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Search for resonant production of dark quarks in the dijet final state with the ATLAS detector
No full textAbstract
This paper presents a search for a new Z′ resonance decaying into a pair of dark quarks which hadronise into dark hadrons before promptly decaying back as Standard Model particles. This analysis is based on proton-proton collision data recorded at
s
= 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider between 2015 and 2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 139 fb−1. After selecting events containing large-radius jets with high track multiplicity, the invariant mass distribution of the two highest-transverse-momentum jets is scanned to look for an excess above a data-driven estimate of the Standard Model multijet background. No significant excess of events is observed and the results are thus used to set 95% confidence-level upper limits on the production cross-section times branching ratio of the Z′ to dark quarks as a function of the Z′ mass for various dark-quark scenarios
The influence of the ecological systems on grade seven academic achievers at a Junior Secondary Township School
No full textThe study explores the influence of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory on Grade seven learners’ academic achievements, particularly focusing on top achievers at a Junior Township Secondary School in the Gauteng Province, South Africa. Bronfenbrenner critiqued previous theories of child development that focused only on unfamiliar laboratory experiments and argued that child development cannot be limited to laboratory experiments as it is a complex system comprising of diverse relationships that a child has at multiple levels of their surrounding environment. Bronfenbrenner proposed a multidimensional frameworks theory for understanding child development in socio-political and social settings called the ecological systems theory, which has fundamentally affected the teaching and learning field. The ecological systems theory postulates that a child’s development is shaped by ecological systems namely, the microsystem, the mesosystem, the exosystem, the macrosystem and the chronosystem. Therefore, the stuM. Ed. (Psychology)Psychology of Educatio
Delictual and contractual liability of contractors and engineers in the South African construction industry
Get PDFThe delictual and contractual liability of contractors and engineers for negligence in the construction industry in South Africa is critically investigated. In most instances of such harm-producing conduct of contractors and engineers, the application of common law principles results in equitable outcomes. Some instances are identified where the application of fault-based delictual principles fails to fully vindicate the interests of prejudiced parties. The legislative adoption of strict liability is considered as a potential solution. Section 61 of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 has introduced strict liability for a wide range of damage caused by goods, which appears to be defined sufficiently widely to include strict liability of contractors and engineers for harm-producing conduct in the construction industry. On the assumption that progressive application by the Courts of Section 61 will satisfactorily supplement common law principles, no further legislative reform in this field is recommended.LL.M. (Private Law)Private La
The influence of regret-induced status-quo bias on cyber security investment decision-making
No full textThis doctoral thesis investigated the influence of regret-induced status quo bias in the decision-making processes for cyber security investment. It used regret theory to analyse the real-life phenomenon known as the "Defenders' Dilemma." This dilemma highlighted the fact that while corporate defenders continually increase spending to protect digital assets against cyber threats, adversaries can achieve maximum impact by targeting singular vulnerabilities, leading to an ongoing cycle of cyber security expenses. The study challenged the adequacy of existing Information Systems literature that relies on economic theories grounded in neoclassical economics to assess cyber security investment levels. It argued that current models are based on flawed assumptions that the sole driver of cyber security investment is the maximisation of benefits. These models fall short because they do not capture the intangible nature of the costs and benefits associated with cyber security, and incorrectly assume that decision-makers have perfect information and act rationally. Recognising this gap, this thesis called for an exploration of the empirical evidence, particularly regret, that influences these investment decisions. Additionally, the study emphasised the importance of understanding how status quo bias can lead individuals to deviate from their conventional decision-making patterns.
To understand the role of emotions, specifically regret, in cyber security investment decision-making, the study employed the analytical lens of regret theory. The research methodology was interpretivist. The research used a case study approach focusing on an organisational context where the researcher conducted semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. Data analysis is conducted using thematic framework analysis, resulting in the emergence of thematic conceptualization. The findings are that fear, rather than regret, has a more significant influence on cyber security investment decisions. The findings also revealed that herding bias, rather than status quo bias, has a stronger impact on these decisions.
This study contributes to research in four ways: first, it presents a theoretical framework for cyber security investment at the organisational level; second, it enhances regret-based decision-making theories by examining the contextual framing of the issue and the significance of each judgement for the decision-maker; third, it validates the application of an interpretive philosophy and a case study approach to unravel the complexity of organisational cyber security investment decisions; and last, it provides practical insights for practitioners by identifying the various factors and emotional biases that inform cyber security investment choices.D.B.L.Business Managemen
An assessment of security measures at state hospitals in Gauteng, South Africa
No full textText in English with abstract in English and SepediSecurity measures in state hospitals in Gauteng Province, South Africa, are paramount to ensure the safety of both human and material resources. However, issues such as human threats to the hospital buildings and theft of copper cables, which disrupt electricity and other medical equipment, have become major concerns. This necessitates a comprehensive security assessment of state hospitals in Gauteng Province. The study investigated the security measures in these hospitals, focusing on four research objectives: determining the types of security threats faced by the state hospitals, identifying the security measures currently implemented, assessing the effectiveness and deficiencies of these measures, and developing an integrated safety and security management model suited for state hospitals in Gauteng Province. A mixed-methods approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative research, was adopted. Data was collected from five state hospitals in Gauteng Province. The qualitative data involved in-depth interviews with thirty participants selected through purposive sampling. Quantitative data was gathered using a survey questionnaire. Additionally, observations were conducted to assess the various security personnel control rooms and medical equipment to ensure they were in working condition. The findings revealed that the safety and security measures implemented by state hospitals did not fully comply with the Control of Access to Public Premises and Vehicles Act, No. 53 of 1985. Significant gaps and shortcomings were identified, particularly in access control measures such as the searching of personnel and visitors, resulting in the loss of assets and the disappearance of patients from hospital premises. Participants confirmed that unqualified personnel were often appointed to manage safety and security services at the state hospitals. Inadequate safety and security systems, such as insufficient perimeter fences, closed-circuit television, and trained security personnel, made it difficult to deter, detect, and detain criminals. This study contributes to the scientific body of knowledge on security studies by emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety and security procedures to protect personnel, patients, and visitors in state hospitals. It recommends the use of a Security Risk Management Model specifically developed for state hospitals in Gauteng Province to address these issues.Magato a tšhireletšo ka dipetleleng tša mmušo ka Profenseng ya Gauteng, Afrika Borwa, ke a bohlokwa kudu go kgonthiša polokego ya methopo ya batho le ya dilo. Le ge go le bjalo, ditaba tše bjalo ka matšhošetši a batho ka meagong ya dipetlela le bohodu bja megala ya koporo, yeo e kgaotšago kabo ya mohlagase le didirišwa tše dingwe tša kalafo, di fetogile hlobaboroko. Se se dira gore go be le tekolo ya tšhireletšo ye e feletšego ya dipetlela tša mmušo ka Profenseng ya Gauteng. Nyakišišo e nyakišišitše magato a tšhireletšo ka dipetleleng tše, e šeditše kudu maikemišetšo a mane a nyakišišo: go laetša mehuta ya matšhošetši a tšhireletšo ao dipetlela tša mmušo a lebanego le ona, go šupa magato a tšhireletšo ao a phethagatšwago gabjale, go sekaseka go šoma gabotse le mafokodi a magato a, le go hlama polokego ye e kopantšwego le mohlala wa taolo ya tšhireletšo wo o loketšego dipetlele tša mmušo ka Profenseng ya Gauteng. Mekgwa ye e kopantšwego, ye e akaretšago bobedi nyakišišo ya khwalithethifi le ya khwanthithethifi, e amogetšwe. Datha e kgobokeditšwe go tšwa dipetleleng tše hlano tša mmušo ka Profenseng ya Gauteng. Datha ya khwalithethifi e be e akaretša dipoledišano tše di tseneletšego le bakgathatema ba masometharo bao ba kgethilwego ka go tšea mehlala ka nepo. Datha ya khwalithethifi e kgobokeditšwe ka go šomiša lenaneopotšišo la nyakišišo. Go tlaleletša, ditemogo di dirilwe go sekaseka diphapoši tša taolo tša bašomi ba tšhireletšo tše di fapafapanego le didirišwa tša kalafo go kgonthiša gore di maemong a go šoma. Dikutullo di utullotše gore magato a polokego le tšhireletšo ao a phethagaditšwego ke dipetlela tša mmušo ga se a latela ka botlalo Molao wa Taolo ya Phihlelelo ya Meago ya Setšhaba le Dikoloi, Nr. 53 wa 1985. Go lemogilwe dikgoba tše bohlokwa le mafokodi, kudu ka magatong a taolo ya phihlelelo a go swana le go phuruphutša bašomi le baeti, go lahlegelwa ke dithoto le go nyamelela ga balwetši meagong ya sepetlela. Batšeakarolo ba tiišeditše gore gantši bašomi bao ba sa kgotsofatšego dinyakwa tša mošomo ba be ba thwalwa go laola ditirelo tša polokego le tšhireletšo dipetleleng tša mmušo. Ditshepedišo tša tšhireletšo le polokego tše di hlaelelago, tše bjalo ka magora a pherimitha a go hlaelela, go hloka thelebišene ya tšhireletšo le bahlapetši tšhireletšo bao ba hlahlilwego, di dira gore go be boima go thibela, go lemoga le go swara disenyi. Nyakišišo ye e kgatha tema go lekala la saense mabapi le dinyakišišo tša tšhireletšo ka go gatelela bohlokwa bja go latela ditshepedišo tša tšhireletšo le polokego go šireletša bašomi, balwetši le baeti dipetleleng tša mmušo. E šišinya tšhomišo ya Mmotlolo wa Taolo ya Kotsi ya Tšhireletšo wo o hlametšwego fela dipetlela tša mmušo ka Profenseng ya Gauteng gore di rarolle mathata a.PhD. (Criminal Justice)Criminal Justic
A multi-level analysis of performance of the Ethiopian Insurance Industry
No full textThe literature confirms that economic growth enhances the performance of an industry. However, that was not the case for the Ethiopian insurance industry. Thus, the research question is why does the Ethiopian insurance industry persistently underperform despite the high economic growth? The literature identifies the complex nature of industry performance and the factors that influence it. This creates a research gap that necessitates an analysis of the impact of the factors and the complex nature of the interaction among them on the underperformance of the Ethiopian insurance industry.
The research employed a convergent mixed-methods approach, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research designs. The study used secondary quantitative and primary quantitative and qualitative data to conduct the analysis. Further the research triangulates the results to explore a comprehensive understanding how the multiple factors interplay and impact performance of the industry.
The results indicate disconnect between economic growth and industry performance, stemming from the industry's limited presence and limited affordability for the larger part of the economy to stimulate demand. The results also illuminate on how multitude of factors including economic growth, market structure, innovation, and value chain governance, interplay and contribute to the underperformance of the industry.
The study offers valuable insights to policymakers, professionals, and researchers, enabling them to understand the complex nature and interactions of the factors and take actions to leverage opportunities for improving industry performance.DBLBusiness Managemen
Millennial leaders and leadership development in a multi-generational workforce
No full textIntroduction: Generational theory suggests fundamental differences across generations, and this includes the millennial generation as well. Millennials are poised to replace the ageing baby boomers as the next leadership cohort. Problem statement: Although a substantial body of knowledge portrays millennials as unique, leadership development programmes appear outdated and follow traditional leadership development models. Aim: This study aimed to validate prevailing stereotypes about leadership and millennials, assess current leadership development programmes for millennial leaders, and understand how millennial leaders prefer to lead in the workplace. Additionally, the study sought to determine what millennials expect from leadership development and training. These insights are intended to guide organisations in developing leadership approaches relevant to millennials. Method: Cross-sectional data were collected from various samples using both surveys and interviews. Survey data were primarily analysed by comparing group differences, while content analysis was applied to interview data. Results and findings: This thesis is presented through five articles. The first article demonstrates that millennials differ from other generations regarding cultural values. The second and third articles confirm differences in leadership styles and millennials' perceptions of leadership style effectiveness. The fourth article explores whether South African business schools meet the preferences of millennial leaders, revealing a significant gap. The fifth article, based on qualitative data, identifies what millennial leaders seek in leadership development and training. Discussion: The articles show that many stereotypes about millennials hold true; however, they are not as different from the outgoing generation of leaders as expected. Current offerings from South African business schools do not adequately consider the millennial generation, a gap that should be addressed. In terms of development preferences, millennials favour personalised, continuous, and interactive learning opportunities such as structured mentoring programmes, experiential learning and soft skills training. Conclusions: The millennial generation is unique, often overlooked in formal leadership training, and should be considered when designing appropriate leadership development interventions. Contribution: This study contributes to the understanding of the South African millennial generation, offering both academics and practitioners a multidimensional view of this generation and their needs. The final chapter provides an integrated framework for a development strategy tailored to millennials.D.B.LGraduate School of Business Leadershi
Evaluation of honeybee supplemental feeds on Apis mellifera Bee colony performances and honey yield in Holeta in the Oromia region of Ethiopia
No full textAbstract and text in EnglishMost Ethiopian beekeepers depended on naturally occurring floral sources, which offered sufficient nectar and pollen to sustain colonies and boost worker bee populations. With the scarcity of natural flora, colonies find it challenging to sustain normal colony populations.
Nectar and pollen depletion thus negatively impacts brood rearing, and colony development is a frequent occurrence that results in reduced honey yield and absconding. Even though bee nutrition is crucial to the apiculture sector, Ethiopia does not have a comprehensive database on bee feeding, and there are few publications on pollen substitutes. The investigation was conducted during the major rainy season of 2023 at the Holeta Bee Research Centre in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia. The impacts of honey bee supplemental
feeds on Apis mellifera bee colony performance and honey yield were assessed focusing on nutritional content, feed consumption, sealed brood surfaces, pollen count, bee weight, population growth, and cost-benefit analysis. A completely randomized experimental design comprising four treatments designated as (1)
50% Expeller Press Soybean Cake Flour + 49% Granulated Sugar + 1% Vitamins and Minerals; (2) 50% Niger Seed Cake Flour + 49% Granulated Sugar + 1% Vitamins and Minerals; (3) 50% Mung Bean Flour + 49% Granulated Sugar + 1% Vitamins and Minerals; and (4) A control group that was given one litter of 50% sugar syrup per week each with five bee colonies, was used for the experiment giving a total of 20 productive queens.
According to the research work, the average weekly diet consumption of honey bees ranges from 80 g of NSCF to 125 g of EPSF, which is the highest amount. Additionally, during the course of the treatment, the EPSF diet continuously outperformed the other treatments in
terms of sealed brood area, increased body weight, pollen gathering, and rate on investment, which is assessed to be 240.39%. This study suggests the potential of supplemental diets to improve the colony development when the pollen availability and diversity are scarce and increase the number of broods they raise, and become stronger during the honey flow season.M. Sc. (Agriculture)Agriculture and Animal Healt
Assessing the level of innovation practices in built projects to create value for the market and to ensure sustainability and recovery of the construction industry within a recession; the case of J. C. van der Linde and venter projects in the Tshwane region.
No full textDue to a weak economic climate, it has become increasingly difficult for construction companies to sustain their business and stay competitive by using innovation in their daily operations. Hence, the construction sector is lagging in innovation, it has become increasingly important to look at innovative strategies to stay competitive. The study examines the opinions of employees in JC van der Linde and Venter Projects, and their assessment of the significance of the use and relevance of innovation strategies in the construction sector. The data collected in respect of employees’ perceptions of innovation suggest the importance and relevance thereof. An explanatory research design was adopted where the primary instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. A sample of 75 employees were collected from a target of 236 employees in different construction project sites in Tshwane region.
The study found respondents understood the importance of innovation, but lacks understanding of how innovation frameworks fit into the organisation as the organisation lacks a formal innovation framework linked to strategic priorities. The study is therefore in agreement that the industry is slow to innovate A synthesis of expertise is needed in different domains to grow and innovate the company. This is a major concern that must be addressed at a strategic level as innovation have to be initiated from a managerial with clear strategic innovation plans incorporated in the strategic plan of the company. The study recommends that construction firms must invest in research and development to exploit the potential of innovation for organisational growth and sustainability.
The study concludes that innovation must form part of a strategic plan and driven by top management for it to be effective. Implementation of any innovation plan can only be instituted from the top, hence if innovation plans are not formalised it will not be effective without a formal framework. Therefore, it is recommended that the 70/20/10 rule of innovation must be incorporated into strategic objectives to make innovation part of a formal process, which can be measured in terms of Key Result Areas (KRAs) in the form of a Balanced Scorecard.M.B.A.Graduate School of Business Leadershi