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Investigating the efficacy of the Bachelor of Engineering Technology degree in Mechanical Engineering at the Durban University of Technology
No full textA thesis submitted in compliance with the requirements for the Master of Engineering Degree, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2025.As of 2018, the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Mechanical Engineering
Department offers a Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BET) degree, as well as
master’s (MEng) and doctorate (DEng) degrees. DUT subsequently launched a BET
honour’s qualification in 2022, which serves as a stepping stone from the BET degree
to the master’s degree. The BET degree was initiated for several reasons to replace
the existing National Diploma as part of the aligned process to the newly introduced
Higher Education and Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF). The BET degree also
constitutes those academic requirements necessary to apply for registration as a
Professional Engineering Technologist with the Engineering Council of South Africa
(ECSA).
This dissertation investigates the success of the new degree by assessing the
academic success of Mechanical Engineering students enrolled in the BET
programme. The investigation is not limited to students who have successfully
completed their studies, but includes students who have begun their studies and have
failed to complete them, or do so in a reasonable amount of time, for several reasons.
The primary data source for the research included information from the institution's
Management Information System (MIS). Conforming to a positivist paradigm, the
research employed mixed methods methodology, comprising five sub-studies to
understand student success in the BET programme. The first sub-study involved
success rate analysis. Since the commencement of the BET degree in 2018, the
success rates of the cohorts (2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021) were analysed to assess
programme efficacy. The second sub-study concerned the relationship between
National Senior Certificate (NSC) results and students’ performance in first-year
modules. Students' NSC results were compared to their first-year module outcomes
to determine the correlation between NSC Maths, NSC Physics, NSC English, and the
appropriate first year engineering modules. The third sub-study relates to Graduate
Attributes (GAs) and their implications on student throughput. The concern was that if
a student failed a GA, they would also fail the module. An investigation was conducted
to determine whether students are failing primarily because of failing GAs. The fourth
sub-study related to selected modules offered in successive semesters (‘back-to-back’
modules). The purpose of which was to determine whether offering Strengths of
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Materials I and Mechanics of Machines I in the first semester resulted in higher
success rates, and whether this intervention ought to be maintained. The fifth and final
sub-study related to the student success in National Diploma (ND) vs. BET modules.
Student success rates of BET modules that were deemed similar to modules offered
within the ND qualification were compared and analysed. Performing these five sub studies resulted in insights into the success of the BET Mechanical Engineering
programme at DUT, and is anticipated to enable DUT’s Mechanical Engineering
Department to make informed decisions in addition to placing interventions in the
programme to ensure greater student success. The content comprising this
dissertation was disseminated into one abstract (Walker, Graham and Sheoratan
2022a), one poster (Walker, Graham and Sheoratan 2022b) and one full conference
paper (Walker, Graham and Sheoratan 2023) and one journal article (2024 – still under
review). See Appendix D (Publications).
7 Unlocking nature’s remediation arsenal : the role of polyphenol oxidases in efficient and eco-friendly industrial wastewater treatment
No full textPhenol and its derivatives have gained considerable attention recently due to their high toxicity, teratogenicity, and mutagenicity. Petroleum refinery wastewater is a significant source of phenolic compounds. However, conventional techniques used to treat these wastewaters have several drawbacks, such as incomplete or inefficient removal of phenols. In contrast, biocatalytic processes have garnered significant attention as they offer sustainable and effective removal of toxins, including phenols, from wastewater. Among various biocatalysts, polyphenol oxidases have emerged as major biocatalytic enzymes. These enzymes contain copper and catalyze the oxidation of specific phenolic substrates to quinones in the presence of molecular oxygen. Polyphenol oxidases have a wide range of applications. In the food industry, they are utilized for cocoa and tea production, enhancing coffee flavor and assessing food quality. In medicine, they find applications in treating phenylketonuria, Parkinson's disease, and leukemia. In environmental technology, they play a crucial role in removing phenolic pollutants from industrial wastewater. In the pharmaceutical industry, polyphenol oxidase-immobilized electrodes differentiate between morphine and codeine. This chapter provides comprehensive details about polyphenol oxidases' structure, biochemical properties, and applications, specifically focusing on their role in wastewater treatment
Intervention effect of food literacy on household food waste in the KwaDukuza municipality
No full textThesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of: Master of Applied Science in Food and Nutrition: Consumer Science, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Background: Approximately one-third of the food produced for human consumption is lost annually across the global food supply chain. In South Africa, it is estimated that around 10.3 million tonnes of food are wasted each year. Despite food waste occurring at various stages of food production, individual households have been identified as the primary producers of food waste at the consumption stage, driven by consumer behaviour and practice. While food waste is a global concern, South Africa's household food waste mimics that of developed countries. Although household food waste studies in South Africa have gained momentum, nearly all studies focus on household food waste consumer practices. No intervention study has been conducted to change consumer behaviour towards household food waste in South Africa. Likewise, the cost of household food waste, nutritional losses, and the environmental impact of household food waste have yet to be explored through an intervention. Interventions that target a change in human behaviour towards reducing household food waste can make a meaningful impact on food and nutrition security, and the environment. Aim: This study aimed to determine the intervention effect of food literacy on household food waste in the KwaDukuza municipality. Methods: In this randomised control trial (RCT), middle and high Living Standards Measure (LSM) households from five areas in the KwaDukuza municipality used in a formative study to determine household food waste behaviour and practices were eligible to participate in the study. All households at baseline received three colour-coded bins [used to separate food waste by food categories], binliners, food labels and freezer bags to contain cooked food waste. The first objective was to calculate household food waste through a weighed food waste audit at baseline and endline. A weighed food audit was conducted at each household (n=180). Objective two of this study included calculating the cost, associated nutrient losses and environmental impact of household food waste using the results of the food waste audit at baseline and endline. The cost of household food wasted was analysed using the mean price of foods from retail stores in the study area to determine the cost (Rand value) of household food waste at baseline and end line. The nutrient losses were calculated using the South African Medical Research Council Food Finder 3 web-based software at baseline and endline. The environmental impact was calculated using the My Emission Footprint calculator for food wasted at baseline and endline. The third objective of this study was to determine the intervention effect on household food waste. Households were randomly assigned into three intervention groups, intervention 1 (n=60), intervention 2 (n=60), and the control group (n=60). Households who were part of Intervention 1 received the food literacy toolkit and food literacy lessons on how to reduce household food waste; households in intervention 2 received the food literacy toolkits only and were reliant on self-efficacy to use the toolkit and households that were part of the control group did not receive any intervention. Results: Findings from the food waste audit showed that at baseline, the total mean of household food waste produced by all households (n=180) in this study was 1.53 kg (1531.29 g) per week, decreasing to 0.31 kg (307.47 g) per household/ week at the endline. A significant reduction of household food waste was recorded post-intervention (average waste per household = 307.47 g) When household food waste was separated into categories of the type of food wasted, the fresh produce pre-intervention (average waste per household = 917.73 g) was significantly more than the fresh produce postintervention (average waste = 173.43g). Meat produce wasted pre- (average waste per household = 109.56g) also surpassed the meat produce wasted post- (average waste per household = 43.26g). The cooked food wasted pre- (average waste per household = 387.07 g) was significantly greater than the cooked food post- (average waste per household = 76.39 g)-. The cost of food waste for the whole group pre- (average waste per household = R145.57) was significantly more than the cost of food waste for the whole group post- (average waste per household = R39.75). In terms of the environmental impact, the pre- (average waste per household = 7664.13 gCO2e) exceeded the environmental impact post- (average waste per household = 6407.67 gCO2e). A high nutrient loss from household food waste was recorded at baseline, and there was a significant reduction of macro-and micronutrient nutrient loss at the endline for the whole group (n=180). In intervention 1, intervention 2 and the control group, most nutrient losses such as energy, total protein, total lipids, total carbohydrates, and total dietary fibre were greater during the pre-intervention phase compared to the post-intervention phase. In this RCT, a significant reduction of household food waste was observed for the whole group (n=180) and across intervention groups. Following the 6-week intervention duration, between intervention arms, there was no discernible difference in household food waste, economic loss, nutritional loss and environmental impact. However, for every intervention group, there was a substantial decrease in all measured outcomes from baseline to endline. The main reason for this result could be attributed to the fact that households probably perceived that they were being monitored through the food waste audit at baseline and endline, implying that sensitisation of communities to their actual household food waste can be an impactful intervention strategy to conscientise consumers to reduce their household food waste. Conclusion: This study shows a clear linkage between household food waste, nutrition, economic and environmental impact. The disposal of food waste from households has a substantial and wide-ranging effect on the food chain, leading to various economic, environmental, and social challenges. The social ramifications of food waste are enormous, given the striking difference between the significant amounts wasted in affluent households and the prevalent hunger and food insecurity in many communities. In order to create a food system that is more environmentally friendly and able to withstand challenges, it is crucial to focus on and decrease the amount of food wasted in households. This requires a combined initiative of educating consumers, implementing effective waste management practices, and enacting legislation that encourages responsible consumption.
Synthesis and characterization of electrospun-based composite for the remediation of pharmaceutical pollutants in wastewater
No full textDissertation submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemistry, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Pharmaceutical pollutants, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), pose a significant threat to aquatic environments, necessitating effective remediation strategies. This comprehensive study delves into the efficacy of nanotechnological approaches, with a special focus on adsorption, in addressing the persistent issue of pharmaceutical pollution in wastewater bodies. The research covers the synthesis and characterization of a multi-template molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) targeting key pharmaceutical compounds, namely naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac, emtricitabine, tenofovir disoproxil, and efavirenz, for extraction from contaminated water sources. Comparative analyses between the synthesized MIP and a commercial Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) cartridge showed comparative performance of the MIP and SPE cartridge in quantifying pharmaceutical compounds present in wastewater samples. The results highlighted both materials' consistent efficiency in the removal of pollutants, with selective pharmaceuticals exhibiting varying levels of removal efficiency during different treatment stages. Regressions analysis showcased high linearity (R2 values ranging from 0.9980 to 0.9999), alongside remarkable recoveries (90.9 % to 100 %) for the MIP and method detection limits (MDLs) ranging from (0.14-1.08 μg L-1) for all target pollutants. Recoveries for SPE samples ranged from (62 % to 98 %) with method detection limits at (0.7-4.68 μg L-1). The optimal conditions for efficient extraction of pharmaceutical compounds using the MIP were determined through a series of experiments, considering factors such as pH, mass, concentration, and contact time. Results showed high extraction efficiencies (>96%) and a notable adsorption capacity (>0.91 mg. g-1) for both ARVs and NSAIDs, confirming the MIP's potential for successful removal of these pollutants from wastewater. Additionally, adsorption kinetics were studied, revealing a second-order rate model and adherence to the Freundlich adsorption isotherm. Furthermore, this study incorporates synthesized MIP into the electrospinning technique, utilizing various polymer blends and optimized solvents to enhance the remediation process. The study explores the electrospun mats morphology, particularly those composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), examining their structural characteristics using techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and adsorption time studies. Through merging advanced nanotechnological techniques with electrospinning methodologies, this study presents a robust framework for combating pharmaceutical pollutants in wastewater. The incorporation of the MIP into electrospun mats, coupled with in-depth material characterization and adsorption studies, emphasizes the potential of this innovative approach for environmental remediation and drug purification processes. This research contributes valuable insights into the effective removal and quantification of pharmaceutical pollutants, emphasizing the pivotal role of electrospinning technologies in addressing environmental challenges. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the potential of a multi-template MIP for the removal of ARVs and NSAIDs from contaminated water sources, showcasing its versatility and efficacy in enhancing water treatment processes, as well as its utility in drug purification and recovery processes. Overall, the research provides valuable insights into the complexities of pharmaceutical pollutant removal, emphasizing the significance of selecting appropriate extraction methodologies in wastewater treatment processes to ensure efficient and sustainable remediation practices.
A comparative study of mesoporous nanohydroxyapatite bionanocomposite from eggshells and fish scales through a mechanochemical method
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of requirements of the degree of Master’s in Applied Sciences: Chemistry at the Durban
University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Dental hypersensitivity [DH] is a common pain amongst dental patients with a high negative
impact on the quality of life. The onset of DH is attributable to the demineralisation of tooth
enamel from excessive consumption of acidic drinks and beverages. While different materials
have been reported for DH management, the application of nanoparticles is suggested to be the
future of DH management. Particularly, the remarkable properties of mesoporous silica and
nanohydroxyapatite have promoted their use for DH management. These materials are often
synthesized following the wet-chemical route. However, the use of toxic chemicals and the
cost associated made these processes infeasible for DH management. Given the said concern,
this study synthesises nanohydroxyapatite (nHAp) from eggshell and fish scale waste and
modified it with mesoporous silica to create a bionanocomposite (MSN@nHAp) via the
mechanochemical method. Part of the study inquiry was to comparatively assess the
remineralisation characteristics of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) extracted from waste eggshells
and fish scales.
A quantitative approach to experimental research design is adopted in this study which includes
three phases. The first looks to develop nanocomposite using nano-sized hydroxyapatite and
mesoporous silica, then characterise the nanocomposite formed. Phase identification of the
crystals was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron
Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) applied to determine
particle size and morphology. The second assesses the quality of the nanocomposite, its
biocompatibility, and its toxicological characteristics. The third evaluates the remineralization
capabilities of nHAp in occluding open dentin tubules. The mean values of the occluded area
ratio in the SEM study were evaluated with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with
statistical software (IBM SPSS Statistics v28; IBM Corp), followed by a multi-comparison test
with Bonferroni correction (α = .05). The validity of the study was achieved following SANS
1302 (2008) requirement for preparation, developing, and testing toothpaste. The reliability
was determined via the reproducibility and repeatability of tests. Paper 1 investigated the remineralization and acid-resistant characteristics of
nanohydroxyapatite produced from eggshell waste via mechanochemistry. Paper 1 established
that nHAp was successfully produced from eggshell waste after 5 hr of milling. It was found
that the produced nHAp (EnHAp) was effective in neutralizing common dietary acids. the
nHAp showed complete occlusion of the dentin tubules.
Manuscript 1 was based on the comparative assessment of the remineralization characteristics
of Nano-hydroxyapatite extracted from fish scales and eggshells. Manuscript 1 established
that nHAp extracted from eggshells (EnHAp) showed superior dentin tubule occluding
characteristics than those of fish scales (FnHAp and mFnHAp). It was found that there were
slight variations in physicochemical characteristics such as the Ca/P ratio, crystallinity, particle
sizes and surface morphology of the nHAp extracted.
Paper II reports on the invitro assessment of the acid resistance characteristics of mesoporous
silica/nanohydroxyapatite
(MSN@nHAp) biocomposite synthesised through the
mechanochemical method. Paper II established that the MSN@nHAp exhibits superior acid
resistance characteristics.
In conclusion, the provided evidence shows that the mechanochemical method is a useful
technique in the synthesis and surface modification of valuable biomaterials. The experimental
finding provides a benchmark for further advance studies on utilizing natural nHAp in
dentistry.
A structural equation modelling analysis of factors influencing successful project delivery in South African public sector
No full textPURPOSE
An empirical gap exists in South African literature on the key
factors that influence successful project delivery of public
sector construction and engineering projects. Prior research
has focused primarily on select aspects of project delivery
within a limited South African context . This study
provides an outline for gaining a deeper understanding of
unexplored and unique influences that govern the public
sector construction and engineering industry in South Africa.
An empirical investigation of the above issues assists in
refining the key influencing factors and in developing a
proposed strategic infrastructure delivery management
structural model for the successful delivery of public sector
construction and engineering projects in
South Africa.
DESIGN
The study employs methodological triangulation through
semi-structured interviews and a scaled survey questionnaire
to ascertain the views of the research participants
experiences, opinions and factors that influence successful
construction project delivery in the South African public sector
environment. The research data collected from the
triangulation methods were further analysed through
empirical analysis and through the adoption of Structural
Equation Modelling (SEM) to develop a proposed strategi. infrastructure delivery management structural model
FINDINGS
The research study findings contribute practically and
theoretically to the prevailing body of knowledge and provides
a foundation for policymakers and industry stakeholders to
develop a Strategic Infrastructure Delivery Management
Model for implementation by public sector institutions and
key industry stakeholders.
RESEARCH LIMITATIONS
The research study will be limited to Kwazulu-Natal due to the
Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, a quantitative research
study will be conducted through the adoption of survey
questionnaires amongst 750 construction and engineering
sector stakeholders from organisations are registered with the
Construction Industry Development Board, who represent
their organisations' views and opinions.
VALUE
The research study contributes to the existing body of
knowledge as it serve as a basis for further research into
infrastructure delivery and management systems within
developing countries and more specifically, the study provides
the basis for research into the efficacy and appropriateness of
infrastructure delivery management systems as a successful
tool for infrastructure delivery management in the South
African public sector environmen
On a class of piecewise continuous Lyapunov functions and uniform eventual stability of nonlinear impulsive Caputo fractional differential equations via new generalized dini derivative
No full textIn this paper, the uniform eventual stability of nonlinear impulsive Caputo fractional differential
equations with fixed moments of impulse is examined using the vector Lyapunov functions which is
generalized by a class of piecewise continuous Lyapunov functions. Together with comparison results,
sufficient conditions for the uniform eventual stability of impulsive Caputo fractional differential equations
are presented. An illustrative example is given to confirm the suitability of the obtained results
Beyond the bin : the influence of motivation, opportunity, and ability on food waste behavior in households
No full textABSTRACT
This study examined household food waste behavior building upon a framework that integrates the motivation‐opportunity‐ability model (MOA), the theory of planned behavior (TPB), and norm activation model (NAM) enriched with insights from social practices theory (SPT). Using a dual‐country sample (Germany and South Africa), an online survey (n = 1065) measured how motivation, opportunity, and ability drive self‐reported food waste behavior. The results show that the ability to reduce food waste, that is, habits and perceived and actual knowledge, unfold a strong influence on reported food waste behavior. Quite surprisingly, motivation to engage in food waste reduction, due to attitude, values, and ascription of responsibility, has the lowest impact on reported food waste behavior. Our findings enhance the current understanding of food waste drivers and highlight the significance of socio‐psychological determinants of behavior, specifically ability and habits. The implications for both research and practical applications are discussed
An SAP enterprise resource planning implementation using a case study of hospital management system for inclusion of digital transformation
No full textEnterprise resource planning (ERP) system implementation necessitates substantial organizational and technological changes. These will have an impact on system stakeholders with various viewpoints and interests. It is crucial to analyze stakeholders in these situations and others like them to comprehend their attitudes and expectations toward the system. This experience report discusses problems with a medical institution's regular SAP ERP setup. This report includes insights and suggestions based on traditional system experience regarding a project to adopt SAP ERP at a healthcare facility. It ought to be a beneficial resource for all parties participating in the ERP installation process in the public healthcare sector. Many hospitals struggle to implement system analysis programs (SAP) and enterprise system programs (ERP) to assist in their business processes. The SAP ERP System is an integrated and consolidated way of easily flowing information within the organization's department. The authors identified hospitals' failure to implement a suitable SAP ERP system that works under their operations, leading to inefficiencies in their supply chain management process. This study addresses significant operational issues and productivity of the hospital management processes by administering 50 questionnaires and using Cronbach's alpha to analyze the responses. The Cronbach alpha is considered acceptable if the result is above 0.70. Our Cronbach result is 0.77. The benefits and difficulties of using SAP ERP provide a comprehensive review of the operations of Hospital and Healthcare Centre SAP ERP system digital transformations in supply chain management. Furthermore, the authors developed a framework to assist in choosing the proper tracking and transferring of information within the hospital technology that we named hospitec
The impact of corporate social responsibility on financial performance in a selected medium-sized clothing manufacturing organization in South Africa
No full textCorporate Social responsibilities (CSR) is an established idea that urges corporations to incorporate environmental and social responsibilities into their operations. It enables businesses to be socially responsible to stakeholders and the public. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have received international recognition for their contributions to social and economic development. This study investigates the impact of CSR on financial performance at a medium-sized clothing manufacturing company in the eThekwini District Municipality of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The study was designed to be conclusive. It employs a quantitative approach, examining the experiences of an organization that has implemented CSR. The study's objective was met by gathering pre- and post-quarterly data on profitability and production costs. The data was analysed using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings show that CSR can boost financial performance by minimising business-related risks and compliance expenses, which leads to increased profitability and lower production costs. Any rise in profitability boosts the organization's financial performance, while any drop in production costs improves the company's financial performance. This study identifies the strengths and weaknesses of CSR in relation to financial performance in the selected medium-sized manufacturing business in South Africa.</jats:p