11613 research outputs found
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Bioflocculant produced by Bacillus velezensis and its potential application in brewery wastewater treatment
No full textScientific Reports (2022) 12:10945This study was designed to evaluate the potential of bioflocculant producing strains isolated from wastewater sludge. According to the Plackett–Burman design, the response surface revealed glucose, magnesium sulfate, and ammonium sulfate as critical media components of the nutritional source, whereas the central composite design affirmed an optimum concentration of the critical nutritional source as 16.0 g/l (glucose), 3.5 g/l magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO4.7H2O), and 1.6 g/lammonium sulfate ( (NH4)2SO4), yielding an optimal flocculation activity of 96.8%. Fourier Transformer Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl and methoxyl in the structure of the bioflocculant. Additionally, chemical analysis affirmed the presence of mainly a polysaccharide in the main backbone of the purified bioflocculant with no detection of protein. Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis affirmed the presence of chlorine, phosphorous, oxygen and chlorine as representatives of elemental composition. Thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis revealed over 60% weight was retained at a temperature range of 700 °C. The purified bioflocculant remarkably removed chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand and turbidity in brewery wastewater. This study suggested that the bioflocculant might be an alternate candidate for wastewater treatment.Publisher's versio
Towards a framework for education policy implementation in the Lesotho education sector
No full textPolicies are developed as mechanisms that address and solve specific societal problems when implemented. Although education policies are developed and implemented to address education-related issues, they are often not considered to be scientific. This may be because education policy implementation is a complex exercise, although it is an essential precondition of schools, academic institutions, and global education systems. Policy implementation is an essential phase in the policy process, which denotes the realisation of policy directives. Even the best-developed policies have no impact if they are not implemented successfully. This study seeks to answer the question: What framework can be developed to enhance education policy implementation in the Lesotho education sector? I used the constructivist paradigm and complexity theory as the primary lens for framing this study in addressing this question. I also adopted a qualitative approach, coupled with a literature review, semi-structured interviews and document analysis. The purpose of the latter was to establish the context within which education policy implementation occurs in general, and in Lesotho specifically. I conducted semi-structured interviews with participants comprising two members of the Education Planning Unit, two members of the Education Teaching Council, two school secretaries, two executive committee members of teacher trade unions, three school principals, three school teachers, two members from different NGOs, two members from print media and two members from audio media. The aim of these interviews was to determine their experiences regarding education policy implementation in the Lesotho education sector. The study's main finding is that education policies are not effectively implemented in the Lesotho education sector. The reasons for this include factors such as politics, stakeholder engagement and policy dissemination, amongst others. The implication of poor policy implementation in Lesotho education, is that policies then cannot solve the problems they were formulated to address. To ensure effective policy implementation in the Lesotho education sector, the study develops a framework meant to enhance policy implementation in the Lesotho education sector
A communication strategy to foster social cohesion in a higher education institution
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Higher Education Studies))--University of the Free State, 2022The aim of the study is to design a communication strategy to foster social cohesion in a higher education institution. Bricolage is the theoretical framework/lens through which I view and approach this study. The reason is institutions of higher learning have over the decades become communities of diversities of culture, religion and various other aspects of human life. Literature Reviewed include that of the two main disciplines in the title namely Communication and Social Cohesion. Because Communication deals largely with behavioural factors, the study dictates a review/exploration of both main legs namely Verbal and Nonverbal Communication. That is followed by literature regarding the three pillars of Social Cohesion, namely Social Capital, Social Inclusion and Social Mobility. Main objectives of the study include challenges, solutions, conditions, threats and indicators of success. Three countries are discussed based on their experiences relating to such objectives namely Britain, Kenya and South Africa by focusing on their political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal environments. Habermas’ Communicative (Participatory) Action is used in methodology, with focus group interviews and participant observation to collect data amongst community members of the University of the Free State. Analysis includes a SWOT Analysis, Critical Discourse Analysis and Nonverbal Communication Analysis, which provide components/answers for the intended communication strategy for social cohesion. Based on the theoretical framework, literature reviewed, data collected, analysis, findings and discussion thereof, a conclusion is reached, which informs the recommendations for the type of communication strategy suitable to foster social cohesion in the University of the Free State. The study therefore concludes and recommends a communication strategy based on based on the principles of Ubuntu with Participatory Development Communication as its bloodline that infiltrates all its veins for its survival
Prefeasibility study for managed aquifer recharge within the Greater Kruger National Park, Limpopo province, South Africa
No full textThe Greater Kruger National Park (GKNP) is located in South Africa, which is a relatively dry country and among the 20 most water-scarce countries in the world. Two study sites for a prefeasibility study are situated along the western borders of the GKNP, located within the private game park boundaries of Olifants West Nature Reserve (Balule) and Timbavati Game Reserve (Motswari), north of Hoedspruit. Warm summer with seasonal rainfall on hot afternoons and winters that are mild and dry with almost no rainfall characterises the climate of the study areas. Except for Water Research Commission (WRC) reports and selected geological reports on regional geology surrounding the study areas, few hydrogeological studies have been conducted in the study areas. This dissertation investigates the prefeasibility of progressing to a full feasibility study for Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) through a combination of literature investigations and diagnosis of multiple field visits to collect hydrogeological information within the study areas. National guidelines on MAR have been consulted throughout the dissertation and study to guide the investigation on the potential for success to feasibility within the study area for MAR. The study involved an in-depth hydrocensus of both study sites to identify all possible boreholes, as well as establish a monitoring network of selected boreholes to monitor the effect of regional groundwater use on the hydrogeological setting. Geochemical analysis was conducted on both groundwater sites and surface water sites to class the water quality against water types and drinking water guidelines for usage within communities and game reserves/lodges. Geophysical surveys and available literature were assessed to characterise the hydrogeological flow regimes within the study areas, to develop a conceptual model for further understanding of the study areas hydrogeology, as well as to complete specific elements of a prefeasibility study check-list. In accordance with the prefeasibility check-list, many aspects were investigated to determine the success and need for a MAR scheme. Water level monitoring of selected boreholes indicated that over a period of two-and-a-half years, an overall decrease in the water table for boreholes at a higher elevation. This decrease in water level indicated that the aquifer is dewatering as a result of either below average annual rainfall recharge or over-abstraction of groundwater users of the aquifer. Chemistry results of groundwater and surface water sites indicated that the surface water (or source water) is much more desirable than the groundwater, which is typically characterised by elevated electrical conductivity (EC), fluoride (F) and nitrate (NO3) across both study sites. Surface water was more ideal and only displayed elevated aluminium. Through geophysical methods and literature studies, potential MAR sites were identified for both study areas, whereby an Aquifer Storage Transfer and Recovery (ASTR) method can be implemented for recharging groundwater into dolerite dykes and mapped lineaments, upgradient of abstraction boreholes to increase water security and improve the natural groundwater quality setting. MAR schemes are initially more expensive to establish than conventional methods such as water treatment facilities, however, the annual operating expenses are much lower and can see a faster return on investment than treatment options. The MAR method proposed is non-invasive and opportunistic for flood water runoff from within drainage channels, whereby potential groundwater zones of MAR correlate to. It is recommended that this dissertation complete the purpose of a prefeasibility study and precedes a feasibility study in the future
Interaction with The Good Ancestor
No full textThe Good Ancestor is a call to arms for an overthrow of an outmoded system and the rise of a radical
new order. Drawing at times on metaphors of the liberation of oppressed colonised people, it draws our attention to the latent oppression of the people of the future. These, our descendants, must bear the brunt of the current culture of consumerism – that happily squanders the resources and health of the future, in pursuit of short-term profits and single use pleasures. Like No One is Too Small to make a Difference by Gretta Thunberg it is an unapologetic wake-up call.Publisher's versio
Exploring common algebraic expression challenges in a Grade 10 mathematics classroom
No full textDissertation (M.Ed.(Mathematics Education))--University of the Free State, 2022The purpose of the study was to explore the common algebraic expression challenges in a mathematics classroom and to suggest the best practices or solutions to address these challenges. The study was qualitative in nature, underpinned by a Critical Emancipatory Research (CER) research paradigm. An Action Research (AR) design was adopted as a research design. Data were collected from a team of two mathematics teachers with experience of more than ten years of teaching mathematics in the FET-phase, and 43 Grade 10 learners in one of the high schools in Motheo District. The lesson observations and focus group discussions were used as the primary data collection instruments. Data were generated through active engagement and discussion among the participants using the Free Attitude Interview technique (FAI). Data were analysed by using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six stages of thematic analysis technique. The findings revealed the following common algebraic expressions challenges and teaching issues pertaining to Grade 10 mathematics; Gap between algebra and arithmetic, Inability to represent word expression in algebraic format, Teachers’ lack of pedagogical knowledge, Teachers’ inability to explain algebraic concepts in-depth, Learners’ inability to manipulate algebraic expressions and Improper use of mathematical vocabulary/expression to mention a few. The study revealed these challenges as sources of difficulty for learning and teaching algebraic expressions in Grade 10. The study thus advocates for the need for knowledge acquisition of these common challenges and awareness thereof, in order for teachers to successfully teach the algebraic expressions
Academic resilience of children who overcome adversity
No full textThesis(Ph.D.(Child Psychology))--University of the Free State, 2022Children in South Africa walk a fragile path to adulthood. This sentiment by UNICEF in 2012 remains relevant for children in the country a decade later. Youth face a myriad of threats to development. Despite many children succumbing to such risks, some children bounce back from adversities to foster resilient outcomes. This qualitative, multiple case study research aimed to explore how children navigate, negotiate, and engage with their social ecologies to overcome adversity and demonstrate academic resilience. Four adolescent participants were purposefully selected from East London schools in the Eastern Cape.
These learners were identified by their school ecologies as having achieved positive academic outcomes despite experiences of significant adversity. The social ecology of resilience framework (SERT) was used to conceptualise the study. Multiple data collection sources were used, contributing to the descriptive and explanatory analyses of the data. Five phases of analytical data analysis aligned with case study research were employed to uncover contextually relevant themes of resilience building. The case studies yielded rich and detailed information on the biological vulnerabilities, challenging social and physical environments, specific negative life events and compound socio-demographic risks experienced by these children, the personal, relational, structural, and spiritual/cultural resilience enablers in their ecologies, and the processes by which these children identified and used these enablers across their social ecologies.
This study contributed to theory building for SERT as a framework for understanding how children transact resources and opportunities within their social ecologies in culturally and contextually meaningful ways. The strengths, implications and limitations of the study are indicated, and recommendations are offered
Sustainable wood harvesting principles with the aim to restore rangeland in the Thornbush Savanna of Namibia
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Grassland Science))--University of the Free State, 2022The savannas of northern Namibia are prone to woody plant thickening, and land owners, therefore, attempt to restore rangelands through the removal of some or all of the woody plants with a view to reduce the negative competition interactions with the herbaceous layer, allowing an increase in the grazing capacity for livestock. The utilization of the bush resource made available through these bush control programs has led to the development of a lucrative bush value-chain industry which often leads to the over-exploitation of the resource for short-term financial gains.
The effect of the most common harvesting practices such as non-selective and selective woody biomass harvesting was investigated over a three-year period in an area northwest of Otjiwarongo, described as the North-central plateau of Namibia and with vegetation classified as Thornbush Savanna. The dominant woody plant species were Senegalia mellifera and Vachellia reficiens. They are also the most sought-after species for charcoal production for their high wood yield potential, and for this reason they are also the species of interest in this study. The coppicing ability, survival, change in woody species composition, woody plant recruitment through coppice and/or sapling establishment, rate of biomass production, effect of annual total coppice defoliation on coppice regrowth survival of selected species, and growth rates and mortalities of woody plants were studied. The trail layout consisted of plots of 50 x 30 m (1 500m²) with at least two replications of each treatment. The non-selective (bush-roller and chainsaw) harvesting showed no significant differences (P>0.05) in coppice regrowth of Senegalia mellifera and Vachellia reficiens. However, although not significant (P>0.05), the chainsaw harvested plots had higher coppice rates when considering all other woody species whereas, bush-roller harvested plots had a higher sapling establishment as compared to the chainsaw harvested plots. Dichrostachys cinerea was the only species that had a highly significant (P=0.002) increase in sapling establishment. There was a change in dominance from high wood-potential (mostly S. mellifera, V. reficiens, Vachellia tortilis, V. hebeclada) to low wood-potential (mostly all Grewia species, D. cinerea, Catophractes alexandrii) species. The ETTE ha⁻¹ is projected to return to its original pre-harvest state in less than 12 years, whereas the wood biomass did not show any signs of returning to its original pre-harvest state.
Annual total defoliation of coppice proved to be effective for the control of coppicing woody plants without the need for any chemical treatment (arboricide). There was a highly significant difference (P<0.01) in the rate of coppice between the two seasons (hot wet summer and cold dry winter) as treatments. Plants initially harvested in summer had a higher coppice and survival rate than plants harvested in winter. The summer harvested S. mellifera stumps coppiced more vigorously compared to V. reficiens. The winter harvested V. reficiens coppiced more vigorously compared to S. mellifera.
There were highly significant differences (P<0.001) in coppice amongst the selectively versus non-selectively harvested plots. Plants harvested selectively, while retaining 4 500 ETTE ha⁻¹, had lower coppicing rates than those where the whole area was harvested non-selectively. The high ETTE ha⁻¹ before harvesting could not be matched three years after harvesting, whereas plants ha⁻¹ in the selectively thinned plots significantly (P<0.05) exceeded the original plant density (plants ha⁻¹) before initial harvesting within three years. Mature S. mellifera woody plants had a significantly higher (P<0.001) mortality rate in the bush-thickened control plots. The mortality of V. reficiens was not as high as that of S. mellifera. Regarding shoot growth, the growth in shoot length was more pronounced than that of shoot diameter. Vachellia reficiens had a significantly higher (P=0.001) growth rate in shoot length compared to S. mellifera. Allometric regression equations were also developed from harvested undamaged Senegalia mellifera and Vachellia reficiens plants for inclusion into the BECVOL-3 model. Highly significant relationships (P<0.01) were found between the spatial canopy volume and the dependent biomass variables predicted. There were negligible differences in percentage species composition of herbaceous plants amongst the different bush control treatment plots. Although surveys in all plots confirmed a state of bush thickening as per the general rule of thumb and thus the need for some form of bush thinning, the grass dry matter production did not improve, as generally assumed, with reduced woody plant competition. The herbaceous dry matter production showed a more pronounced positive response to increased rainfall rather than bush thinning during the study period. The first year of the study had a below-average annual rainfall and the rest of the years followed with above average annual rainfall
Disposing of property upon death: contemplating the act of gestation performed with animus testandi versus a contractual disposition in terms of a valid
No full textWhile the fate of assets upon death is generally decided under the law of succession, it does not have to be. In addition to a valid will (testate succession), succession could also be governed by contract, in terms of a valid (currently either a or an antenuptial contract containing succession clauses). (Intestate succession, although a third option, is put aside for present purposes.) Both testate and contractual succession require an expression of intention in the form of a legally recognised act. The dispositive act in these two instances shares certain features. In both, the act involves a disposition of property intended to apply upon death and is obligationary. The vesting of rights in both can also only occur upon death, while assets are transferred by the appointed executor who administers the estate. Yet the essence of the dispositive act renders these two forms of succession fundamentally different. Contractual succession, with an agreement as the dispositive act, operates under the law of contract. Since the disposition is contractual, it needs to comply with the requirements for a valid contract, with as the defining form of intention. Testate succession is governed by the law of succession, with being the required intention. turns the dispositive act into an act of testation, which, in turn, renders the document in which it is embodied a will. Although this distinction seems straightforward enough, South African law is yet to reflect it. This shortcoming results in legal uncertainty, which creates new challenges in light of the court’s power of condonation. This article focuses on the different dispositive acts to shed light on the intention associated with each and, specifically, to clearly distinguish between and in a contractual disposition, and . Ultimately, a clear distinction between the intentions will enable a better understanding of the applicable act of disposition. Admittedly, the intention will probably remain central in the event of uncertainty, and the surrounding circumstances will still be decisive in determining it. However, it is suggested that an added focus on the act – assessing it in terms of its essence and associated form of intention – will make for a considerably easier investigation than a sole focus on intention.Publisher's versio
The middle remains missing: class exclusion from the urban rental market in suburban Johannesburg
No full textThere is a huge demand for housing in Johannesburg, South Africa, due to significant in-migration as well as the legacy of apartheid. Rental housing supply in Johannesburg is particularly constrained. Despite this, little is known about the formal rental market in terms of middle income access. Thus, this explorative qualitative study seeks to partially address this research gap. Results show that specific legislative constraints, namely the National Credit Act and the Prevention of Illegal Eviction and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act, have created an imbalance between the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants, driving onerous credit checks and documentary demands, all of which are inadvertently excluding individuals from the formal rental market. Thus, while race previously excluded many from the suburbs under study, class now seems to be a significant factor in terms of who can access rental property. As such, rental housing supply is to some degree artificially constrained.Publisher's versio