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A new relaxed inertial Ishikawa-type algorithm for solving fixed points problems with applications to convex optimization problems
Get PDFIn this research, we present a new relaxed intertial algorithm without viscosity for solving
common solution of countable family of nonexpansive mappings in real Hilbert spaces. We obtain the
strong convergence results of the proposed method under some wild conditions on the control parameters.
Weapply our main results to solve convex bilevel optimization problems. Finally, we present a numerical
example to illustrate the efficiency of our method over some existing methods in the literature
Analyzing firm-specific factors affecting the financial performance of insurance companies in South Africa
Get PDFThis study aims to investigate the effect that firm-specific factors have on the financial performance of South African insurance companies. This paper looked at the performance of 36 insurers that are publicly traded and have quantifiable markets from 2008 to 2019. The return on assets (ROA) was calculated as a function of the financial performance in this study. While the firm size, leverage ratio, premium growth rate, liquidity ratio, and tangibility of assets were examined as dependent factors using the panel data regression technique, the premium growth rate, liquidity ratio, and tangibility of assets were explored as independent variables. According to the findings of the regression analysis, other firm-specific factors, with the exception of leverage and liquidity ratios, do not have a statistically significant influence on the financial performance of South African insurance companies. A negative and insignificant association was discovered between premium growth rate and ROA at –0.0023 and tangibility of assets and ROA at –0.0113. There was a strong positive and significant relationship between liquidity ratio and ROA at 0.0927, while the size had a positive but insignificant relationship with ROA at 0.0039. Leverage ratio and ROA had a negative but significant relationship at –0.1512. This study suggests that the use of automated systems and insured techs will be advantageous in cutting costs associated with policyholder enrollment, claims agreement, and even easily achieved tailor-made policy initiatives
Primary caregiver experiences and perspectives on caring for a child with chronic kidney disease within a South African context
No full textSubmitted in fulfillment of the academic requirements for the Degree of Philosophy (PhD), Faculty of Health Science, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Background: Informal and unpaid caregivers play an important role in the management
of paediatric patients who have chronic kidney disease (CKD). The burdens that the
caregivers experience during their caregiving roles and responsibilities have not been
extensively researched, particularly within this patient population. The high physical,
psychosocial and economic burdens experienced by the caregiver can in turn lead to
negative impact on the child’s health outcomes and medical treatment. This study
ascertained the burdens that caregivers experienced, in their care of paediatric CKD
patients, who were receiving haemodialysis, in the renal unit of a large public hospital in
KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Methods of communication and types of information
provided by the renal healthcare team and the support needs of caregivers to reduce
burden, anxiety and social dysfunction was elicited.
Methods: Two standardized instruments, namely, the General Health Questionnaire - 12
and the Paediatric Renal-Care Burden Scale were used to ascertain burden, anxiety, and
social dysfunction experienced among caregivers of CKD paediatric patients on
haemodialysis. Two semi-structured questionnaires were administered. In the first
instance, caregivers were asked to provide information on areas that could assist them
to alleviate the burden of caregiving and the second questionnaire was used to ascertain
from renal staff, the methods they used to communicate with, and the information they
provided to caregivers.
Results: Twenty-one caregivers participated in the study, with females providing most of
the caregiving duties (76.2%). Using the PR-CBS, financial burden emerged as the
highest burden experienced (mean = 4,86 and SD = 0,77). The use of the GHQ – 12,
revealed that anxiety and distress were significantly high in caregivers (mean = 0.95 and
0.85) respectively. Overall, 18 caregivers had moderate to high burden. The total mean
burden score for the PR-CBS for females was significantly higher than that for males
(11.30; SD = 6.11 vs 7.83; SD = 4.70). This is confirmed by the total mean burden score
declared by females for GHQ – 12, which was also significantly higher than that declared
by males (6.58; SD = 2.83 vs 3.75; SD = 1.80). There was significant positive correlation
between GHQ-12 anxiety score (p= 0.003) and PR-CBS burden score (p = 0.005).
Conclusion: The prevalence of burdens, anxiety and social dysfunction was significantly
high among caregivers of CKD paediatric patients and is often overlooked by the renal Background: Informal and unpaid caregivers play an important role in the management
of paediatric patients who have chronic kidney disease (CKD). The burdens that the
caregivers experience during their caregiving roles and responsibilities have not been
extensively researched, particularly within this patient population. The high physical,
psychosocial and economic burdens experienced by the caregiver can in turn lead to
negative impact on the child’s health outcomes and medical treatment. This study
ascertained the burdens that caregivers experienced, in their care of paediatric CKD
patients, who were receiving haemodialysis, in the renal unit of a large public hospital in
KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Methods of communication and types of information
provided by the renal healthcare team and the support needs of caregivers to reduce
burden, anxiety and social dysfunction was elicited.
Methods: Two standardized instruments, namely, the General Health Questionnaire - 12
and the Paediatric Renal-Care Burden Scale were used to ascertain burden, anxiety, and
social dysfunction experienced among caregivers of CKD paediatric patients on
haemodialysis. Two semi-structured questionnaires were administered. In the first
instance, caregivers were asked to provide information on areas that could assist them
to alleviate the burden of caregiving and the second questionnaire was used to ascertain
from renal staff, the methods they used to communicate with, and the information they
provided to caregivers.
Results: Twenty-one caregivers participated in the study, with females providing most of
the caregiving duties (76.2%). Using the PR-CBS, financial burden emerged as the
highest burden experienced (mean = 4,86 and SD = 0,77). The use of the GHQ – 12,
revealed that anxiety and distress were significantly high in caregivers (mean = 0.95 and
0.85) respectively. Overall, 18 caregivers had moderate to high burden. The total mean
burden score for the PR-CBS for females was significantly higher than that for males
(11.30; SD = 6.11 vs 7.83; SD = 4.70). This is confirmed by the total mean burden score
declared by females for GHQ – 12, which was also significantly higher than that declared
by males (6.58; SD = 2.83 vs 3.75; SD = 1.80). There was significant positive correlation
between GHQ-12 anxiety score (p= 0.003) and PR-CBS burden score (p = 0.005).
Conclusion: The prevalence of burdens, anxiety and social dysfunction was significantly
high among caregivers of CKD paediatric patients and is often overlooked by the renal healthcare team. The experiences of this unique population of caregivers are complex
and multifaceted, but despite the various challenges they encounter, they continue to
provide care and support for their young patients. Renal healthcare practitioners may
use the findings to develop and provide suitable supportive interventions and resources
for these caregivers. It is essential that these be included in treatment guidelines for the
ill child, not only to reduce caregiver burdens but also to improve the overall CKD
paediatric patient outcomes.
From the classroom to the African newsroom : how journalism education can bridge the gap between the classroom and the shrinking newsroom
No full textThroughout the development of journalism, several groups have made efforts to gain access to voice and advance specific agendas. The current evolutionary phase of journalism has witnessed the democratization of the origination and distribution of journalistic content and has propelled unparalleled content diversity and interactivity and a transition from communality of audience membership to individuality. This unprecedented phase has also brought on certain challenges to journalism as a practice and business, some of which are revenue loss to digital giants, misinformation, dwindling trust in mainstream media, shifting eyeballs to digital platforms and the withering of size and influence of mainstream news outlets. Consequently, journalism graduates now enter a job market that is largely low paying, is increasingly mediated by technology, is rapidly converging, and is experiencing a change in work cultures. In the midst of the rapid evolutions, one of the major concerns is how journalism and media studies schools can respond to this rapidly transforming environment for journalism practice. Through the autoethnography method of enquiry, this paper, thus, reflects on some of the current trends and makes proposals as to how journalism training schools can respond to current realities
Development of an HIV risk index for university students in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is a global health challenge,
with developing countries most affected by the HIV burden. In South Africa (SA), young
people aged 15 to 24 years are exceptionally vulnerable to HIV infection. University students
are a segment of this vulnerable age group in SA. Significant effort and resources have been
invested in HIV prevention and treatment such as availability of free government issue
condoms, a large-scale antiretroviral (ARV) programme and intensification of other public
health interventions such as male medical circumcision (MMC) and the availability of Pre
exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Nonetheless, HIV still poses a critical public health challenge 40
years post discovery, particularly among young people. Factors that may increase susceptibility
include substance usage, tendency to engage in risky sexual behaviours (RSBs) such as
transactional sex, inconsistent condom usage and engaging in sex with multiple partners.
Poverty may further perpetuate RSBs such as transactional sex for money or to acquire basic
needs. University students form part of the country’s economic backbone and are the future
leaders of the country, thus context driven HIV prevention interventions for this unique
population are imperative. HIV risk is multidimensional and in order to develop effective
prevention interventions, risk factors associated with RSBs and HIV seropositivity must be
further explored.
Aim: The study aimed to analyse the behavioural and socio-economic components of risk
associated with HIV and health among student populations in an attempt to design an evidence
based risk index.
Methodology: This study used a case control study design. Study sites included the four major
public sector higher educational institutions (HEIs) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A
structured questionnaire was used to collect data using convenience sampling from the study
population with consisted of 375 HIV uninfected students (controls) and 125 HIV infected
students (cases). STATA-version 17 was used to conduct data analysis. Data collected from
controls was initially used to conduct a preliminary analysis to explore the association between
food insecurity which was a socio-economic risk factor and RSBs. Subsequently, the main
analysis was undertaken to investigate associations of the following: socio-economic,
behavioural and knowledge risk factors with RSBs and HIV seropositivity using bivariate
analysis and logistic regression modelling. Results from the case control data analysed was
used to develop an HIV risk index tool, for specific use among university students. Key findings: Preliminary data analysis of control data found significant associations between
food insecurity and students engaging in transactional sex for money as well as to meet basic
needs. Participants who were food insecure were twice as likely to have multiple sexual
partners. The case control analysis with socio-economic risk factors revealed a significant
association between socio-economic measures, RSBs and HIV seropositivity. Overall, food
insecurity increased the likelihood of multiple partners, transactional sex for money, and
transactional sex for basic needs. Students who accessed the government funding scheme and
shared the bursary/ loan were more likely to be HIV seropositive. Results from the analysis on
behavioural risk factors indicated that heavy episodic drinking [aOR: 2.73 (1.38; 5.44), 0.004],
drugs before sex [aOR: 7.46 (2.11; 27.88), 0.003], and a higher number of lifetime sex partners
(2 to 5 partners) [aOR: 4.22(1.69; 10.54), 0.002] and ≥ 6 partners [aOR: 16.36 (6.18; 43.28),
0.000] increased students’ likelihood of having multiple concurrent sex partners. High risk
behaviours such as sex with multiple partners and inconsistent condom use were more
prevalent among HIV uninfected students. Data from our study showed that both HIV infected,
and uninfected students displayed a better understanding regarding modes of HIV transmission
compared to prevention methods. Students with poor knowledge regarding HIV prevention
were 2.34 times more likely to be HIV positive and those demonstrating poor knowledge about
HIV transmission were 4.79 times more likely to be HIV positive. Several misconceptions
regarding HIV transmission methods were prevalent among both HIV infected and uninfected
students. The above findings regarding socio-economic, behavioural and knowledge risk
factors were used to develop an HIV risk index tool based on logistic regression models. The
risk index score comprises 17 factors and used an aggregated score to formulate three risk
categories namely, low, medium, and high-risk categories. Questions were formulated for the
risk index tool based on variables used in the data analysis.
Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that university students are at an increased risk of
engagement in RSBs which may consequently lead to HIV infection. Therefore, it is of critical
importance for public health officials to consider the multidimensional aspects of HIV risk in
the university student population when designing interventions targeted at this vulnerable
group. Risk measurement is important to guide HIV prevention methods such as Pre-exposure
prophylaxis (PrEP). The developed risk index tool has the potential to serve as a powerful
public health tool for measurement of HIV risk among university students in developing
countries. However, further testing and evaluation is required before implementation.
Decoding government publications : a reception study of the Metro Ezasegagasini
No full textSubmitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the Degree of Master of Journalism, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.The government is responsible for transparently communicating with the public about its work. To fulfil this mandate, the eThekwini Municipality distributes the bi-weekly Metro Ezasegagasini publication as a communication tool, with almost similar content to community newspapers. Community newspapers have survived the decline in newspapers as their news coverage is of interest and focused on the communities they cover. This study explored how readers of the Metro Ezasegagasini decode the content and the influence this may have on how they perceive the municipality. The Theory of Reception was used as the analytic lens in the study because the theory focuses on the way an audience decodes text. A qualitative research approach was adopted because this study aimed to gain insight from the readers’ experiences with the metro publication. Data was collected from three focus groups in rural, township, and urban settings. A thematic research approach was used to analyse the data by identifying, analysing, and then reporting on themes. The study found that the Metro Ezasegagasini was fulfilling its role of educating and informing the public about developments in the city. It also emerged that the different backgrounds of participants impact how readers interact with the text and whether they view it as a credible source of information. Participants from the township and rural areas adopted a more favourable position to the publication, while participants from the urban community were more critical of the content. The study also found that participants enjoyed reading the publication because of its strong community focus. Another issue that emerged during the study was the accessibility and distribution of the publication, with many readers highlighting the lack of easy access to the publication.
Ion doped metal oxide and its power conversion efficiency influence on Perovskite solar cells
No full textA dissertation submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Physics, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.ABSTRACT
Ion Doped Metal Oxide and its Influence on the Power Conversion Efficiency of
Perovskite Solar Cells
Dwayne Jensen Reddy
Doctor of Applied Sciences
This study focuses on the fabrication and characterization of Zinc-doped Titanium dioxide (ZnTiO2) as an Electron Transport Layer (ETL) in CH3NH3PbI3-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
A one-step spin coating technique under controlled ambient conditions (relative humidity < 65%,
room temperature ∼ 20oC ) for the development of PSC was applied to investigate the effects of
Zn-ion doping on the structural, morphological, optical, and photovoltaic properties. Numerical
simulations using SCAPS 1D were additionally performed to further investigate the influence of
ion doping on the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs.
Zn-doped TiO2 was successfully incorporated into the TiO2 crystal structure using the solgel technique. Characterization through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Energy Dispersive X-ray
Spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the incorporation of Zn ions. The crystallite size ranged from
19.99 to 7.1 nm, depending on the Zn ion doping concentration. XRD results also indicate the
formation of a highly crystalline tetragonal perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3) phase. Fourier Transform
Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy verified the presence of the anatase phase of Zn-doped TiO2, while
the formation of the adduct of Pb2 with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylammonium iodide
(MAI) was confirmed at 1015 cm-1. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images exhibited fairly
smooth and uniform surface coverage for the Zn-doped TiO2 layers. The Root Mean Square (Rq)
values for surface roughness showed a decrease from 26.85 nm for undoped TiO2 to 23.4 nm for
the 5 mol% Zn-doped TiO2 layer. UV-Vis spectroscopy demonstrated low light transmission loss
characteristics from 300 to 790 nm, with the 2 mol% Zn-doped TiO2 showing slightly improved
light transmission between 550 and 800 nm. The bandgap energy of undoped and Zn-doped TiO2
ranged from 3.53 to 3.38 eV, while the perovskite layer exhibited a bandgap energy of 2.06 eV.
Experimentally, an optimum PCE of 5.67% was achieved with a 2 mol% dopant concentration.
However, increasing the Zn dopant to 5 mol% led to a slight deterioration in the PCE. Numerical simulations revealed that increasing the donor doping concentration in the ETL improved the
conduction band alignment at the ETL and perovskite interface, resulting in a PCE of 6.17%. Optimizing the absorber acceptor doping concentration and band gap improved the PCE to 10.79%,
however, created a pronounced conduction band offset at the ETL/perovskite interface. This was
mitigated by introducing an interfacial layer of Cubic Silicon Carbide (3C-SiC) between the absorber and ETL to minimize the conduction band offset, ultimately achieving a PCE of 12.09%.
Corporate social responsibility in the mining sector in Zimbabwe.
Get PDFZimbabwe like any other developing country, invests funds in supporting the upliftment of
communities and in social programmes that enhances community development. The increasing
rate of unemployment and low skills level poses a threat to sustainable development. To support a
strategic shift towards impactful results, organisations with the help of the government need
constructive and efficient Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy, which is simple and user
friendly. This can assist project managers and company managers to improve effectiveness and
efficiency of CSR programmes. Using a qualitative approach, this study examined the nature of
CSR in the mining sector in Zimbabwe to understand the challenges that are faced by mining
companies. This paper can be used to design a CSR policy that lead to the planning and
implementation of programmes in the mining sector that yield impactful results. Using purposive
sampling, four CSR managers were selected from two Zimbabwean mining companies (Zimplats
and Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond mining Company). Data was collected through semi structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings indicate that mining
companies in Zimbabwe are involved in CSR initiatives, but they are faced with a number of
challenges including lack of participation from the communities and limited financial resources
Investigating the effect of financial mismanagement on municipalities service delivery : a case study of eThekwini Municipality, South Africa
No full textPurpose: This study investigated the effect of financial mismanagement on municipalities’ service delivery with a particular case study of eThekwini Municipality South Africa and to suggest how financial mismanagement can be addressed.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Scoping review of literature methodological framework was employed followed by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).
Findings: This study indicates that financial mismanagement in eThekwini Municipality is one of the major concerns due to a lack of knowledgeable and skilled workers as well as political involvement from the administration. The results showed that there are various skill shortages, and it was noted that untrained people were being hired. The finding also said that poor municipal budget management is prevented by the political administration.
Implications/Originality/Value: The findings of this study have significant implications for improving the eThekwini Municipality's financial management. This article contributes to the to the current body of knowledge and deepens understanding on the root causes of financial mismanagement and effect of financial mismanagement on municipalities’ service delivery, particularly in eThekwini Municipality-South Africa. The study further recommends municipality to hire suitably qualified staff with sound ethics to improve municipal financial management. This study is crucial for fraud and forensic practitioners, academia, and policymakers. It provided research agenda for future researchers.</jats:p
The impact of mild steel, stainless steel, and high-density polyethylene on the foaming ability and foam stability of aqueous film forming foam in aviation
No full textAqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) has become a critical component within the aviation
industry. However, relatively few reports address the causes of the poor performance of AFFF
during fire conditions due to the rarity of air crashes. Herein, the impact of mild steel, stainless
steel, and high-density polyethylene on the foaming ability and foam stability of AFFF was
experimentally investigated. The functional groups, particle shape, size, size distribution, and
elementary analysis were conducted using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,
transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and inductively coupled plasma
atomic emission spectroscopy. The results showed that all three materials affect the foam ability
and foam stability of AFFF in some manner, with mild steel having the most severe impact. The
recommendations to use cross-linked polyethylene and fiberglass materials for better storing AFFF
concentrate were thoroughly discussed