2149 research outputs found
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Perceptions of the stereotypical Clicks online advertisement among female consumers.
No full textSubmitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree, Master of Management Strategic Communication in the Department of Integrated Communication, Faculty of Humanities, at the Tshwane University of Technology.Background: The psychological impact of advertising on women's self-perceptions has been a topic of discussion and investigation for a long time. Femvertising campaigns that aim to promote body positivity have drawn a lot of notice and praise. Despite the promising potential of femvertising, some traditional advertising, which often portrays femininity in idealized and stereotypical ways, is still associated with negative psychological effects like increased body dissatisfaction and self-objectification.
Objectives: Therefore, the search aimed to investigate the perceptions of female consumers on the 2020 stereotypical TRESemmé Shampoo advertisement message on the CLICKS online advertisement.
Method: The study was qualitative in nature and a case study design was followed. Focus group interviews were used to collect data from 36 purposively selected female consumers. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data.
Results: The findings of the study demonstrated that the CLICKS stereotypical online advertisement's context did not satisfy the Black female consumers. Additionally, the results showed that the advertisement was linked to racism by the female consumers. Because Black women's hair was perceived as unmanageable because of its natural appearance, the female consumers further connected the advertisement to stereotyping
Optimization of topological reconfiguration by transmission line switching for damping inter-area oscillations in power systems.
No full textIntentional grid topology change is sometimes used in power system operations to control voltages, improve the net transfer capacities, and even to boost system reliability. As a consequence of topological change by transmission line switching, the power system may be subjected to inter-area oscillations which could impair system integrity in terms of small signal instability. This study has employed quadratic eigenvalue analysis to confirm that topological reconfiguration through transmission line switching can be used to control system voltages especially during high voltage regimes. It has further confirmed that topological reconfiguration when implemented without consideration of system stability, results in inter-area oscillations or in worst cases, in actual instability. This work has therefore proposed a method which uses multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm to optimize implementation of topological reconfiguration during voltage control to avoid inter-area oscillatory instability. In this proposed method, the optimization algorithm specifies which lines are to be switched off but at the same time improves small signal stability in the whole network. The proposed method has been tested in the IEEE 30-bus, IEEE 39-bus, and IEEE 68-bus models. The results indicate that when an optimized transmission switching is implemented, small signal stability is improved alongside voltage control and can save power system operators from relying on intuition which is prone to human errors as they make operational decisions
Fire performance of high-density polyethylene sheets protected by a coating of plasticized polyvinyl chloride/ modified-vermiculite.
No full textTreatment of Palabora vermiculite with ammonium chloride or ammonium nitrate solutions caused the collapse of its structure, resulting in a reduction of the exfoliation onset temperature by more than 200 degree C. It is speculated that ammonium ions enter the hydrobiotite galleries as guest ions, partially replacing the hydration water associated with the magnesium ions. The effectiveness of various modified vermiculite flakes as flame-retardant fillers was evaluated in laminates of high-density polyethylene and plasticized polyvinyl chloride/vermiculite-modified composites. The laminates comprised a high-density polyethylene sheet coated with polyvinyl chloride plasticized with 100 phr of a phosphate ester and filled with 40 phr vermiculite. Cone calorimetry results, measured at a radiant flux of 35 kW m22, revealed that copper-ion modified vermiculite was the most effective flame-retardant additive. Laminates coated with polyvinyl chloride containing copper-ion-modified vermiculite exhibited a significantly reduced peak heat release rate of 64kW/m2, compared to 677kW/m2 for uncoated high-density polyethylene, demonstrating the potential of polyvinyl chloride–based flame-retardant coatings incorporating copper-ion-modified vermiculite for polyethylene
Translanguaging in Mathematics and Life Skills classrooms in the foundation phase schools in Mopani District: A case study of Khelovedu dialect.
No full textBackground: The usage of dialects in South African classrooms is prohibited, and this puts dialectal learners at a disadvantage. To address challenges faced by dialectal learners, this article explores the use of Khelovedu as a dialect through the translingual approach.
Aim: The article aims to explore the instances of translanguaging in the Foundation Phase (FP) classrooms during Mathematics and Life Skills lessons.
Setting: This study was carried out at a rural primary school in Mopani district, Limpopo province, South Africa.
Methods: This study employed a qualitative approach with a case study design, utilising a purposive sample of four FP teachers and 129 learners for data collection. The data were collected through classroom observations and analysed using content analysis.
Results: The findings revealed that FP teachers used the Khelovedu dialect through the translingual approach to teach Mathematics and Life Skills. The findings suggest that incorporating dialects in the classroom provides more advantages than disadvantages.
Conclusion: This article concludes that the usage of dialects in the classroom benefits learners optimally. It is therefore recommended that teachers and the Department of Basic Education adopt the translingual approach as a tool to accomplish communicative goals and to enhance learners’ understanding.
Contribution: Using the translanguaging theory, this article framed dialects such as Khelovedu as a valuable resource rather than an interference in learning. This article therefore contributes towards the formulation of policies that permit the usage of dialects in education
Models utilised in phytomedicine research for components of metabolic syndrome: A critical assessment of South African studies.
No full textMetabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial disorder that predisposes individuals to cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The growing prevalence of MetS in South Africa, as well as the demand for safer and more affordable treatment options, has led to an increase in the use of herbal remedies. Significant advances on medicinal plant research in South Africa have been made and this review highlights the progress on phytomedicine interventions targeted at treating MetS, outlining the models used, biomarkers assessed, instrumentation, toxicity testing, and the extent of compliance with ethical regulations. A bibliometrics analysis was conducted on 432 articles published between 1996 and 2022, sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. A steady increase in publication output was observed over the years, and the Journal of Ethnopharmacology and the South African Journal of Botany emerged as leading platforms for publishing majority of the research. Diabetes and obesity were the primary focus and both in vivo and in vitro models were used in the research. Research on cardiovascular and liver-related complications mainly employed in vivo models, while studies on pain and inflammation relied more on in vitro systems. Blood glucose was the most used biomarker in diabetes-related studies. In obesity and dyslipidaemia studies, lipid profiles and body weight were frequently assessed. Blood pressure was a significant parameter in cardiovascular studies, while alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was commonly used for liver function. Pain and inflammation studies used prostaglandin synthesis and cyclooxygenase inhibition as biological markers. Although many studies reported on the use of positive controls, a significant number did not include control groups. Furthermore, toxicity studies were not sufficiently detailed, highlighting the need for more comprehensive safety evaluations. Future research should include a wider range of experimental models, investigate more biomarkers and advanced techniques, and prioritise clinical trials, while maintaining ethical standards
Evaluating the dynamics of fee-free higher education in South Africa: A causal loop diagram approach.
No full textThis research investigated the dynamics of fee-free higher education in South Africa, analysing the interplay of socioeconomic, political, and institutional factors to elucidate the complexities surrounding its implementation and impact. Using a causal loop diagram approach (CLD), the study aims to identify key factors to effective implementation, how they interact to shape the outcome of the policy, and actionable strategies to address the challenges hindering the policy sustainability
Effect of Porosity and pore size on the corrosion and compression behavior of biomedical porous titanium fabricated via space holder technique with spark plasma sintering
No full textTitanium alloys’ exceptional mechanical qualities, remarkable corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility have made them popular choices for use as metallic materials in medical applications. Since solid titanium alloys have a larger elastic modulus than real human bones, porous titanium alloys are used in place of solid titanium alloys to get results that are comparable to those of human bones and meet orthopedic requirements. In this work, porous titanium was fabricated using powder metallurgy processes to study the effects of porosity and pore size on the compressive strength and electrochemical response.
To obtain foams with varying pore features, the content of NaCl was varied between 0 and 80 vol%. Furthermore, NaCl particles of varying sizes between 100 and 600 μm were employed. Subsequently, specimens underwent preparations for Manalysis using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to examine the microstructure. Additionally, 3D X-ray micro-CT scanning was used to provide detailed information on the foam porosities. The pore size of the sample affects its corrosion resistance against the 0.9-wt%. NaCl solution and the lowest corrosion rate were recorded with the sample having the finest pores. Instead, with compressive strength the trend goes the other way round, i.e., strength increases with pore size. As expected, the compressive strength of the porous titanium was found to be showing a linear relationship with porosity
Photocatalytic removal of eosin yellow dye in wastewater using silver-nickel oxide modified zinc oxide (Ag-NiO/ZnO) nanocomposite.
No full textThe growing discharge of synthetic dyes from industrial sources poses significant threats to aquatic ecosystems and human health. Among these, eosin yellow is particularly persistent and resistant to conventional treatment methods. In this study, a silver–nickel oxide-modified zinc oxide (Ag–NiO/ZnO) nanocomposite was synthesized via a simple one-pot hydrothermal method and evaluated for visible light-driven photocatalytic degradation of EY. Optical analysis using Tauc plots revealed a progressive narrowing of the band gap from 3.16 eV (ZnO) to 2.93 eV (NiO/ZnO) and 2.77 eV (Ag–NiO/ZnO), enabling enhanced visible light absorption. The Ag–NiO/ZnO photocatalyst achieved 95.0 ± 1.5 % degradation of EY within 60 min, with a pseudo-first-order rate constant of 1.6 × 10⁻² min⁻¹ , significantly outperforming pristine ZnO and NiO/ZnO. Enhanced activity is attributed to improved light harvesting, efficient charge separation via p–n heterojunctions, and plasmonic effects of Ag nanoparticles. Radical scavenger tests confirmed the dominance of hydroxyl and superoxide species in the degradation mechanism. These findings position Ag–NiO/ZnO as a cost-effective and scalable material for visible-light-assisted photocatalytic wastewater treatment
Impact of climate change on informal street vendors: A systematic review to help South Africa and other nations (2015–2024)
No full textClimate change poses significant challenges to informal street vendors, particularly in urban settings where they operate in vulnerable environments. These challenges include economic instability, health risks, and sociopolitical exclusion, which are further exacerbated by extreme weather events and inadequate policy support. This review focuses on understanding these impacts by synthesizing lessons and exploring potential solutions from South Africa and other regions that could be implemented by governments and street vendors. A systematic review was conducted, following PRISMA guidelines, to synthesize findings from 48 studies published between 2015 and 2024. This review employed qualitative and quantitative analysis using thematic coding in ATLAS.ti and Microsoft Excel version 2024. Comparative analyses across regions and time periods were conducted to identify differences in impacts and adaptation strategies. Among the 48 studies, 52% were conducted in Africa and 50% in Asia, making these the most frequently represented regions in research on climate change and informal street vendors. Most of the publications were between 2021 and 2024 (52%). This review further highlights that climate change has led to significant economic losses, reduced working hours, and increased operational costs for informal vendors. Health impacts, such as respiratory illnesses and heat stress, are prevalent, particularly among vendors exposed to air pollution and extreme temperatures. Gender-specific vulnerabilities were noted, with women facing compounded challenges due to caregiving responsibilities and inadequate access to sanitation facilities. While Asian vendors have adopted technological solutions like mobile payment systems and cooling devices, these may not be currently feasible for South African vendors. Instead, tailored interventions that consider the local context and available resources are necessary to effectively support South African street vendors. Key recommendations include integrating vendors into urban resilience planning such as encouraging the use of cleaner and more sustainable transportation, improving access to healthcare, and providing financial support. Additionally, governments and communities should pilot the solutions identified in this review and publish their findings to inform future policies and practices
Novel technologies for CO2 conversion to renewable fuels, chemicals, and value‑added products.
No full textPopulation growth, urbanization, industrialization, and increased socioeconomic activities have escalated carbon dioxide (CO2) formation and concentration in the atmosphere. Increased generation and release of CO2 into the atmosphere exacerbates global warming and impedes environmental sustainability. One of the strategies to combat the unpleasant impact of CO2 in the atmosphere is the conversion of CO2 into useful products. This study reviews the benefits, drawbacks, and recommendations for effectively utilizing conventional, hybrid, and novel technologies for converting CO2 into energy and chemical products. The deficiencies noticed with chemical, thermal, biological, and catalytic CO2 conversion technologies (CTs) necessitated the use of hybrid conversion technologies such as biochemical, electrochemical, photocatalytic, and plasma chemical. The study posits that the development and deployment of novel CO2 CTs like bio electrochemical, photo-electrochemical, and artificial photosynthesis will advance the research domain and revolutionize product formation. The transformation of CO2 into renewable fuels such as methane, syngas, and C2 fuels and chemical products such as methanol, formic acid, dimethyl carbonate, oxygenates, formaldehyde, and hydrocarbons is, ecofriendly, reduces air pollution, mitigates climate change, supports energy security, and provides valuable feedstocks
for industries. The study recommends optimization of process parameters and reactor design configurations, increased funding, provision of regulatory framework and support, and partnerships among academia, industry players, and government agencies to achieve cost reduction, reduce environmental impacts, and combat drawbacks associated with CO2 CTs