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Can superfluid stars be mistaken for black holes in astronomical observations?
No full textIndexed in DOAJWe consider a general relativistic model of a self-interacting complex scalar field with logarithmic nonlinearity motivated by studies of laboratory superfluids and Bose-Einstein condensates. Spherically-symmetric gravitational equilibria are shown in this model, which do not have event horizons but which are regular, singularity-free and asymptotically flat. They can be thus interpreted as compact stars whose stability against gravitational collapse is enhanced not only by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle but also by the property of superfluidity itself, their ``darkness'' comes naturally as a result of suppressed dissipative excitations. Such objects do not obey any absolute upper mass limit of a Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff type, while their relativisticity and effective compactness values are comparable to those of black holes. Their spatial density distribution drops abruptly (at the Gaussian-like rate), which can be mistaken in realistic astronomical observations for the presence of an exact material surface. We therefore present logarithmic superfluid stars as dark compact objects and black hole mimickers
The implications for the curriculum of the learning opportunities provided to students studying office management and technology during work integrated learning
No full textThe field of secretarial and administrative work is confronted with challenges
posed by the quick development of office technology, organizational reor ganizations, and shifts in the global economy. These challenges impact not
only the workers who are currently employed as secretaries or administrative
staff but also higher education institutions and students pursuing administra tive careers. As a result, workplace demands must be better met by both in dustry and academic institutions. This study looks at the learning opportuni ties provided to Office Management and Technology (OMT) students during
Work-integrated Learning (WIL). It also investigates the implications for the
curriculum to enhance workplace and classroom learning and makes recom mendations for changes to the OMT curriculum at Universities of Technolo gy (UoTs). It further explores and presents the skills, attributes, and compe tencies that OMT graduates must have in the workplace of the twenty-first
century. Moreover, it gives UoT office technology departments a thorough
analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of their current curriculum,
enabling them to make any necessary improvements. This research comprises
a case study involving Durban University of Technology (DUT) and Mango suthu University of Technology (MUT). Due to its sole reliance on surveys,
the approach was primarily quantitative; however, a petite amount of qualita tive data emerged from the open-ended questions. In addition to giving par ticipants a chance to voice their ideas, the qualitative questions served to in terpret the quantitative information included in the questionnaire. The study
included two sets of questionnaires that were given to two distinct divisions in work-integrated learning and industry supervisors who oversee OMT stu dents at DUT and MUT. The analysis demonstrates how well the existing
OMT program satisfies the fundamental demands of the sector. There is evi dence, that workplace and classroom learning both require improvement. For
OMT curricula to be more relevant and responsive in workplaces, the study
also identified new competencies and qualities that must be included. Ac cording to the findings, universities and businesses should work together to
improve student readiness for professional needs and that the Office Man agement and Technology curriculum be revised regularly
of the targeted population: MUT third-year OMT students who participate
Unearthing financial wisdom : exploring the factors shaping financial literacy among agribusiness entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe
No full textPurpose: Agribusiness serves as the cornerstone of the Zimbabwean economy, with a significant portion of the population relying on agricultural-related pursuits for sustenance. However, the concerning financial practices exhibited by agribusiness entrepreneurs, coupled with lackluster sectoral performance, present pressing issues. These issues manifest as pronounced instances of financial exclusion, loan defaults, and diminished productivity within the sector. The primary focus of this study was to assess the financial literacy of agribusiness entrepreneurs and elucidate the principal determinants of this literacy, employing the theoretical framework of the lifecycle hypothesis.
Design/methodology/approach: The research design employed was explanatory in nature, involving the collection and subsequent quantitative analysis of data via questionnaires. The study encompassed a population of 172,221 agribusiness farmers hailing from five distinct districts in Zimbabwe, namely Mutare, Mt Darwin, Mutoko, Gweru, and Masvingo. To ensure a representative sample, a sample size of 623 was calculated utilizing the Slovin formula.
Findings: The research outcomes unveiled an overall deficiency in financial literacy within the agribusiness sector, particularly pronounced among women, individuals with low incomes, those possessing limited educational attainment, and those supporting multiple dependents below the age of 18. As a crucial recommendation, the study advocates for the implementation of mandatory financial literacy courses at both the primary and secondary education levels. Such an intervention could contribute significantly to addressing the identified shortcomings in financial literacy among agribusiness entrepreneurs and subsequently foster more prudent financial behaviors within the sector
Generalization of the Schrödinger equation for open systems based on the Quantum-Statistical Approach
No full textWithin the framework of the quantum-statistical approach, utilizing both non-Hermitian Hamiltonian and Lindblad’s jump operators, one can derive various generalizations of the von Neumann equation for reduced density operators, also known as hybrid master equations. If one considers the evolution of pure states only, i.e., disregarding the coherence between states and spontaneous transitions from pure to mixed states, then one can resort to quantum-mechanical equations of the Schrödinger type. We derive them from the hybrid master equations and study their main properties, which indicate that our equations have a larger range of applicability compared to other generalized Schrödinger equations proposed hitherto. Among other features, they can describe not only systems which remain in the stationary eigenstates of the Hamiltonian as time passes, but also those which evolve from those eigenstates. As an example, we consider a simple but important model, a quantum harmonic oscillator driven by both Hamiltonian and non-Hamiltonian terms, and derive its classical limit, which turns out to be the damped harmonic oscillator. Using this model, we demonstrate that the effects of dissipative environments of different types can cancel each other, thus resulting in an effectively dissipation-free classical system. Another discussed phenomenon is whether a non-trivial quantum system can reduce to a classical system in free motion, i.e., without experiencing any classical Newtonian forces. This uncovers a large class of quantum-mechanical non-Hamiltonian systems whose dynamics are not determined by conventional mechanics’ potentials and forces, but rather come about through quantum statistical effects caused by the system’s environment
Evaluating post-consumer metal packaging recovery systems in South Africa
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences (Business Administration), at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.This thesis evaluated the post-consumer metal packaging recovery systems in South
Africa (SA) against the backdrop of existing environmental management legislation and
international best practices. It also examined the factors influencing the recovery of post
consumer metal packaging in SA, aligning with the recent Extended Producer
Responsibility (EPR) obligations, circular economy principles and sustainable
development theory.
The SA packaging industry generates approximately 3.5 million tons of packaging
annually, representing an economic value of approximately R100 billion, contributing
1.5% to the SA national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022. The metal packaging
segment, valued at R7.8 billion, exerts a substantial influence on the overall packaging
value in South Africa's packaging industry.
In accordance with the compliance regulations set by the Department of Forestry,
Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) in South Africa, the metal packaging industry is
required to submit annual reports on the recovery of post-consumer metal packaging.
These reports must demonstrate a year-on-year post-consumer metal packaging
recovery growth of 2%, starting from the 2022 baseline target of 59% and continuing to
67% by 2026.
The actual post-consumer metal packaging recovery was reported as 53.5% for the year
2022, indicating a gap of 5.5% from the target. Given the projection of metal packaging
placed on the SA market, against the projected post-consumer recovery rate, this gap is
expected to widen to 9.19% by 2024.
The study therefore aimed to propose a model that will improve the recovery and recycling
rates, as well as the data reporting integrity, of post-consumer metal packaging in SA,
enhancing the metal packaging circular economy, aligning with global sustainable
development principles and South African legislation.
This study explored, through a systematic literature review (SLR), the global best
practices relating to post-consumer metal packaging recovery, considering the current
challenges on metal recovery, coupled with an understanding of the local
converter/brand-owner and metal recycler commitment to metal recovery and recycling
in SA. The SLR was complemented with two qualitative surveys to determine the foundational
elements of the proposed model. The SLR adopted rigorous search criteria, and restricted
the research to the past eight years, to maintain technical relevance, thus ensuring that
the latest technology and business knowledge is addressed. The qualitative research,
built upon the SLR findings, deployed two sets of open-ended questionnaires that were
used to interview key converter/brand-owners and metal recyclers in South Africa,
capturing responses through focused, semi structured discussions. The findings of this
study indicate that SA is not aligned with global best practices with respect to post
consumer metal packaging recovery.
The researcher proposed a robust post-consumer metal packaging recovery model for
South Africa, leveraging Industry 4.0 technology, design for recycling (D4R) principles,
synchronised deposit return systems (DRS), supported by unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAV), to sustainably increase post-consumer metal packaging recovery volumes. This
model, in alignment with international best practices, provides accurate and reliable data
to illustrate the circular economy (CE) of metal, aiming to improve the recovery of metal
packaging in SA, supporting the EPR compliance obligations and sustainability
development principles within SA.
The recommendations derived from this research could have broader applications in
other packaging substrates, both domestically and internationally, if they are adapted to
the specific context of the respective industries.
The effectiveness of the performance management system in employee performance in eThekwini Municipality
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Masters of Management Sciences, specialising in Human Resources at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.The study focused on the effectiveness of performance management in embracing
employee performance with the eThekwini Municipality. The research objectives
included assessing the current performance management system in Ethekwini
Municipality, identifying its strengths and weaknesses, and Determining the extent to
which the performance management system is aligned with the overall strategic goals
of Ethekwini Municipality. The theoretical framework touched on many aspects of
performance management, including the history of performance management,
employee engagement concepts, continuous performance management, and
performance management systems. The study research methodology took a
quantitative approach research design with Positivism is a research paradigm. Due
to the nature of the research, the research methodology required a purposive
sampling technique as a research sampling strategy.
Regarding data collection, the methodology required for data analysis, the software
used for this study was SPSS version 27. The findings of this research included a
100% response rate from the data collected, deeming the research successful. The
findings also revealed the chi test, which revealed that correlation investigated the
gender and the level of education which showed; that the chi-square test shows that
1 cell had an expected count of less than 5 with a percentage of 16.7%, although this
is less than 20% a further analysis of the Asymptotic Significance (2-sided) which had
a value .296 and this is greater than the alpha value or p-value of .05, which means
that there is no significant relationship between the level of education and gender.
The findings also showed the testing of the hypothesis by the hypothesis t-test, which
stated that The z-score/t-score is compared to the t-score of 1.96 because it is the
one that corresponds to the 95% Confidence Interval. Taking the absolute values of
our t-score, we have section B with 16.9, section C with 17.5 and section D with a t
score of 11.4. Since all these scores are bigger than 1.96 and fall outside the accepted
region, we cannot accept the null hypothesis. Looking at the 2 sides p – scores, we
can see the support of less than .001 for the null hypothesis. There is a significant
difference between the hypothesised test value of 3 and the population averages. The study suggests that to improve the effectiveness of the performance management
system, the municipality should ensure that employees receive adequate training,
establish clear communication channels, and provide regular feedback to employees.
This study provides insights into the effectiveness of the performance management
system in the eThekwini Municipality and can be useful for other organisations looking
to improve employee performance through performance management.
Drivers and barriers of fast fashion implementation in South African retail
No full textThis study aimed to identify the factors that comprise the drivers of, and barriers to, the implementation of fast fashion clothing in the retail industry in South Africa via a case study of one of South Africa’s major fast fashion retailers. Using a quantitative, questionnaire-based, e-mailed survey to collect data from a self-selected convenience sample of 78 managers and employees, the study findings confirmed the importance of both information (store feedback and stock planning) and supplier relationships (capability and flexibility) as drivers of fast fashion. Overall, ‘capability’ was perceived overall as the most important factor, enabling adjustments to range, order size and market closer to the selling season. Barriers were confirmed as issues related to product (quality, authenticity, perishability) and social responsibility (environmental and exploitation/ethics) in the opinion of this retailer. Although both were perceived as important, environmental issues dominated, with respondents seeing the wastefulness and excessive consumption of fast fashion as the main barrier to its implementation in South Africa. The first research of its type in South Africa, the study contributes to knowledge about fast fashion in South Africa, and possibly in other developing countries, and should assist with the implementation of this strategy by South African retailers. Furthermore, a clear understanding of some of the negative opinions about FF might assist with a more socially responsible implementation
Factors influencing the use of digital personal banking in South Africa
No full textFinancial technology improvements have simplified personal banking, allowing a range of services to be accessed anytime and anywhere. But the impact of digital financial technology on the use by consumers of digital personal banking in developing economies has been little researched. The purpose of this study is, therefore, to examine the link between the use of digital personal banking by consumers and the various drivers of digital banking use in a developing economy, namely South Africa. An online survey of 400 digital banking users in the iLembe district of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, was used to collect data. Of the eight drivers identified initially from extant literature, Online service quality, Usability, and Branch service quality were the most important, with Usability and Online service quality having the greatest positive influence, and Branch service quality having a large negative influence, on use of digital banking by the respondents
Avoidance of complex grammar by senior high school L2 english students : motivations and cognition
No full textThis study investigates the motivations and thought processes behind grammar avoidance in senior high school second language (L2) English learners during grammar learning. Twelve suburban public school intermediate proficiency L2 English learners were selected. Data was collected through qualitative semi-structured interviews and thematically analyzed. Using Bourdieu's sociological theory, the following themes emerged from the data analysis: (i) Strategic Simplification: Navigating Linguistic Capital and Habitus for Effective Communication, (ii) Strategic Avoidance: Navigating Complex Sociolinguistic Forces to Optimize Communication, (iii) Managing Perceived Communication Risk, and (iv) Strategic Avoidance as Temporary Adaptation: Ambivalent Linguistic Simplification. Cognitively, limited working memory hindered processing and producing complex syntax, while avoidance helped manage high cognitive load. Insufficient explicit grammatical knowledge also prevented consolidating new structures. Avoidance allowed time to acquire the declarative knowledge needed. The findings suggest grammar avoidance balances complexity and accuracy, motivated by affective and cognitive constraints. Implications include building confidence, knowledge, and skills to enable early practice with complex constructions rather than prolonged avoidance. The study recommends that further research is required to determine optimal thresholds for avoidance and levels of optimal challenge for introducing complex grammar
An inertial iterative method for solving split monotone inclusion problems in Hilbert spaces
No full textThe purpose of this work is to introduce and study a new type of
a relaxed extrapolation iterative method for approximating the solution of a
split monotone inclusion problem in the framework of Hilbert spaces. More so,
we establish a strong convergence theorem of the proposed iterative method
under the assumption that the set-valued operator is maximal monotone and
the single-valued operator is Lipschitz continuous monotone which is weaker
assumption unlike other methods in which the single-valued is inverse strongly
monotone. We emphasize that the value of the Lipschitz constant is not re-
quired for the iterative technique to be implemented, and during computation,
the Lipschitz continuity was not used. Lastly, we present an application and
also some numerical experiments to show the e ciency and the applicability
of our proposed iterative method