383 research outputs found
Sort by
Unified Field Theory in a Nutshell: Elicit Dreams of a Final Theory Series
No full textA journal article from the Journal of Modern Physics, 2014, 5(10). Published by Scientific Research Publishing Inc. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY).The present reading is part of our on-going attempt at the foremost endeavour of physics since man began
to comprehend the heavens and the earth. We present a much more improved Unified Field Theory of all
the forces of Nature i.e. the gravitational, the electromagnetic, the weak and the strong nuclear forces. The
proposed theory is a radical improvement of Professor Hermann Weyl?s supposedly failed attempt at a unified
theory of gravitation and electromagnetism. As is the case with Professor Weyl?s theory, unit vectors in the
proposed theory vary fromone point to the next, albeit, in a manner such that they are ? for better or for worse;
compelled to yield tensorial affinities. In a separate reading, the Dirac equation is shown to emerge as part of
the description of the these variable unit vectors. The nuclear force fields ? i.e., electromagnetic, weak and the
strong ? together with the gravitational force field are seen to be described by a four vector field A?, which
forms part of the body of the variable unit vectors and hence the metric of spacetime. The resulting theory very
strongly appears to be a logically consistent and coherent unification of classical and quantum physics and at
the same time a grand unity of all the forces of Nature. Unlike most unification theories, the present proposal
is unique in that it achieves unification on a four dimensional continuum of spacetime without the need for
extra-dimensions
Train Schedule Optimization: A Case Study of the National Railways of Zimbabwe
No full textThis article is found in the International Journal of Management Sciences
Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 1-20 which was published in 2014. It focuses on Train Schedule Optimization with a case of National Railways of Zimbabwe.The locomotive assignment problem involves assigning a set of locomotives to each train in a pre-planned
train schedule so as to provide sufficient power to pull them from their origins to their destinations. An
integrated model that determines the set of active and deadheaded locomotives for each train, light travelling
locomotives and train-to-train connections is presented. The model explicitly considers consist-busting and
consistency. A Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) formulation of the problem that contains about 92 integer
variables and 56 constraints is presented in the study. Three models are discussed for assigning locomotives
to wagons and coaches and the results are compared amongst the models themselves and compared to the
existing scenario at National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ). The models generally improve the number of
saved locomotives and number of used locomotives. The Locomotive Assignment Model(LAM) solution
obtained showed savings of over 70 locomotives, which translates into savings of over one-hundred thousand
dollars weekly
E-Learning Environments in Undergraduate Design and Technology Courses
No full textE-Learning Environments in Undergraduate Design and Technology Courses is a journal article for technical teacher education.When e-learning and other information and communication technologies (ICT?s) became accepted in both distance and face-to-face modes of learning in tertiary education, expectations were high that they would, within a reasonable time frame, yield visible and perhaps irrefutable gains in course delivery strategies and revolutionise both learning content knowledge and access to it. In developing countries it was hoped that there would be benefits in tapping into a knowledge revolution currently dominated by industrialised countries, who are by far the greatest contributors and beneficiaries.
The University of Botswana?s (UB) efforts, initiated in 2001, at technological transformation in teaching and learning for meaningful quality processes and outcomes have been evaluated by researchers, reviewers and participants. Comments have been made such as, ?substantial progress, but many challenges? ?very useful teaching support tool for large classes, but there is need to address key background issues? , ?students share learning through educational technologies, but appropriate learning environments are required? . It has been evident that although a lot has been done at institutional management level to promote adoption and implementation of e-learning as a rule at UB, the ideal situation has not materialised. Much of the problem seems to emanate from the interaction between key players, such as top management, the teaching staff and students.
This paper reports on an on-going qualitative study that was carried out in order to negotiate and establish acceptable quality and effectiveness of e-learning envisaged by both the staff and students in a course that was not online at the time, in preparation of launching the course online in the next cycle. The action learning research study aimed at constructing an environment and a disposition towards e-learning mutually negotiated between students and their lecturers. Data was collected through various student-lecturer and student-student interaction processes such as classroom lecture, internet search, group presentations, tests, assignments, classroom observations, questionnaires, and video script analyses. Preliminary findings indicate that most students are enthusiastic about adopting e-learning if they have been adequately pre-oriented into the method and are consistently guided by caring and competent staff. They also will appreciate quality and effective learning if this is negotiated with someone who can articulate standards of performance
Performance characteristics of local and imported sanitary pads
No full textThis article is a special issueA comparative study of Zimbabwean manufactured and imported sanitary pads was carried out in order to elucidate the performance characteristics that make them popular with the majority of women. Five different types of the most popular imported and locally made sanitary pads that were determined by a preliminary questionnaire survey were selected and their performance characteristics, that is, absorbency, liquid retention and strike through properties determined. The results show that imported sanitary pads are preferred by Zimbabwean women (47%) due to their performance characteristics such as comfort, odour control, size, absorption, sticking of adhesive, packaging and protection of strike through. Women using local products account for 39% of the sample population and those using both imported and local products 14% and a significant number of women in rural areas (72%) are still using alternative methods due to the prohibitive costs of modern methods of sanitary protection
Using advanced management techniques as a competitive weapon to achieve world class status: A case study of Zimbabwean companies.
No full textThis is a journal articleHuman capital is the single most critical pillar in a manufacturing environment. Without people in an organisation manufacturing becomes impossible. Even in the environment of complex machinery there is still need for human interface with machinery. This paper seeks to identify the human management techniques in the manufacturing sector which are being used by Zimbabwean companies in their effort to resuscitate an ailing industrial sector. A survey of fifty manufacturing companies was conducted throughout the major towns in Zimbabwe. Management training was found to have a prevalence of 85.7% and lean six sigma manufacturing (LSSM) is the lowest applied technique at 24.50%. Total quality control is the highest quality control technique with prevalence at 61.2%. Online electronic control is the lowest at 42.9%. Companies that aspire to achieve world class manufacturing status should seriously consider online electronic quality contro
A Solution to the Twin Paradox from Within the STR Without Invoking Accelerations
No full textThis is a Preprint articleThis is the first instalment in a four part series, the aim of the work being to introduce absolute
motion into Einstein?s Special Theory of Relativity (STR). In the traditional treatment of Einstein?s
famous twin paradox, it is argued that the stay at home twin will age more than the ?travelling?
twin and the asymmetry is attributed to the fact that the travelling twin?s reference system is not an
inertial reference system during the periods of acceleration and deceleration thus making it ?illegal?
for the ?travelling? twin to use the STR in their reference system, hence ?resolving? the paradox
altogether. From within the domains, confines and provinces of Einstein?s STR, we argue without
considering the accelerations and decelerations, where we show that, indeed, it is the ?travelling? twin
that is younger at the point of reunion. This brings us to a point of admission that there is indeed
a twin who really does the travelling and another that does the staying at home. Hidden within the
labyrinth of its seemingly coherent and consistent structure and fabric, does Einstein?s STR imply
absolute motion ? we ask
Four Poission-Laplace Theory of Gravitation (I)
No full textThe Poisson-Laplace equation is a working and acceptable equation of gravitation which is mostly used or applied in its differential form in Magneto-Hydro-Dynamic (MHD) modelling of e.g. molecular clouds. From a general relativistic standpoint, it describes gravitational fields in the region of low spacetime curvature as it
emerges in the weak field limit. For non-static gravitational fields, this equation is not generally covariant. On the requirements of general covariance, this equation can be extended to include a time dependent component, in which case, one is led to the Four Poisson-Laplace equation. We solve the Four Poisson-Laplace equation for radial solutions, and apart from the Newtonian gravitational component, we obtain four new solutions leading to four new gravitational components capable (in-principle) of explaining e.g. the Pioneer anomaly, the Titius-Bode Law and the formation of planetary rings. In this letter, we focus only on writing down these solutions. The task to show that these new solutions might explain the aforesaid gravitational anomalies, has been left for separate future readings
A guide to debating and public speaking, also including notes on adjudication and training activities for Zimbabwean schools and universities.
No full textDebating and Public Speaking handbook. Also includes notes on adjudication and training activities for Zimbabwean schools and universities.Debating is a form of discussion where people express different opinions
about a particular subject. We witness it in our private and public lives.
Families debate household or financial issues; companies search for
agreement on contracts; opposing sides negotiate in labour disputes or sociopolitical
conflicts; and legislators debate critical national issues in parliament.
In its most positive sense, debating creates space for dialogue in our lives.
This can lead to conflict transformation, fostering better relations between
different groups and solutions to problems. In a world that has become
complex because of advances in science, economics and new technologies,
we are daily faced with many choices. One must critically analyse all options
to arrive at sensible decisions, and this is where debating skills help. These
can equip us with knowledge of different situations and critical tools to make
sense of them, so that we can strive towards the best possible solutions.
In high schools and universities, today?s finest debaters and public speakers
will likely become tomorrow?s most influential leaders. This underscores the
need for well organised debating societies to nurture our future leaders,
ideally producing articulate individuals, well versed in current affairs and able
to recognise and make good arguments
Characterization of Fasciola gigantica isolates from cattle from South-western Zimbabwe using RAPD-PCR
No full textThis ia n journal article in the IOSR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Science (IOSR-JAVS), published by International Organization Of Scientific Research (IOSR)in 2014. It is focusing on the characterisation of fasciola gigantica isolates from cattle using RAPD-RCR. The study is based in Zimbabwe's Western region.The study sought to characterize Fasciola gigantica isolates from cattle in different localities using
RAPD-PCR. Adult flukes morphologically identified as F. gigantica were collected from slaughtered infected
animals during meat hygiene inspections. DNA was extracted from single flukes and subjected to RAPD-PCR
analysis. In the RAPD-PCR analysis, genomic DNA isolated from the conical anterior end of the worms was
amplified by the polymerase chain reaction using 10 random oligonucleotide primers. Depending upon the
Fasciola gigantica isolate-primer combination, 1-13 DNA fragments in the range of 75-2000bp were amplified.
It was observed that all the 10 primers directing amplification of DNA were of potential interest in the
generation of polymorphic DNA. The percentage polymorphic loci ranged from 33.33-100%. Polymorphic
bands were scored and used to calculate Nei?s 1978 genetic distance. The genetic distance values ranged
between 0.0690 (isolate 5 and 6 from Gwanda and 0.6109 (isolate 6 from Gwanda and isolate 14 from Matopo).
The mean Nei?s gene diversity was 0.2839. The study showed the variability of Fasciola gigantica isolates from
the same host, using RAPD markers could be applied as a low cost way of identificatio
Virulence factors and antibiotic resistance patterns of uropathogenic Escherichia coli
No full textThis is a journal article.Urinary tract infections (UTIs)are one of the most common infections in humans and the commonest cause is Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). UPEC possess various virulence factors which enable them to survive and grow in urine and other extra-intestinal environments. Similarly, avian pathogenic E.coli (APEC) are known for their ability to cause extra-intestinal diseases in birds. Since APEC and UPEC may encounter similar challenges when establishing infection in these locations, they may share a similar content of virulence genes and capacity to cause disease. In this study, 40 UPEC isolates were obtained from patients with suspected UTIs. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was then used to screen the 40 UPEC isolates for 12 virulence genes usually associated with APEC isolates. The iutA (35%), frimH (32,5%), VAT (17.5%), sitA (17.5%), sitD (15%), hlyF (12,5%), pstB (10%) and frz (7.5%) genes were detected. None of the isolates had the kpsM, ompT, unvrY and sopB genes. Antibiotic resistance patterns were also determined for all 40 isolates. A high resistance to ampicillin (90%) and tetracycline (75%) accompanied by a high sensitivity to gentamycin (82.5%) and nitrofurantoin (62.5%) was observed. Eleven multi-drug resistance patterns were observed in 65% (26/40) of the isolates. The studied UPEC isolates were shown to possess APEC associated virulence genes at low percentage frequencies suggesting a slight overlap in virulence genotypes. Antibiotic resistance patterns suggest surveillance programs to monitor drug resistance should be put in place