Cape Peninsula University of Technology
CPUT Electronic Theses and Dissertations RepositoryNot a member yet
2175 research outputs found
Sort by
Molecular characterisation of the multi-antibiotic resistant bacteria, Klebsiella Pneumoniae isolated from nosocomial infections
No full textThesis (MSc (Biomedical Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.Background: It is well established that Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is an opportunistic pathogenic organism that has been frequently identified as the cause of nosocomial and community acquired infections. Furthermore, studies have shown that over the last few decades strains of the genus Klebsiella have systematically developed resistance to numerous antibiotics. Aims and Methods: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of K. pneumoniae in nosocomial and community isolates in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Various identification techniques such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the API 20 E, the VITEK®2 system, primers specific for the 16S-23S rDNA ITS region and the Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) were compared for the identification of this pathogen. The VITEK 2 system was used to detect antibiotic resistant profiles of the K. pneumoniae isolates and to identify the extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) phenotypic among these isolates. The PCR was used to detect Beta-lactam genes viz. CTX-M (blaCTX-M), TEM (blaTEM) and SHV (blaSHV) respectively in both the genome and plasmid DNA of K. pneumoniae using gene specific primers. Results: In total 57 agar plate bacterial cultures or glycerol stock bacterial cultures were obtained during 2011. Of the 57 isolates, the API 20 E test identified 47 (82.5%) of the isolates (n = 57) as K. pneumoniae while 10 isolates (17.5%) were identified as Raoultella species. The VITEK 2 method and PCR identified all 57 isolates as K. pneumoniae (100%). Of the isolates, 82.5% (47/57) were positively identified as Klebsiella species, 14% (8/57) were identified as Klebsiella variicola and 3.5% (2/57) were shown as no reliable identification (NRI) when using the MALDI-TOF MS. Examination of the 57 isolates using primers specific for the CTX-M (blaCTX-M), TEM (blaTEM) and SHV (blaSHV) respectively showed the following: PCR amplicons for the TEM gene were produced successfully for 46 (81%) of the 57 isolates included in this project, while 11 (19%) of the samples did not yield any TEM amplicons; PCR amplicons for the blaSHV gene were obtained successfully for 56 (98%) of the 57 DNA samples, while 1 sample (2%) did not yield any SHV amplicons; and PCR amplicons for the blaCTX-M gene were produced successfully by 89% (n = 51) of the DNA samples included in this project, while 11% (n = 6) did not yield any CTX-M amplicon. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase phenotypes had been confirmed in 84% (n = 48) K. pneumoniae isolates while nine isolates were found to be non-ESBL. Resistance rates for these 48 isolates were high and showed resistance patterns of: Amoxicillin/Ampicillin, Amoxycillin/Clavulanate, Ceftriaxone/Cefotaxime, Cefuroxime/Cefprozil and Ceftazidime (100%, n = 48); Piperacillin/Tazobactam and Cefoxitin (98%, 47/48); Cefepime (96%, 46/48); Aztreonam (94%; 45/48); Tobramycin (81%, 39/48); Gentamycin and Ciprofloxacin (77%, 37/48); Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (67%, 32/48); and Tigecycline (25% 12/48).
Conclusion: For the analysis by all four methods employed, a total agreement of 68.4% was obtained, indicating the positive identification of K. pneumoniae in 39 of the 57 samples analysed. An average agreement of 28.1% was then obtained for the comparison of results generated for three of the methods utilised, while a 3.5% average agreement was obtained for at least two methods. Furthermore, all four methods agreed that 82.5% of the isolates were Klebsiella species while three methods agreed that 17.5% of the isolates were Klebsiella species. Based on the results obtained in the current study, PCR and VITEK 2 were the methods of choice for the identification of K. pneumoniae. The current study also showed, that ESBL-K. pneumoniae strains are present in the Western Cape province, South Africa; with high resistance profiles to numerous antibiotics including the Cephalosporins
Communication strategies used by investor relations practitioners to build and maintain relationships with investor stakeholders
No full textThesis (MTech (Public Relations Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.Investor Relations (IR) has become a key area of focus in academic and professional debates over the last few decades. Although the identity of the field is contested, with both finance and communication disciplines claiming the fledgling field, there is consensus across disciplines that communication is paramount in IR success. However, a number of scholars (see Schutzmann, 2013; Laskin, 2011; Watson, 2008) argue that IR is not being fully utilised to maximise fair valuation and obtain favourable return on company investments due to lack of strategic communication expertise among IR practitioners who usually have a purely financial background.
It is against this background that this study evaluated communication strategies employed by IR practitioners in South Africa to build and maintain relationships with investor stakeholders. The purpose is to contribute towards theoretical debates on strategic communication practice in IR, an area that remains under theorised and understudied, especially within a developing country context. The theoretical frame of the study was derived from public relations Excellence theory and the two-way symmetrical communication (Grunig and Hunt, 1984).
The research methodology of the study was qualitative and employed an explorative design to gather data through a combination of document analysis, indepth interviews and content analysis. The findings show that financial and non-financial information is disseminated to investor stakeholders. However, the communication of financial information by IR professionals to investor stakeholders remains dominant in South Africa. Importantly, two-way symmetrical communication and two-way asymmetrical communication strategies are used in different ways to build and maintain relationships and to disclose mandatory key corporate information to investor stakeholders. One-on-one meetings in different formats and online dialogue with closed feedback emerged as the dominant key two-way symmetrical communication strategies of nurturing and sustaining relationships with investor stakeholders. This includes two-way asymmetrical communication strategies such as the corporate publications and IR websites. IR policies that promote two-way symmetrical communication, trust, honest, transparency and credibility emerged in the study as being implemented by IR professionals of South Africa. In addition, the findings show that such characterised IR policies advances the rules of investor stakeholder relationship building and engagement. However, it remains unclear from a South African standpoint whether IR professionals are ready to engage in an open dialogue with investor stakeholders using social media. The findings show that IR in South Africa has trascended into a synergy era where two-way symmetrical communication is emphasised. It further shows that the theoretical frame of the study as derived from public relations Excellence theory and the two-way symmetrical communication (Grunig and Hunt, 1984) has positive implications in the investor relations efforts of building relationships and information disclosure. However, investor stakeholder preferences of engaging with IR professionals require further exploration. This will assist in theorising communication strategies ideal for IR practice
Effect of temperature and carbon to nitrogen ratio on the performance of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor treating sugarcane molasses
No full textThesis (MTech (Chemical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018.The sugar industry contributes to the development of the economy in many countries, including South Africa. The wastewater generated by this industry has a high pollution load, and therefore requires treatment before discharge to the environment. The primary aims of this study were to determine the performance of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor treating sugarcane molasses and to develop an empirical model to predict the behaviour of the UASB in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and biogas production.
A UASB (46 L working volume) was inoculated with granular sludge from the brewery industry and was used to investigate the treatment of synthetic sugar industry wastewater with an average COD of 4101 mg/L. The experiments were designed using Design-Expert® Software Version 10. The analysis of variance for the models and the optimisation of reactor temperature and feed carbon to nitrogen (C/N ratio) were carried out using response surface methodology. The UASB was operated at constant hydraulic retention time and organic loading rate of 2.04 days and 2.01 kg/m3.d, respectively. A start-up period of 22 days was required to reach steady-state.
The developed empirical models for total COD removal efficiency and biogas production rate were found to be statistically significant with Prob > F values of 0.0747 and 0.0495 and the determination coefficients (R2) were found to be 0.80 and 0.65, respectively. The optimal conditions were found to be at a temperature of 38oC and C/N ratio of 22 mgTOC/mgTN. The corresponding removal efficiencies in terms of total COD, five day biological oxygen demand, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and sulphate was 77.7, 85.9, 99.2, 44.4 and 57.2%, respectively. Biogas was produced at a rate of 0.832 L/L.d with a methane, carbon dioxide and molecular oxygen content of 65.2, 32.8 and 0.6%.
Results suggest that UASBs may offer a feasible option for reducing the organic strength of sugar industry wastewater, while simultaneously generating methane-rich biogas
Pedagogical issues arising from the introduction of educational technology at two South African universities of technology : a comparative study
No full textThesis (DTech (Information Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.Educational technology can improve teaching and learning in universities of technology in developing countries. Due to various factors, there is no readymade “one-size-fits-all” solution for facilitating the successful implementation of educational technology. Tedre, Apiola and Cronjé (2011) identified 100 educational, socioeconomic and technical attributes that can influence the successful integration of educational technology in developing regions. While exploring the issues arising from technology integration at two universities of technology, the aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of Tedre, Apiola and Cronjé’s framework in order to contribute to its refinement. The central research question concerned the extent to which Tedre, Apiola and Cronjé’s framework was useful for a situational analysis at two South African universities of technology. The sub-questions concerned the framework’s ability to distinguish between the two universities on the one hand and on the other hand, the overlaps or shortcomings of the model as it assisted in describing those situations.
The findings revealed that the two universities in this inquiry are not similar. Although the universities’ educational strategies and policies were very analogous, differences were found in the manner and approach to the implementation of educational technology. The pedagogical considerations for e-learning uptake in both universities corroborated with each other to a certain extent. The findings further showed that most of the educational factors that affect technology integration, and subsequent educational technology adoption, resonate with pedagogical issues found in other developing countries
The impact of cloud computing on the role of an IT department : a case study of a higher education institution in the Western Cape
No full textThesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.Information and communication technologies are moving fast. Consequently, organisations must be aware of this evolution and adapt to take full advantage of the benefits offered by these technologies. Cloud computing is a new concept of accessing data centers and various computing resources via the internet through any devices and from anywhere. Large organizations, such as Higher Education Institutions (HEI), are gradually adopting cloud computing to reduce their very high budgets. In emerging countries, more and more HEIs are adopting the services offered by cloud computing, more precisely in South Africa in the Western Cape. However, cloud computing affects the way IT services are delivered by traditional HEI IT departments. Thus the objective of this study is to explore the impact of cloud computing on the role of the IT department of HEIs, using a case study. To fulfil this objective, interviews were conducted within the IT department of an HEI, including the IT staff, and it was found that cloud computing affects the role of the IT department by changing the roles and responsibilities of some IT staff, as well as the focus of certain posts in the department. In addition, cloud computing also affects the department's culture. Fortunately, no IT staff have lost their posts. Other results show that training and certification were necessary for the IT to adapt to the changes. Cloud computing adds value to the IT department because it offers a daily 24-hour service as opposed to the traditional IT department
A theoretical framework for the labour relations between the farmer and farm workers during industrial strike actions
No full textThesis (MTech (Public Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.The purpose of this study was to analyse the labour relations of the workers in the agricultural sector, with reference to the De Doors area in the Western Cape.
Despite the political, social and economic changes to better the lives of the farm workers that have been implemented to rectify the inequalities of the past, the labour conditions on farms stayed unchanged. It is evident that there is a gap in the labour relations in the agricultural sector, due to the 2012/13 strike actions that took place.
Qualitative research methodology was employed in the study; it provided the researcher with the opportunity to personally interact with the farm workers. It further allowed the researcher to gain a holistic understanding of the daily lives of the farm workers which would foster a better understanding of their daily struggles. Interviews were used as method of data collection. This methodology also enables the researcher to interpret and describe the actions of participants.
Good labour relations play a vital role in any industry or organisation. Farm workers are generally classified as vulnerable and the most exploited group of the South African society. They often work irregular hours throughout the year in various weather settings. Regardless of the physical strain that their jobs entail, farm workers earn a low wage and are often deprived of the basic benefits that an employee should be entitled to. This was the reason the farm workers embarked on a strike in 2012/13.
The researcher proposed recommendations to the Agricultural department on how to improve the labour relations on the farms in the De Doorns area by suggesting that more labour inspectors are being employed to oversee that legislation are implemented. Skills Development needs to be become compulsory for all farm workers as farming is becoming more technological. Skills Development unlocks talents and creative energy for the farm workers which have a positive impact on production
Dissolution control of highly soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients via cocrystallisation
No full textThesis (MTech (Chemistry))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.Crystal engineering involves the manipulation of intermolecular interactions to design
functionalised crystalline materials and has proved to be an effective tool for the modification
of physicochemical properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). In the first section
of this study, the aim was to systematically influence the rate of dissolution of a highly soluble
active pharmaceutical ingredient using crystal engineering principles.
Salicylic acid (SA) was employed as a model API to form multicomponent crystals with a series
of selected cinchona alkaloids, namely quinine (QUIN), quinidine (QUID), cinchonine (CINC),
cinchonidine (CIND), N-benzylquininium chloride (NBQUIN), N-benzylcinchonidinium chloride
(NBCIND) and N-benzylcinchoninium chloride (NBCINC). The resulting novel crystalline forms
were found to be salts, and were characterised using single crystal X-ray diffraction, powder
X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The
dissolution profiles of the salicylate salts, measured from an aqueous media using high
performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy, show a significant decrease in the
rate of dissolution of SA. Subsequently, Hirshfeld surface analysis was used as a tool for
quantitative and qualitative comparison of the crystal structures. This study indicates that the
rate of dissolution can be successfully influenced by methodically adding extra hydrophobic
groups onto the coformer.
In the second section, we applied the information obtained from the SA studies to
acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin, ASA). We sought to improve its thermal stability and dissolution
via the formation of new solid forms with the aforementioned cinchona alkaloids. We
successfully synthesized a novel drug-drug salt of an analgesic, non-steroidal antiinflammatory
and antipyretic drug (ASA), and an antimalarial and analgesic drug (QUIN). The
salt was formed both by using solution methods and liquid assisted grinding - a green
chemistry technique. The salt exhibited physicochemical properties different from the parent
drugs, and a reduced rate of dissolution.National Research Foundation(NRF
Cashless payment methods for informal traders
No full textThesis (MTech (Information Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.Over the past decade there was an increase in the availability and usage of cashless
payment methods in Africa. Cashless payments allow users to make payments without
using cash, and offer multiple benefits to both customers and merchants.These benefits
include reduced costs, improved sales, improved security, convenience, etc.
However, despite the increased variety, availability and popularity of cashless payment
solutions in Africa, the usage of cashless payments methods in Africa is still mostly
limited to money remittance and retail payments. While formal traders such as retailers
are slowly adopting and reaping the benefits of cashless payments, the large majority
of informal traders across the continent are yet to adopt cashless payments and still
limited to use cash as their main (and often only) payment method. How cash and cashless payment methods differ from the informal trader’s point of view
is not known yet; this study seeks to understand why cashless payment methods are
yet to gain popularity amongst informal traders and meanwhile cash is widely adopted
and used. This research analyses the characteristics, needs and limitations of informal
traders and evaluates the ability of both cash and cashless payment methods to satisfy
their payment needs
Design and development of a fuel cell power supply unit
No full textThesis (MTech (Electrical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.Fuel cell (FC) technology is one of the most sought-after renewable energy technology. However, the output voltage of FC stacks is inherently unstable; as such, it is of little or no use for most power supply applications. In addition to the unstable output voltage, FC stacks are susceptible to high current ripple, which can reduce the system’s life expectancy. The work carried out in order to stabilise the output voltage, and to reduce the current ripple of FC stacks involves a review of some existing converter topologies used for power conditioning units (PCUs), modelling, design, control and simulation of different converter topologies and the experiment of the prototype circuit for the interleaved boost voltage multiplier (IBVM) converter topology. In the process to stabilise the stack output voltage and to reduce the stack output current ripple, it is also required to improve the system response to load changes. This work presents results that show that system works, with the voltage stabilised, the stack output current ripple reduced and the response time reduced.
A relative evaluation of the dynamic behaviour of four converter topologies in power conditioning units is carried out, and these are the isolated current-fed full-bridge (ICFFB) converter, the boost converter, the sepic converter and the IBVM converter. The simulation results of the four topologies show that the output voltage of a PEMFC stack was stabilised, and that the IBVM topology is a better topology compared to the others, especially when it comes to reducing the stack current ripple
Design of a domestic high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell cogeneration system : modelling and optimisation
No full textThesis (DTech (Chemical Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017.Fuel cells are among power generation technologies that have been proven to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. They have the potential of being one of the most widely used
technologies of the 21st century, replacing conventional technologies such as gas turbines
in stationary power supplies, internal combustion engines in transport applications and
the lithium-ion battery in portable power applications. This research project concentrates
on the performance analysis of a micro-cogeneration system based on a high temperatureproton
exchange membrane (HT-PEM) fuel cell through modelling and parametric analysis.
A model of a 1kWe micro-cogeneration system that consists of a HT-PEM fuel cell, a
methane steam reformer (MSR) reactor, a water-gas-shift (WGS) reactor, heat exchangers
and an inverter was developed. The model is coded/implemented in gPROMS Model
Builder, an equation oriented modelling platform. The models predictions for the HTPEM
fuel cell, MSR and WGS, and the whole system were validated against experimental
and numerical results from literature. The validation showed that the HT-PEM fuel cell
model was able to predict the performance of a 1kWe fuel cell stack with an error of less
than 6.4%.
The system model is rstly used in a thermodynamic analysis of the fuel processor for a
methane steam reforming process and investigated in terms of carbon monoxide produced.
The combustor fuel and equivalence ratios were shown to be critical decision variables to
be considered in order to keep the carbon monoxide from the fuel processor at acceptable
levels for the fuel cell stack