https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/884 Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:13:11 GMT 2026-04-16T08:13:11Z https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6849 Title: Sustainable school furniture manufacturing: a case of a basic workshop innovation in Zimbabwe Authors: Mudyiwa, Farai; Ngwarati, Tendai Talent; Maregedze, Lawrance; Mavesere, Fungai; Murove, Douglas Abstract: Designing and developing furniture and equipment in educational institutions is essential for creating optimal learning environments that meet students' ergonomic, functional, and educational needs. Implementing import substitution industrialization in schools, universities, colleges, growth points, and resettlement areas can revitalize Zimbabwe's economy, aiding its transition to a middle-income status. This can be achieved by establishing mechanical workshops in these areas to produce basic school furniture. Collaborations between these workshops and educational institutions can lead to cost-effective production, reducing reliance on imports from major cities and towns. Such partnerships also promote innovation and business incubation through knowledge and technology exchange, supporting the implementation of Education 5.0 across all centers, colleges, and universities. This study employs a participatory approach, involving students and staff in workshops to design and develop innovative, sustainable furniture. The experimental methodology includes collaborative brainstorming sessions, prototyping, and feedback loops conducted within an educational setting to assess the practicality and functionality of various designs. The participatory workshop approach serves as a model for future initiatives in educational product design and manufacturing. Import substitution industrialization, particularly at universities, colleges, growth points, and resettlement areas, offers a promising pathway to elevate Zimbabwe's economic status. By establishing mechanical workshops and fostering collaborations between startups and educational institutions, local manufacturing of essential goods like school furniture can be stimulated. This approach not only reduces reliance on imports but also promotes innovation, technology transfer, and the adoption of industry 5.0 principles, ultimately contributing to a more self-sufficient and prosperous Zimbabwe. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6849 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z Mudyiwa, Farai Ngwarati, Tendai Talent Maregedze, Lawrance Mavesere, Fungai Murove, Douglas https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6847 Title: An assessment of Zimbabwe’s response level to coronavirus pandemic: a case of Harare Metropolitan Province Authors: Chiwororo, Abgail; Maregedze, Laurence Abstract: imbabwe’s coronavirus infections and deaths rates surged to a record high from March 2020 to July 2020,[1] with the end of July growth rate being an exponential growth of not less than a hundred infections per day while many people were infected and succumbed to coronavirus pandemic on the second wave,[2] leaving the Zimbabwean populace wondering whether there was any meaningful response to the coronavirus pandemic. As of the March 19, 2021, Zimbabwe’s total number of coronavirus-infected people, death, and recoveries were 36,662, 1510, and 34,257, respectively.[3] The respondents were government directorate, local government directorate, hospital doctors, hospital and polyclinics nurses, other health workers, council workers, university staff, NGOs in the province, and residents. A convergent mixed method (quantitative and qualitative) with descriptive thematic analysis was used in this research with a total of 678 questionnaire responses, 42 interviews, and 10 observations. Questionnaires had an overall response rate of 89.7%, while all the intended interviews and observations were done. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6847 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z Chiwororo, Abgail Maregedze, Laurence https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6846 Title: A numerical simulation on improving biogas combustion in the blast furnace Authors: Tambaoga,Victor; Safer, Khadidja; Matupire, Terence; Ndiyamba, David; Maregedze,Laurence; Madzudzo, Erasmus Abstract: In order to preserve non-renewable resources and lessen the environmental impact of combustion systems in terms of pollutant emissions, it is necessary to think about increasing energy efficiency and switching to alternative fuels for industrial combustion furnaces. However, their low calorific value in comparison to conventional natural gas may make their use problematic. This research paper considers oxygen enhanced combustion and oxidizer preheating as a way of improving the heating value of biogas which can be used as a substitute for natural gas in blast furnaces. Using Ansys Fluent, natural gas combustion is simulated, and biogas combustion is simulated with oxygen enhancement and oxidizer preheating. The results obtained show that the heat value of biogas increases with oxygen enhancement and oxidizer preheating. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6846 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Tambaoga,Victor Safer, Khadidja Matupire, Terence Ndiyamba, David Maregedze,Laurence Madzudzo, Erasmus https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6716 Title: Time domain load flow analysis in ETAP for modern power distribution systems: paper presented at Parul University International Conference on Engineering and Technology 2025 (PiCET 2025) Authors: Mashavave Sindiso; Ashish P Shah; Kalpeshkumar J. Chudasama; Nyati Egina Abstract: The study investigates the capabilities of the Time-Domain Load Flow (TDLF) analysis in the Electrical Transient Analyser Program (ETAP) to assess the hybrid microgrids' performance under dynamic conditions. The hybrid microgrid includes photovoltaic (PV) arrays, battery energy storage, and AC-DC converters. TDLF analysis outperforms the traditional steady-state counterparts by providing time-variant analysis, which comprehensively enhances understanding of the power system's performance under dynamic conditions. The study incorporates a 24-hour PV solar irradiance profile and seven events (four load variations, utility voltage impact and two circuit breaker operations). The TDLF results show that the PV system's output power depends on the solar irradiance profile. They also reveal that the DC bus voltage has a maximum deviation of 4%, and the AC bus voltage deviation reaches 17%, raising concern for the system's reliability and stability. Cable voltage drop profiles show that the DC cable has a maximum voltage drop of 0.3%. The AC cable has a maximum of 13%, indicating considerable cable losses. The results indicate that the DC side is stable while the AC side needs attention. The findings highlight ETAP TDLF's effectiveness in assessing hybrid microgrid dynamics and provide valuable insights into improved reliability and renewable energy integration for sustainability. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/6716 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Mashavave Sindiso Ashish P Shah Kalpeshkumar J. Chudasama Nyati Egina