Resolving the puzzle of sound propagation in a dilute Bose-Einstein condensate

A unified model of a dilute Bose–Einstein condensate is proposed, combining the logarithmic and Gross–Pitaevskii (GP) nonlinear terms in a wave equation, where the GP term describes two-body interactions, as suggested by the standard perturbation theory; while the logarithmic term is essentially nonperturbative, and takes into account quantum vacuum effects. The model is shown to have excellent agreement with sound propagation data in the condensate of cold sodium atoms known since the now classic works by Andrews and collaborators. The data also allowed us to place constraints on two of the unified model’s parameters, which describe the strengths of the logarithmic and GP terms. Additionally, we suggest an experiment constraining the value of the third parameter (the characteristic density scale of the logarithmic part of the model), using the conjectured attraction–repulsion transition of many-body interaction inside the condensate

Assessing the challenges that are confronted rural-based SMEs on the implementation of cloud services

The increase of contemporary technologies such as cloud-based services has attracted various institutions, especially in developing countries. Many businesses have started to show interest in migrating to the cloud to expand their businesses, particularly in urban areas. However, it has become challenging for rural-based Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to integrate themselves with ICT innovations such as cloud services as they are facing various challenges like poor development of ICT infrastructure. It is these difficulties that are facing SMEs located in rural areas that are at the core of this study, whose aim is to assess the challenges that rural-based SMEs are facing on the implementation of cloud services. A literature review from the previous studies was used to identify these challenges, which were later transformed into variables that ended up being tested in this paper. These variables include independent variables such as Security, Compatibility, Perceived usefulness, Perceived ease of use, and dependent variable, which are cloud services. A Likert-scale questionnaire-based survey of small business employees was conducted from a small town called Elliotdale, Eastern Cape, South Africa, to assess whether the challenges mentioned above, according to them, have an impact on the implementation of cloud services by SMEs. The data were analyzed to test the reliability and validity of the data-gathering instrument(questionnaires) and inferential statistics such as correlations between independent and dependent constructs, and Regression (predictor). The results indicate that the participants agreed that the challenges mentioned above, such as Security, Compatibility, Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, have a significant impact on the implementation of cloud services by rural-based SMEs

In situ synthesis and AC conductivity studies of polypyrrole–cobalt nanocomposites

Through in situ pyrrole chemical polymerization with various concentrations of CoCl2, conducting polypyrrole-cobalt composites were synthesized using ammonium persulfate as the oxidizing agent. These composites were synthesized using different molarities (0.01, 0.02, 0.03, and 0.05 M) of CoCl2 in polypyrrole. The PPy-Co nanocomposites and their AC conductivity studies were evaluated in this study. The formation of nanocomposites and the structural properties of PPy/PVA/Co were confirmed using FTIR analysis and X-ray crystallography. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the morphology of the composites, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to investigate their thermal behavior. The room-temperature AC conductivity and dielectric response of the composites were investigated, and frequency-dependent AC conductivity investigations were conducted in the frequency range of 100 Hz–1 MHz

Association between sexual violence and depression is mediated by perceived social support among female university students in the kingdom of Eswatini

Gender-based violence is a tool that primarily functions to maintain gendered power hierarchies. Manifestations of gender-based violence, sexual assault and street harassment have been shown to have significant effects on mental wellbeing in the global North, however there is little research centering the experiences and consequences of gendered harassment in the Africa region.MethodsWe analyzed a cross-sectional random sample of 372 women attending a major university in Eswatini in 2017 to measure the prevalence of street harassment among female university students and assess the relationship between experiences of sexual assault, sexualized street harassment, and mental health outcomes in this population.ResultsWe found that in the previous 12 months, women reported experiencing high levels of sexual assault (20%), street harassment (90%), and depression (38%). Lifetime sexual assault, past 12 months sexual assault, and street harassment were all significantly associated with symptoms of depression. We created a structural model to test hypothesized causal pathways between street harassment, previous experiences of sexual assault, and symptoms of depression, with social support as a potential mediator. We found that a history of sexual violence significantly mediated the association between street harassment and depression, and that social support mediated a large proportion of the association between both forms of gender-based violence and depression.ConclusionSexualized street harassment is associated with increased depressive symptomology for nearly all women, however the effects are especially pronounced for women who have previous experiences of sexual violence. Sexualized street harassment functions as a tool to maintain gendered power hierarchies by reminding women of ongoing threat of sexual violence even in public spaces. Social support and solidarity among women is a potentially important source of resiliency against the physical and mental harms of all forms of gender based violence

Superfluid stars and Q-balls in curved spacetime

Within the framework of the theory of strongly-interacting quantum Bose liquids, we consider a general relativistic model of self-interacting complex scalar fields with logarithmic nonlinearity taken from dense superfluid models. We demonstrate the existence of gravitational equilibria in this model, described by spherically symmeric nonsingular finite-mass asymptotically-flat solutions. These equilibrium configurations can describe both massive astronomical objects, such as bosonized superfluid stars or cores of neutron stars, and finite-size particles and non-topological solitons, such as Q-balls. We give an estimate for masses and sizes of such objects

Potentials for adopting sustainable mixed-income housing in African cities : a bibliometric and systematic review

This paper offers an overview of mixed-income housing in African cities, emphasising its importance, challenges, and potential solutions. As urbanisation increases, mixed-income housing becomes crucial for addressing housing inequality, fostering social inclusion, and promoting sustainable urban development. However, its application in African contexts is under-researched. Through bibliometric analysis and systematic review, the study utilised VOSviewer to examine existing research, identifying publication trends, dominant themes, emerging trends, and mapping out research gaps of mixed-income housing in the African context. The study highlights geographical biases and calls for diverse research settings to understand mixed-income housing complexities across different African cities. The emerging trends further underscore the need for tailored policies, community integration, sustainable financing, and long-term impact assessments. However, gaps remain in understanding environmental sustainability, economic impacts, and community dynamics in mixed-income housing. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research, advocating interdisciplinary collaboration and mixed-method approaches to formulate a comprehensive strategic framework. Addressing these gaps can guide evidence-based policies to promote inclusive, sustainable mixed-income housing in African cities, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering resilient urban futures

Towards sustainability : tracking carbon footprint trends at Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

Carbon footprint assessment is important to combat global warming and promote sustainability. Globally, organizations committed to biodiversity conservation are essential for maintaining ecosystems and the people who inhabit them. Nonetheless, these organizations produce a carbon footprint due to their operating operations. Hence, this study aimed to assess the specific carbon footprint of the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) to improve its understanding of its environmental implications and encourage sustainable behaviors within its particular missions. Using the greenhouse gas protocol corporate accounting and reporting standard as a guide, the study methodology examines greenhouse gas emissions from direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scopes 2 and 3) sources related to Ezemvelo wildlife activities over five years (2014/2015--2018/2019). The results show that 34,016.62 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) are emitted on average each year. The majority of these emissions are caused by Scope 2 electricity consumption, which accounts for 23,475.82 tCO2e, and Scope 1 emissions, which account for 7,826.20 tCO2e. Furthermore, there was a noticeable difference in emissions between the reserves, with the Imfolozi Game Reserve having the highest emissions. The findings of this study direct EKZNW toward ecologically conscious behaviors by acting as a catalyst for educated decision-making. The insight gained paves the way for proactive steps to lower carbon emissions, coordinating conservation efforts with more general goals of sustainability and climate resilience

The effect of performance appraisal on employee performance at the University of KwaZulu-Natal

Performance appraisal (PA) is commonly used to manage as well as to measure employees’ performance at various organisations. Large or small organisations are always seeking much better ways to effectively enhance and improve employee performance thus maximising profit. The main aim of the study was to investigate the effect of PA on employee performance at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). The hypothesis for this study was that the PA process will have a positive impact on employee performance at the UKZN while the null hypothesis was that the PA process will not have any impact on employee performance at the UKZN. The study employed a quantitative research method. The study also used a descriptive research design to help the researcher describe the characteristics of the population in an accurate and systematic approach. A stratified random sampling technique was employed, employees were divided and categorised into groups representing departments or schools they belong to, and then a simple random sampling in each group was applied. The sample size was determined to be 225 academic and support staff. Findings showed that PA has a positive impact on employee performance at UKZN. The study recommends that managers and supervisors must continue to set clear work goals and work targets for their employees as it is noted that employees are more effective and highly motivated when they know what is required from them and their work target. Appraisers must give frequent feedback to employees and help them improve in areas where they are lacking

Strengthening primary care for diabetes and hypertension in Eswatini : study protocol for a nationwide cluster-randomized controlled trial

Background Diabetes and hypertension are increasingly important population health challenges in Eswatini. Prior to this project, healthcare for these conditions was primarily provided through physician-led teams at tertiary care facilities and accessed by only a small fraction of people living with diabetes or hypertension. This trial tests and evaluates two community-based healthcare service models implemented at the national level, which involve health care personnel at primary care facilities and utilize the country's public sector community health worker cadre (the rural health motivators [RHMs]) to help generate demand for care.MethodsThis study is a cluster-randomized controlled trial with two treatment arms and one control arm. The unit of randomization is a primary healthcare facility along with all RHMs (and their corresponding service areas) assigned to the facility. A total of 84 primary healthcare facilities were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to the three study arms. The first treatment arm implements differentiated service delivery (DSD) models at the clinic and community levels with the objective of improving treatment uptake and adherence among clients with diabetes or hypertension. In the second treatment arm, community distribution points (CDPs), which previously targeted clients living with human immunodeficiency virus, extend their services to clients with diabetes or hypertension by allowing them to pick up medications and obtain routine nurse-led follow-up visits in their community rather than at the healthcare facility. In both treatment arms, RHMs visit households regularly, screen clients at risk, provide personalized counseling, and refer clients to either primary care clinics or the nearest CDP. In the control arm, primary care clinics provide diabetes and hypertension care services but without the involvement of RHMs and the implementation of DSD models or CDPs. The primary endpoints are mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and systolic blood pressure among adults aged 40 years and older living with diabetes or hypertension, respectively. These endpoints will be assessed through a household survey in the RHM service areas. In addition to the health impact evaluation, we will conduct studies on cost-effectiveness, syndemics, and the intervention's implementation processes.DiscussionThis study has the ambition to assist the Eswatini government in selecting the most effective delivery model for diabetes and hypertension care. The evidence generated with this national-level cluster-randomized controlled trial may also prove useful to policy makers in the wider Sub-Saharan African region.Trial registrationNCT04183413. Trial registration date: December 3, 2019

AI-driven self-service for enhanced customer experience outcomes in the banking sector

this study examines the influencing value factors of artificial intelligence (ai)-based self-service technology delivery, self-service customer experience, and outcomes based on customer value theory and trust-commitment theory. this study adopted a quantitative research approach. Four hundred and twenty-two bank customers who use ai-based self-service technology were sampled for the study. structural equation modelling was employed to analyse the data. the study reveals that personalisation influences ai-based self-service customer experience, and convenience significantly and positively predicts ai-based self-service customer experience. time spent, and ai-based self-service customer experience yielded significantly positive results. ai-based customer trust and self-service customer brands also had a significant positive relationship. however, the study did not find support for aesthetic and ai-based self-service customer experience. this study’s novelty is identifying the customer value factors that influence ai-based self-service experience in an emerging country using the customer Value theory (cVt) and trust-commitment theory (tct) frameworks