1549 results
Search Results
Now showing 1 - 10 of 1549
- This study explores the access and adoption of emerging technologies for curriculum delivery in a rural South African university through the diffusion of innovation lens. It explores how first-year undergraduate students at the selected rural university experience the integration of digital tools into their learning experiences. Located in the rural higher education context, the research focuses on the interplay between the access of emerging technologies and the persisting digital divide. Qualitative design data collection was done using semi-structured interview questions with 20 students from four faculties, namely Education; Humanities and Social Sciences; Science and Agriculture; and Commerce and Law. The study adopts Diffusion of Innovation Theory as the theoretical framework that underpins how learners encounter, adopt and interpret technological innovations for curriculum delivery. Results reveal patterns of adoption based on the constraints of limited digital infrastructure, old devices, and a non-existent support structure. Part of the students’ comments included dependency on informal peer learning, with frustration dealing with inconsistent connectivity and training access. This interaction is also urgent for context-specific technology orientation programs and needs for strategic infrastructure development and pedagogical models which are inclusive and sensitive to rural realities in the fight to narrow the digital divide.
- 0
- 16
- 0
- uMhlathuze River in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is a critical freshwater resource supporting industrial, agricultural, and domestic activities. However, its water quality is under threat from various anthropogenic pressures. This review synthesises existing literature to assess the river’s water quality, focusing on key contaminants, spatial and temporal trends, ecological impacts, and socio-economic implications. Key pollutants identified include elevated levels of nitrates (>10 mg/L), phosphates (>2 mg/L), heavy metals such as lead (Pb > 0.01 mg/L) and chromium (Cr > 0.05 mg/L) (Nsibande et al. Afr. J. Aquat. Sci. 2024, 262–274, 3.), and microbial contaminants with faecal coliforms exceeding 1,000 CFU/100 mL (Mthembu et al., Afr. J. Microbiol. Res. 2012, 2020–2026, 9.). Seasonal variations exacerbate these issues, with higher pollutant loads observed during rainy periods due to increased runoff from industrial, agricultural, and urban areas. Figures illustrating contaminant trends by season or location could complement these findings. The degraded water quality has led to declines in biodiversity, including fish and aquatic macroinvertebrates, and poses significant public health risks for communities reliant on the river for drinking water and sanitation. Maps of pollution hotspots and biodiversity loss would aid in visualizing these impacts. Key knowledge gaps include inconsistent sampling methodologies, insufficient long-term data, and the absence of a region-specific Water Quality Index (WQI). This review highlights the need for standardised WQI frameworks, advanced monitoring technologies, and pollution tracking mechanisms to address these challenges. Additionally, socio-economic studies and community-based conservation initiatives are recommended to mitigate pollution impacts and improve water resource sustainability. These findings serve as a foundation for targeted research and policy actions to protect and sustainably manage the uMhlathuze River system.
- 0
- 6
- 0
- The sensitivity of mosquito-borne disease in Puerto Rico is studied in relation to dewpoint temperature Td, wind velocity, and other climate fields across the Caribbean since 1979. Weekly reported clinically diagnosed cases, largely contributed by dengue, are analyzed for the seasonal cycle that crests from July to October. Monthly clinically diagnosed cases are summed into annual statistics for comparison with dewpoint temperature assimilated by the European Reanalysis v5. Correlation mapping illustrates that annually summed case numbers in Puerto Rico tend to spike at 3–6-yr intervals when dewpoint temperatures are above normal in spring and cloud fraction is below normal in late summer. Statistical analysis with tropical east Pacific sea surface temperatures indicates that high case numbers or epidemics follow 6–9 months after El Niño. Composite atmospheric circulations were mapped for the top 10 years with high case numbers, and sharp spatial gradients of coastal Td and wind were analyzed to explain how capital cities experience localized outbreaks. Long-term trends in dewpoint temperature are markedly upward at +0.2°C yr−1, and the 22°C Td threshold has surrounded the Antilles Islands under the influence of global warming. Mosquito-borne virus infections are likely to increase in the future, but the statistical outcomes reported here make it possible to anticipate epidemics and constrain health impacts.
- 0
- 6
- 0
- A restoration in a postmodern condo in Puerto Rico is described. The case study outlines the steps taken to receive collective guidance, and presents plans and photos, before and after. The original jalousie windows in the garden-facing dining room were blown ajar by hurricanes. Without eaves, frequent heavy rainfall had infiltrated and damaged interior furniture and fittings. The window was restored to fixed pane in the approved tripanel frame with hurricane-resistant security glass. In addition to eliminating rain infiltration, the new window reduced termite activity and improved the garden view with a 10-fold cost benefit. Legal issues are covered that distinguish cosmetic from structural renovations. Performance evaluations were done for heat transfer, water infiltration, and market value. A path is outlined to enable design improvements within the constraints of condo associations that blend with existing architectural features, stand up to environmental stress, and offer multifaceted benefits.
- 0
- 5
- 0
- 2025| World Scientific Pub...This study investigates the cosmological implications of the 𝑓(𝑅,𝑇)=𝑅+2𝜆𝑇 gravity model. 𝑓(𝑅,𝑇) gravity is a modification of General Relativity (GR) that introduces a coupling between the Ricci scalar R and the trace of the energy–momentum tensor T. This work provides a comprehensive analysis of the model’s predictions using updated observational data, including uncorrelated Baryon Acoustic Oscillations and Cosmic Chronometers. By employing the Markov Chain Monte Carlo technique, we constrain the model parameters, demonstrating their compatibility with current observational datasets. Our findings reveal that the model naturally extends the ΛCDM model, with the parameter 𝜆 from 𝑓(𝑅,𝑇) gravity quantifying deviations from GR. Additionally, we provide a critical discussion on the challenges and limitations of the 𝑓(𝑅,𝑇) framework, addressing issues such as observational constraints, systematic uncertainties and model dependencies. This work not only refines parameter constraints for 𝑓(𝑅,𝑇) gravity, but also bridges the gap between theoretical predictions and observational tests, offering a powerful framework for exploring deviations from GR in a cosmological context.
- 0
- 5
- 0
- The nature of dark energy remains one of the most profound questions in modern cosmology. Among the various candidates, quintessence — a dynamic scalar field with time-varying energy density — offers a promising alternative to the cosmological constant, potentially addressing the challenges posed by the accelerating expansion of the universe. This work employs a model-independent approach to analyze the evolution of quintessential dark energy, providing observational constraints without the assumptions typically imposed by specific cosmological models. Using an extensive dataset from recent observations, we derive constraints on the quintessential potential and its evolution over cosmic time, revealing insights into the dynamics of the field and the interplay between dark energy and matter. Our results support a non-static dark energy behavior that aligns with the cosmic expansion history and suggests possible deviations from the standard Lambda Cold Dark Matter (CDM) model. This study opens pathways for future observations to test quintessence models more rigorously, contributing to a deeper understanding of the role of dark energy in the past, present, and future of the universe.
- 0
- 8
- 0
- 2025| World Scientific Pub...In this work, we investigate the cosmological implications of f(Q) gravity by introducing a nonlinear equation of state of the form p = βρ2 - ρ. This modified gravity framework, based on the non-metricity scalar Q, offers an alternative to General Relativity and provides new insights into cosmic acceleration. To test the validity of our model, we use a combined observational dataset consisting of 31 cosmic chronometer data points, 1701 Type Ia supernova measurements, and 26 baryon acoustic oscillation observations, leading to a total of 1758 data points. The statistical analysis based on this dataset allows for a viable comparison with the standard ΛCDM model. We analyze cosmographic parameters such as the deceleration parameter, jerk parameter, and statefinder parameters, to determine the impact of the model on the evolution of the universe. The results indicate that our model successfully describes cosmic expansion while presenting deviations from the standard ΛCDM scenario. Statistical comparisons based on the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) further suggest that the proposed model provides a competitive fit to observational data. Our findings show the potential of f(Q) gravity with a nonlinear EoS in the quadratic form as an alternative to the ΛCDM model. This work contributes to efforts to explore modified gravity theories as possible explanations for late cosmic acceleration and provides commentary on their implications.
- 0
- 6
- 0
- 2025| Adonis & Abbey Publi...Unrestrained capitalism with concomitant racial discrimination and social inequality has become characteristic of South Africa in the post-apartheid period. The July 2021 riots are one of many protests that reflected the need for effective measures towards developing a more equal society. The purpose of this study is to document the varied perceptions of citizens about the contributing factors of the July 2021 riots. This qualitative study, which documents the perceptions of purposively selected community members in KwaZulu-Natal, illustrated that the current socio-economic circumstances and continued racial discrimination can be considered relevant structural concomitants of the riots. Through non-probability sampling, 19 in-depth interviews and 4 focus group discussions were conducted with scholars, journalists, students, community, religious leaders, and activists. The theoretical framework of this study is grounded in critical race theory and racialised capitalism. Data revealed that perceived reasons for the riots were numerous, including economic disparity, social disintegration, and relative deprivation. Racial tensions between Africans and Indians in KwaZulu-Natal have historical antecedents. This study contributes to the documentation of the prevalence of violence in post-conflict societies in the global south and the continued existence of racial capitalism in South Africa. The practical value of these findings is that they may assist in identifying social cohesion policies and programmes to prevent the recurrence of such riots.
- 0
- 4
- 0
- 2025| Kluwer Law Internati...The article examines the potential of using the Ubuntu principle that is rooted in several African legal traditions (but particularly in South Africa) to legitimize a more proactive United Nations (UN) role in international taxation. Global taxation systems have historically been predominantly shaped by European principles that prioritize values such as the ability to pay, economic substance, and benefit principles. These principles underpin statutory frameworks, anti-evasion measures, and judicial interpretations. In contrast, the African philosophy of Ubuntu emphasizing community solidarity and collective well-being offers a transformative perspective. The study explores how the Ubuntu-based approach, particularly as implemented in South Africa, could influence the development of international tax policies that are more equitable and inclusive. The analysis aligns with the UN General Assembly’s position on global tax reform as articulated in November 2023. The article argues that adopting an Ubuntu framework could address systemic imbalances inherent in traditional European contractual models of taxation and provide a stronger moral and social foundation for tax systems. It ultimately seeks to harmonize taxation with Ubuntu’s principles advocating for international tax polies that prioritize social justice and solidarity underpinned by judicial reasoning.
- 0
- 6
- 0
- This systematic review assessed the influence of staff training on employee performance in African public sector organisations. A comprehensive search strategy was employed, yielding 32 studies from various African countries with diverse research designs and sample sizes. This review evaluated the effectiveness of different types of training programmes, examined the relationship between training and key employee performance metrics, identified challenges and limitations in public sector staff training programs, providing recommendations for improvement. The findings suggest that various training approaches, including on-the-job, off-the-job, technical, and skills-based training, positively influence employee performance and organisational effectiveness. Performance management and technology integration in training were also identified as important factors. The review highlights a strong positive relationship between training and key employee performance metrics, with performance management, training evaluation, and work environment attributes playing crucial roles. However, challenges such as retention of trained staff, alignment of training with organisational needs, skills shortages, high training costs, and outdated training approaches were noted. Recommendations include conducting comprehensive training needs assessments, investing in diverse training approaches, integrating performance management with training initiatives, adopting innovative delivery methods, fostering supportive work environments, strengthening partnerships, incorporating problem-based learning and indigenous management knowledge, and regularly evaluating training effectiveness. This review provides evidence-based insights for policymakers and training programme designers to enhance the impact of staff training on employee performance in African public sector organisations
- 0
- 5
- 0
