Recent Submissions

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    Die Sistematiek van die administratiefreg
    Wiechers, Marinus (University of Pretoria, 1964-11)
    No abstract
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    Spectral adventures in quantum realms : nonlinear schrödinger dynamics, quantum vortices and time-resolved wave mechanics
    Owolabi, Kolade M.; Pindza, Edson; Mare, Eben (World Scientific Publishing, 2026)
    In this paper, we present a comprehensive study of quantum wave phenomena using Fourier spectral numerical methods. The focus is on three interrelated topics: (1) the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLS) in physical systems, including optical solitons and Bose–Einstein condensates (via the Gross–Pitaevskii equation, GPE); (2) simulations of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE) to explore quantum tunneling, wavepacket dynamics and interference; and (3) the characteristics of quantum turbulence and vortices in superfluid systems. We develop the mathematical formulations of NLS and GPE, highlighting how spectral methods efficiently capture their solutions’ high-frequency content and conserved quantities. We detail the implementation of Fourier pseudo-spectral discretization combined with split-step (operator splitting) time integration, evaluating its accuracy and stability. We also discuss numerical error analysis and comparisons with alternative discretization approaches (finite differences and finite elements). The results include simulations of soliton propagation over long distances without shape distortion, quantum tunneling of wavepackets through potential barriers, and formation of vortex lattices and turbulent energy cascades in condensates. Visualizations such as soliton amplitude profiles, probability density snapshots of tunneling wave functions, and vortex lattice images are provided to illustrate these phenomena. Our findings underscore the spectral method’s superior accuracy (exponential convergence for smooth solutions) and its ability to preserve physical invariants over long simulation times. We conclude that Fourier spectral techniques offer a robust and precise framework for graduate-level research and emerging applications in nonlinear and quantum wave systems.
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    Ring the alarm: Project 2025's anti-DEI threat to higher education
    Holmes Iv, Oscar; Nkomo, Stella M., 1947-; Ruggs, Enrica N. (Emerald, 2026)
    PURPOSE : The purpose of this essay is to shed light on the implications of Project 2025 for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in management education and practice. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : We review the Project 2025, corresponding executive orders, and state laws that relate to reduce or eliminating DEI programs and goals. FINDINGS : We highlight the ways in which anti-DEI actions are harming and may continue to harm DEI scholars and practitioners. We then offer recommendations on ways to resist anti-DEI attacks. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : This essay highlights the role of scholars in the larger battle to uphold DEI values.
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    Creativity levels of engineering graphics and design students in conventional and digital modelling
    Ndlela, Lucky; Rauscher, Willem Johannes; Candiotes, Vernon John (Springer, 2026-01)
    Creativity is an important skill for the 21st century, prompting schools to emphasise it as an essential educational goal. The literature suggests that a problem-based learning environment supported by digital technology has the potential to foster students’ creativity. However, little is known about the influence of digital technology on students’ creativity in the context of engineering design within the field of Technology Education. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the creativity levels of Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD) students in both conventional and digital modelling during problem solving. Using the postpositivist paradigm and a one-group pre-test post-test design, this study reports the creativity levels of 32 s-year Bachelor of Education degree students majoring in EGD. The students were tasked with designing a house individually, first using conventional modelling tools, and then using a digital modelling tool. The creativity in producing their products was measured using the Creative Product Semantic Scale (CPSS). The findings indicated that the students achieved a higher mean creativity score in the post-test than in the pre-test. A paired-sample t-test revealed a statistically significant difference between the mean creativity scores of conventional modelling and digital modelling. This finding indicates a robust association between digital modelling and enhanced student creativity, accompanied by a large effect size. This study has the potential to provide insights into classroom pedagogy for fostering students’ creativity. Future research should explore how different digital modelling tools and design problems influence students’ creativity. Additionally, research should focus on how students collaboratively solve design problems using digital tools.
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    Strategies and outcomes in school meal programmes : analysing the impact of domestic and international sourcing on feeding modalities
    Huni, Chamunorwa; Sari, Ni Putu Wulan Purnama; Duong, Minh-Phuong Thi; Mazenda, Adrino; Budiono, Davy; Nguyen, Minh-Hoang; Vuong, Quan-Hoang (Emerald, 2026)
    PURPOSE : The feeding modalities used in school meal programmes – such as breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and take-home rations – are influenced by various factors, including supply chain constraints and technical challenges in food distribution. The methods of supply sourcing, whether through domestic or foreign food reserves via in-kind donations or purchases, play a critical role in shaping the feeding options provided. Therefore, this study aims to examine the relationship between various supply-sourcing strategies, i.e. domestic and foreign in-kind donations and purchases and the feeding modalities applied in school meal programmes. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : The Bayesian Mindsponge Framework, combining the reasoning strengths of Mindsponge Theory and inference advantages of Bayesian analysis, was employed on a dataset of government representatives who manage large-scale school meal programmes across 126 countries. FINDINGS : The findings revealed that sourcing supplies through in-kind donations from neighbouring or distant countries showed a highly reliable negative relationship with the feeding modalities of school meal programmes, while those from the national bodies showed an ambiguous relationship. The purchasing methods – whether domestic or foreign – tended to exhibit positive relationships with feeding modalities, though these relationships were only weakly reliable. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : The findings reveal substantial room for improvement in the effectiveness of supply purchasing strategies in enhancing school meal programmes’ feeding modalities. Further research is needed to examine the impact of sourcing supplies through domestic in-kind donations on feeding outcomes. Additionally, developing strategic plans to optimize the use of in-kind donations from international organizations is strongly recommended to avoid their negative consequences and further enhance programme effectiveness.