11613 research outputs found
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Towards a facilitation framework for effective learning and teaching for first-year students in the Building Measurement Module
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Higher Education Studies))--University of the Free State, 2024The purpose of this study is twofold. First, it aims to identify the pedagogical challenges faced by first-year students and lecturers in the building measurement module in South African universities. Second, it seeks to investigate the constructivist teaching approach, with a particular focus on the applicability of Vygotsky’s theory of sociocultural development, as a potential solution to these challenges.
As such this study employed two separate but complementary research designs. Due to the limited contextual knowledge in the learning and teaching environment of first-year students in the building measurement module, it is essential to investigate and establish the challenges they face, as there is currently very little information available on this topic. The second methodology examines and proposes a potential solution to these challenges. The chosen research designs for this study are a convergent mixed-methods approach and a case-study design.
Data collected through a baseline survey, focus-group discussions, and semi-structured interviews in the first methodology informed the case-study design. In this case study, data from pre- and post-tests, participant observations, and reflections yielded significant results. The first methodology identified various challenges faced by first-year students and lecturers in the building measurement module. These challenges were then addressed and tested in the second methodology.
The findings of the research suggest that a constructivist teaching approach, more specifically Vygotsky’s theory of sociocultural development are successful and can be applied through a facilitation framework. The value of this research study is the enhancement of first-year learning and teaching experience in Quantity Surveying Education
Exploring edamame survival mechanisms under combined drought and heat stress: photosynthesis efficiency and carbohydrate accumulation
Get PDFThe combined drought and heat (DH) stress have devastating effects on plant physiological and biochemical processes, leading to poor yield. The aims of this study were to identify the physio-biochemical mechanisms employed by edamame (Glycine max L. Merrill) for survival and to establish better performing cultivars under DH stress. The impact of DH stress on the photosynthesis efficiency and osmolytes production in three edamame cultivars (UVE14, UVE17 and AGS429) was investigated. Non-destructive measurements were performed to determine the photosynthesis attributes, while pigments, non-structural carbohydrates (starch, glucose, sucrose, trehalose) and proline were extracted and quantified spectrophotometrically. The results showed that chlorophyll a (Chl-a), Chl-b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids in AGS429 were not affected under DH stress, which corresponded to increased normalised difference vegetative index (NDVI). Positive correlations between the carotenoids and total chlorophyll contents suggest that in AGS429, prevention of chlorophyll degradation under DH stress could be attributed to the increased carotenoids because they have antioxidative function. Additionally, AGS429 and UVE14 had increased trehalose, suggesting high osmotic adjustment under DH stress. An increase in starch production maintained glucose balance in AGS429 and UVE14, demonstrating higher photosynthetic efficiency compared to UVE17. The DH stress reduced photochemical reactions and carbohydrate accumulation in UVE17. This study shows that AGS429 and UVE14 protected the photosystems and photosynthetic pigments during DH stress, which led to higher photosynthetic capacity and accumulation of carbohydrates. Thus, maintaining the photosynthesis efficiency and carbohydrate metabolism processes in the AGS429 and UVE14 were adaptation features under DH stress.Publisher's versio
Towards a conceptual framework in higher education anchored on social learning and social integration: transition, retention and graduation
No full textThe global increase in enrolment in higher education (HE) has increased the diversity of students who access HE, which poses a challenge because we have a limited understanding of the way students experience HE institutions. This paper investigates why students dropout of HE and propose preventive measures. Dropout has adverse effects on student retention, graduation rates and experiences in HE in general. This paper represents a conceptual review based on secondary data. The paper suggests implementing a triadic conceptual framework using a conceptual review for social learning and integration, coupled with intentional support strategies, to reduce attrition and enhance retention and graduation rates. Soft determinants, such as the personal context, are crucial for addressing the social aspects of student interactions in HE. Empirical research in this field has predominantly focused on addressing high attrition rates through academic integration; few strategic approaches target social learning and integration despite their suggested potential to address the personal contexts of individuals in HE.Publisher's versio
Optimising the design, implementation and evaluation of first year seminars in South African higher education: implications for evidence-based practices
No full textDissertation (M.Ed.(Higher Education Studies))--University of the Free State, 2024Globally, first-year students face many challenges as they transition into university. This is mainly because they need to adapt to a new environment, and because there is a steep increase in the volume, complexity, and variation in an undergraduate degree workload compared to high school. In addition, many South African students are underprepared for university due to inequalities in the basic education system. The variation in school quintile and access to
resources means that students entering tertiary education do not all enter on an equal footing. In response, most higher education institutions have support initiatives in place for students, in the form of First Year Experience programmes. In this study, I focus on one of these programmes – the First Year Seminar (FYS). The purpose of an FYS is to support students in their transition into university. To do so, however, it must be well-designed, well-executed,
and evaluated to measure if it has achieved what it set out to do. There is limited literature in the South African space on the design and evaluation of FYS programmes. Because these programmes are often operationally focused, there is also limited research on the use of theoretical underpinnings or conceptual frameworks in contributing to the knowledge base of FYS programmes. To address this gap, this study makes use of Transition Pedagogy and its First Year Curriculum Principles (FYCPs) as a conceptual framework to argue for the optimisation of FYS programmes by interrogating how the planning, implementation, and evaluation of such programmes can support the transition and success of first-year students. The primary research question guiding this work is: - ? , : - ? ?
The first article analyses the use of an evidence-based approach to design and evaluate an FYS. To do so, curriculum documents from the FYS at the University of the Free State (UFS) are analysed and mapped against the FYCPs for design. Key findings indicate that the nature of the FYS at the UFS – a hybrid seminar that is delivered institution-wide through its integration into the curriculum of all faculties – does meet the criteria for evaluating FYCPs. However, this investigation was also useful in determining ways to improve the design of this FYS to better support students’ transition into university. The implications of these findings are promising for the development of well-designed and evidence-based FYS programmes as core contributors to supporting first-year students’ transition into university.
The second article uses data from students’ evaluations of the FYS at the UFS over a five-year period to reflect how the evaluation of an FYS can inform successful student transitions. The FYCPs for design of a transition programme are used as a conceptual framework to map against the student-informed design of the institutional FYS, and the article draws on the pragmatic paradigm to integrate quantitative and qualitative data in this goal-oriented, applied social research study. Although previous studies have examined student evaluations of transition programmes, there has not been a strong focus on using student evaluation data to inform the design of transition programmes. As such, this study focuses on the types of questions asked in student evaluations and how that data informs the design of a transition-focused FYS. The FYCPs are used to map how the FYS addressed these principles for supporting transition. Key findings show that the design and implementation of the FYS improved each year as a result of the student evaluations and that the majority of the FYCPs were addressed. However, there is room for improvement in the consistency of the questions asked in the student evaluations, as well as the frequency at which these were conducted. These findings contribute to the
literature base of case studies in which student evaluations are used to inform the design of an evidence-based transition programme.
Ultimately, this dissertation contributes to the field by exploring the value of using datainformed approaches to the design, implementation, and evaluation of FYS programmes in South Africa, thereby impacting the transition of first-year students into higher education. Additionally, this study will add value by contributing to the literature base on transition and student success in South Africa
Experimental and theoretically calculated structural data of different iron(II)-terpyridine complexes – validation of theoretical method
No full textExperimental structural data for bis(terpyridine)iron(II) and a series of related iron(II) complexes, featuring either substituted terpyridine or tris-azinyl analogues of terpyridine, are presented and analyzed in terms of the Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) from the average experimental data for each specific complex. The experimental structural data are then juxtaposed with density functional theory (DFT) calculated data obtained using various combinations of DFT functionals and basis sets, with and without the inclusion of Grimme D3 empirical dispersion correction. These diverse computational approaches yield optimized geometries that are subsequently compared against the available experimental structural data to assess their accuracy. The aim is to identify a reliable DFT method for determining the geometries of bis(terpyridine)iron(II) and its related complexes.Publisher's versio
Rethinking chapter 3 of the basic conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997: towards an - theory
No full textThe Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997 (BCEA), gives effect to section 23 of the Constitution, which provides for the right to fair labour practices.¹ Since the enactment of the BCEA and other labour legislations such as the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 and the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, South African employees and employers enjoy a variety of labour rights. The BCEA regulates and establishes basic conditions of employment and has the duty to comply with the International Labour Organization.² Chapter 2 of the Act regulates working time including ordinary work hours, overtime work, compressed working week, averaging of hours, determination of hours of work by the minister, meal intervals, daily and weekly rest period, pay for work on Sundays, night work and public holidays.³ In the context of this research, the regulation for the minimum and maximum working hours and conditions emphasize how the Act aims at protecting workers’ rights.
Chapter 3 of the BCEA regulates ‘leave entitlements’⁴ To summarise the Chapter, section 20 provides for annual leave,⁵ section 21 regulates pay for annual leave,⁶ section 22 regulates sick leave whilst section 23 deals with proof of incapacity,⁷ section 24 regulates application to occupational accidents or diseases,⁸ section 25 regulates maternity leave, parental leave, adoption leave as well as commissioning parental leave⁹ section 26 deals with the protection of employees before and after childbirth, and lastly¹º section 27 regulates family responsibility leave.¹¹ This research focuses on Chapter 3 of the BCEA, with the aim of navigating whether Chapter 3 does not deviate from the main objectives of the BCEA as per the preamble of the Act and the stipulations of section 23(1) of the Constitution which provides for the right to fair labour practices.¹²
This research draws motivation from various sections of the Constitution that support the approach followed by the paper. For example, section 9(3) of the Constitution prohibits unfair discrimination on one or more of the mentioned grounds, which include gender, pregnancy, belief, race, language, birth and others,¹³ and section 39(1) of the Constitution, which charges courts or tribunals to consider international law when interpreting the Bill of Rights and allows them to also consider foreign law.¹⁴
The research is also motivated by novel cases such as , ,¹⁵ () ,¹⁶ () ,¹⁷ which have recently contributed to the debate on the content and interpretation of Chapter 3 of the BCEA. These and other cases will be referenced to draw an inference of the possible deviation by Chapter 3 of the BCEA.
This research finds that although the preamble of the BCEA provides for wide and generous conditions of employment to protect workers, Chapter 3 of the BCEA falls short of fulfilling the objectives of the Act. This is because through recent interpretations of Chapter 3 of the BCEA in case law, there seems to be a disconnect in relation to the letter of the law, the purpose of the law and the application of the law. Chapter 3 fails to adequately bring to life the protections envisaged by the preamble and the objectives of the Act. This then brings to the fore the question of whether Chapter 3 of the BCEA is effective in fulfilling the objectives of the Act or if there is a need for an alternative theory and approach.
Upon navigating the lacuna and shortcomings from Chapter 3 stipulations, an alternative theory is investigated. In this light, the research looks at the possibility of adopting an Ubuntu-based theory in approaching leave entitlements, founded on the values of generosity, compassion, kindness, humanity, respect, and dignity will be analysed as a feasible alternative approach.¹
Enhancing competitive strategies for Small-Scale Poultry Producers: a case study of Warrenton Super Chicken
No full textThis study examines the competitiveness of Warrenton Super Chicken, a small-scale broiler producer in South Africa, whose participation in the market faces challenges. Some of these include high input costs, competition from cheaper poultry imports, and poor market penetration. Using value chain analysis, the study identifies key strategies to enhance competitiveness. These include market differentiation, cost efficiency, vertical integration, product diversification, and partnerships. The study sample included industry stakeholders such as farm managers, employees, government officials, and customers, whose insights provided a comprehensive understanding of the producer’s operating context. A qualitative research design was used, through a purposeful sampling strategy of twelve (12) key participants. The data obtained from the interviews was analysed using thematic analysis.
The findings of the study support the recommendations that Warrenton Super Chicken in the Northern Cape, as producer can improve its business activities through a competitive strategy that includes initiatives such as targeting niche markets and leveraging vertical integration to reduce input costs. The study also highlights the need to adopt new technologies and form partnerships to expand market reach. In so doing, the producer can address the pricing threats posed by the cheap imports while adapting to price-sensitive markets. The study guides small poultry producers with a framework to initiate programmes and actions for surviving in competitive markets
Protecting the rights of children in conflict with the law in South Africa: the Law versus the Practice
No full textThesis (LL.D.(Laws in Constitutional Law and Philosophy))--University of the Free State, 2024This study examines the protection of children's rights in conflict with the law in South Africa, highlighting the discrepancies between legal provisions and practical implementation. It acknowledges that children, defined as individuals under 18, possess varying degrees of cognitive maturity and are often influenced by their environments, which may lead to unlawful behaviour. Despite constitutional guarantees and international standards aimed at safeguarding their rights, significant challenges remain in their treatment within Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs). The research explores historical contexts, the evolution of child justice policies, and the conditions faced by children in detention, emphasising the need for humane treatment and rehabilitation. It investigates the roles of various stakeholders, including Child and Youth Care Workers (CYCWs), in ensuring that children's rights are honoured and their developmental needs are met. Through a critical analysis of existing frameworks and practices, this study aims to identify gaps and propose recommendations for enhancing the protection and rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law, ultimately advocating for a more rights-based approach in the South African legal system.
South Africa's population includes a significant number of children, many of whom encounter the law. The Constitution emphasises children's rights, particularly those in conflict with the law, but implementation remains a challenge. Historical context highlights the transition from punitive measures to a focus on rehabilitation. Despite constitutional protections, many face inadequate treatment in detention settings.
CYCCs aim to rehabilitate children awaiting trial or sentencing but often fall short in providing safe environments. Issues include overcrowding and inadequate psychological support, leading to further rights violations. CYCWs play a crucial role in supporting the development of children in care. Their responsibilities include providing emotional and psychological support, but challenges persist in their training and resources. The key legislative frameworks safeguarding children’s rights include the Child Justice Act and the Children's Act, which align with international human rights standards. However, gaps exist between legislation and practice, leading to continued human rights violations
Antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance of the bacterial population in a seafood processing facility
No full textFish and fish products are recommended by international health organisations as a healthy protein option, especially for young children. However, fish is also often associated with foodborne disease outbreaks. The processing of wild caught fish in land-based factories present unique circumstances for bacterial populations to develop and change over time. Bacteria are constantly introduced into the processing environment with the raw material as well as by the staff and factory surroundings. The control of these bacteria can become increasingly difficult due to the development of resistance to disinfectants and the abundance of less effective cleaning agents on the market. Disinfectant resistance and antibiotic resistance have been shown to be linked. The possibility of foodborne pathogens that are also resistant to antibiotics and disinfectants cannot be ruled out. Pathogens that are resistant to cleaning agents may also be resistant to the human immune system which often utilises chemical principles similar to common disinfectants. Resistance genes can also spread across species and even genera. The development of cleaning strategies that can reduce bacterial loads to an acceptable level, whilst also being effective against more resistant bacteria is of crucial importance to the long-term sustainability of the food chain. In the study, a fish processing facility was used to illustrate the ability to isolate the more resistant bacteria in a facility before testing various cleaning agents against these organisms with the concept that most other bacteria would also be susceptible if the most resistant are. The cleaning agents determined to be effective, were used when developing a new cleaning protocol for the site. The cleaning program was implemented at the facility and showed a decreased bacterial load at every point tested. The study shows the application of scientific principles to improve biosecurity measures in an industrial setting, specifically in a seafood processing facility in South Africa
Survival, behavioural changes and geotaxis response of SP. Larvae (CULICIDAE) after exposure to carbaryl and pymetrozine
No full textPesticides play a crucial role in agriculture and are extensively used in developing countries to ensure food security and economic prosperity. However, as the climate is changing (rise in temperature and precipitation), the efficacy of pesticides is reduced leading to more frequent application and extensive use of pesticides causing greater adverse effects on aquatic systems. South Africa is not spared from this pesticide pollution. To mitigate the environmental effects of pesticides in South Africa, (particularly QwaQwa where many farms are situated), the least toxic pesticides such as pymetrozine (a selective “Environmental Protection Agency Reduced Risk pesticide”) should be preferably used and recommended for Integrated Pesticides Management (IPM) whereas highly toxic ones such as carbaryl should be phased out to reduce pesticide pollution and unintended death of non-target aquatic organisms. The present comparative study aimed to evaluate the effects of carbaryl and pymetrozine on the behaviour of mosquito larvae ( sp.). Mortality experiments showed that carbaryl (0, 12.50, 25, 50 and 100 µg/L) caused more mortality than pymetrozine (0, 6.25, 12. 50, 25 and 50 mg/L), and exposure to both insecticides altered the breathing, swimming and resting behaviours of the mosquito larvae. There was mortality in all tested concentrations, except for distilled water (control). The highest mortality was recorded in 100 µg/L of carbaryl. Carbaryl had an LC₅₀ of 0.028 mg/L, whereas pymetrozine generated a lethal concentration 50 (LC₅₀ of 181.950 mg/L, this proves the high toxicity of carbaryl as the LC₅₀ of carbaryl is more than 100 times smaller than that of pymetrozine. The larvae spent more time breathing in the absence of these insecticides, more time swimming in the presence of carbaryl and more time resting in the presence of pymetrozine. Moreover, these toxicants altered the geotaxis of these organisms thus compromising their fitness. The larvae predominantly displayed negative geotaxis (spent more time breathing) when exposed to both these insecticides. From these findings, it can be noted that pymetrozine was the least toxic of the two pesticides. Hence, pymetrozine can be recommended for IPM. This was supported by a systematic review of 24 years of carbaryl effects on insect behaviour. The overall results revealed that carbaryl should be phased out in favour of less toxic yet effective insecticides like pymetrozine