Cape Peninsula University of Technology
CPUT Electronic Theses and Dissertations RepositoryNot a member yet
2175 research outputs found
Sort by
Process Optimisation and techno-economic assessment of the slow pyrolysis of corn-stover
Full text linkThesis (MEng (Chemical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2020There is a growing need for the production and use of sustainable biofuels worldwide. One noteworthy approach is the production of biofuels via the pyrolysis of lignocellulose biomass. Benefits of such a process include carbon neutrality of the biofuels and alleviation of growing concerns on waste management. Moreover, the use of lignocellulose biomass does not upset the surrounding ecosystem through widespread deforestation.
In South Africa, corn-stover is an abundant lignocellulosic biomass with an estimated 9 million metric tonnes produced annually. The production of this is however seasonal. This study assumes a constant supply of corn-stover feedstock. The vast amounts of this biomass resource validates its potential as a suitable candidate for biofuel valorisation processes. This investigated the production of char and volatile by-products through the slow pyrolysis of corn-stover with particular emphasis on char as a prospective supplement or replacement of coal in industrial processes. The char quality was assessed according to ASTM D388, which ranks coals according to their higher heating value (HHV), volatile matter and fixed carbon. Furthermore, an evaluation of the techno-economic feasibility of an industrial scale 30 t/day slow pyrolysis plant was conducted. The techno-economic study was conducted at a char baseline price of 980 440, which was significantly less than other pyrolysis types. A profitability analysis that assessed the impact of feedstock availability and product prices on the feasibility of the process was conducted. Results showed the feasibility of the plant is highly sensitive to the price of char and cost of feedstock corn-stover. An economically viable process was attained when the price of corn-stover and char were 200/ton respectively
Barriers to youth entrepreneurship in N'Djamena, Chad
Full text linkThesis (MTech (Entrepreneurship))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2020Entrepreneurship is widely acknowledged as an effective means of reducing poverty, creating employment, and promoting economic empowerment at the individual, family, and community levels. Although the country is endowed with abundant natural resources, rates of unemployment among the youth of Chad remain alarmingly high. The main objective of this study was to determine the factors which militate against the youth engaging in entrepreneurial activities in N’Djamena, the capital city of Chad.
A random sample 150 young Chadian entrepreneurs was selected from a research population which comprised all of the young entrepreneurs in N’Djamena who were registered on the databases of the FONAJ, a national fund which provides financial support to young entrepreneurs in Chad, and the Trade and Personal Property Credit Register (TPPCR) of Chad. The sample size was calculated according to a formula which is widely acknowledged as being appropriate for quantitative studies and 110 potential respondents to the survey questionnaire from which the data were obtained were selected from the former database and 40 from the latter. A letter of consent was obtained from the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports to collect data in N’Djamena and the researcher provided an assurance that all of the information which the participants provided would be treated as strictly confidential and that the participants would remain anonymous.
The findings of the study revealed that young entrepreneurs in Chad were faced with obstacles such as a lack of funding, a lack of support from the government for SMEs, and lack of encouragement and financial support from their families. Although there are programmes to assist young entrepreneurs, it was evident from the findings that many experience great difficulty in ensuring the success and sustainability of their businesses. Consequently, they still require additional support with respect to funding, equipment, and assistance and encouragement from their families, financial institutions, and the government, in order to achieve success in their businesses. The thesis concludes with appropriate recommendations for both the government and the young entrepreneurs of N’Djamena to provide relevant insights into how the youth can best be integrated into the entrepreneurial sector in the interests of combating unemployment and enabling them to make a meaningful contribution to the growth of the national economy
Mathematics Teachers’ integration of technology for pedagogical use in a less affluent High School in the Western Cape
Full text linkThesis (MEd (Education))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2020This study investigates factors that affect the integration of Educational Technology (ET) by mathematics teachers for pedagogy in less affluent high schools in the Western Cape. ET has permeated the education system in the 21st century. It is now a norm for ET to be used in classrooms for educational purposes. Despite the prevalence of a variety of ETs, not all mathematics teachers are fully equipped to take advantage of the immense benefits posited by ET. This study reveals that a lot of mathematics teachers in public schools in the Western Cape still face critical challenges in their attempt to fully integrate ET for pedagogy.
The study employed a qualitative research design to explore the factors affecting the integration and use of ET for curriculum delivery by mathematics teachers in less affluent high schools in the Western Cape Province. The framework underpinning this study is the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework which guided the researcher in the analysis of the research findings. The researcher used two data collection instruments, namely, semi structured interviews and observations. Face to face semi-structured interviews were conducted with 9 participants and themes were used for analysing data. Participants were fully furnished with information regarding their rights when participating in the study. They were informed that they could withdraw at any given stage during the interview process.
Despite the permeance of technology in the education sphere, the study’s findings show that teachers in less affluent schools in the Western Cape still experience mitigating factors that militates against effective integration of technology in classrooms for pedagogy. For effective integration of ET to take place, several factors needed to be critically addressed. They included the lack of training, limited access to ET, lack of technical support, lack of time and the theft of ET resources
Framework to improve the safety of university student housing facilities in the Western Cape Province, South Africa
Full text linkThesis (Master of Construction (Construction Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2020In the recent time, knowledge of Facility Management (FM) has been found useful in academic settings. FM principles are now applied to ensure the appropriate management of facilities. FM can be applied to all forms of facilities, including educational facilities such as student housing facilities (SHFs). The provision of a safe SHF is very important as shelters form a significant part of man’s environment, including in higher learning institutions. However, studies reveal that safety and security measures are not given the necessary attention in tertiary institutions – particularly SHFs. The consequences of neglecting the aspect of safety and security in universities in South Africa has exposed students to several risks and hazards such as increase rate of accidents, theft, fire outbreaks, sexual harassment, and fatalities on campuses. Thus, the need to consider safety and security issues in the management of SHFs in universities in South Africa is paramount. This research aims to develop a framework to improve the safety of university SHFs in the Western Cape Province, South Africa.
A mixed research method was used for the study. A case study approach was adopted where two universities were selected. Interviews, questionnaire surveys and observation were used to collect the primary data. A total of 460 questionnaires were administered to students living in on-campus SHFs which directly belong to the universities. Only 400 questionnaires were returned from both universities. However, 62 of the returned questionnaires were not fully completed. In essence, a total of 338 questionnaires were properly completed. Statistics package SPSS version 25 was used to execute the analysis of the data collected, where both descriptive and inferential statistics were carefully implemented to analyse the data collected accordingly. Observations were also carried out to validate the results. The reliability of the variables and the scale questions were tested with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient.
The major findings are centered on the provision and level of importance of security measures, fire safety measures, traffic safety measures, building safety measures and general safety measures in the SHFs. In addition, the findings include the risk associated with the absence of these measures, as well as students’ satisfaction level with the performance of the above-mentioned measures in the on-campus university SHFs. The findings indicated a significant difference in the level of provision of security measures and fire safety measures between the two universities. Similarly, a significant difference exists in students’ satisfaction level with performance/functionality of different safety and security measures provided in the on-campus SHFs between the two universities. The mean score (MS) differences between the security measures and fire safety measures are quite high, whilst the MS differences between traffic safety measures, building safety measures, and general safety measures are comparatively low. The major issues of concern at university A were; non-functionality of the CCTV, lack of weapon detectors, lack of access control with functional smart card in some residences and inadequate provision of light at night. The lapses at university B include; lack of weapon detectors, inadequate provision of CCTV in the SHFs and around the campus and lack of access control with functional smart card in some residences. Issues of concern across both universities are; inadequate provision/non-functionality of the CCTV, lack of weapon detectors, and absence of electronic coded locks on the doors at the hostels. The findings further revealed that students across both universities ranked all the variables/measures adopted in this study as important and/or extremely important in the SHFs. Likewise, the majority of students across both universities acknowledged that the absence of these measures poses a very high risk to their safety in the on-campus SHFs. Thus, this indicates the need to ensure the appropriate management of the security and safety measures of the on-campus SHFs across both universities. It is essential because peaceful living and effective learning can only take place in a safe and secured environment. The scope of the study is limited to 2 universities in the Western Cape Province of South Africa
The removal of anionic surfactant from commercial laundry wastewater with reverse osmosis membrane
Full text linkThesis (MEng (Chemical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2020Fresh, clean water has always been critical for the world's social development. The current water scarcity will only worsen unless measures are put in place to either reduce water usage or clean and reuse greywater. In areas with limited water resources, affordable technologies can be used to treat greywater and increase the water supply.
Greywater sources that can be reused include domestic, hospital and industrial laundry wastewater. These wastewaters contain different chemicals such as organic and inorganic constituents, which make it difficult to treat. Microfiltration and ultrafiltration are examples of physical filtration processes that can reduce turbidity and pathogens sufficiently, but struggle to remove organics. Therefore, implementing an additional step such as reverse osmosis (RO) could be the solution in the removal of harmful chemicals in greywater.
Unfortunately, the salts that are removed from the water, precipitate on the membrane surface, thus, decreasing the overall process efficiency, due to fouling and scaling. Scaling causes decline in permeation flux, degeneration of membranes, production loss and higher operating costs. This occurrence of fouling cannot be completely isolated; however, it can be minimised. There are two approaches for dealing with the fouling effect, namely, minimization and remediation. Remediation focuses more on frequent chemical cleaning. By using suitable pre-treatment measurements upstream of RO, scale formation can be minimised.
In this study, the use of a commercial antiscalant was examined in the treatment of laundry wastewater influent. The removal of anionic surfactants and COD’s from this effluent with a low-pressure, extra low energy, reverse osmosis membrane for reuse application was investigated. The effect of different laundry detergent feed concentrations on operational parameters such as the membrane salt rejection and permeate flow rate (flux) was also analysed. The effect of different antiscalant concentrations to minimise scaling was also evaluated. Membrane fouling and remediation was evaluated by selected membrane surface characteristics.
Model laundry wastewater was treated using a bench-scale reverse osmosis unit. The effects of laundry detergent concentration and antiscalant dosage on the permeate flow rate (flux) and rejection characteristics of the membrane were examined. Removal efficiencies for surfactant and COD concentration were analysed as an indication of membrane performance. A detailed examination of membrane fouling was done by investigating membrane surface characteristics using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM); Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX), before and after antiscalant addition. Design Expert 11 was used to generate a predictive model to describe the behaviour of permeate flux decline over time.
ATR-FTIR revealed all the characteristic peaks on a virgin extra low energy (XLE) polyamide thin film composite membrane, in its clean state. It was observed that more foulant is deposited onto the surface of membranes with lower or no antiscalant dosage compared to the higher antiscalant dosed membranes. A morphological change of the membranes was observed using SEM analysis. The hindered attachment of scalant on the surface of the membranes resulted in a much lower rate of flux decline when compared to membranes with no antiscalant addition. EDX revealed that the amount of carbon decreased with an increase in laundry detergent amount (concentration). This could be due to the carbonyl group present in the PA layer being masked by the foulant layer.
The flux decline could be associated with the fouling phenomenon caused by the accumulation of anionic surfactant molecules on the membrane surface, where the build-up of a concentration polarisation layer and/ the or the entrapment in the polyamide layer.
Surfactant rejection exceeded 99.8% in almost all the experimental runs over a range of varied feed concentrations. An average COD removal throughout was 91-96%. It must be noted that the COD removal during the Percentage removal (COD and average EC) of the membranes are all significantly high, between 96-98% removal for average EC and between 91-96% removal for COD, however it was observed that membranes with membranes with no anti-scalant addition performed slightly better than membranes with anti-scalant dosing.
It was observed that the predictive model successfully described the permeate flux decline of laundry wastewater using an RO membrane within the design space of the model. It can be confirmed that the membrane performance investigated using model laundry wastewater could be improved when using commercial antiscalant
Using mobile devices for timekeeping systems in small businesses in Cape Town
Full text linkThesis (MTech (Business Information Systems))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019The trend of using mobile devices for timekeeping in South African businesses appears to be novel, and certainly little canvassed in the academic literature. The general potential of using online tools and mobile applications for business is enormous (Columbus, 2015; Sajić et al., 2018), but informed opinion on the use of mobile devices specifically for timekeeping is hard to find (Mohandes, 2017). The purpose of this study is therefore to explore how can small businesses in Cape Town manage timekeeping on employees using mobile devices efficiently and effectively. A case study research methodology within the interpretive paradigm was employed to conduct interviews with owners and manages of small business in Cape Town. On the other hand, qualitative research findings were analysed within literature concepts.
The findings showed that small businesses use three ways of timekeeping: fully automated, manual and mixed method. The findings also showed that mobile devices have great potential to address the weaknesses of current as-is model such as manual mistakes, data accessibility. Mobile devices can improve the process of timekeeping using cloud computing that allows the user to access data anywhere, at any time.
Analysis of the “as is” model revealed the disadvantages of manual timekeeping, such as manual mistakes and inaccuracy in the payroll. This manner of timekeeping is nevertheless understandable, given the small numbers of employees and strong bonds of trust within such companies. The proposed “to be” model displays the advantages of automated timekeeping, such as the ease of accessing data, transparency, and the increased accuracy of business processes, including the payroll. This model makes use of cloud computing and creates an automated data flow within the organisation. Furthermore, the applications once installed does not need any physical development, which makes mobile timekeeping easy to use. Finally, the portability of mobile devices makes the process of collecting time and attendance data possible from anywhere, without stationary terminals.
The study recommends the replacement of clock card terminals with mobile devices. The study also revealed that small businesses need to pay more attention to ICT tools such as cloud computing, Near Field Communication (NFC) and mobile technologies
Enhanced frequency regulation functionality of grid-connected PV system
Full text linkThesis (MEng (Electrical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019Electric utilities are confronted with challenges like rising fuel costs, aging equipment, increasing energy demand, frequency regulation and the difficulty to integrate renewable energy resources into the grid. The presence of photovoltaic (PV) penetration on the utility grid is also increasing significantly in recent years. With the recent rise in PV penetration and the advancement of the global PV industry, there is an urgent and a necessary need to introduce features in PV systems that will make them respond smartly. However, much of these can be addressed without negatively affecting the total performance and power quality of the grid. Hence, engaging smart Grid technologies, and leveraging the benefits of the distributed nature of PV, new prospects to unearth value can be created. Through the implementation of progressive energy storage techniques, efficient two-way communications, a grid-tied PV system can create significant value, mostly through improved PV contribution in grid support functions like frequency regulation.
An enhanced frequency regulation functioning scheme for a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system is modelled in MATLAB/Simulink software environment. The system is designed to operate in grid ancillary services precisely, frequency regulation function. The model consists of a Photovoltaic (PV) plant with a battery connected to the grid through a three-phase inverter. A bi-directional DC-DC converter between the grid and the battery system is included. The model has a battery storage system that provide steady and regular active/reactive powers available while the grid transmit specific amounts of power needed for a specific duration. According to the design, either the grid or the PV system depending on the dominant energy situation charges the battery. The battery is designed to discharge only when the grid demands energy from the PV and if the PV system fails to meet the demanded active power or reactive power. The PV system and the battery storage is integrated with the grid with the aid of dc-ac inverter in such a manner that bi-directional flow of active and reactive power is achieved.
A 1 MW PV system is connected to the utility grid through a three-phase voltage source inverter system. The grid nominal frequency is set at 50 Hz under normal operation. However, the frequency decreased when the PV was not producing required power hence, the battery responded almost instantaneously and returned the frequency to the nominal frequency. The effectiveness of battery storage system for utility grid frequency regulation was substantiated from the simulation results attained
Effect of anchomanes difformis extract on biochemical and histological parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetes and diabetic complications
Full text linkThesis (DPhil (Biomedical Sciences))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019Diabetes mellitus is one of the major health challenges facing the world today and it is not restricted by age, gender, education or urbanisation. Increased oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis are implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. The progression of diabetes mellitus leads to pathological events and alterations in many tissues of the body, thereby causing damage to these tissues and organs. Anchomanes difformis is has a strong ethnopharmacological relevance and it is known for its diverse traditional uses against hyperglycemia, kidney damage, pain, wounds, inflammation, onchocerciasis and gastrointestinal pathologies amongst others. Scientific investigations have been performed on some of these ethnobotanical claims on Anchomanes difformis using animal models. While some of these claims have been established scientifically, others are yet to be explored. In vivo experimental study on the leaves of Anchomanes difformis revealed its hypoglycemic effect, however, there is no information on the possible effect of Anchomanes difformis on oxidative stress, inflammatory mediators and apoptosis in diabetes mellitus. Therefore, this study investigated the potential benefits of Anchomanes difformis in increased oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in a diabetic model. The study also assessed the ameliorative effect of Anchomanes difformis in diabetes-induced damage in the organs such as the liver, heart, kidney, testis and epididymis.
The first phase of the study compared the antioxidant capacity and phytochemical characterisation of three different solvent extracts; aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic from the leaves and rhizome of Anchomanes difformis. All these six extracts (3 extracts each from the leaves and rhizome) exhibited antioxidant properties, however aqueous extract demonstrated the highest antioxidant potential, hence it was selected for further experiment in the study. Furthermore, certain bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties were identified in Anchomanes difformis. The second phase of the study involved the induction of diabetes, treatment with AD and standard drug and euthanasia followed by biochemical investigations in male Wistar rats. Type 2 diabetes was induced with two-weeks administration of 10% fructose, followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (40mg/kgBW). Dosages of 200 and 400 mg/kgBW of Anchomanes difformis leaves extract were administered for six weeks to diabetic and normal rats which served as treatment controls. The effect of Anchomanes difformis on glycemic indices, body weights, relative organ weights, organ function markers, antioxidant statuses, inflammatory biomarkers, apoptosis and structural integrity of the liver, kidney, pancreas, testis and the epididymis were conducted. The administration of streptozotocin led to hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, body weight loss, increased inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis, reduced sperm concentration, viability and distorted sperm morphology. It also induced tissue damage in the liver, kidney, pancreas, testis and epididymis. Treatment with both doses of Anchomanes difformis improved organ functions, markedly reduced and repaired tissue damage in a dose-dependent manner and comparable to the standard drug; glibenclamide. Furthermore, Anchomanes difformis distinctly lowered blood glucose, abnormal lipid levels, enhanced antioxidant status, modulated inflammation, reduced apoptosis and increased sperm functions better than glibenclamide in diabetic rats.
In conclusion, the protective and ameliorative properties of Anchomanes difformis projects it as a potential new, reliable therapeutic agent that should be explored and considered in the management of diabetes mellitus and its associated complications
A Biomimicry and sustainable product-service systems (S.PSS) approach to Design for Sustainability: a study in higher education in Industrial Design
Full text linkThesis (MTech (Industrial Design))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019In this research study Biomimicry and sustainable product-service systems (S.PSS) are explored in order to examine the Design for Sustainability (DfS) paradigm through a set of eight guidelines. It is argued that Biomimicry holds the blueprint to a design strategy that is more environmentally sustainable. This research study demonstrates that sustainability’s triple bottom line can be achieved by combining Biomimicry’s potential for environmental sustainability with S.PSS’s potential to foster social and economic sustainability.
The study describes a behavioural change towards sustainability and proposes design education as a strategy to nurture sustainable design praxis. It is shown that the sustainable design praxis of student groups leads to behavioural shifts towards sustainability through design education. Industrial design students at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in South Africa engaged in a short course on DfS and their design outcomes provided the data sets that have been analysed through inductive thematic analysis. The course was used as a case study from which theory was built. This specific research approach is called theory building from case studies. The appendices are included to supply additional evidence of where and how the data collection happened, and provides depth and insight into the projects. The richness and scope of the research study is supported by the appendices - it is for this reason that the rather sizable addition was included. It is through the thematic analysis that a set of eight guidelines were developed from the data and measured against a framework of critical citizenship in order to evaluate the societal behavioural shift to a more holistic approach to DfS. This thesis draws on existing fields of study within the DfS paradigm and integrates several fields of study in order to contribute to the discourse of a holistic approach to DfS
The role of public relations in building a south African brand in the UK
Full text linkThesis (MTech (Public Relations Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2019The study highlights that there are currently many opportunities for South African brands in the United Kingdom (UK), with Brexit and the rise of the UK middle class. However, expansion can be a significant financial gamble and not all South African brands have been successful in the competitive UK market. The purpose of the study is to support South African brands in minimising their risk of failure in the UK. Research has shown that Public Relations (PR) has an important role to play in building a South African brand in the UK.
This study aimed to determine which PR strategies will build a brand in the UK, with a focus on the PR success that Nando’s UK* has achieved. The study asked Nando’s London consumers, building on existing literature: How is your perception of Nando’s shaped? What were the key influencing factors?
In-person London consumer interviews were scheduled, followed by an online survey to reach more London consumers. The study revealed that for a South African brand to succeed, it needs to invest in a long-term PR strategy. The strategy should focus on delivering good first impressions, building a strong, unique brand and a brand that is trusted to do the right. To succeed in the UK, South African brands should define their personality, confidently and consistently express their brand essence and showcase the quality of their product or service, as Nando’s has