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Enhancing student engagement of a first-year class through the flipped classroom approach
No full textAs the use of technology evolves, and we progress towards the 4th industrial revolution, tertiary institutions find themselves under pressure to meet global standards in the provision of education using innovative teaching and learning methods. The flipped classroom is a teaching and learning approach that uses technology to deliver academic content outside the classroom, and reserves in-class interaction for in-depth discussion of the course content. Teaching at a rural university has its challenges, and the need to be innovative and make use of technology threaten the level at which lecturers can apply creativity in their approaches to teaching. The purpose of this study was to explore lecturers’ perspectives of enhancing student engagement of a first-year class through the flipped classroom approach. The study adopted activity theory as a theoretical framework to understand the perspectives of participants regarding the phenomenon under investigation. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews with three lecturers, who were purposively selected because they would provide rich data since they actually make use of the flipped classroom in their classes. Data collected from this research was analysed by using thematic analysis, during which data was interpreted and organised into themes. The findings indicate that the reasons for using the flipped classroom are to enhance the level at which students engage with the content of the module, and to use the given lecture time efficiently. Resources were found to play an important role in the flipped classroom, and usage varied according to lecturer preference. The nature of a learning environment that is conducive to a flipped classroom also played a key role in the effective delivery and facilitation of the flipped classroom. Indeed, a correlation was found between the flipped classroom and student engagement. Therefore, this study recommends that universities make it compulsory for lecturers to use various methods of teaching and learning, especially methods that use technology. Staff development programmes can assist lecturers to use various methods. Policies on teaching and learning methods should be reviewed, to accommodate compulsory use of innovative teaching methods. Students need to be trained well in advance before a new teaching and learning method is implemented, to avoid some of them falling behind with the work
Influence of planting techniques and maturity group on soya bean (Glycine max L.) yield in different agro-ecologies
No full textIn South Africa soya beans are mainly produced in the Mpumalanga and Free State provinces, while within the Free State, production is concentrated in the North Eastern Free State. It is widely known that soya bean yield is influenced by agronomic inputs such as, maturity group, plant density, row width as well as planting date. Extensive research was done globally on these agronomic inputs. However, very little, if any research was done in South Africa, especially in the North Eastern Free State. In an attempt to evaluate the yield response to different maturity groups, plant densities, row widths and planting dates, three trials were conducted on farmer’s fields over two seasons (2016/17 and 2017/18) in the North Eastern Free State at three agro-ecologically different experimental sites. The same maturity groups (MG 4.5, MG 5 and MG 6) was planted at different plant densities, row widths and planting dates at each trial. Phenological development, plant height, pod clearance, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, hundred-seed weight and grain yield were measured. At trial 1 the three maturity groups were planted at four plant densities (200 000, 300 000, 400 000 and 500 000 plants ha-1), one row width (0.76 m) and one planting date. Maturity group had the greatest effect on phenological development, plant height, pod clearance, hundred-seed weight, and grain yield. Plant density had the greatest effect on plant height, number of pods per plant, while also affecting yield only during the 2016/17 season. At trial 2 the three maturity groups were planted at four plant densities (150 000, 200 000, 300 000 and 400 000 plants ha-1), two row widths (0.38 m and 0.76 m) and one planting date. Similar to trial 1, maturity group had the greatest effect on phenological development, plant height, pod clearance, hundred-seed weight and grain yield. Plant density had the greatest effect on plant height and number of pods per plant, while also affecting grain yield slightly during the 2017/18 season. Row width had the greatest effect on hundred-seed weight and grain yield. At trail 3 the three maturity groups were planted at four plant densities (150 000, 300 000, 400 000 and 600 000 plants ha-1), two row widths (0.30 m and 0.60 m) and at two planting dates (early/normal and late). Similar to trial 1 and 2 only, maturity group had an effect on phenological development for both planting dates. Plant height was affected by maturity group, plant density and row width at both planting dates. Plant heights for the late planting date were shorter compared to the early/normal planting date. Pod clearance was affected most by maturity group, while the effect of plant density and row width was not as profound. Between planting dates, pod clearance was slightly higher during the early/normal planting date, but this was negligible. Number of pods per plant was only affected by plant density for the early/normal planting date, while for the late planting date maturity group and row width also produced an effect. Between planting dates there were no significant difference in number of pods per plant. Hundred-seed weight was affected by both maturity group and plant density for both planting dates, while row width only had an effect during the late planting date. Hundred-seed weight was considerably higher during the early/normal planting date compared to the late planting date. Grain yield was mostly affected by maturity group during the early/normal planting date, while row width also had an effect. During the late planting date grain yield was affected by maturity group, plant density and row width. Grain yield was considerably higher during the early/normal planting date compared to the late planting date. It can therefore be concluded that maturity group and planting dates have a great effect on grain yield. The grain yield of a late planting date is considerably lower compared to early/normal planting dates. Plant density also affects grain yield, but the effect is not as profound for an early/normal planting date, while for a late planting date the effect is greater with grain yield increasing slightly with increased plant density. Grain yield is also affected by row width with narrower rows producing greater grain yields compared to wider rows.Protein Research Foundation (PRF)Oilseeds Advisory Committee (OAC)University of the Free State (UFS
The repurposing of anti-malarial as anti-cryptococcal drugs
No full textThe safety and effectiveness of anti-fungal medicines are paramount to controlling the growth of pathogenic fungi. Following the isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans and documenting evidence that it as an aetiological agent of an often-deadly inflammatory condition of the brain, more so in people with immunosuppressive conditions, the quest to find alternative (including complementary) medicines has continued until now. The major shortcoming that is associated with the currently used anti-fungal medicines, i.e. fluconazole and amphotericin B, in South Africa, is clinical failure. This, in turn, has led to increased mortality. With the thesis, it was aimed to understand the response of cryptococcal cells towards antimalarial drugs, CQ and PQ. In chapter 2 it was illustrated that cryptococcal cells are sensitive to light inactivation following exposure to a germicidal UV light (UVC) in the presence of CQ and PQ (both used as photosensitisers) as well as ambient air. The yielded photolytic products targeted the membranes that, in turn, led to cell death. Moreover, the treatment of internalised cryptococcal cells led to their increased sensitivity towards macrophage phagocytosis killing. Chapter 3 highlighted the importance of PQ in controlling the growth of cryptococcal cells. The data revealed that PQ targeted cryptococcal mitochondria, an important organelle of this organisms. Given the dependence of the organism on this organelle to produce energy to sustain it, its impaired resulted in cells being vulnerable and subsequently dying. The drug also enhanced the macrophages’ phagocytosis efficiency to kill internalised cryptococcal cells. Chapter 4 considered using a lipophilic-based medium to deliver CQ, in an attempt to control of disseminated infection. The prepared TPGS-CQ micelle was then used in an in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) model, set up using a transwell plate, to control cryptococcal cells. While the micelle was not efficient in delivering the CQ, the minimal amounts that were delivered were sufficient to significantly control the growth of cryptococcal cells. Based on these findings, it is clear that there is merit in considering CQ and PQ in the management of cryptococcal cells. The drugs could be used to complement the currently used antifungal drugs in combined therapy to establish synergism. The latter would imply that minimal concentrations would be required – thus, minimise chances to manifesting side effects. Moreover, in vivo studies ought to be conducted. These would be important in the establishment of their safety profiles and effectiveness a complex, eukaryotic animal like rats. To date, there are reports that highlight limitations concerning the clinical use of these drugs. These include patients underlying heart conditions as well as those with glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, an enzyme that helps protect red blood cells from damage. To this end, rats with such defects can also be included in such studies for referencing purposes.National Research Foundatio
Discovering the Karoo: the genius loci of Compassberg, Nieu-Bethesda: Plant Research Centre and Landscape Interpretation Centre
No full textThis dissertation is a proposal for a Landscape Interpretation Centre and Plant Research Centre at Compassberg in Nieu-Bethesda, Eastern Cape. The aim of the project is to assist the South African Centre of Social Science Research (CSSR) in protecting and researching the Karoo's biodiversity. In doing so, the project also aims to highlight the unique fauna and flora found at Compassberg that, for most, are undiscovered and undocumented. The focus of this dissertation came from a keen interest in the natural environment, more specifically, in the Karoo. The overarching aim of this proposal is to inspire a greater appreciation and knowledge for the natural landscape at Compassberg. To achieve this, it is necessary to consider the voice of the landscape and finding an appropriate architectural response that makes a meaningful contribution to the undiscovered layers of the Karoo. In this dissertation, the parameters of the research are set out by identifying the challenges and aims of the proposed design. A move towards exploring and grounding these aspects in research, analysis, theoretical review and interpretations was then made to conceptualise the ideas that drove the design. These concepts and formative ideas were then incorporated into an architectural design and technically documented proposal. Finally, evaluation of the dissertation was done through reflection and contemplation regarding the set challenges and aim
Enhancing the teaching and learning of mathematical geometry at a TVET college using indigenous knowledge approach
No full textThis study aimed at enhancing the teaching and learning of Mathematical Geometry through the integration of indigenous knowledge as an approach. This study defines Mathematical Geometry as a division in Mathematics concerned with shapes, their relationships, their properties and relations of point, lines, surface and the relative arrangement in various parts of the environment that enables students' spatial imagination. Indigenous knowledge is defined as the overall summation of the knowledge, language, and skills which individuals in a precise community retain and which enables them to get the most out of their surroundings. The literature indicates that Education in South Africa is customized on western values. This has contributed to many students located in the Rural Areas being unable to connect the education they receive at school and their everyday experiences. Consequently, there is a high failure rate amongst Mathematics students, as well as the apparent levels of difficulty in Mathematical Geometry. It is against this background that previous work has attempted to address these challenges, but with less success, hence this study emerged. The study intends to respond to the research question by making use of a Pilot Practical Assessment Task as a means of demonstrating how indigenous knowledge can be integrated into the teaching and learning of Mathematical Geometry through the aid of indigenous teaching aids, in particular bead work. Furthermore, the study aimed to determine challenges prevailing in the teaching and learning of MG, conducive conditions to the solution and the threats that could hinder the successful implementation of the approach. Critical Emancipatory Research coached the study while Participatory Action Research was used as a Research Methodology for generating data through Focus Group Discussion. The discussions occurred between 10 co-researchers, whereby the co-researchers were selected based on their level of experience in Mathematics using homogeneous sampling technique. It is on the basis of trying to create a link between the Geometry taught in the classroom and the students’ everyday life authenticity that the study sought to integrate indigenous knowledge in the practical application of Geometry in the classroom. The empirical data was interpreted using the six steps of thematic analysis, whereby the study revealed that, Mathematical Geometry is indeed a problem in academic institutions. Moreover, lack of resources such as indigenous teaching aids, lack of planning and lesson preparation seemed to be the main contributing factors which consequently lead to abstract presentation of Mathematical Geometry, which gives room for passive learning. In light of the challenges identified, recommendations were that lecturers should be trained to prepare lessons that incorporate indigenous knowledge, use indigenous teaching aids that will vary as per learning style and strive to use a student-centered approach timeously, particularly in contextualizing Mathematical Geometry learning, so that this concept can have relevance and meaning to indigenous students
Recharge flooding of collieries in South Africa
No full textCoal mining has been documented in South Africa as far back as 1838 and undoubtedly contributed
significantly toward the economy as well as job creation (Barnes and Vermeulen 2012).
Many mines in South Africa have changed the geology on a localized level by taking out the coal seams.
The change in geology also changed the geohydrology. The voids that are left to fill with water. Most
of that water will be groundwater, but some will be surface water and stormwater. In the
geohydrology, we talk about the recharge of a mine. The recharge is depending on several factors,
some depending on the physical mining methods and others depending on the geological setting.
Recharge and mine flooding (opencast or underground) is nothing new; it occurs in every mine from
the first day the mine was created. Recharge is a natural process; inundation is the act of intentionally
flooding of land that would otherwise remain dry. Where inundation floods a mine using a single or
multiple pumping locations, the recharge is a phenomenon that occurs over the full extent of the
mine.
Although recharge is often considered to occur equally over the full extent of the mine, this is not true.
Many factors influence the recharge, such as rainfall and rainfall intensity, surface topography, depth
of mining, geological structures, presence of subsidence, surface structures, and in case of an opencast
mine, the state of rehabilitation.
There are different ways to express recharge and is commonly defined as a volume [L³], typically m³.
Recharge rates are expressed either as a flux [L³T-1
] or as a flux density [LT-1
] (Nimmo, J.R., 2005).
Because recharge is depending on rainfall (without rainfall no recharge), the recharge is usually
expressed as a percentage of the rainfall
Counselling help-seeking behaviour among male students in a higher learning ecology
No full textIn recent times, depression, suicidal incidents, substance use and academic underachievement among young males in Nigerian tertiary institutions have increased. These stem from both an inability to cope with the daily demands of life and the failure of male students to seek appropriate help from a professional counsellor. The failure of past intervention and programme designs to facilitate help-seeking behaviour in male students accentuates the need for an innovative approach – ‘an enabling environment for male students help-seeking’ – to these problems in Nigeria. In response to the lack of research in this area, this doctoral study set out to propose a model of enabling environment strategies that can facilitate help-seeking behaviour in male students within a higher learning ecology. This study was situated within the transformative paradigm, guided by a participatory mixed method design that facilitated the co-creation of knowledge between the researcher and participants. A transformative embedded design guided the collection, analysis and interpretation of data. The quantitative phase used a questionnaire with 323 male students across faculties in a Nigerian state university. The qualitative strand engaged with multiple methods, namely, focus group discussion, semi- structured interview and photovoice, for generating data from six of the same sample, while four stakeholders were selected for semi-structured interviews, using a stakeholder sampling technique. Data in the quantitative strand was analysed using percentages, means, t-test, ANOVA and regression. For the qualitative part of the study, Atlas.ti.8 software and thematic analysis were used in data analysis. Findings from this study show that attitudes towards help-seeking are typified by masculine ideologies, a sense of spirituality and religiosity, myths and misconceptions. These are linked to self- reliance, privacy, ignorance and risk-taking. Furthermore, warm and accepting spaces, access and availability, recreational facilities and equal opportunities for both genders were identified as elements of an enabling environment for counselling help-seeking. Ten strategies for creating an enabling environment were uncovered and inputted into the designed model for enhancing male students’ help-seeking behaviour. The study provides a framework for developing an environment that would facilitate and improve the counselling help-seeking experiences and behaviour of male students
Eugène Nielen Marais: an Adlerian psychobiography
No full textPsychobiographical research has received increased interest from both national and international researchers advocating its value. South Africa has also produced a number of psychobiographical studies based on significant individuals who made important contributions, both nationally and internationally. One of these individuals is Eugéne Nielen Marais, on which this psychobiography is based. His poetry, short stories and ethological books have secured him a place as one of South Africa’s most renowned writers. He is mostly remembered as the writer of the poem Winternag (Winter’s Night), however, his ethological books and naturalistic studies have secured him international recognition. No currently existing works on Marais provided an in-depth psychological perspective of his life. It was for this reason that the researcher selected Marais, through purposive sampling, as the subject of this psychobiography with the aim of providing a psychological exploration and description of aspects of his life, against the backdrop of his socio-historical context. This was achieved by applying a single psychological theory (Adler’s theory of individual psychology) to the publicly available biographical and historical data collected on Marais, which consisted of both primary and secondary sources. The study’s primary aim was, therefore, to explore and describe Marais’s individual psychological development throughout his life. The exploratory-descriptive nature of this study, means that the objective falls within the inductive research approach. Specific methodological strategies were used in the extraction and analysis of data in this study. Alexander’s nine indicators of psychological saliency was employed to assist in the organisation and prioritisation of Marais’s biographical data. In an attempt to manage the vast amount of data available on Marais, specific questions were posed to the data, which enabled the extraction of relevant units of analysis that focused on the study objectives. A psycho-historical matrix, as proposed by Fouché, was incorporated to facilitate the data analysis of in this study. This assisted in the systematic categorisation and consistent analysis of the collected biographical data on Marais, according to the constructs of his individual psychological development, and in terms of his socio-historical contexts. Findings of the study suggested that Marais may have had an inferiority complex as represented by his dependence on morphine throughout most of his adult life. Despite this he also seemed to have had a strong social interest towards people as well as animals. This was seen his love for animals and willingness to help not only his own people but the enemy in times of war. His practises as an amateur doctor in the Waterberg region without asking for compensation also indicated his social interest towards others. The integrative and holistic approach of this study’s psychological framework enabled an extensive exploration and description of various constructs, and ensured that Marais’s life was explored against the backdrop of his socio-historical context, since Adler’s theory highlights the impact of one’s cultural, historical and political environment on one’s development and intrapsychic processes. In addition to contributing to the body of knowledge on Marais and to the framework of Adler’s theory of individual psychology, this study also contributed to the educational objectives in psychobiography
Evaluation of the cerclage cable force
No full textINTRODUCTION: Cerclage cable systems are manufactured by different companies to assist in fracture reduction and fixation; their usefulness extends to various specialties, including trauma, tumour surgery and arthroplasty, especially in revision total hip replacements. Two types of systems exist, namely, monofilament and multifilament systems. Multifilament cables grip systems are reported to have good outcomes; however, these attractive fixation devices are not without complications, with a reported failure rate that ranges from 27% to 44%. Loosening is one the modes of failure that can occur intraoperatively, after clamp fixation, or postoperatively because of micro motion and displacement caused by soft tissue interposition and bone resorption. The aim of this study is to determine whether the initial force that is applied to the cylindrical structure reflects the value of the force indicated by the manufacturer of the tensioning device. METHOD: This is a descriptive study that was undertaken during January 2020 at the University of the Free State, Universitas Academic Hospital’s Department of Orthopaedics. A measuring device was manufactured to measure the true force exerted by the cable systems. The researcher used five different cerclage cable systems from different companies in order to evaluate the forces exerted by these systems. The measuring device had a cylindrical structure to which these forces we applied at four different sites. The force applied was measured and compared to the forces indicated by the manufacturer of the tensioning device. These values were recorded on the data collection sheet.RESULTS: Out of the five cable systems evaluated, only one cable system indicated the correct force at all four different sites. However the other four cable systems reflected higher forces on the tensioning device when the true measured forces were lower. Retensioning the cables more than twice caused fraying of the cables. CONCLUSION: The force applied to the bone by the cerclage cable system is not a true reflection of the force indicated by the manufacturer of the tensioning device. Cables should not be retensioned more than twice as this may cause fraying and lead to failure of the implant
PIM 3 predicted mortality compared to the observed mortality rate for patients in the PICU in Universitas Academic Hospital, segregated into four physico-chemical aspects for acid-base disturbances
No full textBackground: The PIM 3 score is widely used in PICU’s, to monitor the quality of care of patients. The reason for this study is to compare the mortality rate for the PICU at Universitas Academic Hospital with the PIM 3 predicted mortality rate and like previous studies to see if there is any association between mortality and the magnitude or nature of the metabolic acidosis. Objective: The primary objective is to determine the SMR for the PICU at Universitas Academic Hospital for the period 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2018 and the secondary objective, to determine the association between mortality and the different variable for D.A. Story’s four equations for the base excess (BESID, BELact, BEAlb and BEOI). Method: It was a retrospective cross-sectional chart review of all patients, between 0 and 156 months of age, admitted from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2018. The data used was obtained from the statistics kept in the PICU, patient’s files and NHLS Trackcare system. The data was analysed by the Department of Biostatistics at the University of the Free State and Fisher’s Exact Test was applied to the data to determine if there is any statistical significance. Results: 711 patients were admitted. 12 were excluded due to their ages being more than 156 months. 251 patient files had complete bloodgas information. There were 74 deaths (10.9%) in the PICU during this period. The SMR was calculated as 1.5. Among patients with complete data, an association was noted between mortality and increasing PIM 3 risk score (p-value of 0.0001). Hyperlactataemia (>2 mmol/L) and hyperchloraemia (above 120 mmol/L), had a strong association with mortality with p-values of 0.0041 and 0.013 respectively. Conclusion: The observed mortality rate was higher than the predicted mortality rate according to the PIM 3 score. The study also concluded that mortality is not associated with the magnitude of the metabolic acidosis, but rather the nature (Hyperlactataemnia and hyperchloraemia) of the acidosis