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The development of a new non-metallic explosives initiator
No full textThesis (DTech (Chemical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.Explosives are used to achieve certain functions in diverse environments, including mining, civil construction, military operations, and demolition. Irrespective of the application, the basic principle of augmentation of energy applies. Energy in the form of heat and shock is released by an initiator. This energy is taken up by an intermediary charge, which in turn propagates to the main explosive charge. Ultimately the energy released from the main explosive charge performs the functions. Initiating systems make use of this exact principle within their own boundaries of confinement. The rate at which this energy transfer takes place as well as the magnitude of augmentation is to a great extent influenced by parameters such as the type of confinement, chemical composition and density of the explosives, as well as other environmental conditions.
Traditionally lead azide has been used as the primary explosive component in an initiating system. Pressure from international environmental agencies has discouraged the use of heavy metals in commercial products. Nano-porous silicon has been used together with an oxidiser to form an explosive mixture. The literature has shown that nano-porous silicon-based explosive formulations are sensitive enough to pick up from the energy released by the pyrotechnic composition. The reaction of such nano-porous silicon explosive compositions changes from a deflagration to a detonation. However, their ability to initiate the base charge of an initiating system has not yet been demonstrated. A nano-porous silicon/nitriminotetrazole-based explosive system was developed and characterised. A relative reactivity concept was developed and successfully used to further characterise the new nano-porous silicon explosive. The lead azide primary explosive replacement has been shown to be sensitive enough to pick up from the heat output generated by the delay composition and strong enough to reliably initiate the base charge explosive.
The performance of the base charge explosive is primarily a function of its density and the confinement it is used in. An explosive system was developed whereby the base explosive was coated with a polymer to give it compressible characteristics. A ballistic ball indentation evaluation method was developed and effectively applied to characterise explosive performance behaviour under various conditions, including density and confinement. Explosive pellets, pressed separately and at a higher density, have been shown to increase performance compared with explosives consolidated inside an aluminium casing
Optimisation of doping profiles for mm-wave GaAs and GaN gunn diodes
No full textThesis (DTech (Electrical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.Gunn diodes play a prominent role in the development of low-cost and reliable solid-state
oscillators for diverse applications, such as in the military, security, automotive and consumer
electronics industries. The primary focus of the research presented here is the optimisation
of GaAs and GaN Gunn diodes for mm-wave operations, through rigorous Monte Carlo
particle simulations.
A novel, empirical technique to determine the upper operational frequency limit of devices
based on the transferred electron mechanism is presented. This method exploits the
hysteresis of the dynamic velocity-field curves of semiconductors to establish the upper
frequency limit of the transferred electron mechanism in bulk material that supports this
mechanism. The method can be applied to any bulk material exhibiting negative differential
resistance. The simulations show that the upper frequency limits of the fundamental mode of
operation for GaAs Gunn diodes are between 80 GHz and 100 GHz, and for GaN Gunn
diodes between 250 GHz and 300 GHz, depending on the operating conditions. These
results, based on the simulated bulk material characteristics, are confirmed by the simulated
mm-wave performance of the GaAs and GaN Gunn devices. GaAs diodes are shown to
exhibit a fundamental frequency limit of 90 GHz, but with harmonic power available up to
186_GHz. Simulated GaN diodes are capable of generating appreciable output power at
operational frequencies up to 250 GHz in the fundamental mode, with harmonic output power
available up to 525 GHz.
The research furthermore establishes optimised doping profiles for two-domain GaAs Gunn
diodes and single- and two-domain GaN Gunn diodes. The relevant design parameters that
have been optimised, are the dimensions and doping profile of the transit regions, the width
of the doping notches and buffer region (for two-domain devices), and the bias voltage. In
the case of GaAs diodes, hot electron injection has also been implemented to improve the
efficiency and output power of the devices. Multi-domain operation has been explored for
both GaAs and GaN devices and found to be an effective way of increasing the output
power. However, it is the opinion of the author that a maximum number of two domains is
feasible for both GaAs and GaN diodes due to the significant increase in thermal heating
associated with an increase in the number of transit regions. It has also been found that
increasing the doping concentration of the transit region exponentially over the last 25%
towards the anode by a factor of 1.5 above the nominal doping level enhances the output
power of the diodes
A comparison of public relations principles applied by political parties in campaign communication during a democratic election
Get PDFThesis (MTech (Public Relations Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017In popular opinion political public relations practitioners have long been regarded as spin doctors. Their lane of actions is mostly viewed as propaganda and they are perceived as spin doctors who manipulate power-relations. The pervasive role of public relations in political campaigns cannot be denied as political actors rely on communication to reach their key stakeholders. While it can be used as an important tool that can mediate in these power relations, the facts remain in the case of this study that the political party campaign communication was rather reactive than strategic. The answer lays in the accurate application of the strategic nature and role of public relations. I believe that there is a strategic public relations role that is evident and has to be played in political party campaign communication. As a matter of fact, public relations strives to ensure an effective and efficient communication on behalf of its organisation. The purpose of this study was to explore the application of public relations principles in political parties’ campaign communication of the Democratic Alliance, in the context of three other political parties in a regional newspaper during the build-up to the 2014 South African general elections. Four distinct political parties were at the centre of this research, namely African National Congress, Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters and Agang. Particular attention was given to the elite parties, African National Congress, and Democratic Alliance; the main environment of the study. It is true that political parties ‘communication with stakeholders reflects in essence public relations. Managing communication to promote the organisational agenda is to talk about issues important to both the public and the political party. This suggests that an effective political organisation will act on a two-way operation to build a common political position that influences public attitudes. Hence, a comparative case study was used as the strategy of inquiry. I conducted a content analysis of the political party campaign communication of the Democratic Alliance, covered in the Cape Times newspaper; as well as their election manifesto, to identify the public relations principles and strategies that were used. The daily newspapers were surveyed from January 8 to May 7, 2014. An overall of one hundred and forty-four related newspapers articles were analysed and formed the data for analysis. A close reading and counting of frequencies of varieties of themes in the newspaper revealed that the Democratic Alliance, as well as the African National congress, took a tactical and responsive approach, rather than a strategic and proactive approach, to their political party campaign communication. News coverage indicated that there was extensive counterpunching to other political parties ‘statuses, but very little promotion or management of the issues included in their election manifesto. Nkandla was the most controversial issue covered in the pre-election media coverage; while the proposed merger with AGANG; and the subsequent fall out was damaging to both political parties ‘reputation and relationship with voters. Therefore, more research on this topic needs to be undertaken, as public relations is crucial in translating public opinions to the organisation. In the political scope, this can serve as an attempt to adjust the socio-political environment to suit the political principles, as well as to help the political principles adjust to the environment by creating the right balance to mutual benefit an organisation and its publics that further ensures a real participatory democracy. Further studies should be done to investigate whether, the advocacy of the two-way symmetrical, as a way to central route to persuasion, along with the dialogical approach can impact on more effective decisions making, and ultimately create a more dynamic public sphere that seeks the resolution of socio-political conflicts. This new knowledge will lead to guidelines for public relations practitioners and can provide useful insights for political communication specialists
Information & knowledge sharing within virtual communities of practice (VCoPs)
No full textThesis (DTech (Informatics))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.The concept of virtual community of practice (VCoP) emanates from the need to create a new mode of learning and knowledge creation. It is found that highly structured forums are not necessarily the best way to assist people to learn and improve their knowledge. This then, requires organisations to seek alternative informal ways to share knowledge. The significance of optimising knowledge sharing results in VCoPs receiving considerable attention while searching for new ways to draw on expertise dispersed across global operations. This impacts organisations, thereby enabling them to respond more speedily to the demands of their stakeholders. The fast pace of change in their business environments is also a factor to contend with. Within this context, the use of VCoPs to optimise both, tacit and explicit knowledge sharing within stakeholders, is the central theme of this research. The findings from literature enables the researcher to explore scientific based models that may have the potential to enhance knowledge sharing in an enterprise. The Life Cycle knowledge flow model is found to be the most comprehensive compared to two other models – namely, a Spiral knowledge flow model and Dynamic knowledge flow model. The outflow from the findings in literature is that the Life Cycle knowledge flow model is selected as the basis to conduct two surveys to determine if the model could be adapted to improve knowledge sharing within VCoPs in particular, and in an enterprise in general. The result of the two surveys conducted (in 2011/2012 and 2016), leads to establishing an extended Life Cycle knowledge flow model. The established model enhances knowledge sharing within VCoPs, and in turn, assists when optimising knowledge sharing in an enterprise. This extended model covers six phases of knowledge development to improve knowledge sharing within VCoPs. The first phase enhances the creation of both, tacit and explicit knowledge. The second phase enables to optimise the organisation of knowledge. The third phase enables the formalisation of tacit knowledge, that is, conversion of tacit to explicit knowledge. The fourth phase improves the distribution of knowledge. The fifth phase enables to optimise the application of knowledge and the final phase enables the evolution or continuous development of knowledge.
The contribution of this research proposes that a comprehensive knowledge flow model, namely the Life Cycle knowledge flow model found in literature, served as the basis for this research. However, this model was never tested or verified if it indeed optimises knowledge sharing within VCoPs. The two surveys (Survey One 2011/12 and Survey Two 2016) were developed and distributed to respondents to verify the model’s suitability to VcoPs. As a result of responses received from the two surveys, the researcher was then able to develop an extended Life Cycle knowledge flow model that particularly, optimises knowledge sharing within VCoPs. This research further contributes in formulating a scientific based knowledge flow model that can be adapted to social networks. Therefore, this research also creates the foundation to further study to investigate the optimisation of knowledge sharing in social networks. In recent literature, social networks are established as one of the informal mechanisms to share and enhance knowledge sharing in an enterprise
Design and implementation of a high data rate QPSK demodulator for nanosatellites
No full textThesis (Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.This dissertation presents the development of a quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) demodulator for nanosatellites that complies with both the limited resources associated with nanosatellites as well as the flexibility and configurability required for a software defined radio (SDR) platform. This research project is a component of a bigger project, which is to develop a high-speed receiver for nanosatellites, and aims to provide a practical solution to the need for communication technologies that support emerging nanosatellite applications, such as Earth observation and communications. The development of the QPSK demodulator follows an all-digital implementation approach. The main reason for selecting this approach is to have a system that is flexible and reconfigurable to comply with the SDR requirements. Another reason for selecting this approach is to comply with the low noise system, low power consumption as well as the small size and weight requirements associated with nanosatellites. The QPSK demodulator is implemented on an IGLOO2 Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), due to its robustness to radiation and high-speed capability. Initially, the techniques used to design each subsystem of the QPSK demodulator are selected. Then, algorithms to digitally implement the designed subsystems are produced. Thereafter, the code for the digital QPSK demodulator is written and verified in Matlab first. The simulation of the Matlab-based QPSK demodulator performs satisfactorily. Subsequently, the code to implement the QPSK demodulator on an FPGA (IGLOO2) has been written in Libero, using VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL). The resulting FPGA-based QPSK demodulator has been emulated in Libero (an integration and development environment (IDE) for Microsemi FPGAs) using a test-bench as well as other analysis tools. The test-bench results are visualized using Modelsim.
The results show that the demodulator can support data rates up to 13.25 Mbps if 16 samples-per-symbols are used, and up to 26.5 Mbps if 8 samples-per-symbols are used. It also has a very good bit-error-rate performance, which is simulated to be within a factor of 5 of the theoretical limit of QPSK modulation. Finally, the demodulator consumes less than 15 mW at the maximum operating speed. and has been coded to mitigate the effects of space radiation and noise contriution by the demodulator itself
Knowledge, perceptions and practices of members of the health care team involved in stem cell transplantations in the Western Cape
Get PDFThesis (MTech (Nursing))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.Stem cell transplantation has become one of the standard methods of treatment for patients with malignant and benign blood disorders. The multidisciplinary team interacting with these patients and their families, must be knowledgeable concerning the appropriate quality health care. The objectives of the study were to explore the knowledge of the members of the health care team in terms of the processes that need to be adhered to with stem cells transplantation, as well as exploring the perceptions amongst the health care team members and their reactions towards patients undergoing stem cell transplantation. An exploratory research design with a qualitative approach was employed. Data collection took place at two stem cell transplant units in the Western Cape, using non-probability purposive sampling technique. The health care team members included a medical doctor, dietician, physiotherapist, social worker, radiographer and nursing staff. Data was collected by face-to-face personal interviews which were transcribed and analysed by using coding and thematic analysis. The majority of the professional participants could identify the processes for stem cell transplantation, which affirmed their knowledge. The non-professional health care team member, could also identify the types of methods and processes of stem cell transplantation. Participants stated that the health care team members had passion for this treatment option. Some participants felt it to be emotionally challenging to work in the environment, especially with paediatric patients and the dying. However, some health care team members could detach themselves emotionally from the patients. The team stated that the stem cell transplanted patients need special care to overcome all challenges experienced, but were positive about treatment. It is evident that management of stem cell transplanted patients is complicated and the health care team members must have knowledge, skills and the appropriate attitude to practice in these units. This study emphasised how vital it is that stem cell transplantation be included in the training programs of the multidisciplinary team. Health care practitioners in the field must stay abreast with stem cell research in order to effectively conduct health promotions for patients and staff. In addition, hematology and transplant awareness campaigns should also be conducted in order to educate society and suggest referrals if necessary
Experiences of novice art teachers in high schools
No full textThesis (MEd)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.The teaching profession is unique in this sense that in no other employment industry, are beginner employees straight out of university expected to do the work and hold the responsibilities equal to that of a senior or more experienced colleague. This idea is held as one of the main reasons why teachers need support in their first few years of teaching (Darling-Hammond, 2010; Le Maistre & Paré, 2010). From my own experience as well as that of the novice art teacher participants in this research, it was clear that art teachers in their first three years of teaching experience positive encounters as well as several challenges. Challenges varied from the lack of support and orientation from school management to several other factors that contributed to a demanding workload and stress. The theoretical framework that informs this research is grounded in the combination of theoretical perspectives developed by Geert Kelchtermans (1993; 1994; 1999) namely the narrative-biographical perspective and the micro-political perspective. Participants were interviewed and requested to attend a focus group session where they were asked to create a River of Life representation of their experiences since starting their art education careers. The transcripts were analysed in conjunction with the drawings to forge connections between the participants’ feedback to establish themes. The themes of this particular research relate mainly to the common experiences that the participants face as novice art teachers and the support they receive from their school management and education authorities
The effects of prevailing attitudes to informal settlements on housing delivery in Cape Town
No full textThesis (MTech (Architectural Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.Informal settlements are increasing in the cities of the global South in line with the rapid
rate of urbanisation that is taking place in countries of this region. The growth of informal
settlements in these countries has been exacerbated by factors that are unique to this
region, factors such as scarcity of resources, colonial legacies and rapid urbanisation.
Cape Town, a city that relates to the global South both in terms of geographical location
and socio-economic context, has also seen a rapid growth of informal settlements,
particularly in the last two decades. Like other cities in this region, Cape Town has
ambitions of being regarded as a global city. Global cities are modelled on cities of the
global North such as London, New York and Tokyo. Beyond the economic prestige that is
generally associated with the cities of the global North, the imagery that they conjure up
is also seen as an inspiration to be emulated by cities across the world, and it does not
include informal settlements. As such, informal settlements generate a host of attitudes.
Attitudes towards informal settlements don’t just emanate from political authorities, but
emanate from across the spectrum that constitutes inhabitants and interest groups in
these cities, including the creators of informal settlements themselves. These individuals
and interests, according to their social standing and thus influence, have varying degrees
of agency in the matters related to informal settlements. The aim in this study is to probe
the effect of these attitudes on housing delivery to the poor. Attitudes not only influence
the choice of what is regarded as the norm, but also how any entity that is regarded as
the ‘other’ is evaluated.
Almost without exception, cities that have been characterised by large numbers of
informal settlements have attempted, without success, to eradicate informal settlements
from their urban fabrics. An overarching assumption in this study is that the resilience of
informal settlements says something about their necessity, and the failure by some, to
recognise this necessity or the utilitarian value of informal settlements is influenced by
attitudes.
This research is done by first using a literature review to elucidate on:
• the social condition, that is, the phenomenon of informal settlements,
• the relevant theories applicable to the academic field the thesis is anchored in
(architecture) and other social orders impacting architecture such as modernism,
• the construct of attitudes and its impacts on beliefs, evaluations and perceptions
on the affect of objects.
The Joe Slovo informal settlement is then used as an analytic case study to investigate the
effects of attitudes on the dynamics that have seen the site being transformed into what
had been conceived as a prototype for transforming informal settlements to formal
housing. The study shows that such transformations, although often carried out in the
name of changing the lives of the inhabitants of informal settlements, do not necessarily
entail them remaining at the site post its transformation. In the case of Joe Slovo, it
actually resulted in a sizeable number of the original inhabitants being relocated to a new,
less favourable site
The relevance of the National Certificate Vocational at Technical Vocational Education and Training colleges for the South African tourism industry
No full textThesis (MTech (Tourism and Hospitality Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.The study was planned to investigate the relevance of the National Certificate Vocational tourism programme for the South African tourism industry in terms of the employability and skills required by tourism students to work in the tourism industry, once they graduated. The main objective of this study was to identify the challenges facing the National Certificate Vocational tourism programme, with sub-objectives focussing on the level of graduates’ employability, articulation from the National Certificate Vocational programme to higher education, as well as on the skills and abilities needed by National Certificate Vocational lecturers to teach in their specific field.
The research was conducted in the form of an empirical survey to gather information using research questionnaires. A mixed methods approach, using both a quantitative and qualitative methodology, was employed to gather relevant data for the study. Qualitative questionnaires were distributed to a target population comprising conveniently selected National Certificate Vocational Tourism graduates (a total sample of 100), and National Certificate Vocational lecturers (a sample of 50 suitably qualified persons), at four Technical Vocational Education and Training colleges in the Western Cape. Personal interviews were conducted with ten conveniently selected tourism industry employers and role-players. Ten specifically identified representatives of tourism and government education departments and other government organisations were also part of the target population.
The first part of the study looked at the history of Vocational Education and how it is practised in other countries. The history of the National Certificate Vocational programmes within South Africa is explained, as well as the challenges facing the National Certificate Vocational tourism qualification and its relevance to the tourism industry in South Africa. Results from the research suggested that National Certificate Vocational tourism students are only employable in small to medium micro enterprises (SMMEs) once they graduate. It was concluded that graduates would need more experience and practical knowledge to be employable in the wider tourism labour market. The results confirm that the updated National Certificate Vocational tourism curriculum is critically important to make the qualification more relevant to the South African tourism industry
Design and analysis of multifunctional composite structures for nano-satellites
No full textThesis (MTech (Mechanical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.The aim of this thesis is to investigate the applications of multifunctional compos-
ite (MFC) technology to nano-satellite structures and to produce a working concept
design, which can be implemented on future Cube-Satellites (CubeSats). MFC tech-
nologies can be used to optimise the performance of the satellite structure in terms
of mass, volume and the protection it provides. The optimisation of the structure
will allow further room for other sub-systems to be expanded and greater payload
allowance. An extensive literature view of existing applications of MFC materials has
been conducted, along with the analysis of a MFC CubeSat structural design account-
ing for the environmental conditions in space and well-known design practices used in
the space industry. Numerical analysis data has been supported by empirical analysis
that was done where possible on the concept material and structure. The ndings
indicate that the MFC technology shows an improvement over the conventional alu-
minium structures that are currently being used. Improvements in rigidity, mass and
internal volume were observed. Additional functions that the MFC structure o ers
include electrical circuitry and connections through the material itself, as well as an
increase electromagnetic shielding capability through the use of carbon- bre composite
materials. Empirical data collected on the MFC samples also show good support for
the numerical analysis results. The main conclusion to be drawn from this work is that
multifunctional composite materials can indeed be used for nano-satellite structures
and in the same light, can be tailor-made to the speci c mission requirements of the
satellite. The technology is in its infancy still and has vast room for improvement
and technological development beyond this work and well into the future. Further
improvements and additional functions can be added through the inclusion of various
other materials