Cape Peninsula University of Technology
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Multistage solar still desalination system
No full textThesis (Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.The present study was centred on the design of a thermal multistage solar still desalination system. The design is a multistage with new configurations such as direct vapour input into each stage using vapour make-up tubes and the integration of a multistage with a basin type solar still. The incorporation of float a valve in the secondary seawater tank to regulate the seawater in the assembly eliminated the need of pumps to the system. The circulation of seawater between the evaporator and the evacuated tube solar collector (ETC) was through the pressure difference and the flow back was controlled through the incorporation of oneway flow valve. The ETC was used as a heat source to supply the thermal energy into the multistage system. The system had no electrical connections and therefore, no forced circulation as no pumps or any electrical components were used. The system consisted of six stages in total, the evaporator supplied the vapour to five of the six stages of the system.
The system was tested on the roof of Mechanical Engineering Department and this location was chosen because of less sun’s intensity obstructions. The system was tested for nine (9) days but the distillate collection was not performed for the whole each day. This was due to the controlled access to the roof and the minor repairs that had to occur before the tests were conducted. The duration on which the tests were conducted varied in each day. The data was supposed to be logged from 08h00 am to 18h00 pm but this was not so due to the controlled access to where the tests were conducted. This data logging period was chosen based on the assumptions that the sun’s intensity would be at maximum within this period. The longest period of test was approximately 7 hours and the system managed to produce about 1500 ml and the maximum temperature for the day was 28oC. The system produced a minimum of 225 ml in the space of 3 hours and the temperature of the day was 26oC. The total amount of distillate produced was about 7600 ml and this amount was produced within the period of 49 hours. The 49 hours is equivalent to two days and 1 hour. It is anticipated that the system would have produced more should there be no repairs involved during the tests. The system produced a maximum of 48 ml at night and a minimum of 8ml in some nights. The night tests were not controlled and monitored due to limited access. It was noticed that the system was empty in each morning of the first few days of the tests. This emptiness contributed to the leakage occurred to the evaporator. The leakage of the evaporator was caused by unmonitored heat supplied by the ETC. The evaporator was constructed using unsuitable material and this was another factor which contributed towards the failure of the evaporator
The perceptions and implications of techno-stress in an E-learning environment : an exploratory case study
Get PDFThesis (MTech) Information Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.The rapid growth of digital technology has exceeded society’s expectations. The overload and pace of technological advances causes many individuals at the workplace or organisations of higher learning, such as universities of technology, to become exposed and prone to stress. Students in higher education environments often find themselves vulnerable to technological stress. The problem is that we do not know the extent of the perceived implications of techno-stress, and it is not clear what the perceived psychological and emotional implications of techno-stress may have on the academic performance of higher education students. The study investigated the perceptions and implications of techno-stress in an e-learning environment to explore and describe the implications of techno-stress; the physical, mental and behavioural outcomes also how it impacts on the academic performance of students at higher education institutions. The questions of the study were focused on finding what the implications of techno-stress are as perceived by students on their studies; what the types and elements of techno-stress that students experience at universities; what the potential causes of techno-stress are as perceived by students; and how students think techno-stress impacts on their academic performance. The qualitative methods approach was used. It was found that students were more stressed over technology when problems occur as they lack the ability to manage or control it, and it was evident that this influence had an undesirable consequence on students’ results. The research concluded that despite the importance technology plays in an e-learning environment by allowing students to conduct their research, download class material and learn online, students perceive technology as an important source of stress. Despite technology’s advantages mentioned above, technology can be unpredictable and when problems occur, students exhibit lack of skills to manage or control it. It was recommended that universities of technology such as CPUT should design a program that helps students to cope with techno-stress
Expression of circulating Microrna’s (Mirnas) in blood of mixed ancestry subjects with glucose intolerance
Get PDFThesis (MSc (Biomedical Sciences))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.Background: Early detection of individuals who are at risk of developing Glucose Intolerance would decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with this disease. MicroRNA is one of the most widely studied biomolecules involved in epigenetic mechanisms, hence it offers unique opportunities in this regard. Circulating microRNAs are associated with disease pathogenesis during the asymptomatic stage of disease. This has therefore attracted a lot of attention as a potential biomarker for identifying individuals who have an increased risk of developing Glucose Intolerance. The identification of high risk biomarkers for Glucose Intolerance will go a long way to eliminate the possible complications that arise due to late diagnosis and treatment of Glucose Intolerance. This could ultimately lead to better ways to prevent, manage and control the Glucose Intolerance epidemic that is rampant worldwide. The aim of the study is to investigate expression of circulating microRNA’s in blood of mixed ancestry subjects with glucose intolerance. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study design involving 36 individuals [who were age, gender and BMI (Body Mass Index) matched] from a total population of 1989 participants of mixed ancestry descent, residing in Bellville South, South Africa was used. Participants were classified as controls (normoglycemic), pre-diabetic (preDM) and diabetic (DM) (screen detected diabetic) according to WHO criteria of 1998. MicroRNAs were extracted from serum using the Qiagen miRNeasy Serum/Plasma Kit (ThermoFisher). The purified micro RNAs were reverse-transcribed to cDNA (complementary deoxyribonucleic acid) using the Qiagen RT2 First Strand Kit. Then, using Qiagen miScript SYBR Green PCR kit and miScript miRNA PCR arrays (ThermoFisher), the real time polymerase chain reaction was done to determine the expression profile the circulating micro RNAs present in the serum of the participants. Results: The 36 participants were evenly divided into 3 groups of 12 participants each as mentioned earlier. There were significant differences between groups in the waist (cm) (p=0.0415) and waist/hip ratio (p=0.0011) with highest values in the DM group and lowest in the normal group. Clinical parameters varied significantly according to glycemic status. As expected, the FBG (mmol/L) (p<0.0001), 2 HRs Post Glucose (mmol/L) (p<0.0001), HbA1c (%) (p=0.0009), Fasting Insulin (mIU/L) (p=0.0039), were all highest in the DM and lowest in the control group. In contrast, the 2 HRs Post Insulin (mIU/L) (p = 0.0027) was highest in the preDM group and lowest in the normal group, while the Glucose/Insulin ratio (p=0.0477) was highest in the normal group and lowest in the preDM group. Triglycerides (mmol/L) (p=0.0043) and Total Chol (mmol/L) (p=0.0429) were significantly increased through the three groups, with highest values in the DM group and lowest in the normal group. Furthermore, 12 of the 84 miRNAs studied were expressed through all the 3 groups and they exhibited both inverse and positive correlations between the clinical parameters, especially the glucose parameters (Fasting blood glucose, 2 hours post glucose, Fasting blood insulin, 2 hours post insulin and Glycated Hemoglobin)
The state of entrepreneurship and its socio-economic impact in the Cape Metropole area
No full textThesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.Entrepreneurship is distinguished by its developmental and transformative qualities, particularly in the context of emerging economies. Entrepreneurship plays an important role in developing the economy of a country as the entrepreneur sparks economic activities through his/her entrepreneurial decisions. These entrepreneurial decisions lead to the creation of new business activities which in turn are a driving force in economic growth, creating jobs and enhancing fiscal credibility. However, the role of entrepreneurship in economic development varies from economy to economy and depends on the availability and accessibility of material resources, the industrial climate and the effectiveness of the political system underpinning the economy. In South Africa, there are major challenges that contribute to the unstable state of the economy. Retrenchments, the high failure rate of new businesses and the lack of growth in existing ones give credence to the summation that the South African economy is not expansively equipped to meet the challenges of a sustainable growth environment. A thriving entrepreneurial environment has significant benefits for job creation and the equitable distribution of economic wealth. In recent years, South African economists have been scrambling for solutions to the static economy that has seen a decline in new businesses of 34% from 2013 to 2014, resulting in continuing economic instability. Considering the trend highlighted above, the researcher was intrigued to examine the state of entrepreneurship and its socio-economic impact in the Cape Metropole Area. The researcher made use of a mixed-method research approach with an explanatory purpose, employing triangulation to achieve complementary results. The research invoked both interpretivist and positivist paradigms, though leaning towards the collection of qualitative data using semi-structured interviews and open-ended and closed questionnaires. The confidentiality of the information from respondents was ensured. The findings revealed that most entrepreneurs experience difficulty in accessing crucial entrepreneurial framework conditions, which hinders their activities. The findings also revealed that South Africa is at present not realising its job-creation potential and is therefore making little progress with unemployment and poverty reduction. In conclusion, entrepreneurs are essential to the economy and the society in any country regardless of its economic development. Their entrepreneurial decisions give hope to the growing number of unemployed people in South Africa. However, entrepreneurial activities are more fruitful in an environment that is condusive to buineess growth. Unless a favourable entrepreneurial environment is created, the entrepreneurial and labour classes will be incapable of realising their potential as a major engine for job creationand catalyst for economic growth. In South Africa, only a vigorous performance of the SMME sector and entrepreneurship, creating millions of sustainable jobs can stimulate economic growth and make it possible to reduce unemployment and for millions to escape the poverty trap. It is therefore recommended that the government and independent organisations work together to initiate programmes enabling existing and potential entrepreneurs to excel and initiate successful entrepreneurial activities. In general, there is a need for a macroeconomic environment that is friendly to labour-intensive investment, in order to generate spill-over growth effects, because entrepreneurs are more likely to invest productively, create jobs and contribute to poverty reduction
Futuristic whole-brain success profile for the administrative professional in a South African context
No full textThesis (DTech (Office Management and Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018The rapid economic developments of the last decade have been driven by the impact of the revolutionary developments in information and communications technologies. The increasingly complex and specialised effect of this explosion of information technology and its diversity has not been limited to the business environment and educational and training institutions. These technological developments irreversibly and significantly affected the role of the administrative professional with regard to the assimilation, processing and utilisation of information. Administrative professionals are, therefore, expected to align their knowledge and skills with the characteristics and requirements of the new world of work. They have had to adjust from the role of executing duties on the instructions of the manager during the service economy to an economy based on the demand for innovation and creativity skills to contribute towards the creation of unique value and experiences for consumers, referred to as the experience economy. The relationship economy has prompted a shift towards another conformation, namely interpersonal and intuitive skills. An immense skill disruption, which has set the stage for the sharing economy, is evident in skills such as social, cognitive abilities, technical, resource management, process, content, system and complex problem-solving, but also requires one to be flexible and able to adapt to change. Being flexible and adaptable are skills required for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), taking into consideration the technological advances that are driven by extreme automation and connectivity through artificial intelligence. The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of the global and national key drivers of change and transformation on the future success profile for optimal effectiveness of the administrative professional. This was achieved by means of a national skills survey conducted among administrative professionals in the public and the private sectors, followed by constructing a futuristic whole-brain success profile for administrative professionals in the South African context. The study used a mixed methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative data. An electronic structured questionnaire was employed to achieve the primary purpose of the study, in order to assess the impact of the global key drivers of change on administrative professionals becoming whole-brain thinkers in executing their role effectively. The survey questionnaire was distributed through a professional association using nonprobability sampling of the population, namely members in the public and the private sectors in all the provinces. The questionnaire was completed by 219 respondents. The findings revealed that the global and national key drivers of change and transformation has not negatively affected the current knowledge and skills set of administrative professionals at national level. The only skill shortages identified were in the category of web-based applications. In addition, qualitative data were gathered by means of semi-structured interviews conducted with five individuals in order to investigate the perspectives of various stakeholders on the current gap in the literature regarding the required competencies and capabilities of administrative professionals (participants) in the public and the private sectors. It has been found that the mentioned skills continue to be important skills to remain effective within the next ten years. The current knowledge and skills required by administrative professionals, which have been determined by an international investigation and research studies, were compared to the directives of key drivers of change. These directives consist of models such as the Lifelong Learning Skills, Future Work Skills 2020 and the Workforce Strategy for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Existing theories and approaches pertaining to whole-brain human information processing selected to frame this study, were Herrmann’s Whole Brain® Model, Taggart’s whole-brain human information processing theory, Sternberg’s theory of thinking styles and Kirton’s model of cognitive style. These whole-brain human information processing theories and approaches were applied to discover and interpret the perceived impact of the global key drivers of change and transformation on administrative professionals for effective performance in the changing world of work from a whole-brain perspective. Concurrent with the aim of the study, the Whole Brain® Model of Ned Herrmann served as the conceptual framework within which to construct a futuristic whole-brain success profile for the administrative professional in the South African context. The data gathered from both of the international and national investigations have been combined with the data gathered from the literature review to construct a futuristic whole-brain success profile for the administrative professional. The future success profile involves three different gathering processes, namely the first phase that summarises the skills and knowledge gaps that emerged from the international investigation. The skills and knowledge gaps that emanated from the literature are summarised as Phase 2, followed by the findings of the national skills survey summarised as Phase 3. One of the conclusions derived from the research study was that this future success profile has definite implications for the individual administrative professional, administrative professionals’ associations and educational institutions
Entrepreneurial risk management challenges of selected small and medium enterprises in the maritime industry in Cape Town
No full textThesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018Entrepreneurs are very important to the South African economy. Entrepreneurs use opportunities to establish new ventures, introducing new business ideas as well as establishing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in all industries. SMEs have emerged as an important tool to solve the triple bottom challenges, namely: poverty, unemployment and inequality. The purpose of this study was to examine eco-entrepreneurial risk management for SMEs within the maritime industry in Cape Town and the impact on business performance with specific focus on risk management, eco-friendliness and the main challenges faced by SMEs. A survey was conducted to gather data from selected SMEs in the maritime industry in Cape Town (N=60). Data was collected from sixty companies inclusive of high ranking officials, owners and managers. This was done due to the sensitivity and depth of information required as per the survey. Quantitative, qualitative and secondary data methods were employed in the data collection. Respondents for this study were selected through the use of convenience sampling. Quantitative data was analysed through SPSS V25.0 to generate descriptive and statistical results. Most of the SMEs in the maritime industry had an understanding of risks and their impact on the business well-being. The greatest challenge encountered, however, was on how to minimize the risks (risk management challenges). This was due to financial crises, lack of knowledge and expertise on the part of the owner managers regarding the issue of risk management. Some respondents found the question irrelevant as they lacked a proper understanding of eco-entrepreneurial risk management. They therefore regarded the survey as irrelevant to their businesses. The study has implications for entrepreneurs and managers. The lack of a risk management framework may result in reduced profitability and cost overruns. A standardised risk management structure could result in identification and mitigation of diverse risk factors
The redesign of quality control processes in the implementation of energy supply projects
No full textThesis (MTech (Business Information Systems))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018The goals of enterprises are to improve product and service quality, including cost reduction and on time delivery and, in so doing, meeting customer requirements. The research problem is that the implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning system without conventional (standard) Quality Control Processes results in non-delivery of the expected benefits of the system, thus creating an unstable environment for businesses to operate in. The context is within South Africa using Escom (the sole energy supplier in south Africa) as case. The research questions for this study, therefore, are: i) How can Quality Control Processes be used to lower the risk of non-delivery of the promised benefits of an Enterprise Resource Planning system; and ii) Why are Quality Control Processes not being used after the implementation of the Enterprise Resource Planning system? These questions are asked with the aim of understanding and explaining the complexities around Quality Control Processes, after the implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning system within energy supply projects. A case study method was used to conduct this research and data collection was done using in-depth interviews (12). Data was analysed by coding, summarisation, categorisation and then a thematic analsysis was done. The results from the analysed data revealed that strategic management needed to be involved in redesigning Quality Control Processes, after the implementation of the Enterprise Resource Planning system. In addition, there is a need to train staff in order for them to understand the system; this, in turn, can lead to the optimisation of the system, which will then enable the organisation to reap the benefits of the implemented Enterprise Resource Planning system. A framework was proposed, which could be used to ensure the continuous maintenance of Quality Control Processes after the projects go live
Experiences of learning to become a further education and training mathematics teacher' case study
No full textThesis (DEd (Education))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018Low achievement in school mathematics, in comparison to other countries, impacts South Africa’s global competitiveness. A shortage of qualified mathematics teachers is a key contributor to the low performance of learners in mathematics. To address the above challenge, a one-year Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), accessible to suitable diploma or degree graduates, is used to increase the number of qualified mathematics teachers in South Africa. This study explores how the PGCE equips these graduates with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to function as a newly qualified teacher (NQT) in the classroom. A qualitative case study methodology, purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews and document analysis are used. The case study focuses on a specific Higher Education Institution (HEI), represented by teacher educators and students/NQTs involved in a PGCE Further Education and Training (FET) mathematics programme. One of the key findings is: The PGCE offers graduates a concentrated Bachelors in Education (B. Ed.) fourth year pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) related qualification during afternoon/evening contact sessions, using continuous assessment to verify development. General education theories, PCK (which includes aspects that can be considered specialised simplified content knowledge (SSCK)), and positive and negative aspects associated with the teaching profession, formed the basis of the PGCE, to equip NQTs to meet national policy expectations. The part-time aspects of the PGCE, such as afternoon/evening classes and the appointment of teacher educators, restricted one-on-one engagements with the ever-increasing number of students and meetings between all involved in PGCE delivery. Guided self-study required students to take an active role in influencing the quality and content of the PGCE. One of the key recommendations arising from the study is the need to verify subject matter knowledge (SMK), to identify the need for extra modules or an introductory PGCE. Another is the need to develop and design PGCE context-specific content, in addition to the current practice of using B. Ed. related content. The contribution made by this study is that it serves as an example of how to explore ITE programme experiences of learning to teach in a longitudinal qualitative approach
Staff and students’ experiences of internationalisation at Cape Peninsula University of Technology
No full textThesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.Service delivery is one of the most important aspects of the Higher Education sector not only when dealing with international students. It is imperative that higher education institutions should monitor and evaluate its administrative and academic employees. There is a need for a good performance system, which includes standards that define whether staff performances have merits or shortcomings. This will encourage staff to be proficient in their work environment. It is also important to equip staff with service delivery training.
This research project examines staff and students’ experiences of internationalisation at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. The researcher identified problems that international students encountered at CPUT, subsequently made recommendations, which deal with how to improve CPUT services to international students.
The researcher undertook a quantitative research approach by administering a closed-ended questionnaire, which was compiled by a registered statistician. The study found that most of the participants did not understand or were not aware of internationalisation at CPUT. A majority of the participants did not understand their role when it came to assisting international students. They perceived that whatever international students required had to be sought from the international office. They understood their role within CPUT in terms of meeting the university’s objectives, as being that, which is set out in the university’s Vision and Mission
Bactericidal efficacy of wound gauze treated with chitosan nanomaterial hybrids of zinc, silver and copper on common wound bacteria
No full textThesis (Master of Applied Sciences in Chemistry)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.Maintenance of optimum wound chemistry is important to ensure timely healing of a wound. Bacterial infections impair the process of wound healing by producing toxins that alter the chemical environment in and around the wound. The imbalance in the wound chemistry prolongs healing and opens doors to opportunistic infections. Bacteria have developed resistance to conventional bactericides hence, there is need for search of new bactericides that can control bacteria in and around the wound. Therefore, new chemical or biochemical bactericides, which are not resisted by the bacteria, can be explored to control bacterial life around the wound in a bid to maintain optimum wound healing chemistry. Materials such as chitosan, zinc oxide, copper oxide and silver have showed remarkable potential as both bactericidal and wound healing agents. In this work silver, zinc oxide, and copper oxide nanoparticles (NPs) and their chitosan composites (CH-NPs) were synthesized using the chemical reduction method and simple chelation respectively to produce nanoparticles of Ag, ZnO, and CuO as well as composites of CH-ZnO, CH-Ag, CH-CuO, and CH-ZnO-Ag-CuO. Formation of the NPs was confirmed by the exhibition of characteristic peaks in UV-Visible and Fourier Transform Infrared Resonance (FTIR) spectroscopy as well as X-ray diffraction. The nanoparticles (NPs) had optical and electronic band gaps in the range 1 to 5eV indicating their semi-conductive nature. X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigations depicted the crystalline structures of the NPs to be base-centred, face-centred, and hexagonal for Ag, CuO, and ZnO respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies exhibited spherical, hexagonal, and rod-shaped shapes for silver, copper oxide, zinc oxide NPs respectively. Electrochemical investigations of the pure NPs indicated the existence of both the adsorption and the diffusion controlled electron transfer processes at electrode surfaces as well as fast electron transfer rate as depicted by the charge transfer coefficient and standard rate constant parameter values. FTIR spectra of CH-NPs composites depicted new excitation bands absent in spectra of both chitosan and the NPs. The spectra also indicated the deformation and absence of the amine (-NH2) and hydroxyl bands (-OH) within the CH-NPs composites. UV-Visible spectroscopy investigations of the CH-NPs composites exhibited blue-shifts of the λmax with respect to the NPs. The FTIR and UV-Visible spectra confirmed the existence of bonding between the chitosan and the NPs. The optical band gap energies of all the CH-NPs composites fell within the range of 2.0 to 4.5 eV indicating that the CH-NPs fell in the category of the semi-conducting materials after chelating with the chitosan