Cape Peninsula University of Technology
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Indigenous strategies for managing bush encroachment in rural areas of South Africa
No full textThe integration of indigenous knowledge systems into the discussion of bush encroachment management is of paramount importance. Indigenous knowledge and formal monitoring may be mutually beneficial, and using both approaches can improve natural resource management. Savannah rangeland landscapes hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for indigenous communities, and their perceptions can provide valuable insights into creating more effective, community-driven conservation initiatives. This study was aimed at filling the existing knowledge and research gap on bush encroachment control by focusing on the integration of indigenous knowledge systems. To achieve this, the current research included three distinct non-probability sampling strategies: (1) Purposive, (2) Snowball, (3) Convenience sampling methods. The results showed that 90.3% of the participants indicated that the main encroaching species of concern was sickle bush (Dichrostachys cinerea) and it is therefore perceived as a problem in the rangeland. The majority of farmer respondents indicated that they cut the encroacher plant down, uproot all root systems, then burn the remaining roots. This is reported to be a more effective way of managing sickle bush as an encroacher plant. Both genders generally believe in the efficacy of these systems, with variations in levels of agreement. However, a gender disparity emerges in opinions on incorporating communal-based approaches, emphasizing the need to consider gender perspectives in environmental management initiatives. Therefore, considering this, the study concludes that a holistic approach, integrating both formal and informal knowledge systems, may be crucial for sustainable and effective management strategies. Given that, recognizing the diversity of perspectives within the community, particularly regarding gender differences, is essential for developing inclusive and community-driven environmental management initiatives
Challenges and solutions in integrating narrowband IoT with edge computing: resource constraints, security, latency, and IDS deployment
No full textThis study aimed to explore the integration of narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) with edge computing. The study examined existing literature regarding the resource constraints of IoT devices, security challenges, latency in data transmission and addressing the need for an Intrusion Detecting System (IDS) in edge computing environments. The study further analyzed an IoT Intrusion Dataset for data analysis containing attacks captured to identify and analyze challenges on how to integrate NB-IoT with edge computing. Gaps in the literature and dataset were identified as the need for experimental studies, and interdisciplinary research was highlighted. The main aim of this study was to gather a deeper understanding of the challenges of integrating NB-IoT with edge computing
Fraud prevention measures and internal controls to mitigate internal fraud risk within South African retail SMMEs
No full textBackground: SMMEs have been reported to encounter the highest number of fraud instances primarily due to the ineffective use of internal controls within their businesses. Previous research shows that the South African SMMEs are more susceptible to the risk of fraud. It is deemed that there is a lack of effective communication of fraud prevention measures and internal controls, resulting in fraudulent activities.
Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the communication of fraud prevention measures and internal controls to mitigate the risk of internal fraud within the retail SMMEs located in the Cape Metropole.
Method: This study took the form of a survey research, and it recorded the empirical evidence in terms of a quantitative research approach.
Results: There is a significant progress in retail SMMEs towards communicating fraud prevention measures and internal controls. The majority of retail SMMEs were aware of the risk of internal fraud and communicated with greater emphasis the importance of prevention measures and internal controls with the intention to combat the risk of internal fraud. However, these businesses evident some internal control deficiencies which led the realisation of various risks including internal fraud. Half of these businesses did not attend any anti-fraud awareness or ethics training.
Conclusion: This study served as a basis for future research to improve the communication of fraud prevention measures and internal controls within the South African retail SMMEs to combat internal fraud
An assessment of the quality of effluent discharged from several wastewater treatment plants into the Crocodile River of Mpumalanga, South Africa
No full textThe effluents from the South African wastewater treatment plant systems have a detrimental effect on the country's water resources and public health. Municipal wastewater services are often considered inadequate when compared to national standards and inter-national benchmarks. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of wastewater effluent discharged from multiple sewage treatment facilities throughout the Crocodile River catchment area in the Lowveld. The quality of wastewater effluent was tested at nine wastewater discharge stations along the Crocodile River. Samples were collected monthly during the eight-month duration of 2021. Samples were analyzed by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) laboratory and statistical analysis was conducted using the Seaborn program. The results indicated that almost all the sampling sites had very high suspended solid concentrations in their effluent discharges; the highest was recorded at Kanyamazane site with 26,20 mg/L, and the lowest at Kabokweni with 7,2 mg/L. High levels chemical oxygen demand (COD) were recorded, which increased nitrate levels. High COD is an indication of water treatment system inefficiency. In most cases, the levels of E. coli were within the legal required limits, except for Kabokweni (192425)/100 mL) and Hectorspruit (1183/100 mL). R2= 0.83 showed a strong association between suspended particles and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N). Pollution of the Crocodile River is mostly due to wastewater treatment facility failure; therefore, the South African government should invest in wastewater treatment and sludge management technology. Funds should be utilized efficiently for infrastructure development and maintenance
Review of adaptive load frequency control strategies for improving wind power plant integration
No full textThe integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid is increasing globally to meet the increasing demand for clean and sustainable energy. The integration introduces challenges to the power system due to the varying nature of renewable energy sources. The purpose of this study is to investigate the load frequency control methods in the developing setting of modern power systems with renewable energy integration, with a focus on wind power. While traditional load frequency control methods have been efficient in maintaining the stability of the grid, the introduction of wind power has added a new layer of complexity. The paper analyzes the benefits and challenges of various adaptive control techniques, which include the classic Proportional, Integral and Derivative controller, fuzzy logic, and neural network based on adapting to the changes. It is also anticipated that given the availability of solar photovoltaic energy particularly in residential and commercial settings, the next area of focus will focus on investing the potential to contribute to maintaining the grid stability
A recap of modern power grid control systems
No full textWind power plants (WPPs) and photovoltaic power plants (PV systems) are the most popular types of renewable power plants (RPPs) in the formation of modern power grids. A lot of modern power grids have already been interconnected with WPPs. Control methods have been proposed and (or) developed in the existing research. However, it has been found that the existing literature does not clearly state the exact point where these control methods should be applied in the modern power grid. Also, till today, the existing literature does not look at and clearly define the difference between the control methods for the point of connection (POC) and the point of common coupling (PCC). In this article, the control methods applied in modern power grids are discussed, and the linkage between them has been described clearly
Spacecraft electrical power management systems - system review
No full textThis paper presents space electrical power management and energy storage systems. For any space satellite system to be effective, an electrical power supply system is required to supply constant power to all the components and subsystems. The main purpose of the electrical power system is to provide regulated power to space satellites loads during launch. The effective construction of the electrical power system determines the space system life span. The lifetime of the system is affected by the debilitation of the solar arrays with time. The battery capacity is also deteriorated when run over an extended number of cycles. This study explores possible methods to an effective electrical power system design that would alleviate space satellite system failures
Digital literacy practices: curation and annotation associated with e-textbooks
No full textE-textbooks have gained prominence in recent years due to their advanced digital features and accessibility. This evolution has led to innovative digital literacy practices, notably curation and annotation, aimed at enhancing student comprehension of engineering concepts. These practices offer three-fold benefits: they mitigate information overload and provide a systematic learning framework for students. This is crucial in fields like engineering where contextual understanding enhances the practical application of theoretical concepts. By integrating supplementary resources and multimedia elements, e-textbooks provide a richer, more immersive learning experience. This study, focusing on these affordances in e-textbooks, utilised qualitative data from interviews with 12 first-year engineering students at a university of technology. Findings indicate that these new literacy practices hold significant potential for improving student understanding of engineering concepts. The study underscores the need for further exploration into the use of digital tools in education, highlighting their transformative potential in shaping future learning of students
Sustainable biological control of pests: the way forward
No full textSynthetic pesticides have been and are still the mainstay of pest management. While
their use has contributed significantly to the agricultural sector’s development, their longterm,
widespread, and incorrect use has equally contributed to environmental contamination
and degradation and the unsolicited increase in pesticide resistance. Furthermore,
many consumers in developing countries cannot afford the high cost of synthetic pesticides.
However, increased awareness of the risks posed by synthetic pesticides, scientific
and technological advancement in biological control of pests, and increased recognition
and benefits of indigenous and organic practices gradually contribute to the move from
synthetic pesticides to sustainable alternatives. As the plethora of evidence on the shortcomings
of conventional pest control methods and the economic, social, and environmental
benefits of biological control methods mount, the shift toward using alternative control
strategies for pest management will record sustained growth into the future. The prospects,
challenges, and interacting factors that influence the effectiveness and sustainability of
biological control are discussed
The significance of organic horticulture in mitigating climate change and promoting the production of healthier fruits and vegetables
No full textOrganic horticulture is a holistic management system that follows good production practices and should be considered the cornerstone of mitigating climate change and producing healthier fruits and vegetables. This agroecosystem practice not only benefits the green economy but promotes and enhances soil biological activity, biodiversity, and other biological cycles in the sphere. The last decade has observed a rise in the production and consumption of organically certified agricultural products, and the biggest growth was registered in France (18%) due to its higher nutritional value of vitamin C (27%) and polyphenol content (72%), with a lowered risk of exposure to harmful chemicals of up to 70% and improved organoleptic properties. Between 2012 and 2020, the European Union’s organic sector experienced significant growth, with a 56% expansion in organic land area, a 40% increase in organic producers, and a 114% increase in retail sales. The aim of this review was to evaluate the significant impact of organic horticulture on mitigating climate change and meeting consumer needs by examining key research areas, including Soil Health and Management, Pest and Disease Management, Climate Resilience and Adaptation, Carbon Sequestration and Climate Mitigation, Market and Consumer Preferences, and Policy and Institutional Support. The outcome of this review demonstrates that there are still numerous research studies required to evaluate how different farming systems and pedoclimatic conditions can contribute to more efficient horticultural practices