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The depiction of reality in a 360-degree video documentary versus a conventional 16by9 video documentary : a focus group comparative study of two independently made video documentaries of the Kennedy Road Informal Settlement in Kwa-Zulu Natal
No full textSubmitted to fulfil the requirements of Master of Journalism (MJourn) at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.The popularity of virtual reality technologies [VR] has prompted numerous news
organisations and filmmakers to embrace the 360-degree video format for immersive
journalism. Consequently, there have been many studies on audience reception in VR
and its use in immersive journalism. Nevertheless, research investigating the
comparative “reality” depicted in immersive journalism content remains scarce.
This study compares the depiction of reality in two ten minutes independently
produced documentaries of the Kennedy Road Informal Settlement in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
One shot in the traditional video format and the other in the 360-degree video format.
Both videos were screened to two expert focus groups, one a group of academic
experts and the other a group of professional television journalists, to discuss the
perceived reality depicted in the videos.
The result of this case study suggests that the 360-degree video version is a more
accurate depiction of the reality in the settlement. The Exploratory nature of the format,
the Extra Information on offer, the Sense of Presence, and the Sense of Place the
360-degree format created enhanced its Depiction of Reality. The intrinsic nature of
the 360-degree video format by virtue of the long, deep focus shots it creates, and the
way 360-degree videos are put together profoundly reflect the work of the seminal
theorists of cinematic realism, namely, Andre Bazin (2004), Siegfried Kracauer (1997)
and John Grierson (1998).
According to the findings of this study, when considering 360-degree video within the
framework of traditional film theories, it becomes evident that there is no unique
concept of realism exclusive to 360-degree video. Rather, the principles that render
360-degree video realistic are the same as those that contribute to realism in
traditional film.
While this study is limited to its specific case and employs a relatively small sample
size, the results are significant. It provides a direct comparison of the two formats by
experts and suggests that the 360-degree format has the potential to depict the reality
of a situation more accurately, positioning the technology as a powerful tool for
immersive journalism.
Perceptions and experiences of elderly patients receiving chiropractic care in the Durban Metropolitan area
No full textThis dissertation is submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s degree in Health Sciences, Chiropractic at Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Background: The elderly population experience a significant musculoskeletal burden. Both
the population and their healthcare burdens are expected to increase due to the elderly’s
extended life expectancies. This escalating healthcare burden falls to the public healthcare
sector, on which the majority of the population relies in the South African context. The
current experiences of elderly individuals in this public system are poor due to the disease centred approach implemented in care. Chiropractic care implements a patient-centred
approach to healthcare which is more suitable to meet the needs of this vulnerable
population. Chiropractic care effectively manages musculoskeletal conditions; however, it
remains largely underutilised by the public. In South Africa, Chiropractic Care’s public
presence is limited to two university clinics due to the outdated legislature restricting the
profession in the public healthcare sector. This limits the public exposure to Chiropractic
Care’s non-invasive and non-pharmacological approach for managing musculoskeletal
pain. There is limited research in both the local and international contexts into the
perceptions and experiences towards Chiropractic Care from the elderly’s perspective,
therefore demonstrating the value of additional research into this topic.
Aim: This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of elderly individuals
receiving Chiropractic Care in the Durban Metropolitan area.
Method: This qualitative study was conducted utilising an exploratory, descriptive
approach. A random-purposive sampling of 11 elderly individuals with at least one previous
Chiropractic Care experience was implemented. Semi-structured interviews were
performed to provide insights into the perceptions and experiences of this population.
Thematic analysis was performed using the Tesch method.
Results: Thematic analysis extracted six themes, including understanding of Chiropractic
Care; factors influencing the pursuit of Chiropractic Care; the impact of care on the elderly
experience; insights provided through lifetime experiences; the impacts of age on the elderly
experience; and the attraction of an alternative healthcare approach.
Conclusion: This analysis indicated that although understanding of Chiropractic Care was
limited by this population, all elderly participants shared positive perceptions of Chiropractic
Care. A lack of language eloquence was observed when participants discussed Chiropractic
terminology. New Chiropractic Care experiences have the potential to change the previous
negative perceptions, while misinformation can be combated through patient education.
Recommendation-based pursuit of Chiropractic Care is insufficient, and a focus on exposing
new individuals to Chiropractic Care through alternative methods, such as community outreach, should be prioritised. The patient-centred approach in Chiropractic Care created
a positive healthcare experience for the elderly individuals in this study. The elderly felt age
had minimal impact on the Chiropractic Care they were provided, compared to the age based discrimination they experienced in the mainstream public sector. When the clinical
care provided to the elderly is substandard, the negative perceptions of ageing and the
ability to successfully access care are reinforced. Chiropractic care was viewed by the
elderly as a superior healthcare alternative to the pharmacological and surgical options they
were traditionally offered.
Junction conditions for composite matter in higher dimensions
No full textWe derive the junction conditions for a general higher dimensional spherically symmetric radiating star across a comoving surface with an electromagnetic field. The charged composite interior consists of barotropic matter, a null dust and a null string fluid. The higher dimensional generalised Vaidya geometry describes the exterior radiating atmosphere of the charged composite star. We show at the stellar surface that the pressure is determined by the interior heat flux, anisotropy, null string density, charge distribution and the exterior null string density. The charge distribution affects the stellar pressure in general; the higher dimensional charged Vaidya spacetime is special and does not exhibit this feature. The number of dimensions appears explicitly in the surface pressure showing that the dimensions affect the gravitational dynamics. All previous treatments, for matter which is neutral or charged, emerge as special cases in our treatment
Radiating composite stars with electromagnetic fields
No full textWe derive the junction conditions for a general spherically symmetric radiating star with an electromagnetic field across a comoving surface. The interior consists of a charged composite field containing barotropic matter, a null dust and a null string fluid. The exterior atmosphere is described by the generalised Vaidya spacetime. We generate the boundary condition at the stellar surface showing that the pressure is determined by the interior heat flux, anisotropy, null density, charge distribution and the exterior null string density. A new physical feature that arises in our analysis is that the surface pressure depends on the internal charge distribution for generalised Vaidya spacetimes. It is only in the special case of charged Vaidya spacetimes that the matching interior charge distribution is equal to the exterior charge at the surface as measured by an external observer. Previous treatments, for neutral matter and charged matter, arise as special cases in our treatment of composite matter
Generalised radiating fields in Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet gravity
No full textA five-dimensional spherically symmetric generalised radiating field is studied in Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity. We assume the matter distribution is an extended Vaidya-like source and the resulting Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet field equations are solved for the matter variables and mass function. The evolution of the mass, energy density and pressure are then studied within the spacetime manifold. The effects of the higher order curvature corrections of Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity are prevalent in the analysis of the mass function when compared to general relativity. The effects of diffusive transport are then considered and we derive the specific equation for which diffusive behaviour is possible. Gravitational collapse is then considered and we show that collapse ends with a weak and conical singularity for the generalised source, which is not the case in Einstein gravity
Anticancer activity of silver nanoparticles embedded in porous starch as a potential delivery system
No full textSubmitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Applied Sciences in Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Silver nanoparticles have been proven to have anticancer abilities but they have been known to agglomerate and become toxic. Therefore, various studies have been conducted to explore ways of preventing aggregation using biopolymers such as starch. This study makes use of Lablab purpureus (hyacinth bean) porous starch to biosynthesize and encapsulate silver nanoparticles and then test its anticancer potential. Porous starches were produced from hyacinth bean using three different techniques. These were compared against the native starch with silver nanoparticles, then synthesized and encapsulated using the porous starch. In comparison to the native starch, the porous starches made through solvent exchange and enzyme hydrolysis had similar outcomes with granules exhibiting pores, as shown by the structural and chemical characteristics. The lack of pasting properties and extremely distinct chemical and structural graphs of the porous starch, produced by freeze-thaw procedures, may be related to the presence of mercaptosuccinic acid. It was decided to employ porous starch made by solvent-exchange (SE) for the manufacture of silver nanoparticles as it contained resistant starch. Nanoparticles were produced using the porous starch from solvent-exchange, characterised and tested for their anticancer potential. Silver nanoparticles were indicative of a colour change from clear to brown, as well as, the characteristic peak at 425 nm for silver nanoparticle formation. Silver nanoparticles were implanted into porous starch at a size of around 50 nm, as further evidenced by the particle size distribution and TEM images of spherical granules with dark spots within. The zeta potential for the silver nanoparticles was -34 mV, thereby indicating that aggregation was minimized and particles were stable. The nanoparticles demonstrated less cytotoxicity in the human colon (CACO) and cervical (HELA) cancer cell lines, but more inhibition in the human breast (MCF-7) cancer cell line than the positive control camptothecin. The human muscle (C2C12), normal cell line's capacity to sustain cell viability for silver nanoparticles demonstrated that AgNP were not toxic. However, to maximize the potential of the silver nanoparticles implanted in porous starch, more research is necessary.
Anticancer and anti-reactive oxygen species activity of bioactive peptides isolated from vigna unguiculata
No full textSubmitted in complete fulfilment for the Degree of Master of Applied Sciences in Food Science and Technology at the Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Cancer is a major cause of death globally and continues to escalate with current anticancer
drugs associated with severe side effects and resistance driving the need for safer
alternative therapeutics. Food proteins, from legumes, are a source of bioactive peptides
and studies revealed that they are associated with various therapeutic properties. Cowpea
(Vigna unguiculata) is an underutilized nutritious legume crop with promising potential
due to its documented protein profile. Therefore, this study evaluated the in vitro
anticancer effect of V. unguiculata peptides derived from alcalase and flavourzyme.
Physicochemical properties such as water and oil absorption capacities, emulsifying
properties, sub-unit composition, amino acid composition among others, were also
assessed. Peptides were also evaluated for their antioxidant activity using superoxide
radical scavenging, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino-bis (3
ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assays as well as for their apoptotic
potential using 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT),
reactive oxygen species (ROS) and caspase 3/7 assays on cancerous (Caco-2 and MCF
7) and healthy (C2C12) cell lines. From results obtained it was observed that the foam
capacity for the peptides derived from alcalase and flavourzyme were 78.34 and 82.39%,
respectively, which was noted to be significantly different. The physicochemical
properties determined their potential application in food industries. Glutamic acid was the
most abundant amino acid in all samples while methionine was noted to be the least
concentrated amino acid in the flour and alcalase derived sample while proline was the
least concentrated in the flavourzyme sample. Results from this study suggest that cowpea
samples have antioxidant capabilities with enzymatic hydrolysis contributing to a higher
capacity compared to that of raw flour flour samples. From the cowpea flour, the peptide
sample derived from alcalase demonstrated the highest DPPH free radical scavenging
activity (70.88-80.47%), followed by flavourzyme (67.27-75.84%), while the raw flour
sample showed the lowest activity (24.28-66.17%). The ABTS scavenging capacity of
the alcalase peptide was in the range of 35.26-85.92%. The MTT cytotoxicity assay
revealed that the cowpea peptides and camptothecin showed different sensitivities on the
MCF-7 cell lines. The IC50 values of flavourzyme peptide, alcalase peptide and
camptothecin were 0.07, 0.09 and 0.07 µg/mL respectively. Cell viability of the cowpea peptides and camptothecin (control) on the Caco-2 cells
varied with the different concentrations. Alcalase and flavourzyme samples had IC50
values of 0.15 and 0.11 µg/mL respectively. The apoptotic potential of the peptides was
further shown by the caspase 3/7 activity. From the results in this study, it can be
ascertained that the cowpea peptides have potential as an anticancer therapeutic agent.
Further research is necessary to determine mechanism of action and to conduct in vivo
evaluations of these peptides using animal models
Influence of storage conditions and sample processing on viral particle recovery from untreated municipal wastewater
No full textSubmitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Applied Sciences: Biotechnology, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2023.The emergence and re-emergence of several epidemic and pandemic related pathogens has highlighted the need for the development and implementation of rapid and sensitive disease surveillance tools. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is one such environmental surveillance tool that has been adapted to provide a near real-time reflection of a population’s health dynamics through detecting and quantifying biomarkers from untreated wastewater. This information can be used to monitor disease progression, detect infection hotspots as well as emerging variants. The success of WBE, however, is determined by the accuracy of pathogen detection and quantification methods. Various factors, such as transportation, storage conditions, and wastewater characteristics can affect the quantification, leading to unreliable results. This study aimed at investigating the effects of storage temperatures on SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A degradation in raw wastewater samples and extracted nucleic acids. Additionally, different pre-treatment strategies for improving viral recovery from wastewater solids were also examined as part of the optimization process. Municipal wastewater influent was collected and stored at 25°C, 4°C, -20°C, and -80°C for 84 days. A control sample (spiked with attenuated viruses) was also stored under the same conditions. The viral RNA was extracted and quantified from both the samples (stored wastewater and control) every two weeks. Additionally, the physicochemical characteristics of the wastewater at different temperatures were evaluated for their possible impact on degradation. Supernatant samples and solid particles were used separately for RNA extraction and quantification to assess viral attachment to solid particles. Degradation of influenza A was observed in all samples with the highest at ±25°C in the supernatant (88.89%) and pellet (83.47%) of the wastewater influent, ±25°C in the spiked supernatant (90.69%) and 4°C in the spiked pellet (92.64%). The highest degradation of SARS CoV-2 was observed at ±25°C in the supernatant (94.1%) and pellet (92.66%) of the wastewater influent, 4°C in the spiked supernatant (95.57%) and -20°C in the spiked pellet (50.79%). The lowest degradation of SARS-CoV-2 in the spiked pellet was observed at ±25°C (44.82%) and 4°C (31.53%). This may be indicative of viral adhesion to wastewater solids. The assessment of the physicochemical characteristics indicated of changes in stored wastewater samples. Salinity, DO, pH, COD, TS, and TFS were correlated with viral degradation. pH was also found to be correlated with viral particles attaching to wastewater solids. The effect of storage temperature on stored RNA was also studied using the extracted RNA for a period of 168-days. The degradation between -20°C and -80°C was significantly different for RNA storage. The lowest degradation of SARS-CoV-2 occurred at -80°C (32.51% - wastewater influent; 33.42% - viral controls). In the case of influenza A, the lowest degradation occurred at -80°C for wastewater influent (43.28%) and -20°C for viral controls (36.02%). Statistical analysis conducted comparing storage of wastewater influent to extracted RNA indicated that degradation was higher in the wastewater samples. Additionally, to enhance viral recovery from wastewater solids, sodium pyrophosphate and ultrasonication were explored as pre-treatments strategies. SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in the supernatant were significantly increased between 3.30 - 35.65% by ultrasonication at frequencies ranging from 4 to 16 kHz, indicating that significant amounts of RNA may be attached to solid particles based on the contact time. These results highlight the importance of additional pre-treatment methods for maximizing RNA recovery from wastewater samples. The findings of this research may contribute significantly to the improvement of WBE detection methods for disease surveillance.
Feasibility analysis and optimization of new energy technologies for sustainable development
No full textSubmitted in fulfillment of the requirements of Master of Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.Energy is essential for crucial development in Africa. The current electricity shortages or load shedding in South Africa show the country faces significant challenges in reaching positive economic growth. For industries to operate sustainably, an innovative mechanism must be tailored to solve the negative impacts of industrial energy use, particularly climate change. Even though fossil fuels generate the majority of produced electricity in South Africa, the country’s potential for renewable energy sources is vast. In contrast, solar irradiance and wind offer considerable commercial potential. New renewable energy resources are widely seen as a means to address the challenges of climate change and energy insecurity. They can be of crucial importance in developing a sustainable economy in the country. The study aims to show how renewable energy technologies can provide new economic opportunities, contribute to higher standards of living, and reduce the impacts of society on ecosystems, among other things. This thesis presents a feasibility analysis and optimization of new energy technologies by designing and simulating a grid-connected PV system for sustainable development. The PVsyst software was used to simulate and optimize the PV system. The software was used to design and model the PV systems and to calculate the energy production, economic performance, and environmental impact. The researcher utilized simulation data to compare PV system performance in three scenarios and identify the optimal one. Overall, the findings of this thesis suggest that grid-connected PV systems are a feasible and sustainable option to meet South Africa's energy needs. By implementing the results and recommendations, the government, investors, and community can work together to develop and deploy a successful PV system that will benefit all.
Predicting the impact of IoT devices on Radio Frequency Noise in South African environments using machine learning
No full textA Thesis submitted to the Doctor of Philosophy in Electronic and Computer Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2024.The increasing number of Radio Frequency (RF) devices proliferating in our environment inspired
this research. Forecasts suggest that the Internet of Things (IoT) industry will populate society with
an ever-increasing number of RF-operated applications such as smart homes, remote surveillance,
intelligent vehicles, tracking, smart grid, remote metering, innovative health, and smart cities. This
research aimed to investigate whether the presence of IoT-like radiations could influence the levels
of ambient RF noise. With that in mind, the study required surveying by collecting real-world
ambient radio noise data in target urban, suburban, and industrial environments over the Industrial
Scientific Medical (ISM) bands, such as 433 MHz, 868 MHz, and 2.4 GHz. At the time of this
survey, the IoT industry was still in the infancy stage in South Africa. Therefore, the exercise
necessitated two series of survey campaigns. The first set of measurements had as its primary
mission to assess the existing levels of ambient RF noise in selected candidate sites considering
their early IoT development phase. Subsequently, this phase helped to verify and validate that the
research deployed appropriate equipment, hardware, and software for collecting environmental
radio noise data. This study designed a Radio Noise Surveying System (RNSS) using softwaredefined radio techniques with the Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) and the GNU
Radio platforms as part of the equipment. The simulation and test results agreed that the RNSS
performed adequately, and that all system was suitable for radio noise surveying. This first phase
also helped to confirm that the post-processing methods of importing and transforming raw data
into clean data and the applied calibration techniques were correct. Exploratory data analysis with
these baseline measurements revealed ambient radio noise data characteristics, for example, their
extensive data volume. One of the remarkable findings was that, out of six candidate sites, the
Steeve Biko Campus showed the highest levels of ambient radio noise compared to the rest,
irrespective of frequency bands.
The second measurement trial, over five candidate sites, envisaged assessing the direct contribution
of IoT operations. Therefore, the exercise necessitated environments populated with IoT devices.
Hence, this research created IoT radio noise generators (ING) to produce intentional RF emissions
in the ISM bands to imitate the presence of IoT devices in selected environments. The research
underwent a complete product design cycle covering conceptualisation, component selection,
schematic and PCB design, board assembly, firmware development, and functional testing. Survey
campaigns deployed forty-five ING units, of which fifteen covered each of the three frequencies of
interest. Data analysis exploited the elements of descriptive statistics to understand the
characteristic nature of data emanating from ambient RF measurements. Concerning the central question of this research, exploratory results revealed that 80% of analysed cases show an increase
in environmental radio noise levels, with a conclusion that ambient radio noise levels were directly
proportional to radio activities in given environments. This finding forewarns that the proliferating
presence of IoT products will directly influence ambient radio noise levels.
Finally, this study applied Machine Learning techniques to develop linear regression models to
predict the levels of ambient RF noise. The research developed a computer application as Radio
Noise Predictor (RNP) software installable in Windows PC. Based on models produced in this
research, the RNP application allows interested users to estimate the radio noise levels from a
selected environment and frequency.