UCT Open Access Journals (Univ. of Cape Town)
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Engineering practices observed in South Asia
Full text linkThe development of engineering skills in Africa could be improved by learning from experiences in South Asia where research has exposed significant weaknesses in the engineering education ecosystem. Research has shown how socio-technical interactions that involve collaborations with other people dominate the work of professional engineers. In contrast to wealthy, developed countries, societies in the Global South are often characterised by complex patterns of social behaviour where perceived reputation, socio-economic status, caste, tribal identity and language strongly mediate power structures and hence collaborative performances such as engineering. In addition, several environmental factors such as the local economy and business practices, labour market, education, weak social security, low trust in strangers, climate and geography all influence the ways that engineers practice in their firms. These factors, coupled with pragmatic responses within firms, and knowledge gaps such as incomplete perceptions on labour costs, make it much harder for engineers in South Asia to generate similar levels of performance as in wealthier countries. Engineers’ salaries and the cost of engineered goods and services of equivalent performance and quality may serve as objective indicators of engineering performances. This paper concludes with suggestions for engineering educators in the Global South to help a greater proportion of engineering graduates to become competent novice engineers in local enterprises with these socio-cultural and economic complexities
A case of non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae infective endocarditis in a nine-year old child
Full text linkInvasive non-toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae infections are uncommon but increasingly being recognised as causing significant morbidity and mortality. They are non-vaccine preventable and may occur sporadically or within the context of outbreaks. Clinicians need to be aware of their potentially devastating consequences. There are limited reports from sub-Saharan Africa. We, therefore, describe a paediatric case of non-toxigenic C. diphtheriae infective endocarditis highlighting aspects relevant to infectious disease management.
 
Emerging research and publication concerns
Full text linkHonesty, transparency, and adherence to high ethical standards are essential to guide the development and execution of research projects.1 Breaches in research integrity as well as scientific misconduct are periodically reported. In one recent incident, evidence of apparent image tampering was identified in a research paper by Lesné, et al. that had been published in Nature in 2006. This paper described findings that addressed the relationship between amyloid beta-protein and memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, this paper provided support for the amyloid hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease.2 Extended investigation of this incident revealed possible data tampering concerns in more than 20 papers authored by Lesnè.3 This incident remains under investigation.  
Does a feeding nasogastric tube cause hypoxaemia?
Full text linkThe use of feeding nasogastric tube has been very beneficial in management of sick infants to ensure optimal intake but is not without untoward effects. Persistent hypoxaemia is not well known to be associated with nasogastric tube feeding. We report two cases of persistent hypoxaemia in tube-fed patients with resolution on removal. Clinicians need to have a high index of suspicion for possible association between nasogastric tube feeding and persistent hypoxaemia after excluding common causes of hypoxaemia. Regular pulse oximetry and prompt removal of the tube is recommended once patient can take considerable quantity of feeds and fluid orally.
 
Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Graduate Architects as Construction Contract Administrators (BCA)
No full textArchitects who are appointed as construction contract administrators (CCA) tend to delegate their work scope and authority to graduate architects due to the demand for building development being far more than the supply of architects in the nation. The effectiveness of graduate architects in administering the construction contract is important as it will influence the entire project’s success. Effectiveness depends on skills acquired through training and experience in CCA. Various studies have been conducted to explore the factors that are important to be considered for the effectiveness of construction contract administration but lack in the context of graduate architects. The purpose of this study is to identify factors influencing the effectiveness of graduate architects in construction contract administration and possible methods to enhance their work efficiency through developing the relevant skills in a changing construction environment. This paper identified the factors that influence the effectiveness of graduate architects in construction contract administration through quantitative methods. General skill elements that are perceived as essential for the effectiveness of CCA had been investigated through a survey of graduate architects in the construction industry. One hundred and twenty-seven (127) completed questionnaires returned were analyzed and tested using descriptive analysis and relative important index (RII). The result from the study showed that the factors influencing the effectiveness of graduate architects as CCA are building construction skills, design management skills, project management skills, soft skills, and dispute resolution skills. The contribution of this study can be utilized for developing models/tools in the future that would improve the work performance of graduate architects in construction contract administration. Educators may utilize this study to improve their syllabus to cater to the market’s demand and facilitate students’ entry into the labor market. 
Breeding range extension of Southern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicoides in Botswana
Full text linkThis paper reports the first observations of Southern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicoides breeding in the Limpopo drainage system, in Botswana, and suggests that it is likely that this species also breeds on the banks of the Limpopo River, on the South African side
Prey items of Southern Fiscal Lanius collaris in southern Namibia
Full text linkAlthough Southern Fiscals Lanius collaris are a common species in southern Namibia, we found only 18 impalements of prey items. We discuss these in relation to the species impaled, the site of impalement, the height above ground and the time of the year. We suggest that the small number of observations was due to the fact that the study period (July 2017 to June 2022) had below average rainfall, that food was therefore scarce and consumed, and that impalements events were rare
Partial leucistic Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar in Bethlehem, Free State
Full text linkA partially leucistic Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar was photographed in a residential garden in Bethlehem, Free State, on 27 March 2023
Leverage points in engineering ecosystems: student industrial secondments in East Africa
Full text linkWhile the relative shortage of engineering practitioners in Africa has been reported as a major obstacle on the road to development, a significant number of existing engineering graduates still find it difficult to find employment in engineering fields. This dichotomy may be partially explained by the inability of local industries to absorb more skilled labour; a relative deficit (real or perceived) in the competency of local graduates in the ever-advancing areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); and/or a scarcity of opportunities to hone and demonstrate their competency to employers. To address the challenge of competency deficit, this study postulated that promoting effective engineering student industrial secondment (SIS) activities can be a leverage point in the engineering ecosystem by strengthening the linkages between engineering education, practice and employability. The study surveyed the history of engineering practical training in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, complemented with a pilot study of four long-term, employment-like SIS placements in Tanzania and Rwanda. The main objective was to observe closely, trial potential models, and learn from and synthesise effective SIS experiences. The study found similarities across the countries regarding experiences with student practical training models, their challenges, and the perspectives of stakeholders. Findings also support that longer durations of SIS placements than currently practised help increase the employability of engineering students. However, in view of the small number of placements, further evidence is called for
Usage of Building Information Modelling in Quantity Surveying Firms in Nigeria
Full text linkDespite the enormous benefits of building information modelling (BIM) in the project delivery process, quantity surveying (QS) firms have the lowest level of BIM usage among other professionals in Nigeria. Also, beyond the generic importance of BIM to project delivery, in the context of developing countries, not much attention has been paid to investigating the importance that QS firms place on the benefits of BIM usage. Hence, it is necessary to assess the importance of BIM usage by QS firms in Lagos State, Nigeria to improve BIM adoption and consequently enhance project delivery. Primary data were collected using well-structured questionnaires that were self-administered to QS firms. The respondents were asked to assess the level of importance attached to the benefits of BIM usage. Eighty-six (86) valid questionnaires were used for analysis. The data collected were analyzed using mean ranking analysis and Student t-test. The results showed that only a small proportion of QS firms had adopted BIM. Also, all QS firms place considerable importance on the benefits of BIM usage, but QS firms that have adopted BIM attached greater importance to its usage at the post-contract stage. The essential benefits of BIM usage to QS firms are those related to the preparation of bills of quantities (BOQ), such as 'faster generation of quantity take-off' and 'ease of pre-estimation'. QS are often tasked with generating accurate and reliable BOQ, which can be mentally demanding and challenging. The recognized significance of BIM for BOQ preparation highlighted in this study can revolutionize QS tasks and motivate other QS firms yet to adopt BIM to invest in BIM. The study highlights the need for increased promotion of BIM adoption among QS firms, recognition of the varying importance of BIM benefits at different project stages, and the potential for BIM to enhance the capabilities and efficiency of QS firms in the construction industry. These implications can guide future efforts in promoting BIM adoption and its effective utilization within the QS profession.
Keywords: BIM usage, building information modelling, construction professional, quantity surveying firm, questionnaire