Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Digital Knowledge at Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyNot a member yet
6088 research outputs found
Sort by
Prevalence and socio-demographic distribution of uncorrected refractive errors in school-going adolescents in Kakamega County, Kenya
No full textBACKGROUND: Efforts to mitigate vision loss due to uncorrected refractive errors (UREs) in Africa remain unpredictable. This study investigated the prevalence and socio-demographic distribution of UREs in school-going adolescents of Kakamega County in Kenya.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with randomly selected secondary school adolescents. Participants were screened and clinically examined for URE types and dioptric strength and were administered questionnaires designed to elicit socio-demographic, socioeconomic, and perceived well-being information.
RESULTS: 165 students, aged 17.50 ± 1.576 years, were included in the study. The prevalence of URE was found to be 8.65%, for which 27% of all UREs were significant. URE types were classified as astigmatism (52%), myopia (25%), and hyperopia (23%). Astigmatism and hyperopia were more common among males (59% and 61%, respectively) than females, while myopia occurred slightly more among females (51%) than males. Most participants (72%) were from large families, 92% had parents who were poorly educated, 85% had poor occupational statuses, and 89% were from rural settings. The interclass differences in all the pre-defined socio-demographic statuses were not significant (p > 0.05), including the within-group interaction with UREs. The distributions were significantly different (p < 0.05) for well being, with over two-thirds of the participants reporting poor-to-fair perceived well-being, with a recent known history of poor eye health.
CONCLUSIONS: URE is highly prevalent among school-going adolescents in Kakamega County. The study recommends intensified strategies to increase spectacle uptake among learners in rural settings and of low socioeconomic means
Enhancing conceptual understanding in engineering mathematics through e-textbooks
No full textBackground: The COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to digital learning materials have dramatically reduced the use of paper-based textbooks in higher education. In the field of engineering, students need a comprehensive understanding of mathematical concepts, which can be achieved through the use of e-textbooks. These digital learning materials can provide a more comprehensive and effective learning experience by incorporating a variety of multimedia elements, such as audio, visual aids, and interactive features. Rationale/Relevance: Mathematics students are expected to possess critical problem-solving skills, yet they are rarely asked to elaborate on and explain their mathematical reasoning and concepts through written argument in the engineering mathematics classroom. While students may excel in formula manipulation, they may still possess misconceptions about mathematical principles and concepts. A reliance on mechanical and procedural approaches, such as formula application, without proper conceptual understanding can result in serious misunderstandings of mathematics and its real-world applications. Without the ability to reason about mathematical concepts, students may struggle to connect what they are learning in class with real-world scenarios, leading to difficulties in solving practical problems. It is, therefore, crucial to foster conceptual understanding and critical reasoning skills in mathematics education, rather than solely relying on memorisation, in order to equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in their careers. Research Problem/ Research Question: This study will answer the following research question:How effective are e-textbooks in promoting conceptual understanding of engineering mathematics? Aim of the Study/Focus: The purpose of this study is to investigate conceptual learning in engineering mathematics using an e-textbook as a learning tool. Methodology: This qualitative case study explores e-textbooks as adaptive technology, with functionalities that include artificial intelligence allowing students to develop their understanding by interacting with digital text, watching videos of real-world mathematics concepts, and responding to quick quizzes on concepts; as well as practising and mastering further mathematical principles and concepts. It focuses on first-year engineering students and lecturers at a University of Technology in South Africa. The analysis of interview recordings was done with ATLAS.ti. analytical software. Theoretical Framework: The data from this study was analyzed through the lenses of cultural historical activity theory (CHAT) and Vosniadou’s notion of conceptual change, allowing the researchers to explain complex real-world situations that students experience when engaging with the e-textbook to solve mathematics problems. Recommendations: The work presented here has implications for future studies of conceptual learning in mathematics research and may provide opportunities around learning engineering mathematical concepts, particularly in the context of developing countries. This is because it offers novel instructional approaches that are tailored to the specific needs and challenges of these countries
Investigating the standard design and production procedure of heritage mortars for compatible and durable masonry restoration
No full textHistoric buildings ensure generational knowledge of past events, milestones, construction developments and evolution of materials, architectural designs, and practices throughout the centuries. It is indisputable that heritage buildings' survival against deterioration factors has proven the use of durable materials for their construction. However, they suffer inevitable decay due to ageing. Therefore, restoring the monuments to their original appearance and strength is always necessary for long-term survival. This paper discusses solutions for the design and development methods of new compatible restoration mortars for the architectural heritage, covering four significant aspects, namely: i) visual analysis of the heritage building in question, ii) experimental analysis of the original mortar samples for their physical, mineralogical and chemical properties, iii) characterization of the potential raw materials (available in the study area) that are close to the original, and iv) assessment of the new mortar durability. The mortars collected from the Castle of Good Hope, an important and ancient colonial edifice in the Western Cape Province (South Africa), were earth (samples SK7 to SK9) and hydraulic lime-based (SK1 to SK6), with 21–38 % porosity. The raw materials used on this monument include feldspar aggregates, possibly from the West Coast (Cape Town) and hydraulic lime for SK1, SK3 and SK5 mortars. For the restoration of the lime mortars (SK1, SK3 and, SK5), a hydrated lime-based mortar with a binder-to-aggregate ratio of 1:3, made of west coast sea sand and 5 % seashell additives, with a porosity of 24 %, has proved to be the most durable. The aesthetics for all the restoration mortars M1 to M9 is difficult to achieve considering the original material ageing factor, thus, the use of color-enhancing pigments is recommended
Development of the Sisonke Supervision MentoringProgramme
No full textIn this paper we map new ways of supporting and capacitating novice supervisors. During the COVID 19 pandemic, we hosted weekly online collaborative workshops designed to reflect on a process of common learning, in which established and novice supervisors engaged with and discussed their individual supervisory needs. This process revealed, with particular clarity, the complexities of mentoring supervisors at a University of Technology (UoT) and enabled the development of the Sisonke Supervision Mentoring Programme (SSMP). This new identification of key aspects offers insight and benefit to similar programmes. The Community of Practice (CoP) theory was appropriate for this context since it allowed the construction of mentoring spaces in which people could engage mutually in activities to improve their supervisory practices. Using an interpretivist paradigm and inductively and qualitatively analysing transcripts revealed four key subjects for discussion: learning should be non-hierarchical; collaboration and reflection take place in in CoPs; care rather than competition should be paramount; and mentorship supervision is a joint responsibility
Utilization of Afzelia africana Sm. ex Pers. (Magnoliopsida: Fabales: Fabaceae) in Nigeria and its implications for conservation
No full textThis study investigated the ethnobotanical uses of Afzelia africana Sm. ex Pers., a threatened tree species in Nigeria to determine the impact of uses of this species on the risk of its extinction. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted by means of semi-structured questionnaires with the local community called Ijebu Igbo in Ogun state of Nigeria and a total of 60 respondents were interviewed from this community. Herbalists, artisans, Islamic scholars, traders, and retirees were interviewed to document their knowledge of the uses of A. africana. This study revealed that there are different uses of A. africana, among which its spiritual and medicinal uses were the most dominant. An unsustainable harvest of A. africana for these uses will aggravate the decline of its population, thereby increasing the risk of extinction. This study recommends local awareness of the indigenous people of possible ways this species can be utilized in a sustainable manner to prevent its extinction
Dual ring star 16-QAM constellation partitioning based SCMA codebook
No full textThe following paper presents a dual ring star 16-QAM modulation scheme. SCMA codebook is designed using the Dual Ring Star 16-QAM (DRS16) constellation. Optimisation of the
is executed by calculating the RR that ensures equidistance between neighbouring constellation points. When compared with the amplitude shift keying (ASK) modulation, 16-QAM can reduce the symbols rate by four times that required by ASK modulation. The importance of ring ratios as the transition of amplitude levels of Star QAM constellation patterns critically affects the error detection
Knowledge of and attitudes toward work-related musculoskeletal injuries in firefighters in Cape Town, South Africa – a cross-sectional study
No full textBackground:
Firefighters encounter dangerous conditions in their work environment that place them at risk of severe injury. Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) are one of the primary injuries sustained by firefighters, which may be due to the firefighters’ lack of knowledge and poor attitudes toward MSIs. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine firefighters’ knowledge of and attitudes toward work-related MSIs in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service.
Methods:
The study made use of convenient sampling and recruited 226 firefighters in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service. A self-administered researcher-generated questionnaire was used to collect information on the firefighters’ knowledge and attitudes about work-related MSIs. To ensure the validity and reliability of the questionnaire, the questionnaire underwent face and content validity, as well as a pilot study was conducted to ensure the questionnaire was suitable for research purposes. Mann-Whitney-U test, Kruskal-Wallis-H test, Spearman’s rank correlation and linear regression were utilized for data analyses. Statistical significance was set at a p-value less than 0.05.
Results:
The results showed that most firefighters (62.6%) had good knowledge of work-related MSIs, and the majority (59.0%) had negative attitudes toward work-related MSIs. In addition, positive correlations were present between overall knowledge of work-related MSIs and overall attitudes toward work-related MSIs (r = 0.423, p <0.001) and between attitudes toward physical activity (r = 0.439, p <0.001). Overall knowledge of MSIs was linearly related to overall knowledge of MSIs (β = 0.383, p <0.001).
Conclusion:
The majority of firefighters had good knowledge of work-related MSIs, but-negative attitudes toward MSIs. The promotion of educational programmes using short courses, workshops and webinars on the factors contributing to the high injury prevalence should be implemented and encouraged
Bismuth vanadate-nanostructured graphite electrodes for rhodamine B photoelectrochemical degradation
No full textElectrocatalysis is a promising way to treat water contaminated by harmful organic compounds. The combination of nanoparticles supported on a conductive substrate allows degradation to occur under less energetic conditions. This work evaluated the effect of deposition of bismuth vanadate (BVO) particles on pencil-type graphite electrodes. BVO particles were obtained by ultrasonic irradiation with coprecipitation. Then, they were deposited on the surface of a graphite electrode by the impregnation method. A 23-design was used to optimize electrode fabrication. Matter Dispersion Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) were used for characterization. Electrochemical characterization was performed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The results confirmed the synthesis of BVO@C (BVO/graphite). Furthermore, BVO@C significantly increased the electroactive surface area of the electrode, decreased the electron transfer resistance, and significantly increased the electron transfer rate to a greater extent than the electrode without any modification. To prove that the performance of BVO@C is better than the pure electrode, photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) and electrocatalysis (EC) were performed in a rhodamine B (RhB) solution. The results showed that in 5 min of treatment with unmodified electrode, BVO@C EC system and BVO@C PEC system, there was degradation of 31.53%, 46.09% and 58.17% respectively, reaching 95%, 98% and 99.64%, respectively, in 30 min. The reaction rate constants were calculated and to be found k = 0.10272 m−1, k = 0.12221 m−1 and k= 0.15022 m−1 for the unmodified graphite, BVO@C EC System and BVO@C PEC system, respectively. These results demonstrate that the BVO@C electrodes are efficient for application in a wide range of treatments, including the treatment of organic pollutants
Radiography community involvement in the professional socialisation of diagnostic radiography students
No full textIntroduction:
Professional socialisation entails acquisition and internalisation of knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become members of a chosen profession. In the healthcare professions, the process is initiated during undergraduate academic and clinical learning, with clinical learning considered as more significant. This suggests that clinical radiographers play a key role in socialising students into the radiography profession. Based on communities of practice, a theory of social learning, professional socialisation of diagnostic radiography students would involve different members of the radiography community. Limited knowledge exists on the professional socialisation of diagnostic radiography students.
Aim:
This study aimed to explore how diagnostic radiography students are socialised in the clinical environment with a focus on the role of communities of practice.
Methods:
Qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive research was conducted. Data was collected through unstructured interviews and focus groups. Interview recordings were verbatim transcribed, and framework analysis was used to analyse data.
Findings:
Data analysis resulted in the identification of a key theme, radiography community involvement, with four subthemes: shared responsibility for learning and teaching, critical reflection and lifelong learning, interpersonal skills, and empathy and consideration for students.
Conclusion:
Effective professional socialisation of diagnostic radiography students is essential to develop radiography knowledge, skills, and values. The findings presented in this paper highlight the importance of the radiography community involvement in the professional socialisation of students because the various members of this community have valuable knowledge to share and a role to play.
Implications for practice:
The findings can guide development of initiatives to support radiography community members in their role as facilitators of student professional socialisation, which in turn will enable effective professional socialisation for the students
Perceived factors affecting the implementation of occupational health and safety management systems in the South African construction industry
No full textAlthough notable efforts have been made in the past to improve Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), the overall performance has not significantly improved as high-level injuries, risks, and fatalities continue to occur. Earlier studies have shown that implementing an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) ensures a reduction in accidents on site, which is, however, not easy due to the many challenges arising during its implementation. The research objectives were to identify, in order of importance, factors that affect the implementation of an OHSMS on construction sites and to analyse how an OHSMS can be implemented in the construction industry of the Western Cape, South Africa, using the Plan Do Check Act (PDCA) method. The research questionnaire obtained online opinions from construction professionals. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 27.0. The data were interpreted through Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, frequencies, descriptive statistics, and a multi-regression analysis. A multi-regression test was conducted to determine the relationship between internal and external factors and the implementation of an OHSMS, including the use of the PDCA method. The findings reveal that both internal and external factors affected the implementation of the OHSMS. The most important internal factors were risk control strategies, senior management commitment, and support and communication channels. The most common external factors were pressure from clients on project delivery, company reputation, OHS enforcement, and government legislation. A framework was developed to outline how an OHSMS can be implemented using the PDCA approach based on the findings from this study. The framework can be adopted by the construction industry to improve effectiveness when implementing their OHSMS