tegniese kenmerke vir lewende mure te definieer om hul werkverrigting as GI te verbeter. Die resultate bevoordeel plaaslik vervaardigde, lae-tegnologie, buitemuurse modulêre lewende mure met beperkte, robuuste, liggewig, herwonne komponente wat ongekompliseerde samestelling behels. Stelsels moet lae-tegnologie besproeiing behels. Die lewende muur-posisie moet die plantgewasse se ligvereistes en besoedeling in ag neem. Potte moet beperkte sonblootstelling kry, en 'n grondvolume van 3 liters en 'n minimum diepte van 200mm hê.

Living wall systems (LWSs) can provide biophilic value and ecosystem services as part of the quest for sustainable development. Despite their benefits and potential to mitigate global challenges such as cooling, air purification, sound absorption, and human well-being, their economic feasibility, resilience, maintenance, and sustainability impact on their application and use. This article gives an overview of a pragmatic study which synthesised the factors hampering LWSs' performance as green infrastructure (GI) and analysed the performance of outdoor modular LWSs as GI. The study aims to establish criteria for selecting the most suitable LWSs as green infrastructure. Data capturing involved a mixed-method methodology. Local experts provided insight into local LWS typologies through questionnaires, which were analysed qualitatively. The six-month experimental study involved two selected LWSs of 4m² each in extent on the University of Pretoria's Future Africa campus in Pretoria, in South Africa's Gauteng province. Variables included minimum and maximum daily temperatures, relative humidity, precipitation, soil temperature, water content and electrical conductivity, leaf biomass yield, and plant stress. The researcher monitored fresh and dry biomass yields with a calibrated laboratory balance as the primary performance indicator. Plant stress, the secondary performance indicator, was measured by chlorophyll fluorescence analysis. Experimental data were statistically analysed. The findings lay the groundwork for improving LWSs as GI, which can contribute to more sustainable cities. This is achieved by defining LWSs' technical characteristics to enhance their performance as GI. The results favour locally produced, low-technology, outdoor modular LWSs with limited, robust, lightweight, recycled components entailing uncomplicated assembly. Systems must involve low-technology irrigation. The LWS position should consider the plant crops' light requirements and pollution. Pots should receive limited sun exposure and have a soil volume of 3 litres and a minimum depth of 200mm.

Ha lefats'e le tobane le litaba tsa sechaba, moruo, le tikoloho, thahasello e kholo ke ho nka karolo litharollong tse tsamaisoang ke sechaba ho khothaletsa nts'etsopele ea moshoelella. Lithuto tse ling tsa lehae tsa thero ea litoropo li hloka ho bonts'a kamano e teng lipakeng tsa maqhama a maikutlo a batho le sebaka, kamano ea sebaka le ho nka karolo mererong ea ntlafatso e tsamaellanang le sechaba. Sengoliloeng sena se ikemiselitse ho eketsa tsebo lefapheng le pharaletseng la moralo oa tikoloho, moo mohopolo oa ho hokela libaka o susumetsang moralo oa libaka tsa litoropo. Sengoliloeng se hlahloba kamano lipakeng tsa batho le sebaka, le ho nka karolo ha sechaba mananeong a khannoang ke sechaba Profinseng ea Gauteng, Afrika Boroa. Sengoliloeng sena se sebelisa mokhoa oa ho etsa lipatlisiso oa lipalo, 'se kenyelelitse lintlha tsa tlhahlobo ea Gauteng City-Region Observatory's Quality of Life (QoL). Boithuto bona bo sebelisa likhokahano tsa K-means le mekhoa e meng ea mantlha ea tlhahlobo. Ele ho hlahloba ho kenya letsoho mererong ea Sechaba, lipatlsiso li ile tsa hloaea lihlopha tse 'nè tsa sechaba ho ipapisitsoe le sebaka, 'me index ea karolo e kopaneng ea baloa. Lihlopha tse hloailoeng, e leng babuelli ba sa khotsofalang, bahaelani ba ipelaetsang, batho bao e ka bang bahlohlelletsi ba sechaba ba tsoang hole kapa bao e seng ba lehae le bao e ka bang bahale ba lehae, ba bile le maemo a fapaneng a ho kenya letsoho matsapeng a khannoang ke sechaba. Sehlopha sa 'Babuelli ba sa khotsofalang' se na le monyetla o moholo kaho fetisisa oa ho nka karolo mananeong a ntlafatso ea sechaba ho feta sehlopha sa 'Baahelani ba ipelaetsang'. Lenane la bonkakarolo le kopaneng le bonts'a ha khakanyo e haufi le halofo (45.5%) ea baahi ba Profinseng ea Gauteng ba so kang ba kenya letsoho le ka mohla mererong ea ntlafatso e tsamaisoang ke sechaba. Boithuto bona bo khothaletsa hore bankakarolo ba fapaneng ba kenelle mekhoeng e matla ea meralo ea kopanelo, 'me e kenyeletsang sechaba ka kakaretso, le ho etsa liteko ka ho kenya meralo e netefatsang tekano ea lits'ebeletso tsa litoropo, kenyeletso ea setso. Mehato ena e ka susumetsa boitsebo ba sechaba, ho itsetleha ha sona libakeng, le tlamahano ea Sechaba. Tsena ke lintlha tsa bohlokoa tsa kamano ea sebaka se nang le tsusumetso e ntle ntlafatsong e tsamaisoang ke sechaba le ho fihlela lipheo tse akaretsang tsa toka le boiketlo ba sechaba.

As the world faces unprecedented social, economic, and environmental issues, there is a greater emphasis on participation in community-driven solutions to foster sustainable and inclusive development. More local urban planning studies need to demonstrate the nexus between peoples' emotional bond with a place - place attachment, and participation in community-driven development initiatives. This article aims to add to the body of knowledge in the broad field of environmental design, where the concept of place attachment influences the design of urban spaces. The article explores the nexus between place attachment and community participation in community-driven programmes in Gauteng province, South Africa. This article adopts a quantitative approach and uses the Gauteng City-Region Observatory's Quality of Life (QoL) survey data. The study uses K-means clustering and ordered logistic regression models as the primary data-analysis methods. Four social clusters were identified based on place attachment, participation in community initiatives was evaluated, and a combined participation index was calculated. The identified clusters, namely the discontented advocates, neighbourhood self-doubters, potential community catalysts from afar or non-local influencers and potential neighbourhood champions had different levels of participation in community-driven initiatives. Cluster 'Discontented advocates' is more likely to participate in community development programmes than the cluster 'Neighbourhood self-doubters'. The developed combined participation index shows that nearly half (45.5%) of the residents in Gauteng province have never participated in community-driven development initiatives. The study recommends that various stakeholders should engage in inclusive and robust participatory planning procedures, and experiment with the implementation of universal design features that ensure equitable access to urban amenities, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity. These practical measures foster a sense of identity, place dependence, and social bonding, which are the important dimensions of place attachment that positively influence community-driven development and meet the overall goals of social justice and societal well-being.

Aangesien die wêreld ongekende sosiale, ekonomiese en omgewingskwessies in die gesig staar, is daar 'n groter klem op deelname aan gemeenskapsgedrewe oplossings om volhoubare en inklusiewe ontwikkeling te bevorder. Meer plaaslike stadsbeplanningstudies moet die verband tussen mense se emosionele band met 'n plek, plekgehegtheid en deelname aan gemeenskapsgedrewe ontwikkelingsinisiatiewe demonstreer. Hierdie artikel het ten doel om by te dra tot kennis in die breë veld van omgewingsontwerp, waar die konsep van plekgehegtheid die ontwerp van stedelike ruimtes beïnvloed. Die artikel ondersoek die verband tussen plekgehegtheid en gemeenskapsdeelname aan gemeenskapsgedrewe programme in Gauteng-provinsie, Suid-Afrika. Hierdie artikel volg 'n kwantitatiewe benadering en maak gebruik van die Gauteng Stad-Streek Waarneming se Gehalte van Lewens (QoL) opname data. Die studie gebruik K-gemiddelde groepering en geordende logistiese regressie modelle as die primêre data-analise metodes. Vier sosiale klusters is op grond van plekgehegtheid geïdentifiseer, deelname aan gemeenskapsinisiatiewe is geëvalueer en 'n gekombineerde deelname-indeks is bereken. Die geïdentifiseerde klusters, naamlik die ontevrede advokate, buurt-selftwyfelaars, poten-siële gemeenskapskatalisators van ver of nie-plaaslike beïnvloeders en potensiële buurtkampioene, het verskillende vlakke van deelname aan gemeenskapsgedrewe inisiatiewe gehad. Kluster 'Ontevrede advokate' is meer geneig om aan gemeenskaps-ontwikkelingsprogramme deel te neem as die kluster 'Buurt-selftwyfelaars'. Die ontwikkelde gekombineerde deelname-indeks toon dat byna die helfte (45.5%) van die inwoners in Gauteng-provinsie nog nooit aan gemeenskapsgedrewe ontwikkelingsinisiatiewe deelgeneem het nie. Die studie beveel aan dat verskeie belanghebbendes betrokke moet raak by inklusiewe en robuuste deelnemende beplanningsprosedures, en eksperimenteer met die implementering van universele ontwerpkenmerke wat billike toegang tot stedelike geriewe, insluiting en kulturele sensi-tiwiteit verseker. Hierdie praktiese maatreëls bevorder 'n gevoel van identiteit, plekafhanklikheid en sosiale binding, wat die belangrike dimensies van plekgehegtheid is wat gemeenskapsgedrewe ontwikkeling positief beïnvloed en voldoen aan die algehele doelwitte van sosiale geregtigheid en maatskaplike welstand.

Abstract The need to transition to more sustainable agriculture that is adaptable to environmental challenges, reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and minimizing environmental impact, represents the new paradigm of the moment. In this scenario, studies with the adoption of bioinputs in corn cultivation emerge as a viable option for the sustainability of agricultural activity. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the effect of doses of neem vegetable cake on the yield components of corn crops. An experimental design was used of randomized blocks was used, consisting of four doses of neem vegetable rendering (3 kg ha-1, 6 kg ha-1, 9 kg ha-1 and 12 kg ha-1) and a treatment control without the presence of organic fertilizer. The result indicates the presence of a significant effect of treatments with the application of neem cake on the main components of corn yield, including grain productivity, suggesting that the high carbon content present in the organic product can induce phytochemical effects and biological changes. in the soil, making it more productive. It was found that, when administering the maximum experimental dose, compared to the control group, there was a significant effect (p≤0.01) of 21.3% on grain productivity, jumping from 2,140 kg ha -1, when did not apply organic fertilizer, to 2,596 kg ha-1 with the application of 12 kg of neem cake per hectare. It is noted that the increase in grain productivity was in the proportion of 38 kg ha-1 of corn for each kilo of neem cake applied. To facilitate interpretation and decision-making, an analysis of the economic viability of neem cake for rainfed corn was also determined, also identifying the maximum experimental dose of 12 kg ha-1, as the most economically viable, providing an increase in profit of around R$ 119.92 per hectare, in relation to the control. challenges impact moment scenario activity Therefore crops 3 ( ha1, ha1 1, 1 ha- fertilizer changes soil productive group p≤0.01 p001 p 0 01 (p≤0.01 213 21 21.3 2140 2 140 2,14 -1 2596 596 2,59 hectare applied decisionmaking, decisionmaking decision making, decision-making determined R 11992 119 92 119.9 p≤0.0 p00 (p≤0.0 21. 214 14 2,1 - 259 59 2,5 1199 11 119. p≤0. p0 (p≤0. 2, 25 5 p≤0 (p≤0 p≤ (p≤ (p

Resumo A necessidade de transitar para uma agricultura mais sustentável e adaptável aos desafios ambientais, com redução da dependência de fertilizantes químicos e minimização do impacto ambiental, representa o novo paradigma do momento. Nesse cenário, estudos com a adoção de bioinsumos na cultura do milho emergem como uma opção viável para a sustentabilidade da atividade agrícola. Portanto, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de doses de torta vegetal de neem nos componentes de rendimento da cultura do milho. Utilizou-se um delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados constituídos pelas quatro doses da torta vegetal de neem (3 kg ha-1, 6 kg ha-1, 9 kg ha-1 e 12 kg ha-1) e um tratamento testemunha sem a presença do adubo orgânico. O resultado indica a presença de um efeito significativo dos tratamentos com aplicação da torta de neem sobre os principais componentes de rendimento do milho, incluindo a produtividade dos grãos, sugerindo que o alto teor de carbono presente no produto orgânico pode induzir efeitos fitoquímicos e mudanças biológicas no solo, tornando-o mais produtivo. Verificou-se que, ao administrar a dose máxima experimental, em comparação com o grupo de controle, houve um efeito significativo (p≤0,01) de 21,3% na produtividade dos grãos, saltando de 2.140 kg ha -1, quando não aplicou o adubo orgânico, para 2.596 kg ha-1 com a aplicação de 12 kg da torta de neem por hectare. Nota-se que o incremento na produtividade dos grãos foi na proporção de 38 kg ha-1 de milho para cada quilo de torta de neem aplicado. Para facilitar a interpretação e tomada de decisão, determinou-se também a análise de viabilidade econômica da torta de neem para a cultura do milho cultivado em sequeiro, identificando também a dose máxima experimental de 12 kg ha-1, como a mais viável economicamente, proporcionando um incremento no lucro na ordem de R$ 119,92 por hectare, em relação a testemunha. ambientais ambiental momento cenário agrícola Portanto objetivouse objetivou se Utilizouse Utilizou 3 ( ha1, ha1 1, 1 ha- solo tornandoo tornando produtivo Verificouse Verificou controle p≤0,01 p001 p 0 01 (p≤0,01 213 21 21,3 2140 2 140 2.14 -1 2596 596 2.59 hectare Notase Nota aplicado decisão determinouse determinou sequeiro economicamente R 11992 119 92 119,9 p≤0,0 p00 (p≤0,0 21, 214 14 2.1 - 259 59 2.5 1199 11 119, p≤0, p0 (p≤0, 2. 25 5 p≤0 (p≤0 p≤ (p≤ (p

This article takes a rather unorthodox approach for a presidential address at an academic conference. It looks beyond the windows of the ivory tower to take cognisance of what lies outside the walls of academia to engage with what is really happening and what really matters. It is indeed a case of pushing the envelope - going beyond the limits of what is regarded as the norm and acceptable - and in so doing suggests ways in which we can manoeuvre our discipline to consider embracing a different approach regarding where we are at. While historical research is at the core of what we do and is in effect what keeps our academic institutions afloat, it cannot and must not be an end in itself. What I argue for is that we take account of the situation we find ourselves in in terms of our South African university community and by that, I mean our student cohort, and reflect upon what it is we can and need to do. The article reflects on the downturns, considers the wrong directions and proposes additional avenues.

Hierdie artikel volg 'n redelike onortodokse benadering wat betref 'n voorsittersrede by 'n akademiese konferensie. Dit kyk deur die vensters van die ivoortoring, sodat daar kennis geneem word van wat buite die mure van die akademie lê, ten einde betrokke te raak by dít wat werklik gebeur en wat werklik saak maak. Dit toets die grense deur verder te gaan as die norm en wat as aanvaarbaar beskou word - en sodoende stel dit maniere voor waarop ons ons dissipline kan maneuvreer om 'n ander benadering ten opsigte van ons huidige posisie te omhels. Terwyl historiese navorsing die kern is van wat ons doen, en dit in wese ons akademiese instansies kop bo water laat hou, kan dit nie en moet dit nie 'n einde in sigself wees nie. Ek voer aan dat ons moet ag slaan op die situasie waarin ons onsself tans bevind wat betref ons Suid-Afrikaanse universiteitsgemeenskap; dit wil sê ons studenteliggaam, en ons moet besin oor wat ons kan en moet doen. Die artikel neem die afdraaipaaie en verkeerde rigtings onder die loep, en stel ander weë voor.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to characterize the morphological composition of five populations of native maize and estimate their yields using agricultural practices without the use of agrochemicals. The study conducted in 2021, in the municipality of Cintalapa, Chiapas, within the experimental field of the Regional Academic Center of the Antonio Narro Autonomous Agrarian University. The five populations of native maize were provided by farmers from different regions of the state, with prior informed consent. The Agricultural practices consisted of using plant extracts and potassium soap with neem extract (Azadirachta indica) to prevent and combat pests. For fertilization, Californian red earthworm (Eisenia foetida) leachate and bat guano were applied in their commercial presentation. Morphological characters were evaluated with a descriptive statistical analysis considering days to male and female flowering, plant and ear height ear length and diameter, number of rows per ear and number of kernels per row. Grain yield was estimated by the weight of the ear harvested from a random sample of 20 plants per population. Numerical differences of the studied variables were identified, which demonstrates an existing genetic diversity. The populations with the highest yields were Campeón and Olotillo, with 5.37 and 4.4 ton ha-1 (± 1.24), respectively. The data provide information to design native maize conservation strategies through agrochemical-free management.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar morfológicamente cinco poblaciones de maíz nativo y estimar sus rendimientos, empleando prácticas agrícolas sin uso de agroquímicos. El estudio se realizó en el año 2021, en el municipio de Cintalapa, Chiapas, dentro del campo experimental del Centro Académico Regional de la Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro. Las cinco poblaciones de maíz nativo fueron proporcionadas por campesinos de diferentes regiones de la entidad, con previo consentimiento informado. Las prácticas agrícolas consistieron en uso de extractos vegetales y jabón potásico con extracto de neem (Azadirachta indica) para la prevención y combate de plagas. Para la fertilización se aplicó lixiviado de lombriz roja californiana (Eisenia foetida) y guano de murciélago en su presentación comercial. Los caracteres morfológicos se evaluaron con un análisis estadístico descriptivo considerando: días de floración masculina y femenina, alturas de planta y mazorca, longitud y diámetro de la mazorca, y número de hileras por mazorca y número de granos por hilera. El rendimiento de grano se estimó mediante el peso de la mazorca cosechada de una muestra aleatoria de 20 plantas por población. Se identificaron diferencias numéricas de las variables estudiadas, lo que demuestra una diversidad genética existente. Las poblaciones que presentaron mayores rendimientos fueron Campeón y Olotillo, con 5,37 y 4,4 ton ha-1 (± 1,24), respectivamente. Los datos aportan información para diseñar estrategias de conservación de maíces nativos con manejo libre de agroquímicos.

Local governments play an important role in the development of the livelihoods of local communities in South Africa. Local governments are responsible for the provision and delivery of basic services such as running water, proper sanitation, clean energy, waste removal, and decent housing. Public participation (PP) is arguably an essential element of local democracy through which local communities can contribute to improved service delivery. The current study focused on assessing the role of PP in service delivery in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. This was done by adopting a descriptive research design. Data on the factors affecting PP were collected from four different community groups (i.e., citizens, businesses, municipal managers, and ward committee members), using questionnaires and interviews. The results showed that information about PP is obtained via radio, television, newspapers, and mobile phones. Generally the initiatives relating to the 'Batho Pele' principles are acceptable in the Ekurhuleni community. Furthermore, concerning the quality of the services delivered by the municipality, the findings established that citizens agree that the municipality is aware of the service quality offered in the EMM. Although some citizens agree with the quality of the service delivery, some of them believe that the process still lacks consistency.

Plaaslike regerings speel 'n belangrike rol in die ontwikkeling van die lewensbestaan van plaaslike gemeenskappe in Suid-Afrika. Plaaslike regerings is verantwoordelik vir die verskaffing en lewering van basiese dienste soos lopende water, behoorlike sanitasie, skoon energie, afvalverwydering en ordentlike behuising. Openbare deelname (PP) is waarskynlik 'n noodsaaklike element van plaaslike demokrasie waardeur plaaslike gemeenskappe kan bydra tot verbeterde dienslewering. Die huidige studie het gefokus op die assessering van die rol van PP in dienslewering in die Ekurhuleni Metropolitaanse Munisipaliteit. Dit is gedoen deur 'n beskrywende navorsingsontwerp aan te neem. Data oor die faktore wat PP beïnvloed, is ingesamel van vier verskillende gemeenskapsgroepe (d.w.s. burgers, besighede, munisipale bestuurders en wykskomiteelede), met behulp van vraelyste en onderhoude. Die resultate het getoon dat inligting oor PP verkry word via radio, televisie, koerante en selfone. Oor die algemeen is die inisiatiewe wat aan die 'Batho Pele'-beginsels voldoen, aanvaarbaar in die Ekurhuleni-gemeenskap. Verder, met betrekking tot die kwaliteit van die dienste wat deur die munisipaliteit gelewer word, het die bevindinge vasgestel dat burgers saamstem dat die munisipaliteit bewus is van die diensgehalte wat in die EMM aangebied word. Alhoewel sommige landsburgers saamstem met die gehalte van die dienslewering, meen sommige van hulle dat die proses steeds nie konsekwent is nie.

Lean six sigma (LSS) is an important business strategy for organisations, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Over the years, SMEs have had a potentially significant impact on various countries' gross domestic product (GDP). The main purpose of this research is to investigate the critical success factors (CSFs) for lean six sigma (LSS) implementation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's SMEs, and to contribute to discovering the factors that lead to business success, increase revenue, and enhanced competitive advantages. The study identified 29 factors from previous research in order to guide the successful implementation of LSS in the SME sector in Saudi Arabia in particular. The CSFs were refined, producing a consolidated list of 14 factors. A principal components analysis (PCA) identified four main factors: leadership support and management structure, technological capabilities, knowledge acquisition, and creativity and innovation. These factors could influence the success of SMEs in Saudi Arabia by adopting LSS in their business processes.

Lean six sigma (LSS) is 'n belangrike besigheidstrategie vir organisasies, insluitend klein en mediumgrootte ondernemings (KMO's). Oor die jare het KMO's 'n potensieel beduidende impak op verskeie lande se bruto binnelandse produk (BBP) gehad. Die hoofdoel van hierdie navorsing is om die kritieke suksesfaktore (CSF's) vir lean six sigma (LSS) implementering in die Koninkryk van Saoedi-Arabië se KMO's te ondersoek, en om by te dra tot die ontdekking van die faktore wat lei tot besigheidsukses, verhoogde inkomste en verbeterde mededingende voordele. Die studie het 29 faktore uit vorige navorsing geïdentifiseer ten einde die suksesvolle implementering van LSS in die KMO-sektor in veral Saoedi-Arabië te lei. Die CSF's is verfyn, wat 'n gekonsolideerde lys van 14 faktore opgelewer het. 'n Hoofkomponent-analise (PCA) het vier hooffaktore geïdentifiseer: leierskapondersteuning en bestuurstruktuur, tegnologiese vermoëns, kennisverkryging, en kreatiwiteit en innovasie. Hierdie faktore kan die sukses van KMO's in Saoedi-Arabië beïnvloed deur LSS in hul besigheidsprosesse aan te neem.

The article critically assesses the quality of the research of four articles published under the theme "Faith and the Natural Sciences" in the Journal of Humanities, 63(2):192-261. Lewis Vaughn's statement in his book The Power of Critical Thinking is taken as cue for assessing the articles. He wrote (Vaughn, 2005:3): "Critical thinking focuses not on what causes a belief, but whether it is worth believing. A belief is worth believing, or accepting, if we have good reasons to accept it." The conclusion of the authors already expressed in the first of the articles, namely that the Bible and the Christian religion support the results of modern science, is scrutinised critically in the current article. In the first section the issue of how researchers are able to distinguish between truth and falsity is discussed. The authors of the articles under discussion answered this question in terms of a scientific method consisting of the following steps: (1) observation, (2) questioning, (3) formulation of a hypothesis, (4) challenging the hypothesis, (5) formulation of a theory. However, they are of the opinion that research done by natural scientists differs from the kind of research done by researchers in the humanities, social sciences and religion. According to them the latter group may commence their research with presuppositions. Research in theology may serve as an example. According to their reasoning religious convictions are allowed to guide the research. They therefore distinguish between religious convictions and interpretations based on religious convictions respectively. Researchers in theology may critically assess the quality of the interpretations - but never the religious convictions themselves since this can lead to questioning of eternal religious truths. While I agree with their exposition of the scientific process as a method of discovering the truth about an aspect of the world in which we live, I argue against their conviction that research done in the humanities, social sciences and religion differs from that done in the natural sciences and that faith convictions are allowed to play a role in the research process. My argument is illustrated with reference to two examples - one from the natural sciences, and one from the human sciences. The example from the natural sciences focuses on astronomy and the paradigm shift brought about by Copernicus's (1774-1543) and Galileo Galilei's (1564-1642) investigations. Prior to their research findings astronomers were convinced that the earth is the centre of the universe and that the sun, moon and planets revolve around the earth. The abovementioned observations led to the discarding of the geocentric model of the universe. However, Copernicus's and Galileo's new hypothesis was not immediately accepted. It took time before the heliocentric model of the universe was accepted. This shift can also be called a shift in perspective. The different scholars looked at the same natural phenomena but saw different pictures. The identification of sources in the Pentateuch serves as an example of a similar process in the human sciences. Jean Astruc (1684-1766) believed that Moses was the author of the Pentateuch. However, his research of the book of Genesis revealed that Moses had used different names for God: Elohim and Yahweh. This led Astruc to formulate the hypothesis that Moses had used two older sources (E and J) to write the book of Genesis. He also identified a third source consisting of smaller fragments in Genesis. This was the beginning of the so-called four-sources hypothesis concerning the origin of the Pentateuch and resulted in the identification of the sources J, E, D, and P. Julius Wellhausen (1844-1918) used this hypothesis to argue that the priestly material (the laws, regulations and prescriptions) originated after the prophetic material. He discarded the old conviction that the priestly material originated during the early history of Israel. This also led to questioning of the conviction that Moses was the author of the Pentateuch. It would appear that the authors of the articles under consideration are totally oblivious of recent research findings, since they still refer to Moses as the author of Genesis. In the second section of the current article the relationship between truth and history is discussed. In the first sub-section of this part of the article the dawn of a historical consciousness in the Western world is considered. Charles Darwin (1809-1882) benefitted from such consciousness. He merged history with biology and argued that animal and plant species are not static, but that they do change over time. This led to his book The Origin of Species published in 1859 which the authors of the four articles erroneously referred to as the 18th century. The second sub-section of this part of the article discusses Thomas Kuhn's (1922-1996) identification of paradigms and paradigm shifts in the history of the natural sciences. It is subsequently argued that the history of biblical research reflects similar paradigms and paradigm shifts and concludes that there was a major paradigm shift towards the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. This shift entails a different look at the Bible. The Bible was no longer regarded as a special book containing the words of God. Rather, scholars became convinced that the Bible was entirely a human book. James Barr (1924-2006) eloquently formulated it as follows (1973:120): "If one wants to use the Word-of-God type of language, the proper term for the Bible would be Word of Israel, Word of some leading early Christians." The previous two sections of the current article identified the defects in the arguments entertained in the articles under discussion (June, 2023). The authors'assumption that research in the humanities and social sciences differs from scientific research is found to be problematical. Furthermore, they would appear to disregard the research history of the subjects they are comparing, since no mention is made of the paradigm shift in biblical studies. But that is not all, the authors also superimposed their convictions onto the text of the Bible as if such convictions were shared by people living in the ancient Near Eastern world. In the third section of the current article Genesis 1:1-2:4a and Genesis 2:4b-3:24 are properly analysed as etiological stories to drive home the nail that the research as reflected in said articles is unconvincing.

In hierdie artikel word die kwaliteit beoordeel van die navorsing wat in die vier artikels, gepubliseer onder die tema "Geloof en Wetenskap" in die Tydskrif vir Geesteswetenskappe, 63(2):192-261 tot uitdrukking kom. As vertrekpunt dien die oortuiging dat alle standpunte en menings rasioneel en krities beoordeel moet word om die feitelikheid, oftewel waarheidsgehalte daarvan te bepaal. In die ondersoek word die wetenskaplike navorsingsproses in ag geneem en die standpunt verdedig dat natuurwetenskaplike en geesteswetenskaplike navorsing nie wesenlik van mekaar verskil nie. Dit wys die standpunt van die navorsers af dat geesteswetenskaplike navorsing vanuit bepaalde geloofsvoorveronderstellings gedoen mag word. Daar word verder geargumenteer dat waarheid en geskiedenis ten nouste met mekaar saamhang, want wat in een eeu waar mag wees, kan in 'n volgende eeu as onwaar bewys word; daarom is 'n historiese bewussyn van die allergrootste belang. Die gebrek aan 'n sodanige bewussyn kan navorsers duur te staan kom, omdat hulle uitsprake kan maak en standpunte kan inneem wat histories nie korrek is nie. Die navorsers van die onderhawige artikels se poging om te bewys dat Genesis 1-3 met die moderne natuurwetenskaplike resultate versoen kan word, is onoortuigend, omdat hulle nie die historiese en kulturele kontekste van dáárdie verhale in ag neem nie. Voorts lees die navorsers hul oortuigings in die tekste in en laat sodoende die Bybel buikspreek.

In die verbetering van spoorweë vir die toekoms, is kunsmatige intelligensie en masjienleer geïdentifiseer as top-prioriteit tegnologiestelsels wat data-gedrewe metodes en voorspellende instandhouding moontlik maak. 'n Plaaslike opname wat semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude gebruik het, het getoon dat die spoorwegbedryf agterbly met die aanvaarding en implementering van datagedrewe- en masjienleermetodes vir voorspellende instandhouding. Daar is gevind dat insigte uit internasionale studies relevant is in Suid-Afrika. Ander implementeringshindernisse is in die sosio-ekonomiese en sosio-politieke gebiede van Suid-Afrika geïdentifiseer. 'n Aksieprioriteitmatriks en tegnologie-padkaart is ontwikkel om die Suid-Afrikaanse spoorwegbedryf te lei tot die implementering van datagedrewe- en masjienleer-gebaseerde voorspellende instandhouding. Die aksieprioriteitmatriks is ontwikkel deur 'n tweerondte Delphi-tegniek te gebruik om die prioritisering van die vereiste aktiwiteite te rangskik. Die navorsing het getoon hoe belangrik dit is om insigte uit beide internasionale studies en die plaaslike konteks in ag te neem wanneer tegnologiestelsels aangeneem en geïmplementeer word om besigheidsdoelwitte te verbeter.

In improving railways for the future, artificial intelligence and machine learning were identified as top-priority technology systems that enable data-driven methods and predictive maintenance. A local survey using semi-structured interviews showed that the railway industry lags behind in adopting and implementing data-driven and machine-learning methods for predictive maintenance. Insights from international studies were found to be relevant in South Africa. Other implementation barriers were identified in the socio-economic and socio-political areas of South Africa. An action priority matrix and technology roadmap was developed to guide the South African railway industry towards the implementation of data-driven and machine learning-based predictive maintenance. The action priority matrix was developed by using a two-round Delphi technique to rank the prioritisation of the required activities. The research showed the importance of considering insights from both international studies and the local context when adopting and implementing technology systems to improve business objectives.