2149 research outputs found
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Effect of corporate diversity and corporate size on equity value during the Covid-19 pandemic.
No full textThe effect of firm size and diversity strategy on equity value during COVID-19 is examined in this study. This objective was pursued following the quantitative approach and controlling for corporate entities’ marketing expenses, age, and leverage. Data from the top 100 companies prospering in the pandemic, listed by the Financial Times, was quantified. Using a purposive sampling technique, we drew a sample of 74 global companies and collected secondary data from the financial years 2019 to 2021. Diversity did not significantly impact equity value, but firm size did (p < 0.05). The research contributes new insights to business resources management and corporate diversity literature and provides recommendations for lawmakers regarding diversity and inclusion policies in the workplace. Moreover, this study is an eye-opener to those involved in planning for equity value generations to consider business environments seriously. To improve the flexibility of individual firms in times of crisis, tailored solutions are required (Dejardin et al., 2023). Practical results from the research emphasise the necessity of size-specific policies and diversity alignment to increase firm resilience
Towards mitigating cyberfraud in the South African financial institutions: A deep learning approach.
No full textThis study demonstrates the application of deep learning approach specifically the deep learning for cyberfraud incidence classification and time series prediction in the South African financial institutions. Secondary data from the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) was employed and the data was trained under the deep learning paradigm using the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model and adaptive moment estimation (ADAM) algorithm for fraud incidence classification and time series prediction of fraud incidences. Overall, there were 94.1% correct classifications as opposed to 5.9% incorrect classifications. Moreover, the accuracy, precision, recall and F1-score of the LSTM classification model were 71.668%, 87.5%, 99.1% and 78.78% respectively. This indicates that the developed LSTM model is suitable for classification purposes. In addition, the model’s performance improves as new datasets are fed in. This is evident as the root mean square error (RMSE) reduced from 253.5116 obtained initially to 150.9 after new data was fed in. This study contributes conceptually, theoretically and empirical to knowledge on cyberfraud mitigation. The results show that the LSTM model can be deployed for fraud classification and time series analysis of fraud incidences. The outcome of this study may promote cyber resilience and sustain the fight against the perpetration of cyber-related fraud in South Africa’s financial institutions. The use of the LSTM model for cyberfraud classification and time series prediction of cyberfraud incidences in the South African financial institutions demonstrated in this study is unique
Target-specific rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes as prospective pharmacological agents: Synthesis, X-ray crystallography, and in vitro anticancer evaluation.
No full textRhenium tricarbonyl complexes have been investigated primarily due to their remarkable inhibitory effects against cancerous cells. This study presents the synthesis, solid-state crystallography, and in vitro biological evaluation of four rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes. The synthesized complexes: fac-[Re(Pico)(CO)3(L1)] (1), fac-[Re(Pico)(CO)3L2] (2), fac-[Re(5-Br-3-F-Pico)(CO)3L1] (3) and fac-[Re(5-Br-3-F-Pico)(CO)3L3] (4); where L1 = 3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole, L2 = 3 (trifluoromethyl)-5-methyl-1H-pyrazole, and L3 = 3,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrazole; were characterized with FT-IR, NMR (1H and 13C), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. Preliminary in vitro biological screening of these complexes at a concentration of 10 μM in DMSO (solvent) indicated that only complex 3 exhibited significant cell viability against HeLa (61.38 ± 9.55), CaSki (52.00 ± 2.78), and MDA-MB-231 (30.50 ± 4.72) cancer cell lines. Consequently, this complex was further evaluated for its half-maximal effective concentration (EC50). The EC50 values for complex 3 were determined to be 45.6 ± 0.09 μM (selectivity index [SI] = 0.31), 19.87 ± 0.21 μM (SI = 0.71), and 6.0 ± 0.15 μM (SI = 2.36) against HeLa, CaSki, and MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively, with an EC50 value of 14.15 ± 0.23 μM against MRC-5 (normal human cells). Moreover, apoptosis and Western blot analyses reveal that complex 3 successfully induces apoptosis in cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa and CaSki) as well as in the triple-negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231)
Sustainable metal oxides and their composites for lithium‑ion batteries and multifunctional applications.
No full textThe sustainability of the world’s complex systems and economy relies on an efficient energy supply, with electrochemical energy storage playing a pivotal role
in meeting the growing energy demands. However, the electrochemical performance of the existing batteries remains grossly, inadequate to meet the energy
demands of modern devices. This is largely due to the persistent challenges with electrode materials. Hence, this review explores the versatility of transition
metal oxides and their composites as promising materials for sustainable lithiumion battery operations. By focusing on innovative composite architectures, this
review highlights the potential of conducting polymer/transition metal oxide composites to enhance the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries
through improved electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and cycling stability. Moreover, the review investigates the two-dimensional nanomaterials/
metal oxide composites, emphasizing their role in optimizing lithium-ion diffusion and its reaction kinetics. Additionally, multimetallic oxide composites are
presented, showcasing their synergistic properties that contribute to high capacity and structural stability. The findings underscore the adaptability of transition
metal oxides and their composites in advancing the next-generation lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, zinc-ion batteries, supercapacitor technologies,
sensors, and electrocatalyst
Advances in chlorinated polyethylene: Properties, applications, and future directions.
No full textElastomeric chlorinated polyethylene (CM or E-CPE) integrates the thermoplastic's dynamic processing properties with the elastomer's behavioral characteristics. It is a hybrid thermoplastic–thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material derived from resin-type CPE (R-CPE), which is synthesized by partially substituting hydrogen in high- or low-density polyethylene with chlorine (Cl) via various methods. Because of its distinct combination of properties, which are mostly ascribed to Cl, CPE is an active ingredient in the manufacture of numerous domestic and industrial products, including floor lamination, window strips, cable sheathing, and conveyor belt covers. This hybrid thermoplastic-TPE material is cost-effective, noncarcinogenic, versatile, comprises a network structure that allows for easy interpenetration of different substrates (e.g., polymers, elastomers, and additives), and offers a long service life while maintaining optimal performance. Accordingly, research efforts have recently intensified, focusing primarily on the sustainable alternatives to conventional copolymer processing, the integration of occupational safety considerations in line with regulatory frameworks like Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals, and the improved management of end-of-life CPE-based polymer products. This, in turn, is expected to cause several sectors to undergo a dramatic shift to employing CPE, which will become one of the reasons for its rapid market expansion. This review paper aims to provide a broader overview of CPE status in the field of materials science and engineering, emphasizing its past innovations, current properties-based applications, and future developments. In particular, the applications are believed to be reasonably well-established to date, while the prospects remain promising, as continued demand for CPE is anticipated across sectors, with growth spurred by ongoing advancements in the field, processing technologies, and sustainability
The impact of legal framework on cyberfraud perpetration in the South African banking industry.
No full textThis study examines the impact of legal framework on cyberfraud perpetration in the South African banking industry. The banking institution in South Africa is faced with the increasing rate of cyberfraud perpetration, which affects the performance of the banks, customer satisfaction, profitability, as well as banking reputation. This study combines the explanatory research approach, systematic literature review, and quantitative survey to investigate the impact of legal framework on cyberfraud perpetration in the South African banking industry. Initially, a total of 1579 literature were gathered from institution’s report and academic database using search engines. However, the application of the inclusion criteria screened the literature to 50. Furthermore, a quantitative survey involving the use of a structured questionnaire and expert sampling of key organisational staff saddled with the responsibility of cyberfraud mitigation was conducted across the 17 licensed banks in South Africa, and the outcome was analysed in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 2022 environment. The outcome of the review indicated the presence of legal frameworks, yet with an increasing rate of cyberfraud perpetration. Both the outcome of the review and survey criticised the non-stringent nature of the cyber laws and the non-implementation of some of its provisions
Holmium and Erbium-catalyzed in synthesis of PVP/TiO2 composites with improved photocatalytic degradation activity of methylene blue dye: Experimental and DFT insights.
No full textPorous titanium dioxide (TiO2) was synthesized by incorporating polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) polymer. However, its application is limited due to its poor absorption of visible light. In this study, trivalent lanthanide metals (Ho3+ and Er3+) were added to sol-gel-produced crystalline tetragonal rutile phase TiO2 to enhance light absorption and photocatalytic degradation efficiency. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the crystallite size decreased with doping. Additionally, doping was found to increase the absorption bands and reduce photoluminescence (PL) quenching. The resulting porous photo- and electroactive materials were capable of degrading methylene blue dye in an aqueous solution through photocatalysis after sufficiently absorbing UV light. Er-doped TiO2 (Er-TiO2) exhibited superior performance in photocatalytic degradation efficiency (PCDE) compared to Ho-doped TiO2 (Ho-TiO2) and undoped TiO2, attributed to its enhanced light absorption, porous structure, and lower electrochemical impedance solution resistance (EIS). The resistance values were as follows: 30.1 Ω for Er-TiO2, 49.6 Ω for Ho-TiO2, and 59.2 Ω for TiO2. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicated that electronegative charge transfers were responsible for the photodegradation mechanism observed in the experimental data
A four-wing chaotic attractor and its circuit implementation.
No full textThe Electro-chemical Society 247th ECS Meeting, Montreal, Canada, May 18-22 ,2025.By introducing a state feedback control to a proposed four-dimensional chaotic system, an extremely complex four-wing chaotic attractor is derived having larger positive Lyapunov Exponent (LE) than other chaotic systems. Spectral analysis shows that the system in the four-wing chaotic mode has very broad frequency bandwidth, verifying its random nature, and indicating the prospect for engineering applications such as secure communications. Finally, an analog circuit, implementing the new four-wing chaotic system, is presented
Documentation of ethnoveterinary knowledge and alternative practices for cattle tick control in Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province, South Africa.
No full textIntroduction:
The integration of traditional plant-based methods for controlling ectoparasites in the primary healthcare of livestock is progressively emerging as a crucial intervention to enhance livestock productivity in regions with limited resources, particularly in smallholder farming areas facing resource constraints. In Sekhukhune District, where livestock plays a vital role in rural livelihoods, cattle ticks present a significant challenge to cattle farming. This study aimed to document the ethnoveterinary practices employed by local communities to control cattle ticks, highlighting the use of alternative methods rooted in indigenous knowledge (IK).
Methods:
Data were collected using a purposive sampling method to select traditional livestock keepers, herders, and community elders to uncover the plant-based treatments and management strategies used in tick control. In addition, a semi-structured questionnaire and a guided field survey were employed to collect data.
Results:
A total of 250 participants, with an age range from 18 to over 60 years, were recruited. The result revealed that the elder participants, over 60 years of age, were more knowledgeable compared to the youth and adults. Furthermore, 28 plant species with potential acaricidal properties and other methods aimed at controlling cattle tick infestations were documented. Cissus quadrangularis was the most frequently cited species, which was widely distributed throughout the district.
Conclusion:
In addition, these results are framed within the larger context of sustainability, promoting eco-friendly cattle farming practices in Sekhukhune District while reducing reliance on conventional acaricides. By documenting this ethnoveterinary knowledge, the study contributes to the preservation of indigenous knowledge while advocating for sustainable approaches to livestock health management in rural areas. The study concludes with valuable insights into the selected local community’s traditional methods of managing tick infestations. Furthermore, the study underscores the significance of preserving and understanding indigenous knowledge in livestock health management, particularly in regions where
conventional veterinary approaches may face challenge
Strength–Ductility synergy of lightweight high entropy alloys.
No full textLightweight high entropy alloys (LWHEAs) are a unique class of materials that combine numerous principal elements such as Al, Mg, and Ti, in equiatomic or near-equiatomic ratios. These alloys are suitable for high-performance applications in the aerospace, automotive, and defense industries due to their exceptional balance of lightweight, high strength, and superior ductility. The biggest obstacle in the development of LWHEAs is to attain a strength–ductility synergy. The mechanical performance of these alloys is influenced by intricate interactions between solid-solution strengthening, lattice distortion, and phase stability mechanisms, as well as intricate deformation processes like transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) and twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP). There remains a critical knowledge gap regarding how process parameters and processing methods influence the mechanical properties and microstructure, which are key factors in determining the strength–ductility synergy of LWHEAs. This study evaluated and figured out that the balance between strength and ductility in LWHEAs can be enhanced by optimizing microstructure through customized alloying and heat treatments. Various strategies, including the introduction of coherent precipitates, hierarchical structures, and grain refinement have also demonstrated usefulness in enhancing mechanical performance. The article presented a detailed review of the recent progress in the attainment of strength–ductility synergy in LWHEAs