WIReDSpace

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Communities in WIReDSpace

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 20

Recent Submissions

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    Development of new radiation hard materials with high secondary electron emission yield for the nuclear industry
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025-09) Baldwin, Cameron Lance; Sideras-Haddad, Elias
    Photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) play a crucial role in various research fields, particularly in particle physics, where they serve as highly sensitive detectors for light. These experiments often occur in environments with extreme radiation levels, exposing PMT components to prolonged radiation damage that can degrade their performance over time. A critical element in the PMT structure is the dynode system, which facilitates signal amplification through the secondary electron yield (SEY) mechanism. SEY is fundamental to enhancing the initial photoelectron signal, making it essential to the detection process. Therefore, materials used for dynodes must not only exhibit a high SEY but also possess significant radiation hardness to ensure long-term stability and minimize frequent replacements. In this study, Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3) and Magnesium Oxide (MgO) were selected for evaluation based on their potential to meet these criteria. The materials were subjected to controlled gamma irradiation from a Co-60 source at varying doses. Theoretical Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to assess the radiation damage in terms of displacements per atom (DPA), while SEY measurements were performed post-irradiation to quantify the impact of the radiation exposure on the SEY of the Al2O3 and MgO samples. SEY measurements were conducted at the 6 MeV Tandem Accelerator at the iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator-Based Sciences (LABS) in Johannesburg. The existing microprobe setup was adapted to enable electronic measurements of SEY from MgO and Al2O3 samples across different radiation doses. These adaptations allowed for precise quantification of SEY variations as a function of absorbed gamma radiation dose. The results indicate a clear inverse relationship between radiation dose and SEY: as the radiation dose increases, SEY decreases. This degradation is attributed to ionizing events induced by gamma rays, leading to the formation of vacancies and interstitial defects within the material. These structural defects alter the electronic properties of the dynodes, ultimately reducing their amplification efficiency (SEY). This study provides valuable insights into the radiation tolerance of dynode materials and highlights the importance of selecting robust materials to enhance the longevity and reliability of PMTs in radiation harsh environments.
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    Investigating the Challenges of Adopting Social Media Intelligence (SOCMINT) as a Tool for Mitigating National Security Threats in South Africa – The July 2021 Unrest Case Study
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025) Rikhotso, Bridget Vulani; Moodley, Kebashnee
    The purpose of this study was to examine the challenges faced by the South African intelligence community in adopting Social Media Intelligence (SOCMINT) as a tool for mitigating national security threats, particularly in light of the failure to predict the July 2021 civil unrest. As we enter the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), technological innovations are reshaping the intelligence collection landscape, with social media technologies offering new methods for addressing national security concerns. Despite the significance of SOCMINT, the South African intelligence agencies have not fully embraced this discipline, contributing to one of the nation's major intelligence failures. While the driving forces and consequences of the July 2021 unrest have been extensively analysed, the reasons behind the intelligence agencies' inability to anticipate it remains underexplored. This interpretive study aimed to uncover these challenges, guided by the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework integrated with the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Data was collected from intelligence experts and analysts to provide a comprehensive perspective on the issue. A single organisation case study approach was adopted to achieve a deeper understanding of the phenomenon within the intelligence community. This study developed an integrated conceptual framework underpinned by the Technology Organisation Environment (TOE) framework and UTAUT Theory. This integrated framework was used to investigate the challenges that hinder the adoption of SOCMINT through a qualitative case study that was conducted in the South African intelligence community. Data for this research was collected from twelve participants representing operations, IT, analysts, and management. Findings revealed that the major challenges experienced are more organisational (Management support, Technology Inclination and Cost) and environmental (Silo, Government Regulations and Coordination) as factors of adoption. From the technological context, there were no major challenges highlighted with the exception of security. Other technological factors or challenges raised by participants, compatibility, expectancy, and performance, were unpersuasive and immaterial to the adoption of SOCMINT.
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    Privacy in the Digital Age: Examining the Implications of Screenshotting Conversations
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025) Ramkhelawan , Nishka
    In an era where digital communication reigns supreme, the unregulated practice of screenshotting and sharing private conversations on social media has emerged as a formidable threat to privacy. This research delves into the unconsidered implications of the screenshotting phenomenon, revealing how this feature disrupts traditional privacy expectations and compromises the integrity of online interactions. Legal scholars have extensively discussed the right to privacy, emphasising its importance in the digital age. However, these discussions often overlook the specific challenges posed by the ease of capturing and sharing digital content using the screenshot feature. This research report argues that social media platforms are currently ill-equipped to handle the emerging screenshotting trend and proposes a proactive approach to privacy protection, advocating for technological measures that prompt users to request permission before taking screenshots. By applying a consent- based framework, this study offers a novel solution to enhance user control over private interactions. The intellectual contribution of this paper lies in its forward-thinking strategies to address the inadequacies of current privacy measures, aiming to better protect individuals' privacy in an increasingly interconnected world. In addition, this report not only contributes to the academic discourse on digital privacy but also provides practical recommendations for policymakers and social media platforms to uphold and respect user privacy. By examining the policies of leading social media platforms such as Meta, Snapchat, and TikTok, the study highlights the varying degrees of protection against unauthorised screenshotting and underscores the need for more robust measures. The findings of this report emphasise the importance of a consent-based approach to online privacy, which can significantly enhance user trust and security in digital communications. On the whole, this research report aspires to cultivate a safer and more respectful digital landscape on social media platforms, where privacy is not an afterthought, but an indispensable right that is actively protected and respected.
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    Misuse of the ‘Deeming Provision’ of Section 198A(3)(B) of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 in the Triangular Employment Relationship
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025) Nqubelani, Zintle; Van Staden, Marthinus
    Previously, numerous companies were considered to exploit Temporary Employment Services (TES) employees. To tackle this issue, in 2014, the South African Minister of Labour suggested changes to the Labour Relations Act (LRA) to manage the novel trends. The proposed revisions led to section 198A being included in the LRA, which primarily focuses on the ‘temporary service.’ The Labour Relation Act Amendment (LRAA) acknowledged temporary service as an employment agreement for three months or less. This inclusion was designed to protect TES employees from exploitation and illuminate section 198(A)(3)(b) (commonly known as the ‘deeming provision’), which differentiates if there is a tripartite employment or sole employer agreement. One of the historical cases that managed the deeming provision is Assign Services (Pty) Limited v National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa and Others (2018) 39 ILJ 1911 (CC). The current research report adopted a doctrinal legal research methodology to investigate various approaches in which the deeming provision has been understood and applied by the clients, the TESs, and the TES employees. Furthermore, the research explored the applicability of the provision by the independent contractors and provided a distinction between its application and that of the TES employees. The typical sector with considerable labour cases enlightening the misuse of the deeming provision is the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG). This research revealed that the deeming provision has made progress in shielding irregular employees from ill-treatment. However, unresolved issues remain, specifically among TES employees and independent contractors, as they are of the view that the requirement binds them to permanent employment by the clients. As a result of this expectation, the business often experiences labour unrest. The study also highlighted the misuse and abuse of the deeming provision by both the client(s) and the TES in different ways, such as, among others, through contract manipulation, reassigning employees to multiple clients, or rehiring them under new contracts to circumvent the three-month limit. Hence, the following recommendations were put forward to strengthen the application of the deeming provision: (a) amending section 198A to broaden its applicability and ensure that protections are extended to all workers, regardless of classification, and (b) enforcing the principles of fairness, transparency and equality in the workplace to reduce exploitation. These measures will also promote a more stable and equitable labour market, supporting the long-term sustainability of employment relationships.