Ab Initio investigation of graphene−polythiophene nanocomposite as electrode material for Mg-Ion batteries: A computational perspective.

By using the ab initio computational methods, this study delves into the feasibility of utilizing graphene−polythiophene (G/PTh) nanocomposites as electrode materials for magnesium-ion (Mg-ion) batteries. The research employs the DMol3 and CASTEP modules within Materials Studio software to systematically analyze the electronic and structural characteristics of G/PTh nanocomposites, shedding light on their potential to enhance energy storage in Mg-ion batteries. The investigation encompasses an in-depth exploration of the interaction between Mg adatoms and the nanocomposites, focusing on the electronic properties, specific capacity, Mg adatom diffusion kinetics, structural and thermal stability, and the underlying mechanisms that govern energy storage. The loading of Mg atoms onto the G/PTh nanocomposite yields a notable maximum specific capacity of 815 mAh/g, indicative of weak adsorption energy (−1.51 eV) and highlighting the potential of the resulting battery as an efficient energy storage device. The nanocomposite exhibits a remarkably low Mg diffusion barrier of 5 meV, facilitating a rapid Mg ions diffusion across its surface. A bandgap of 0.019 eV suggests the promising potential of G/PTh nanocomposites as suitable electrode materials for Mg-ion batteries

Investigating the disproportionate impacts of air pollution on vulnerable populations in South Africa: A systematic review.

Background: Knowledge of how different social groups in South Africa are affected by air quality is important for informing air quality regulations and determining the integrated social–environmental approach to adopt. This systematic review evaluates the impact of air pollution on these groups, investigates socio-economic factors that increase exposure, and assesses mitigation measures. Methods: The review followed the PRISMA guidelines and analyzed quantitative studies conducted in South Africa, which were published between 2014 and 2024. The studies’ sources included databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. Data from 47 eligible studies were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Results show that women, children, and low-income communities tend to bear the brunt of poor air quality. Children are the most affected by poor air quality, with significant respiratory issues. Pregnant women are vulnerable to adverse birth outcomes. The results indicate that of the 47 studies reviewed, 51% focused on the effects of air pollution on children, whilst fewer studies (26%) focused on women. This may point to a gap in research on the specific impacts of air pollution on women. Lowincome communities face increased exposure due to proximity to pollutant sources and substandard housing. The results further indicated that of the health impacts experienced by vulnerable populations, general health issues (96%) and respiratory health issues (89%) are the most prominent health impacts. Conclusions: The study underscores the need for stricter air quality regulations, public education, and an integrated social–environmental approach to mitigate exposure in vulnerable populations

Strength–Ductility synergy of lightweight high entropy alloys.

Lightweight 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

"The buck stops here”: State and community hold a clay mine accountable for environmental harm in South Africa.

Mining often leaves behind degraded, unproductive land and polluted water. Ignoring Environmental Authorization conditions during mining operations is one contributing factor but a legal precedent against a clay mining operation in the Thabina Valley of South Africa may signal legal and restorative responses to mining violations. When the mine operator failed to implement the Environmental Authorization conditions, it led to severe erosion, stormwater pooling in excavations, encroachment onto traditional, sacred spaces and reduced land available for communal grazing and subsistence farming. A community-based organization exposed these socioecological impacts, prompting the state to initiate criminal proceedings. The situation began to turn around when the court not only imposed penalties but also monitored land rehabilitation efforts, highlighting a shift toward accountability. This study examines legal and restorative responses to mining violations using specialist reports, court records, and remote sensing analysis. The case describes the complexities of ecosystem restoration and offers insights for policymakers, infrastructure planners and environmental assessment practitioners in promoting responsible mining and land rehabilitation. It shows that legal mobilization serves as a mechanism for marginalized communities to assert their rights and hold industries accountable, particularly in contexts where government oversight is weak or absent

Climate temperature changes and excessive airflow rate effect on two key parameters: Dissolved oxygen and microbes in the biological treatment process-aerobic bioreactor.

The biological treatment process, aerobic bioreactor is essential for biodegradation of nutrients using microbes. The survival of microbes relies on the availability of nutrients and dissolved oxygen (DO). The challenge is that oxygen gas does not dissolve easily in wastewater which motivates plant operators to apply excessive airflow rates to uphold oxygen in the aerobic bioreactor. In addition, the rising climate temperatures suppress DO, which threatens the survival of microbes, risking poor effluent discharge. Hence, the study analyzed the climate temperature changes and excessive airflow rate effect on microbes and DO simultaneously. Climate temperature changes and excessive airflow rate on microbes and DO were analyzed using linear regression, ANOVA, and coefficient of determination (R²). Findings disclosed that climate temperature changes produced R² (0.86) and negative linear regression (0.1076 mg/L) on DO while producing R² (0.59) and positive linear regression (0.168 mg/L) on microbes. Further findings disclosed that excessive airflow rates produced R² (0.84) and positive linear regression (0.0057 mg/L) on DO while producing R² (0.0003) and positive linear regression (0.001 mg/L) on microbes. Overall climate temperatures showed variations on microbes' growth (P - 8.7424 × 109 0.05) and DO (P - 0.98512 > 0.05). This suggests that climate temperature change will benefit microbes despite DO being suppressed while excessive airflow rates will not benefit microbes but enhance global warming due to emissions released by blowers/pumps

The perceived effectiveness of performance management practices in a government department

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree: Master of Management Sciences in Human Resources Management in the Department of People Management and Development: Faculty of Management Sciences at the Tshwane University of Technology.Workers are essential to any organisation's success since they are the most significant asset in ensuring that important strategic tasks are carried out on schedule and with a high level of diligence. Organisations also need the processes and procedures that will allow them to appropriately reward their staff and guarantee that they perform at the highest level. For organisations to achieve their strategic goals, they must implement a fair, transparent, and effective performance management system (PMS). The primary objective of this study was to investigate the perceived effectiveness of performance management practices in the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT). The secondary objectives of the study were to determine whether employees’ perceptions of the effectiveness of performance management practices influence employee performance, and to compare employees’ perceptions within various demographic groups. A comprehensive literature review, a relevant research survey, and an inferential statistical evaluation of the data were all part of the quantitative research technique used by the study, in conjunction with a scientific descriptive study approach to draw conclusions. The department under investigation employs 276 people, and the study used an existing questionnaire. Utilising factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha, the results were evaluated for validity and reliability, respectively. To accomplish the objectives other methods, such as correlation, regression, and variance analysis of the results were used. Although certain suggestions are given to enhance the system, it is evident from the study's results that the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) performance management practices work well. Although some items elicited unfavourable responses, overall, the results regarding the impression of the effectiveness of PMS in the government department were positive and encouraging. The overall perspectives of employees with varying genders, ages, positions, and educational characteristics did not differ significantly, statistically

Corporate innovation strategy and sales revenue of multinational companies in times of crisis: A case of the Covic-19 pandemic.

Businesses varied in their experiences during the COVID-19 crisis, some faced significant difficulties while others thrived (Hu & Zhang, 2021). Over the past three decades, literature has demonstrated that a company’s success during turbulent business and stable environments is increasingly influenced by intangible resources rather than tangible ones (Masood et al., 2017). This study aims to explore the impact of corporate innovation (CI) strategy on sales revenue (SR) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study is quantitative, based on a sample of 74 global companies that were identified as thriving during the pandemic by the Financial Times. Data for the period 2019–2021 was analyzed using a Pearson pairwise correlation matrix and cross-sectional regression analysis. Our findings revealed a positive and statistically significant correlation between CI and SR. However, the direct impact of the CI strategy on SR was found to be statistically insignificant. These findings suggest that while CI strategy may not have an immediate impact on SR, it is crucial for sustaining SR, even during the recent COVID-19 crisis

Documentation of ethnoveterinary knowledge and alternative practices for cattle tick control in Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Introduction: 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

Understanding PFAS behavior: Analysing contamination patterns in surface water and sediment of the Apies river, South Africa.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants widely detected in water and sediment worldwide. Despite growing concerns about their ecological and health risks, their distribution in African aquatic environments remains understudied. This study addresses the knowledge gap in PFAS contamination by analysing the spatial and temporal distribution of 18 PFAS in Apies River water and sediment in Pretoria, South Africa. Surface water and sediment samples were collected upstream and downstream of the Apies River during dry seasons. The analysis of PFAS concentrations was conducted using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis, including paired t-tests, non-metric multidimensional scaling, and hierarchical cluster analysis, were applied to determine spatial and temporal trends. The study revealed significant spatial variations in PFAS contamination, with upstream locations consistently exhibiting higher concentrations than downstream. In surface water samples, L_PFBS, 4:2 FTS, 6:2 FTS, and L_PFHpS showed statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between sites. Perfluorocarboxylic acids were the dominant PFAS class in surface water (50.47–57.15%), whereas perfluorosulfonic acids were more prevalent in sediments. Upstream sediment had higher L_PFHpS (43.00 ng/g), L_PFDS (38.89 ng/g), and L_PFHxS (23.91 ng/g) than downstream (31.96, 27.84, and 18.02 ng/g, respectively). The findings reveal contamination sources and partitioning between surface water and sediments, aiding in water quality management and pollution mitigation strategies

Impact of ZrO2 and Si3N4 ceramics dispersion on the Ti6Al4V matrix: Mechanical and microstructural characteristics using SPS.

This study investigates the effect of duo-ceramic zirconia and silicon nitride (ZrO2-Si3N4) particles and their reinforcement proficiencies on a Ti6Al4V alloy, consolidated using the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The selected sintering parameters are, viz., 900 ◦C temperature, 50 MPa pressure, 10 min of holding time, and 100 ◦C/min of sintering rate. SEM/EDS and XRD equipment were used to disclose the microstructural evolution and phase identification of created composites. The mechanical characteristics of the resulting composites were determined using the nanoindentation technique. All consolidated sintered composites showed excellent densification, with sample relative densities reaching 96.65%. Significant improvements were also made in their nanomechanical characteristics; among the composite samples with different volume fractions, the ceramics with the lowest volume percentage had the best mechanical characteristics, whereas the sintered samples with the highest ceramic volume percentage showed a decrease in mechanical proficiencies and relative density. Composite S1, with the lowest volume fraction of the duo-ceramic particles, was seen to have a significant mechanical property improvement better than other composites, S2 and S3, in terms of measured Vickers microhardness, elastic modulus, and nano hardness values at a sintering temperature of 900 ◦C. Consequentially, composite specimens S2 and S3’s mechanical characteristics and relative densities dropped as the volume fractions of the duo-ceramic particles increased