Central University of Technology
Central University Of Technology Free State - LibraryCUT, South AfricaNot a member yet
2545 research outputs found
Sort by
Development Of E-Government Diffusion Assessment Tool For Service Delivery In South Africa’s Municipalities: Task-Technology-Fit Approach
Get PDFThesisWhile e-Government has been in existence since the 1990s, with the intention of improving service delivery to citizens and improving efficiency within the government setup, it is safe to say that its implementation and success to date can be deemed mediocre at the least. The South African government entrusted the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) with the responsibility of developing and coordination of e-Government strategy to address issues across all departments and sectors. Several Information and Communication Technology (ICT) initiatives have been sanctioned by the government at provincial and national level albeit at varying degrees of success. Prior to the appointment of DPSA, most of these initiatives had been uncoordinated and isolated which has probably led to little or no progress so far. In a quest to accelerate e-Government solutions, the DPSA has placed emphasis on government-to- government (G2G), government to business and citizen (G2BC), government to citizen (G2C) and the related infrastructure which helped these projects to take off smoothly. Some examples of the initiatives in place include e-filing, e-health and e-education. The South African Revenue Services (SARS) and the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) have had success with their respective e-filing initiatives. Although queues are still being seen at these departments, most taxpayers, tax practitioners and trademark and patent applicants have embraced this electronic technology and thus alleviating the challenge of queuing for long periods. However, the same cannot be said for other initiatives such as e-health and e-education. Consequently, a need to look into e-Government diffusion in South African municipalities was birthed. This research used a modified model derived and adopted from Task-Technology-Fit (TTF) Model and Fit-Viability Model. The new model e-Government Diffusion Assessment Model (EDAM) was proposed with 12 variables. It was tested for validity and reliability. Data was collected using Likert seven-point scale questionnaire, of which 100 responses were usable and was analysed quantitatively. The hypothesis of the research model was tested using the regression analysis technique. The findings in this study indicate that e-Government has been adopted and that it is at the advanced stages of development. The results in this research show that the rate of diffusion of e-Government in the three selected municipalities across South Africa is seventy-five percent (75%). This percentage suggests that strides have been taken to embrace ICT in local government. The results also indicate that social norms have strong influence on utilisation, utilisation has strong influence on organisational performance while task-technology-fit has strong influence on utilisation. The results also indicate that task-technology-fit, utilisation and viability had a very strong influence on organisational performance. In conclusion, the findings in this study indicate that the proposed model can be used to see whether the factors are favourable for diffusion of e-Government applications. The organisational performance in this study is in line with the mandate of the municipality in delivering service to the community. This research contributed to the body of knowledge by providing an increased understanding of the information systems, diffusion, IT adoption and e-Government studies in South Africa’s municipalities. In order to improve service delivery and minimise service delivery protest it is recommended that municipalities around South Africa adopt the model as outlined in this study
Occupational Exposure To Radiofrequency Energy And Static Magnetic Fields In Mri Units In The Public Sector Within Mangaung Metropolitan Region
Get PDFThesisThe healthcare workers (HCWs) working with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) units are constantly exposed to MRI-related electromagnetic fields, and epidemiological studies have confirmed association between exposure to emitted static magnetic fields (SMFs) and development of transient exposure-related health effects. The thermal effects associated with induced tissue heating from radiofrequency (RF) energy have also been confirmed, however, there is still controversy on non-thermal effects. The development of health effects among workers is dependent on the performance of activities in close proximity to MRI scanner in zone IV.
The aim of this study was i) to assess the exposure levels of SMFs and RF magnetic fields, including the health effects resulting from exposure to MRI-related EMFs among MR staff as well as MR safety risks. ii) the second aim was to develop a health and safety model that will reduce MR safety risks and exposure of MR staff to SMFs and RF magnetic fields emitted by 1.5 and 3.0 T MRI scanners. Transient health effects reported in others studies were assessed among radiographers, nurses, cleaners, medical physicists, radiologists, porters, medical doctors and maintenance engineers. The exposure levels of SMFs and RF magnetic fields were also measured in zone IV, in the MRI rooms using distance as an exposure surrogate. Different distance points were considered, particularly one and two meter; when patient examinations were performed. Furthermore, a health and safety model focussing on administrative controls as well as recommendations on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) has been developed to guide the MRI facilities to reduce exposure, health effects and existing MR safety risks. This study was conducted in two public hospitals located in Bloemfontein, Free State Province of South Africa. The SMFs and RFmagnetic fields exposure levels from two 1.5 and one 3.0 T MRI scanners in Pelonomi and Universitas hospitals.
The exposure levels were measured through spotmonitoring when patients underwent brain, cervical spine and extremities scans. The measurements for SMFs were collected at 1 meter (m) and 2 meters away from the right, left and front side of the scanner gantry, in zone IV. The RF magnetic fields’ measurements were collected at 1 m away from the scanner on the right and left side of the scanner gantry. A questionnaire survey based on transient health effects and safety perception of MR staff around MRI scanners was also administered. Additionally, interviews on MR safety risks were conducted with four staff members from Pelonomi and Universitas hospital. The existing health and safety measures in zone III and IV were reviewed through the use of baseline risk assessment and image quality control test results were benchmarked against the relevant ACR guidelines.
The results of chapter 3 demonstrated that the three scanners from two hospitals respect ICNIRP guidelines in terms of occupational exposure to both SMFs and RF magnetic fields. Configurations of scanners such as clinical setting, magnetic field shielding and magnet type influence propagation of stray static fields in zone IV. The emission of RF magnetic fields is influenced by scans performed, RF pulse design and sequence settings-lip angle. In chapter 4, a significant difference between job titles and safety around the scanners (p< 0.0023), as well as the number of years working in the MRI units (p< 0.0002) was observed. Headache was significantly associated with perceived MRI safety (p< 0.014). MR staff were more likely (OR 39.15, 95% CI: 4.91- 312.02) to experience transient health effects compared to the control group (p <0.0001), with radiographers being affected the most (OR 60.75, 95% Cl: 5.99- 616.67). SMFs exposure effects such as vertigo, feeling of instability and metallic taste were significantly associated with shift duration and movement of head/upper body in the scanner bore. However, RF exposure effects were mainly associated with job title and presence in the scanner room for longer durations of time. MRI safety policies, safety training of MR staff, demarcation of safety zones and absence of ferromagnetic detectors were identified as shortfalls in both hospitals. As reported in chapter 5, the results of risk assessment suggested that both hospitals scored a moderate risk score of 12.3 for hospital A and 13.1 for hospital B. Similar risks were observed; however, lack of demarcation of four MRI safety zones, ferromagnetic detectors, 5-gauss line and access control increased the risk rating in both facilities. Defective air-cooling systems influenced the ACD measurements performed from 1.5 T Siemens. Low contrast object detectability had 29 spokes for ACR T2, while the PIU for image intensity uniformity was 78.2% on a 3.0 T Philips.
The model designed in chapter 6 addresses exposure levels of SMFs and RF magnetic fields reported in Chapter 3, and transient health effects reported by MR staff and MR safety risks identified in Chapter 4. The model also provides solutions (once a re-test is performed) to health risks and safety hazards reported, using the baseline risk assessment discussed in Chapter 5. The major shortfalls identified in both MR facilities studied include insufficient MR safety training, performance of activities in close proximity to the scanner bore, and failure to follow relevant ACR guidelines appropriately
Who Visits A Nature Based Urban Attraction And Why? An Exploratory Study Of The Motivations To Visit The Pretoria Zoo In South Africa
Get PDFArticleUrban tourism is one of the most dynamic types of tourism. The demand for travel to specifically cities, has greatly increased over the last few decades. Although much of the world’s tourism activity occurs in urban areas of major cities such as Paris and London, it is only recently that urban tourism has been identified as a significant sector of tourism worthy of academic attention. The purpose of this study was to identify if the reason for the existence of zoological gardens (zoos) is the main reason why people visit them. The Pretoria zoo is the largest and only national zoo in South Africa and is classified as an urban attraction. The zoo is part of the National Research Foundation (NRF) which is a public entity that fosters research within the country. As part of the NRF, the NZG’s focus is on the promotion of research; in addition to that the other main functions of the NZG include conservation and education. It is therefore important to establish whether tourist see zoos as inter-alia centres of conservation, education or is there another reason why tourist visit zoos. In order to determine the answer(s) to this question, a self-administered questionnaire was used as a research instrument. The questionnaire was distributed at the research site. A total of 400 completed responses were received and were included in the statistical analysis
A New Method For Estimating Hydraulic Conductivity In Un-Screened Concrete-Lined Large-Diameter Hand-Dug Wells
Get PDFArticleThe use of large-diameter hand-dug wells as main source of rural water supply for drinking, domestic and
irrigation uses in many developing countries has offer an opportunity to developed Darcy-based methods for
estimating hydraulic conductivity in screened-lined large-diameter hand-dug wells to determine the yield and
discharge potential of the wells. However, in many rural areas of sub-Saharan African countries, the use of unscreened
concrete lining is most common method of protecting large-diameter hand-dug wells against collapsing
and pollution due to the affordability of the method. The use of un-screened concrete lining prevents horizontal
water flow to the well and inflow of water in un-screened concrete well occur through well base, therefore,
existing Darcy-based method not suitable to estimate hydraulic conductivity for this well design. This study
proposed a new method for estimating aquifer hydraulic conductivity for un-screened concrete-lined largediameter
hand-dug wells. To demonstrate the viability of the new method, field recovery tests were conducted
in twelve (12) un-screened concrete lined large-diameter hand-dug wells to estimate apparent hydraulic
conductivity (Ka) of aquifer formation. The twelve (12) un-screened concrete wells were screened for the second
round of recovery tests to estimate horizontal hydraulic conductivity K. The results showed that the estimated
apparent hydraulic conductivity Ka values were lower than the horizontal hydraulic conductivity K values and
this show effect of un-screened concrete-lining. A relationship between Ka and K was established to make a
correction factor for estimation of K from Ka by a regression analysis which showed a linear regression of 0.78
with a significant strong relationship of 0.00 between Ka and K using a bivariate Pearson correlation coefficient.
The new method will be useful to determine well yield most especially in the rural areas of developing countries
where un-screened concrete-lined large-diameter hand-dug wells are being practiced
An Insurable Risk Analysis For Construction Projects And Industry Using Spi: Gauteng Province, South Africa
Get PDFArticleThe South African construction sector accounts for 11% of the total employment, thus contributing approximately 4% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, severe unpredictable weather patterns can send this sector’s costs skyrocketing and revenue spiralling. Construction industry is said to be a good indicator for economic growth. The aim of this current study was to assess rainfall variability in the current rapidly changing climate regime, to set an avenue for businesses’ opportunities and risk reduction adaptation measures in order to keep this industry in the market. Annual rainfall data sets from eight weather stations were collected from an online source for analysis. A non-parametric test, Pettitt’s homogeneity and Shapiro-Wilk tests for data stationarity and normality respectively were deployed. A further Mann Kendall’s trend test was used to detect if any monotonic trend patterns were existent in the data sets. The probability of non-exceedance and return level periods were computed for each station. ANOVA test revealed all stations statistically different in rainfall patterns. The major results for this study, was that (i) no statistically significant decreasing patterns were observed over all candidate stations (ii), for every 2 to 5-year return periods, all stations are to experience near-normal drought conditions as computed from Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI). Given the frequent and intense drought episodes in South Africa and other parts of the world, Gauteng province remains a relatively conducive environment for construction business projects
Mixing And Reuse Of Polymer Laser Sintering Powders To Ensure Homogeneity - A Review
Get PDFArticleSelective laser sintering is one of the most common additive manufacturing technologies for polymeric materials. However, the technique is limited due to the high cost of the few available feedstock materials. Besides, laser sintering is a high-temperature process, which subjects polymeric materials to thermal stresses, resulting in the degeneration of powder. Besides, only a small portion of the powder fed into the built chamber is used in the printing of components. Hence, the need to recycle the used polymeric powder. This is achieved by mixing used and virgin powder in the ratios stipulated by the manufacturers of the powders. This review investigates the types of powder, types of mixing mechanism, parameters that affect efficient mixing, the homogeneity of mixed powder, mechanisms of segregation, and selection of the most appropriate mixers in the context of selective laser sintering of polymeric materials
A Review Of The State Of Research And Utilization Of Biomaterials In The Manufacture Of Composite Materials Todate
Get PDFArticleOver the last four decades composite materials, plastics and ceramics have been the dominant emerging materials. The volume and number of applications of composite materials has grown steadily, penetrating and gaining acceptance in new markets. Modern composite materials constitute a significant proportion of the engineered materials market, ranging from everyday products to sophisticated niche applications. While composites have already proven their worth as weight saving materials, the current challenge is to make them cost effective. This paper presents review on the worldwide state of research of biomaterials and their utilization in the manufacture of composite materials
Physiological And Phytochemical Responses Of Baby Spinach (Spinacia Oleracea L.) Cultivars To Combined Npks Nutrition And Bacillus Subtilis BD233 Inoculation Using LC-MS
Get PDFArticleBaby spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is grown for its nutritional benefits, edible leaves and medicinal purpose. The use of crop amendments such as inoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) together with fertilizers for crop cultivation is more sustainable as it reduces the excessive use of fertilizers and increases crop yield. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological and phytochemical response of baby spinach cultivars to different levels of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and Sulphur (NPKS) nutrition, amended with Bacillus subtilis strain BD233 inoculation. A factorial field experiment with treatments arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) was carried out. The results showed that NPKS fertilization significantly affected the total biomass of baby spinach but not B. subtilis (BD233) inoculation and cultivar or their interaction. The level of chlorophyll varied between cultivars ranging from 19.96±1.62b mg/m2 and 24.79±1.98a mg/m2, however, no significant differences occurred in stomatal conductance among the three cultivars. However, significant difference was observed on compounds among cultivars with NPKS fertilizer application in most identified compounds such as patuletin-3-glucosyl-(1-6)[apiosyl(1-2)]-glucoside, spinacetin-3-glucosyl-(1-6)[apiosyl(1-2)]-glucoside, (S)-Malate and N-Acetyl-D-tryptophan. Therefore, the study recommends that fertilizer at 22N:22P:30K:5S kg/ha and 33N:33P:45K:7S kg/ha amended with B. subtilis inoculation be considered when cultivating baby spinach
AHP-Systems Thinking Analyses for Kaizen Costing Implementation in the Construction Industry
Get PDFArticleThe incessant reportage of cost overruns and abandoned projects in contemporary literature
have accentuated the need for a re-examination of the nature of the cost management strategies
deployed to these projects. This study explores the potential of kaizen costing strategy to engender
e ective cost management within construction project delivery systems in developing countries.
Data collected during this study were analysed using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and
systems thinking approaches to determine the criticality of the factors influencing the e ective
implementation of kaizen costing. Seven (7) archetypes leading to final causal loop diagram identified
the incorporation of the plan–do–check–act approach to project and cost planning, the budgeting
system of the construction companies, overhead cost reduction during construction and the overall
procurement process. Executing these archetypes will potentially reduce high overhead costs,
project cost and time overruns, as well as enhance construction industry sector growth policies and
construction organisation corporate governance
Dark tourism: Growth potential of niche tourism in the Free State Province, South Africa
Get PDFArticleDark tourism involves tourists visiting sites of death, disaster and
depravity. Well known dark tourism sites include Chernobyl in the
Ukraine, the 9/11 Memorial in New York, and the Auschwitz
concentration camp in Poland. Battlefields of World War I and II
are also excellent examples of dark tourism sites. Dark tourism
has become a niche tourism sector with great potential for future
tourism growth. In South Africa, the FSGLTA acting as the
marketing arm of the Free State, targets to increase its tourism
numbers and therefore are looking for means of growing the
tourism arrivals towards the province. Dark tourism has been
identified as one of their ways to grow tourism. The main
objective of the paper is to reveal the niche tourism potential of
the Free State by focusing on the South African War (1899–1902).
The broader aim is to establish the typical profile of South African
War enthusiasts