11613 research outputs found
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Grade 1 teachers’ knowledge and use of Information and Communication Technology in selected North-West former Model-C schools
No full textDissertation (M.Ed.(Curriculum Studies and Higher Education))--University of the Free State, 2024Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has the potential to offer positive opportunities for transforming the education sector. Research has acknowledged the use of ICT in institutions of higher learning and in secondary schools where it has contributed to the improvement of students and learners’ learning skills. Recently, many authors are convinced that ICT in Early Childhood Education (ECE) provides multiple possibilities for young children, improving their learning experiences. Therefore, the current study, conducted in selected North West former Model-C schools, explored teachers' knowledge of the use of ICT in Grade 1 classrooms. For this purpose, three former Model-C primary schools were purposively selected as research sites for this study. Participants, from each of the three different primary schools selected, were Grade 1 teachers with five or more years of experience. The study employed the qualitative method using interviews, document analysis and observation of lessons. Three Grade 1 teachers were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Following the interviews, lesson plans and Annual Teaching Plans (ATPs) were requested from teachers to further explore their knowledge of how to integrate ICT in the classroom. Grade 1 classroom observations were conducted as the last phase of data generation in each of the three schools. The data generated from interviews, document analysis and observations were combined and analysed thematically through individual and combinatory analysis procedures. The Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML) was adopted as the theoretical lens which directed the study.
From the study, three main findings were revealed. The first finding revealed that former Model-C schools did not provide Grade 1 teachers with ICT tools for integration in classrooms. Teachers used their own ICT tools such as smartphones, Bluetooth speakers and laptops. Secondly, teachers only used ICT tools for their class presentations. Finally, Grade 1 teachers in former Model-C schools have limited knowledge on the use of ICT in teaching and learning. This is because of the lack formal training regarding the use of ICT and are dependent on their self-taught knowledge. The study recommends that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) should capacitate teachers with ICT knowledge through training and continuous workshops. Furthermore, the DBE should also provide teachers with relevant ICT tools to use in their classrooms, following the training and workshops. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the Provincial Departments to support their teachers through continuous ICT trainings and workshops. It is recommended that policy makers ensure that the e-education and school-based ICT policies are made available to teachers and that they are fully implemented. The Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) should be revised to include specific guidelines on how teachers can integrate ICT into various subjects
Exploring the role of Technical Vocational Education and Training college management in utilising Learning Management Systems
No full textDissertation (M.Ed.(Education Management and Leadership))--University of the Free State, 2024This study aimed to explore the role of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college management in utilising Learning Management Systems (LMSs). A sample of 6 TVET managers was conveniently selected from a TVET college in a rural area in South Africa using a qualitative approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. For many years South African TVET Colleges have not been using Learning Management Systems to support teaching and learning. However, recently these institutions have introduced LMSs; hence, it became necessary to unpack the role of TVET College Management in utilising these systems. The TVET college management needs to fulfil their roles since it is part of their responsibilities to ensure that LMSs at these institutions are used efficiently to enhance TVET college results. Lecturers and students must be supported by management to ensure the efficient usage of the LMS. This study was underpinned by the Technology Acceptance Theory which was appropriate to evaluate the level of technology acceptance by the lecturing staff and college management. I analysed policies that have an impact in the way in which TVET colleges should function in line with the introduction of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), in addition to conducting a comparative study of LMS usage in America, Europe and Africa. A qualitative research approach was adopted to generate data from a selected sample of 6 participants from the campus management team. The findings revealed that management did not have clearly defined role-functions to support LMS at campuses, and that there were numerous challenges confronting the application of LMSs, especially that of not being fully utilised. Emanating from the findings and conclusions of this study, it is recommended that intensive support be provided for lecturers by college management including ongoing on-the-job training and availability of relevant resources to circumvent the challenges. College management needs to implement creative strategies to ensure that LMS is thoroughly and correctly implemented to yield enhanced academic results
Accuracy of patient-specific I-131 dosimetry using hybrid whole-body planar-SPECT/CT I-123 and I-131 imaging
No full text: This study aimed to assess the accuracy of patient-specific absorbed dose calculations for tumours and organs at risk in radiopharmaceutical therapy planning, utilizing hybrid planar-SPECT/CT imaging.
: Three Monte Carlo (MC) simulated digital patient phantoms were created, with time-activity data for mIBG labelled to I-123 (LEHR and ME collimators) and I-131 (HE collimator). The study assessed the accuracy of the mean absorbed doses for I-131-mIBG therapy treatment planning. Multiple planar whole-body (WB) images were simulated (between 1 to 72 h post-injection (p.i)). The geometric-mean image of the anterior and posterior WB images was calculated, with scatter and attenuation corrections applied. Time-activity curves were created for regions of interest over the liver and two tumours (diameters: 3.0 cm and 5.0 cm) in the WB images. A corresponding SPECT study was simulated at 24 h p.i and reconstructed using the OS-EM algorithm, incorporating scatter, attenuation, collimator-detector response, septal scatter and penetration corrections. MC voxel-based absorbed dose rate calculations used two image sets, (i) the activity distribution represented by the SPECT images and (ii) the activity distribution from the SPECT images distributed uniformly within the volume of interest. Mean absorbed doses were calculated considering photon and charged particle emissions, and beta emissions only. True absorbed doses were calculated by MC voxel-based dosimetry of the known activity distributions for reference.
: Considering photon and charged particle emissions, mean absorbed dose accuracies across all three radionuclide-collimator combinations of 3.8 ± 5.5% and 0.1 ± 0.9% (liver), 5.2 ± 10.0% and 4.3 ± 1.7% (3.0 cm tumour) and 15.0 ± 5.8% and 2.6 ± 0.6% (5.0 cm tumour) were obtained for image set (i) and (ii) respectively. Considering charged particle emissions, accuracies of 2.7 ± 4.1% and 5.7 ± 0.7% (liver), 3.2 ± 10.2% and 9.1 ± 1.7% (3.0 cm tumour) and 13.6 ± 5.7% and 7.0 ± 0.6% (5.0 cm tumour) were obtained for image set (i) and (ii) respectively.
: The hybrid WB planar-SPECT/CT method proved accurate for I-131-mIBG dosimetry, suggesting its potential for personalized treatment planningPublisher's versio
Completing the web: identifying sampling bias and knowledge gaps within South African spider surveys (Arachnida, Araneae)
No full textSpecies distribution datasets are fundamental for macroecological studies, although there is an overarching need to ensure that these datasets are representative of the entire community. Shortfalls, or knowledge gaps, within biodiversity datasets originate for a range of reasons, and can lead to incorrect conclusions or recommendations being drawn. Spatial scale influences the interpretations of diversity patterns and thus is an important aspect to consider. South Africa has a rich history of spider sampling and as such, it is possible to investigate the influence that scale, both spatial and taxonomic, has on the overall interpretations of how complete the spider knowledge base is in the country. To do this, we draw on curated natural history spider collections and determine how complete the spider assemblages are across twelve unique combinations of taxonomic and spatial scales. Overall, we received 121 605 usable records from seven collections, with spider records and diversity, being concentrated along the eastern and coastal regions of South Africa. We show that assemblage completeness increases with both increasing taxonomic and spatial scales, and as such, knowledge of the distribution of spider families at the biome level is largely complete. Moreover, we show that our fine-scale knowledge of spider assemblages in South Africa is relatively poor, yet we do identify, even at fine scales, assemblages in South Africa that can be considered complete. We identify under-sampled regions of the country, which in turn are congruent with the distribution of under-sampled regions found in other South African invertebrate groups. We show that the scaling of completeness can only be interpreted in one direction: as scale increases so does completeness. These findings will have important implications for spider research and conservation in South Africa, given that regions where completeness is highest correspond strongly to areas in South Africa with the highest threats to biodiversity.Publisher's versio
Evaluating the impacts of local dumping site pollution on arthropods and a quest for novel soil fungal species with potential plastic bioremediation capabilities in the Eastern region of Free State, South Africa
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Zoology))--University of the Free State, 2024Most municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills in South Africa fail to meet regulatory standards due to resource constraints in municipalities and the increasing volume of waste generated by households and local industries. Landfills are designed to contain waste and prevent leachate from contaminating the surrounding environment; however, poor management can lead to severe environmental damage and public health risks. Studies in the Free State province indicate
that most landfills are non-compliant with regulations, contributing significantly to environmental pollution. The Maluti-a-Phofung municipality, for example, faces substantial waste management challenges, with only 25% of households receiving regular refuse collection services, leading to illegal dumping and unmanaged waste sites near residential areas, heightening environmental and health risks.
Leachate from landfills contaminates soil and water, adversely affecting ecosystems and human health, and improper compaction and containment of waste is a major operational shortcoming. Ecotoxicologists assess the heavy metal concentrations to evaluate potential ecological risks in terrestrial environments and assess the impact when these concentrations are concerning. Furthermore, plastic waste, which is more resistant to degradation compared to organic matter, poses significant threats to terrestrial and aquatic life. Despite the urgency of these challenges, the environmental and health hazards of poorly managed landfills remain under-researched in South Africa. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of landfills by measuring heavy metal concentrations in soil samples from an active landfill site in Harrismith (H-landfill) and a dormant landfill site in Phuthaditjhaba (P-landfill); assess the toxicity impact of landfill soils on ground-dwelling organisms such as earthworms and collembolans through ecotoxicological tests. Both sites are in close proximity to households and are unregulated. This study also examined how these landfills impact arthropod assemblages during wet and dry seasons, as arthropods are vital bioindicators for assessing the effects of anthropogenic activities. Furthermore, the potential for bioremediation using local fungal isolates was explored.
Results showed that heavy metals, including copper (Cu), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), and chromium (Cr), exceeded permissible limits for soil, irrigation, and agricultural use. The study revealed that lead (Pb), a highly toxic element with no biological function, had concentrations above allowable limits. Ecotoxicological tests revealed that 65% of earthworms exhibited avoidance behaviour at the Harrismith landfill, indicating higher toxicity at this site,
while 80% did not avoid the Phuthaditjhaba landfill, likely due to lower heavy metal concentrations. Collembolan reproductive rates did not show significant differences between landfill and control soils, suggesting low sensitivity to sublethal toxicity. These findings underscore the environmental hazards associated with landfill contamination, particularly the presence of toxic heavy metals above permissible limits and highlight the need for restoration
efforts following landfill closure to prevent ecological and public health risks.
Arthropods were collected using pitfall traps during wet and dry seasons. Eleven arthropod taxa were recorded in landfills compared to nine in control sites, with significant representation from the orders Diptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, and Araneae. A total of 10 547 arthropods was recorded from Harrismith and Phuthaditjhaba landfills. Arthropod abundance and diversity were notably higher in landfill sites, especially during the wet season, with 9354 individuals recorded compared to 3684 in control sites. In contrast, the dry season yielded fewer individuals, with 1193 in landfills versus 788 in control sites. Dipteran families such as Muscidae, Simulidae, and Calliphoridae were more abundant in landfill sites and are known for their medical importance, indicating potential public health risks. These findings demonstrate that landfills attract arthropod families that may affect human health and suggest that waste and
pollution in landfills support diverse arthropod communities, particularly detritivores, which were less common in control sites. This study is the first to report arthropod assemblages in the landfill sites in the country. The high insect populations and the prevalence of dipteran families point to poor waste management practices and indicate the dual impact of these species as potential disease vectors and decomposers.
Eighteen fungal isolates were identified, nine of which demonstrated the ability to degrade polyethylene (PE) plastic, a common environmental pollutant. The most effective strains, viz., SP17MK, SP6MK, and SP3MK, caused over 20% weight loss in PE plastic. FTIR analysis revealed significant changes in the plastic's chemical structure, with reductions in absorption peaks at 719 and 1472 cm⁻¹, indicating degradation. Additionally, SP11INT and SP7MK were discovered for the first time as potential plastic-degrading fungi. These findings suggest that local fungal species can be utilized in waste management strategies to mitigate plastic pollution in landfill sites. Use of fungal isolates for plastic bioremediation now has a record in South Africa. The identification of fungal isolates with plastic-degrading potential offers a promising avenue for bioremediation and highlights the importance of exploring local microorganisms as part of sustainable solutions to plastic pollution. Further research is needed to optimise these fungal species for large-scale environmental applications and waste management strategies
Exploring principals’ ethical leadership practices in tackling learner-on-teacher violence
No full textDissertation (M.Ed.(Education Management and Leadership))--University of the Free State, 2024This study was about exploring the principals’ ethical leadership practices in tackling learner-on-teacher violence. The phenomenon of learner-on-teacher violence has become a global area of great concern. The frequent reports about learner-on-teacher violence have made many teachers fear for their lives and have thus affected the quality of teaching-learning processes. Section 12 of the South African Constitution stipulates that everyone has the right to be free from all forms of violence, and not to be treated or punished in a cruel, inhuman or degrading way. This legal legislation stipulates that all Government employees in the Department of Education must perform their duties fairly, with morals, and ethically. This study employed two theories the Ethical Leadership Theory and the Social Learning Theory; the ethical leadership theory provided tenets, which can be used to tackle learner-on-teacher violence, while the social learning theory provided understanding on how the learners’ behaviour of violence directed to teachers developed. A qualitative multiple case design was employed in order to explore the principals’ ethical leadership practices in tackling learner-on-teacher violence.
The study took place in two secondary schools in the eastern Free State. Purposive sampling was employed in order to select four participants, a principal and a deputy from each school. The data for this study was collected using semi-structured interviews, with the two principals and two deputy principals and their data was supported by document analysis. The data in this study was analysed through thematic data analysis, and from this data, five themes emerged. The findings revealed the challenges of ethical leadership experienced by principals in tackling learner-on-teacher violence. The findings found that when the principals are faced with learner-on-teacher violence, they involve parents, evoke the learners’ code of conduct, involve the school based support team (SBST) and other committees that can assist in this phenomenon. However, despite their strategies to curb this phenomenon of learner-on-teacher violence, they still experienced challenges such as, parents who do not want to be involved, children from child headed families, lack of support from the department of basic education (DBE), inadequate policies. The study thus recommends the building of alternative schools, learners’ code of conduct, South African school administration management system (SASAMS), quality learning and teaching campaign (QLTC) and parental involvement
Gender stereotypes and coping strategies for women in male-dominated industries. a case of the Rail Industry in Gauteng, South Africa
No full textProgress within the South African technical work environment regarding the eradication of gender stereotyping and the establishment of gender-neutral environments and gender equality in managerial positions has been disappointing. This research investigates the gender-specific challenges faced by women managers and the coping mechanisms they adopt in the male-dominated Transnet Freight Rail, South Africa. The study adopted a constructivism paradigm and utilised qualitative research framed by resilience theory. Purposive sampling was used to select 12 female managers at Transnet freight Rail Johannesburg, who participated in the study. Data collection was conducted utilising semi-structured interviews, and the data was analysed using thematic data analysis.
The study sheds light on both the advancements and ongoing obstacles experienced by female managers at Transnet Freight Rail concerning gender stereotypes. Despite the company's stated commitment to gender equity, female employees continue to face gender-based expectations and a lack of gender-sensitive facilities, such as separate restrooms. Some male colleagues may feel uncomfortable working under female authority figures, which can impede progress towards achieving workplace equity, even where policies exist. The research emphasises the importance of allocating resources and developing infrastructure to tackle these challenges, particularly in predominantly male-dominated industries. Strategies for navigating the system included embracing Affirmative Action Plans and pursuing additional education opportunities, enabling women to assert their managerial authority. While there have been notable changes in the representation of women in traditionally male-dominated positions, significant opposition remains. The study's findings highlight the importance of establishing more transparent policies and enhancing resource distribution to promote gender equality. Women continue to encounter difficulties in managing physical demands and work-life balance, especially during pregnancy, in workplaces that prioritise male employees. Recommendations to address these concerns include implementing structured mentorship programmes, establishing clear policies, and continuing with ongoing transformation initiatives
Exploration of Biko and Sankara’s political thoughts and praxis in relation to African Renaissance as a decolonial project
No full textThe condition of coloniality in Africa is endemic and continues to perpetuate the problem of dependency. Africans are grappling with the imposed conditions, which explains the enormity of the task at hand. This persistence of coloniality, and neo-colonial relations concerning Africa, and the rest of the Global South entrenches the marginality of those located in these regions. The post-colonial African existence is predicated on the continued subjection of the colonised. This situation necessitates the process of de-linking. To de-link from the colonial matrices of power means to disassociate from the imposed imperialistic relations that are skewed towards the coloniser. Against this background, this study examines the political thoughts and praxis of Biko and Sankara, to determine their contributions and commitments in advancing African Renaissance as a decolonial de-linking tool. To this end, philosophy was employed as a philosophical lens and a radical hermeneutic approach was utilised as an interpretative tool. This thesis elucidates the significance and relevance of Biko and Sankara’s political thoughts and praxis, which can be summed up in two words: Black Consciousness and authentic revolution. The former invokes that the African subject attains a critical consciousness to repudiate his/her subjection. The latter posits that a critically conscious subject is bound to seek a radical change in order to escape his/her conditionality. Furthermore, the prevailing situation dictates that a people-centric approach which is espoused by the principles and ethics of be advanced in response to the African condition. Seemingly, this people-centric approach can be read through and also reflected in Biko and Sankara’s political thought and praxis
Assessing Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) model fit for forecasting air traffic movements using log transformation: a case study on ATNS air traffic movement dataset during COVID-19 pandemic
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges to the aviation industry, significantly impacting air traffic movements (ATM). This study investigates the effectiveness of log transformation in evaluating the goodness of fit of multiple regression models in predicting ATM within the South African aviation sector. Specifically, it compares the performance of a standard Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) model with a log-transformed MRA model to determine whether log transformation enhances model accuracy and reliability.
The research explores traditional model fit assessment techniques, including R-squared (R²), Adjusted R-squared (R²adj), p-values, F-tests, residual analysis, Mean Squared Error (MSE), and normality tests such as the Shapiro-Wilk Test. Using data from Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), the study applies MRA to assess the impact of key predictors such as revenue, lockdown levels, confirmed COVID-19 cases, COVID-19-related deaths, exchange rates, GDP, and population on ATM.
Findings indicate that the standard MRA model outperforms the log-transformed model in terms of explained variance, predictive accuracy, and coefficient significance. While the log-transformed model offers slight improvements in residual normality and insights into non-linear relationships, it does not surpass the standard model in overall predictive power. As a result, the study concludes that, for practical forecasting and decision-making in air traffic management, the standard MRA model is preferable. However, future research exploring non-linear relationships may benefit more from advanced modeling techniques, such as polynomial regression or machine learning, rather than a simple log transformation
Relationship between body morphometry in Bapedi rams and sperm characteristics measured using Computer-aided Sperm Analysis
No full textRam fertility is not defined by a single trait. Quantifiable physical parameters that are correlated to fertilization capacity of sperm are required to advise farmers on ram selection activities. The objective was to investigate the relationship between body measurements and sperm traits of Bapedi rams conserved in situ and ex situ. Before semen collection and body measurements, body temperature was taken. Semen was collected from 33 rams (two ejaculates/ram weekly, with 2 d resting period, age = 2–6 y). Body weight (BW, kg), body measurements [body length, head length, head width, rump height, rump width, rump length, tail length, heart girth, and scrotal circumference (SC)]; and semen volume (ml), sperm concentration (billion/ml), and sperm motility parameters were measured using Computer-aided Semen Analysis System (CASA®). The semen pH was measured using a microprocessor pH/mV/°C meter fitted with a glass probe. Body condition scores (BCS) of the rams were recorded on a scale of 1 to 5. Data were analysed using the PROC univariate procedure of SAS. BW of Bapedi rams was 38–57 kg in all groups. There was uniformity in all body measurements of Bapedi sheep regardless of method of conservation. Body temperature during semen collection; scrotal circumference; semen volume, pH, and concentration; sperm total motility; and kinematics in Bapedi rams using both methods of conservation were similar. Strong correlations between BW, BCS, and SC with semen volume were found. Rump length positively influenced sperm normality. BW, BCS, and SC can be included in the selection criteria for improving the reproductive performance of Bapedi breeding rams. Farmers can use SC and rump length to predict semen volume and sperm normality.Publisher's versio