BUSE Institutional Repository

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Access status: Open Access ,
Comparative evaluation of ultrasound, enzyme, microwave and solvent-assisted extraction of flavonoids in nephrolepis cordifolia (l.) C. Presl
(BUSE, 2026-06) Subili, Bridget T.
Flavonoids are bioactive secondary metabolites with diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Their efficient recovery from plant sources is essential for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutraceutical applications. This study compared four extraction techniques, namely, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), and conventional solvent extraction, for the isolation of flavonoids from the bulbils of Nephrolepis cordifolia. Ethanol was used as the extraction solvent, and yields were quantified as quercetin equivalents using UV-VIS spectrophotometry. TLC analysis confirmed flavonoid fractions, while antioxidant activity was assessed using the hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay. The results demonstrated significant differences among the methods: UAE yielded the highest flavonoid concentration (23.5 mg/L) and antioxidant activity (47.5%), followed by EAE (17.0 mg/L) and 36.3% antioxidant activity. MAE had (13.3 mg/L), and 31.3% antioxidant activity, and solvent conventional solvent extraction yielded (8.0 mg/L) and an antioxidant activity of 15%. The UAE, MAE, and EAE reduced solvent consumption by approximately 66.7% and isolated higher yields compared to conventional solvent extraction, underscoring their alignment with green chemistry principles. The null hypothesis was rejected, confirming that the extraction efficiency and bioactivity are method-dependent. This research establishes UAE as the most effective and sustainable technique for recovering flavonoids from N. cordifolia, combining high yield with enhanced antioxidant activity and reduced environmental impact. The findings contribute to the advancement of eco-conscious phytochemical extraction workflows and provide a methodological framework for industrial-scale applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical development.
Access status: Open Access ,
Transforming the initial registration process at Bindura University of Science Education: a pathway to improved student satisfaction
(BUSE, 2025-10-31) Mangachena, Valentine
Global trends in university management increasingly emphasize the use of ICTs and automation to improve service delivery and student engagement, as many universities have adopted digital registration platforms and integrated student management systems to streamline enrollment procedures. The research was motivated by recurrent challenges faced by students during registration, including long waiting times, inefficient communication and limited digital support. The main objective of the study was to examine the existing initial registration process at BUSE, so as to develop a transformative, student-centered model aimed at improving efficiency, accessibility and overall student satisfaction. Five faculties were selected, which are present at BUSE so to have a representative population of the study, this was done using stratified random sampling, giving a total of 200 students. Data was collected through questionnaires with students in different faculties’ and key informants guide was used to solicit data from the administration staff. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse demographic profile of students’ involved in the study. The Likert scale was used to analyse student satisfaction on the registration process, whilst effective of communication channels on registration efficiency used the regression analysis. Correlation of communication with satisfaction and efficiency used the regression analysis and the relationship between waiting time and satisfaction used the Pearson Correlation co-efficient. The findings showed a moderate level of overall satisfaction with the registration process. The mean satisfaction score was 3.83 on a 5-point scale (Std. Dev. = 0.72). This suggests that while the process is functional, there is significant room for improvement to achieve a higher level of student contentment. On communication channels E-Portal and emails were identified as the two most effective communication channels, though notice boards were perceived as the least effective channel. The model on communication efficiency was not statistically significant (Prob (F-statistic) = 0.858, R-squared = 0.013), thus none of the individual communication channels had a statistically significant impact on perceived efficiency. The relationship between waiting time and satisfaction reveals a statistically significant, though weak, negative relationship between waiting time and student satisfaction. The descriptive statistics show a mean waiting time of 11.84 days (Std. Dev. = 3.58), with a range from 5 to 20 days. On relationship between registration efficiency and student satisfaction, the correlation matrix between communication channels and satisfaction provides noted that notice board were effective as there was significant negative correlation with satisfaction (-0.18), while SMS effectiveness shows a positive correlation (0.10) at (P<0.05 using Spss version 25. It was concluded that i) student satisfaction is a crucial measure of institutional performance, particularly during administrative processes such as registration ii) prolonged waiting times, lack of real-time updates, insufficient human resources and over-reliance on manual procedures contributed to frustrations and dissatisfaction iii) initiatives aimed at streamlining communication through SMS alerts, email notifications, the E-portal system and physical help desks were noted as critical enablers of efficiency iv) registration efficiency is strongly correlated with student satisfaction. The researcher recommended that: i) BUSE should fully implement an online registration platform that allows students to complete the process remotely ii) the university must utilize multiple communication platforms (SMS, email, E-portal alerts, social media) to keep students updated on registration deadlines, changes and requirements iii) organize digital and in-person orientation sessions for first-year students before registration starts iv) BUSE should temporarily increase administrative support staff during registration windows to reduce delays and assist with student queries v) Implement a student feedback tool within the registration platform to collect real-time input on challenges faced vi) a mobile app with offline capabilities can ease access to registration materials and status updates, especially for students in remote areas with limited internet access vii) consider segmenting registration by faculty, year, or program to prevent system overloads and physical congestion on campus viii) establish clear KPIs for the registration process and conduct yearly evaluations using student satisfaction surveys and system performance reports ix) ensure the registration process is accessible to all students, including those with physical, visual, or hearing impairments. This may include sign language interpreters, or step-free digital navigation x) offering instructions in Shona or Ndebele may improve clarity and reduce confusion for students unfamiliar with technical terms
Access status: Open Access ,
Fusel oil valorisation via solvent extraction distillation and reactive distillation: experimental characterisation and process simulation using Aspen plus and Aspen HYSYS
(BUSE, 2026-06) Mudyiwa, Polite
Fusel oil (FO), a higher alcohol by-product of bioethanol fermentation, is routinely discarded as waste in distilleries across the developing world, despite its considerable potential as a source of value-added chemicals. This study investigates the valorisation of crude FO sourced from aZimbabwean ethanol plant through experimental characterisation and Aspen process simulation. The FO was first dehydrated using gravity separation followed by anhydrous sodium sulphate drying, reducing the water content from 13.8% to 0.76% an overall removal efficiency of approximately 94.4%. GC-MS analysis confirmed isoamyl alcohol as the dominant component at 64.10 wt. % in the dried feed, alongside significant active amyl alcohol (14.04 wt. %) and ethanol (10.55 wt. %). Physical characterisation yielded a density of 0.832 g/mL and a kinematic viscosity of 3.87 mm²/s, both consistent with higher alcohol rich FO literature values. Two valorisation pathways were then simulated. The first, a two-column solvent extraction distillation using n-hexane at a 0.3:1mass ratio in Aspen Plus, achieved an isoamyl alcohol purity of approximately 96.4 wt.% with a recovery yield of 94.8%, operating without decanter vessels by leveraging upstream drying. The second, a reactive distillation esterification process simulated in Aspen HYSYS, achieved an isoamyl alcohol conversion of 97.96% and produced a combined C5 acetate ester product at 96.48 wt. % purity and 82.67% recovery, exceeding the 95 wt. % commercial-grade threshold for flavour and fragrance applications. Both routes demonstrated strong alignment with comparable published studies, validating the technical feasibility of transforming Zimbabwean FO from an industrial waste stream into commercially relevant chemical products within a circular economy framework.
Access status: Open Access ,
Smart agriculture for smallholder farmers in Rushinga District, Zimbabwe: a business approach
(BUSE, 2025-05-31) Mandaza, Tsitsi
The global impact of climate change on smallholder farmers, emphasizing the role of climate-smart agriculture in addressing the challenges. In Zimbabwe, similar climate-related issues necessitated this study, which focuses specifically on smallholder farmers in Rushinga District. The research aimed to examine current agricultural practices in the region, identify necessary climate-smart techniques, assess the challenges farmers face in adopting smart agriculture technologies, and evaluate how local markets influence the adoption of these practices. The study is expected to benefit various stakeholders, including academics, small-scale farmers, government institutions, development agencies, and policymakers. It is limited in scope to Rushinga District, with the conceptual framework of the study depicting the cause-and-effect relationship between the independent variable (Smart agriculture) and the dependent variable, Smallholder farmer. A mixed research approach combines qualitative and quantitative analysis to deepen the understanding of farmers' needs. The study employed a case study design in Rushinga District, utilizing various data collection tools such as interviews, questionnaires, observations, and documentation analysis to ensure comprehensive data gathering. Validity and reliability were reinforced through triangulation, while ethical considerations safeguard informed consent. An examination of existing agricultural methods used by smallholder farmers in Rushinga District shows that their crop selection techniques accommodate local weather patterns by emphasizing maize for its yield potential and sorghum for its drought resistance The cultivation of cash crops such as sunflower and cotton presents market opportunities but requires additional inputs that these farmers often cannot access. The intricate equilibrium that smallholders sustain between achieving food security and generating income within semi-arid environments becomes evident through this pattern. Despite expanded outreach efforts which have moved engagement beyond simple awareness levels, systemic obstacles including insufficient subsidies and flawed communication channels, continue to result in low adoption rates by diminishing the perceived advantages of smart agricultural techniques. The adoption of smart agricultural techniques faces numerous obstacles which include the multifaceted issue of farmers lacking both smartphone access and reliable internet connectivity needed for digital farming tools. The combination of inadequate road networks unreliable power supplies and a lack of extension services creates additional barriers that severely limit farmers' capacity to adopt smart agricultural practices effectively. To boost agricultural productivity in Rushinga it becomes essential to tackle technological adoption barriers alongside socio-economic challenges by implementing targeted subsidies while building better infrastructure and developing enhanced training programs through inclusive policy frameworks. The absence of integrated support systems that address the specific conditions faced by smallholder farmers in semi-arid areas such as Rushinga District makes the advancement of climate-smart agriculture a distant objective essential for achieving sustainable rural livelihood. The study also found that the agricultural methods used by smallholder farmers in Rushinga District accommodate local weather patterns by emphasizing maize for its yield potential and sorghum for its drought resistance, whilst sunflower and cotton presented market opportunities.
Access status: Open Access ,
Enhancing efficacy of literacy programs for closing the digital divide: a case of the National Social Security Authority of Zimbabwe
(BUSE, 2024-06-30) Katsande, Terrie R
This study critically examines the impact of digital literacy programs implemented by the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) of Zimbabwe in addressing the digital divide among its workforces. Despite NSSA's strategic initiatives aimed at fostering digital inclusion, substantial disparities persist, particularly in advanced digital competencies and the utilization of specialized software essential for optimizing organizational efficiency. Employing a mixed-methods research design, this study integrates quantitative data from structured questionnaires distributed to NSSA employees with qualitative insights obtained from in-depth interviews with program participants and key stakeholders. The findings reveal that while NSSA’s digital literacy programs have been effective in establishing foundational digital skills, significant challenges remain. These challenges include inadequate digital infrastructure, prohibitive costs of internet connectivity, and a wide variation in employees' pre-existing digital literacy levels. Moreover, the study identifies gaps in the current training curriculum, particularly in areas requiring specialized software proficiency and advanced digital problem-solving skills. In response to these challenges, the study explores best practices from globally recognized digital literacy initiatives, proposing a comprehensive framework for enhancing NSSA’s programs. Key recommendations include the development of tailored training modules that address the specific needs of different employee groups, the adoption of scalable e-learning platforms to facilitate continuous learning, and the cultivation of a workplace culture that emphasizes ongoing digital skill development. The study also underscores the importance of partnerships with external digital literacy experts and the integration of feedback mechanisms to continuously refine training approaches. By addressing these critical issues, the research not only contributes to the broader discourse on digital inclusion and organizational learning but also provides actionable insights for NSSA and other institutions in Zimbabwe and similar socio-economic contexts aiming to bridge the digital divide effectively