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Price discovery in the cryptocurrency option market : a univariate GARCH approach

- Venter, Pierre J., Mare, Eben, Pindza, Edson

A multinational comparison of care-leaving policy and legislation

- Strahl, Benjamin, Van Breda, Adrian Du Plessis, Mann-Feder, Varda, Schröer, Wolfgang

A network analysis of the General Health Questionnaire

- Van Zyl, C.J.J.

A pilot study comparing the effects of thinning processes on the cross-sectional morphologies of early from late Acheulian Handaxes

- Caruana, Matthew V.

A survey on classification algorithms of brain images in Alzheimer’s disease based on feature extraction techniques

- Hazarika, Ruhul Amin, Maji, Arnab Kumar, Sur, Samarendra Nath, Paul, Babu Sena, Kandar, Debdatta

  • Authors: Hazarika, Ruhul Amin , Maji, Arnab Kumar , Sur, Samarendra Nath , Paul, Babu Sena , Kandar, Debdatta
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) , Hippocampus , Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/476430 , uj:43014 , Citation: Hazarika, R.A. et al. 2021. A survey on classification algorithms of brain images in Alzheimer’s disease based on feature extraction techniques.
  • Description: Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most serious neurological disorders for elderly people. AD affected patient experiences severe memory loss. One of the main reasons for memory loss in AD patients is atrophy in the hippocampus, amygdala, etc. Due to the enormous growth of AD patients and the paucity of proper diagnostic tools, detection and classification of AD are considered as a challenging research area. Before a Cognitively normal (CN) person develops symptoms of AD, he may pass through an intermediate stage, commonly known as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). MCI is having two stages, namely StableMCI (SMCI) and Progressive MCI (PMCI). In SMCI, a patient remains stable, whereas, in the case of PMCI, a person gradually develops few symptoms of AD. Several research works are in progress on the detection and classification of AD based on changes in the brain. In this paper, we have analyzed few existing state-of-art works for AD detection and classification, based on different feature extraction approaches. We have summarized the existing research articles with detailed observations. We have also compared the performance and research issues in each of the feature extraction mechanisms and observed that the AD classification using the wavelet transform-based feature extraction approaches might achieve convincing results.
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Addressing seeming paradoxes by embracing them : small state theory and the integration of migrants

- Kolnberger, Thomas, Koff, Harlan

An early numeracy intervention for first-graders at risk for mathematical learning difficulties

- Pirjo Aunio, Korhonenb, Johan, Ragpot, Lara, Törmänen, Minna, Henning, Elizabeth

An emerging consensus in palaeoanthropology : demography was the main factor responsible for the disappearance of Neanderthals

- Vaesen, Krist, Dusseldorp, Gerrit L., Brandt, Mark J.

Assessment of localized seasonal precipitation variability in the upper middle catchment of the Olifants River basin

- Nkhonjera, German K., Dinka, Megersa O., Woyessa, Yali E.

  • Authors: Nkhonjera, German K. , Dinka, Megersa O. , Woyessa, Yali E.
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Africa , Climate change , Olifants River basin
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/476395 , uj:43010 , Citation: Nkhonjera, G.K., Dinka, M.O. & Woyessa, Y.E. 2021. Assessment of localized seasonal precipitation variability in the upper middle catchment of the Olifants River basin.
  • Description: Abstract: This study used the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model together with regional climate downscaled (RCD) data from the CORDEX (Africa project), to assess the local seasonal precipitation variability in the upper middle catchment (UMC) of the Olifants River basin. The study results, based on two scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5), showed a wider monthly and seasonal variability of precipitation. The study also indicated a strong decreasing trend of east-to-west direction of spatial precipitation, with most precipitation concentrated in the eastern part of the study area. Within the western part of the UMC, we also noted another decreasing trend of precipitation from south-tonorth with northern areas of the study area receiving the least amount of precipitation. This study has also revealed a considerable general reduction of future seasonal precipitation especially in the mid-term period (2021–2050). The general reduction in future seasonal precipitation, combined with the increasing temperatures in the area, may exacerbate the drought conditions and reduction in streamflow of the main river (Olifants) and its tributaries, consequently having a negative impact on the economic activities in the basin.
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Attitude to ambiguity as a predictor of analytic thinking

- Van Zyl, Casper J. J.

  • Authors: Van Zyl, Casper J. J.
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Thinking disposition , Belief bias , Cognitive Reflection Test
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/475923 , uj:42951 , Citation: Van Zyl, C.J.J., 2021. Attitude to ambiguity as a predictor of analytic thinking. , DOI: 10.1177/0081246320953715
  • Description: Abstract: Thinking dispositions are considered important predictors of analytic thinking. While several thinking dispositions have been found to predict responses on a range of analytic thinking tasks, this field is arguably underdeveloped. There are likely many relevant dispositional variables associated with analytic thinking that remains to be explored. This study examines one such dispositional variable, namely, attitude to ambiguity. The disposition is implied in the literature given that internal conflict – likely with associated ambiguity – is typically experienced in cognitive tasks used to study thinking and reasoning. In this article, the association between attitude to ambiguity and analytic thinking is empirically examined using Bayesian methods. A total of 313 adults (mean age=29.31, SD=12.19) completed the Multidimensional Attitude Toward Ambiguity (MAAS) scale, along with the Cognitive Reflection Test and a syllogism-based measure of belief bias. Results found one component of the MAAS scale, Moral Absolutism, to be a robust predictor of scores on both the Cognitive Reflection Test and the measure of belief bias.
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Comparative analysis of the performance of rope-pumps and standardized handpumps water systems in rural communities of the northern and upper east regions of Ghana

- Bazaanah, Prosper, Dakurah, Martin

  • Authors: Bazaanah, Prosper , Dakurah, Martin
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Rope-pump and Handpump , Sustainable Rural Community Water Supply , Water Quality
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/475907 , uj:42947 , Citation: Bazaanah, P. & Dakurah, M. 2021. Comparative analysis of the performance of rope-pumps and standardized handpumps water systems in rural communities of the northern and upper east regions of Ghana.
  • Description: Abstract: Ground water systems form essential components of rural water supply. In Ghana, four handpumps, namely Afridev, India Mark II, Nira AF-85, and Vergnet have been standardized for rural water supply. However, they have failed to deliver satisfactory levels of sustainability, largely due to inadequate maintenance capacity. An alternative to standardized imported handpumps is the locally manufactured rope-pump, which is considerably cheaper and easier to maintain but has not been standardized for use in Ghana for rural water supply. Framed from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the post-positivist paradigm and quantitative research approach, this study compared the performance of rope-pumps with standardized handpumps, to determine whether rope-pumps technology provide viable alternative for rural water supply. Probability sampling and self-designed questionnaires were used to elicit data from 431 respondents. Descriptive statistics, correlations and independent sample t-test were utilized to analyze the data. Decision rule applied in testing the hypothesis (Ho) with 95% confidence interval was: accept Ho, if p-values are ˃ α = 0.05 and do not accept Ho if p-values are ≤ α = 0.05. Findings showed rope-pumps as a potentially viable option to standardized handpumps. There were no significant differences between rope-pumps and standardized handpumps with respect to robustness, sustainability and microbiological quality of water delivered by the two pump types. Rope-pump technology is feasible, sustainable, scalable and will likely meet user needs if standardized and adapted for use by the communities. Measures for technology adaptation, government subsidies, investments, pollution control and standardization are necessary and will remarkably improve water quality from rope-pumps installed in the communities.
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COVID-19 and the making of a South African democratic developmental state : prospects and pitfalls amid a pandemic

- Nagar, Marcel

  • Authors: Nagar, Marcel
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Cold War Geopolitics , COVID-19 , East Asian Tigers
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/474326 , uj:42751 , Citation: Nagar, M. 2021. COVID-19 and the making of a South African democratic developmental state : prospects and pitfalls amid a pandemic.
  • Description: Abstract: This article assesses the impact of untraditional security threats on the origin and institutional configuration of existing and prospective developmental states in Africa. It adopts a case study research methodological approach which interrogates the effect of internal and global security threats on the formation of 21st-century African developmental states through the presence of four developmental state features: Development-Oriented Political Leadership; Presence of a Pilot Agency; Private Sector and/or Broad-Based Developmental Coalitions; and Popular Mobilisation through a Developmentalist Ideology. The case studies under review include four existing (Botswana, Mauritius, Ethiopia, and Rwanda) and one prospective (South Africa) African developmental states. This article finds that intense ethnic rivalries and domestic development imperatives were sufficient factors triggering the construction of developmental states in Botswana, Mauritius, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. Furthermore, the outbreak of COVID-19 has served as a global threat which precipitated developmental state project in South Africa.
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Efficacy of plastic shopping bag tax as a governance tool : lessons for South Africa from Irish and Danish success stories

- Muphoshi, Asphat, Mpinganjira, Mercy, Wait, Marius

Experiences of young people preparing to transition out of cluster foster care in South Africa

- Goemans, Monica, Van Breda, Adrian D., Kessi, Shose

  • Authors: Goemans, Monica , Van Breda, Adrian D. , Kessi, Shose
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Foster care , Group home care , Youth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/476403 , uj:43011 , Citation: Goemans, M., Van Breda, A. D., & Kessi, S. (2021). Experiences of young people preparing to transition out of cluster foster care in South Africa. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 38(2), 227–237. doi:10.1007/s10560-020-00704-1
  • Description: Abstract: Purpose. Research on young people transitioning out of care due to reaching the age of majority (referred to as care-leaving or aging out of care) is still emerging in South Africa. To date, almost all research on leaving care has focused on the transition out of residential care, with little attention to the transition out of foster care, including cluster foster care (roughly equivalent to group homes in other countries). This paper aims to describe the experiences of youth preparing to age out of cluster foster care in South Africa. Methods. Individual interviews were conducted with nine youth preparing to leave a cluster foster organization called Home from Home. In addition, a semi-structured focus group was run with six of their foster mothers. Findings. Thematic analysis generated four themes: the desire for independence; the centrality of meeting material and physical needs at the time of transition; the continuity of emotional care during the transition; and the supported development of the capacity for self-determination. Discussion. Self-determination theory, ambiguous loss and ubuntu (or interdependence) were found to be useful theories to interpret the findings. Recommendations are proposed to better prepare foster children for leaving care and for creating a social environment that is receptive to and conducive for foster care-leavers.
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From machine ethics to computational ethics

- Segun, Samuel T.

  • Authors: Segun, Samuel T.
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Ethics of AI , Machine Ethics , Robot Ethics
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/474292 , uj:42746 , Citation: Segun, S.T. 2021. From machine ethics to computational ethics. , DOI: 10.1007/s00146-020-01010-1
  • Description: Abstract: Research into the ethics of artificial intelligence is often categorized into two subareas – robot ethics and machine ethics. Many of the definitions and classifications of the subject matter of these subfields, as found in the literature, are conflated, which I seek to rectify. In this essay, I infer that using the term ‘machine ethics’ is too broad and glosses over issues that the term computational ethics best describes. I show that the subject of inquiry of computational ethics is of great value and indeed is an important frontier in developing ethical artificial intelligence systems (AIS). I also show that computational is a distinct, often neglected field in the ethics of AI. In contrast to much of the literature, I argue that the appellation ‘machine ethics’ does not sufficiently capture the entire project of embedding ethics into AI/S and hence the need for computational ethics. This essay is unique for two reasons; first, it offers a philosophical analysis of the subject of computational ethics that is not found in the literature. Second, it offers a finely grained analysis that shows the thematic distinction among robot ethics, machine ethics and computational ethics.
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From ‘other worlds’ and ‘multiple ontologies’ to ‘a methodological project that poses ontological questions to solve epistemological problems’. What happened to Thinking Through Things?

- Fontein, Joost

Genetic substructure and complex demographic history of South African Bantu speakers

- Sengupta, Dhriti, Choudhury, Ananyo, Fortes-Lima, Cesar, Aron, Shaun, Whitelaw, Gavin, Gunnink, Hilde, Mashinya, Felistas, Hazelhurst, Scott, Ramsay, Michèle, Schlebusch, Carina M.

Imagining the diaspora vote from Zimbabweans abroad : electronic voting or postal voting?

- Mathe, Limukani

  • Authors: Mathe, Limukani
  • Date: 2021
  • Subjects: Diaspora , Diffusion , Emulation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/474317 , uj:42749 , Citation: Mathe, L. 2021. Imagining the diaspora vote from Zimbabweans abroad : electronic voting or postal voting?
  • Description: Abstract: This article envisages the diaspora vote from Zimbabweans living abroad. The study applies a qualitative content analysis on Zimbabwe Electoral Commission officials and government’s perspectives or responses to the call for diaspora vote. It further engages several politicians through in-depth interviews to discuss the possible challenges and the model that can be utilised for diaspora vote. This article draws some theoretical concepts from the diffusion of diaspora enfranchisement norms by Turcu & Urbatsch (2015) who posit that neighbourly countries are likely to emulate each other’s policy making, adoption of electoral standards and mechanisms. Therefore, the article argues that Zimbabwe can enfranchise diasporas especially for presidential elections. Presidential elections may be conducted electronically or through personal vote combined with postal voting. Zimbabwe can implement personal voting at the embassies where results will be tabulated and electoral residue posted home. However, this article further argues that unlike e-voting, the management of personal voting combined with postal might be costly especially managing millions of Zimbabweans out-of-country, hence there is a need to start deliberating on e-voting or pilot e-voting for diasporas. The article acknowledges that a positive political will is fundamental for the effective implementation of the diaspora vote.
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Influence of 21st Century technology on learners’ academic performances : adaptable strategies on control of online gadgets

- Seme, J. P., Gamede, B. T., Uleanya, C.

Later Stone Age human hair from Vaalkrans Shelter, Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, reveals genetic affinity to Khoe groups

- Coutinho, Alexandra, Malmström, Helena, Edlund, Hanna, Henshilwood, Christopher S., Van Niekerk, Karen L., Lombard, Marlize, Schlebusch, Carina M., Jakobsson, Mattias

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