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An Evaluative Study Of The Implementation Of The 2014 Screening, Identification, Assessment And Support Policy In Lejweleputswa District, Free State
Get PDFThesisThis research evaluated the implementation of the SIAS 2014 policy in the primary and secondary schools of Lejweleputswa District, Free State. The study sought to evaluate the policy by exploring the nature of the SIAS 2014 policy; examining how the introduction of the policy leads to an all-inclusive and more effective teaching and learning process; and determining how educators screen, identify, and assess barriers to learning as well as supporting learners with barriers. To this effect, a sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design was used to answer the research questions and satisfy the research objectives. The target population was educators in primary and secondary schools in the Lejweleputswa District. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 320 male and female participants from both primary and secondary schools for the quantitative strand of the research. The quantitative data was collected using a structured questionnaire which elicited responses from a total of 250 educators comprising of 66 (26%) males and 184 (73.6%) females by means of variables of closed-ended items which were measured on a seven-point semantic differential scale specifically developed by the researcher. The respondents were from 89 (35.6%) primary schools and 161 (64.4%) secondary schools. A purposeful sampling technique was also used to select seven school principals and five members of the District Based Support Team which added to a total of 12 participants for the qualitative part.
Guided by relevant literature, the sections of the fifty-five questionnaire items measured the educators‟ inputs about the SIAS 2014 policy framework; rationale and principles; implementation of screening, identification and assessment of learning barriers; as well as the implementation of support. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data on the educators‟ scores about the extent to which they implement the SIAS 2014 policy. For the inferential statistics part of the quantitative strand, nine hypotheses were formulated which were tested through t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Descriptive statistics revealed that the implementation of the SIAS 2014 policy was modest. Inferential statistics revealed that there was some statistically significant difference in mean screening scores of learning barriers between male and female educators and between primary and secondary schools. However, no statistically significant difference in mean screening scores of learning barriers between educators‟ teaching experiences was established. A further inferential statistics revelation was that there was some statistically significant difference in mean identification and assessment scores of learning barriers between primary and secondary schools while there was no statistically significant difference in mean identification and assessment scores of learning barriers between male and female educators or between educators‟ teaching experiences. Inferential statistics also revealed that there was some statistically significant difference in mean support scores of learners with barriers between primary and secondary schools while there was no statistically significant difference in mean support scores of learners between male and female educators or between educators‟ teaching experiences.
Two structured interview schedules based on the findings of the descriptive and inferential quantitative data analysis were conducted. The verdicts of the school principals and DBST members accounted for the quantitative diagnosis which generally established that the SIAS 2014 policy implementation is generally not effective owing to a number of factors such as insufficient educator training and development; educators‟ excessive workloads; and insufficient DBST resources to support schools.
Informed by the research findings and the Bronfenbrenner‟s bioecological model of social systems, the researcher developed a SIAS 2014 Specialist Support Model. The model emphasises the importance of every individual who plays an active role in the school life of a learner to maximise support of learners who experience learning barriers. The recommendation is that there should be a full-time School-Based psychometric assessor who will coordinate the SIAS 2014 policy processes for learners who experience barriers to learning
Zinc (Ii)-Vanillic Acid Complex: Synthesis, Characterisation And Evaluation Of Antidiabetic And Antioxidative Properties
Get PDFDissertationBackground: Diabetes is a major non-communicable disease that contributes to morbidity and mortality outcomes, globally. The morbidity and mortality outcomes of diabetes has been attributed to several vascular complications associated with the disease. Oxidative stress has been implicated in several mechanisms underlying the development and progression of diabetic complication. Blood glucose-lowering drugs are commonly used to manage diabetes and mitigate the development of vascular complication. However, many of these antidiabetic drugs have been associated with several unpleasant side effects, which have, somehow, discouraged their use. Moreover, some of these antidiabetic drugs are not affordable to most people in under-developed or developing countries, especially those in the middle- and low-income communities. Supplements and medicinal plants are, however, gaining attention in the prevention and management of many diseases, including diabetes and oxidative stress, perhaps due to their perceived holistic medicinal profile and minimal safety concern. In fact, studies have given credence to the antidiabetic and antioxidative pharmacological potentials of plant-derived phenolics. Vanillic acid is a natural phenolic acid with documented oxidative stress and diabetes related pharmacological properties. Also, zinc mineral has been reported to have insulin mimetic potentials. Data from clinical trials suggest that zinc may be useful in glycaemic control, as well as in diabetes prevention and management. Zn(II) has been complexed with many ligands, to develop potent antidiabetic agents. However, it has been mostly complexed with synthetic organic ligands that has potential toxic effects and little or no reported pharmacological property. In fact, antioxidant ligands such as natural phenolic acids have been scarcely studies as possible ligands of bioactive Zn(II) complexes, despite the minimal toxicity concerns of natural phenolic acids. Specifically, vanillic acid has not been studied as possible ligand to develop a bioactive Zn(II) complex. Therefore, the aim of this study was to synthesize and evaluate the antioxidative and antihyperglycaemic effects of a novel Zn(II)-vanillic acid complex.
Materials and methods: Zn(II)-vanillic acid complex was synthesised from zinc sulphate heptahydrate and vanillic acid precursors. After synthesis, the complex was characterised using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopic techniques. The effect of the complex on the viability of Chang liver cells and L-6 myotubes was evaluated. Then, different in vitro, cellular and ex vivo experimental models were used to measure the antihyperglycaemic and antioxidative activity of the complex, which was compared to the activity of the complex’s precursors. The in vitro 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radicals scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant activities of the complex and precursors were measured. Also, the inhibitory activity of the test samples on ⍺-glucosidase, ⍺-amylase and glycation activities was measured in vitro. The effect of the test samples on glucose uptake was measured in L-6 myotubes and isolated rat psoas muscle tissue. Finally, the anti-lipid peroxidative effect of the test samples was measured in isolated rat liver tissues induced with oxidative stress.
Results and discussion: FT-IR and NMR data suggest that vanillic acid complexed with Zn(II) through a Zn(O6) coordination mode by using its carboxylic functional group. Thus, it is proposed that the complex has three moieties of vanillic acid. This structural property of the complex appears to influence its activity relative to vanillic acid. The DPPH (IC50 = 95.9 μM) and ABTS (IC50 = 12.2 μM) radicals scavenging and Fe3+ reducing (251 mmol/mol AAE at 40 μM) activities of the complex were, respectively, 2.3 (p ˂ 0.05), 1.8 and 1.5 (p ˂ 0.05) folds stronger than those of vanillic acid. Also, the anti-lipid peroxidative activity of the complex (IC50 = 667 μM) in rat liver tissue was 9.7 folds more potent (p ˂ 0.05) than that of vanillic acid (IC50 = 6470 μM) and statistically comparable to that of ascorbic acid standard. Complexing Zn(II) with vanillic acid resulted in a complex with stronger α-glucosidase (IC50 = 48.3 μM; p ˂ 0.05), amylase (IC50 = 5.86) and glycation (IC50 = 19.8 μM) inhibitory activities relative to those of vanillic acid. The potent activity of the complex may be partly attributed to its three vanillic acid moiety, which can collectively potentiate stronger activities compared to vanillic acid alone. Zn(II) conferred potent L-6 myotube (EC50 = 20.4 μM) and muscle tissue (EC50 = 612 μM) glucose uptake effects on vanillic acid. Cytotoxicity data showed that the complex did not reduced the viability of L-6 myotubes and Chang liver cells, suggesting it may not pose hepatotoxicity concerns.
Conclusion: Data of this study showed that complexing Zn(II) with vanillic acid resulted in a complex with improved antioxidant and antihyperglycaemic activity relative to vanillic acid. Zn(II) may be further studied as potential adjuvant for vanillic acid in developing bioactive antidiabetic and antioxidative nutraceutical for prevention and management of diabetes and oxidative complications
A Sustainable Clinical Simulation Framework For Pre-Specialisation Clinical Technology Training In South Africa
Get PDFThesisIntroduction: As part of the healthcare fraternity, clinical technology has been lacking in using clinical simulation as part of the training of clinical technology students. However, as healthcare professionals, clinical technology students often face similar problems as other healthcare students when dealing with real patients for the first time or entering the healthcare environment. Simulation has proved its worth to prepare and train various healthcare students in the necessary technical and non-technical skills in a safe and controlled environment. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the development of a sustainable clinical simulation framework for pre-specialisation clinical technology students in South Africa.
Methods: An in-depth study based on the grounded theory approach was done using three known qualitative methods: a detailed literature review and data collected from focus group discussions and nominal group interviews. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, both the focus groups discussions and nominal group interviews were conducted via an online meeting platform. Two focus groups discussions were conducted with work-integrated learning (WIL) supervisors responsible for the supervision and training of clinical technology students busy with WIL. Three online nominal group interviews were held with the personnel of tertiary institutions in South Africa responsible for offering the clinical technology qualification. The tertiary institutions included Central University of Technology (CUT), Durban University of Technology (DUT) and Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). Data and transcripts from the focus group discussions were analysed through a triple coding process, whereas nominal group interviews’ data were analysed via known qualitative techniques.
Results: Two focus groups were conducted with various themes identified from the four focus group areas. The central theme from focus group area one was “The importance of clinical simulation”. Focus group area two, “The preparation of the pre-specialisation clinical technology students.”, identified five major themes. Focus group area 3 viewed the role simulation may play in the training and assessment of clinical technology students. One major theme surfaced from this focus group area, namely “The expectations of a clinical simulation programme”. Focus group area 4, “Important issues regarding practical and skills training”, resulted in four major themes. In addition to the two focus group discussions, three nominal groups meetings were conducted with fifteen themes identified regarding the role simulation may play in the training and assessment of pre-specialisation clinical technology students. Ten themes related to the important graduate attributes the nominal group participants ranked essential, clinical technology students should be trained in, were identified from the collected data.
Conclusion: The researcher was able to construct a clinical simulation framework that could be implemented into the current pre-specialisation clinical technology students’ curriculum from the results. A clinical simulation framework and program will ensure that these students are adequately prepared on both a theoretical and practical level with the ability to apply the acquired knowledge in a real-life healthcare environment. The resultant effect will be a better prepared and knowledgeable student entering the WIL environment with confidence
Non-conventional mix for ultrathin asphalt pavements in South Africa
Get PDFThesis (Doctor of Engineering in Civil Engineering)--Central University of TechnologyLarge quantities of natural materials are traditionally used in road construction, which leads to depletion of non-renewable natural resources. Concurrently, the world faces the problem of management of an increasing quantity of waste so that linking the two issues leads to a simple solution: growing and more diverse application of waste materials in road building and other areas of civil engineering alike.
Replacement of natural soils or minimisation of the use is desirable. An industrial by-product may be inferior to the traditional materials used in road pavement construction. However, the lower cost makes the by-products an attractive alternative if the required performance can be achieved. It is in the context of this study to produce results to further motivate the use of byproducts, such as Fly Ash and Chrome Slag, in road construction.
Detailed asphalt mix design and investigations were completed to evaluate the use of Fly Ash and Chrome Slag as a suitable replacement in an asphalt mixture to reduce landfill sites and, in effect, become an environmental option for road construction in South Africa. The standards in the study were combined to form a basic step by step evaluation process that can be used by designers for in-depth evaluation of the use of Chrome Slag and Fly Ash in an asphalt mixture. The design applied to ultrathin asphalt thicknesses of 20mm and is aimed at urban and rural roads. The Fly Ash in the study was used to aid with the grading elements of the Chrome Slag and for the use as filler. The gradation was developed by using a combination of standards to get an optimum grading for the designs. The Chrome Slag and Fly Ash combination showed a better density packing characteristic than the Dolerite, Natural Aggregate.
Environment is a concern when using Fly Ash and Chrome Slag in construction projects. To evaluate the potential harmful effects to the environment, the Fly Ash samples, and Chrome Slag were subjected to leaching tests. The results were compared to drinking water maximum allowable elements also found in Fly Ash and Chrome Slag with possible health effects. The Fly Ash with no treatment shows that leached elements namely: Ba, Cr, Pb are of a concern once the elements have leached into the groundwater. The Chrome Slag aggregates showed that the leached elements of concern were namely: Ba, Se, and Cu. Chemical analysis on various (FeCr) Chrome Slag samples have detected traces of heavy metals such as chromium(IV) oxide, which is very toxic and leachable. The Leaching results on the asphalt mixtures, have shown that the Fly Ash and Chrome Slag elements were “entombed” and the possibility of leachant releasing agents of a dangerous nature are to a minimal.
Volumetric design still remains the basis of this study. Marshall Stability and Flow, results was used to calculate the envisaged bearing capacity of the asphalt mixture which showed the % binders have psi that varies between 63psi and 108psi for the Chrome Slag on 50/70 binder and between 49psi and 126psi for the Natural Aggregate on the 50/70 binder. The AE-2 binder shows 87psi to 116psi for the Chrome Slag and between 104psi to 138psi for the Natural Aggregate. The VMA proved a confidence decision on the Natural Aggregate, but designers should be more aware of the Chrome Slag and Fly Ash mixtures as the VMA is on the low spectrum of the results and on the limits of the minimum required values. The Natural Aggregate conforms well above the requirements, while for the Chrome Slag and Fly Ash mixture on design voids the readings are low with 14.6 at 6% binder for AE-2 and 13.7 at 5.5% binder for the 50/70. The voids at the binder percentages for the Chrome Slag and Fly Ash mixtures are 3.4 and 3.6 respectively. The VFB has shown that the Chrome Slag and Fly Ash mixture, like the VMA, is very unpredictable. The results do conform to the minimum standard of between 70 and 80, but the voids are below 4% with 3.2% voids for the AE-2 mixture. The 50/70 binder proved more reliable at 4.3% voids. The Natural Aggregate conformed to the specifications at 5.5% AE-2 binder and at 5% 50/70 binder respectively.
Specialised testing was completed on the asphalt mixtures namely; MMLS, Gyratory, Modified Lottman, ITS and HWTT. The MMLS results have indicated ruts of between 3.26mm to 4.65mm for 50/70 binder and between 5.25mm and 5.35mm for AE-2 binder. The gyratory test has indicated voids after 300 gyratory of between 2,4% and 5.5% for the Natural Aggregate and 1.3% to 3.4% for the Chrome Slag and Fly Ash mixtures. The modified Lottman tests have shown that both Natural Aggregate and Chrome Slag have conformed to the test results with results above the minimum required in wet regions of 0.8. The results were all above 0.9. The ITS results were very favourable in showing cohesiveness. The results are indicative of toughness and durability and rutting resistance. On the 50/70 binder, the Chrome Slag shows a good ITS value at 6% binder, while the Natural Aggregate shows acceptable value at 5.5% binder. The AE-2 shows very good results with all results above 1100kPa range. The Hamburg test (HWTT) showed variable results for both Chrome Slag and Natural Aggregate mixtures. It can be that the thick compacted briquettes for the testing procedures are not suitable for the 10mm maximum size particles in the mixture. The increase in thickness for both MMLS and Hamburg have indicated that rutting is a concern with both products and binders thus the designer will have to apply further investigation research to conclude design for the required thin asphalt. The study has indicated that the Chrome Slag and Fly Ash mixture does conform to most requirements and is a viable option as a suitable replacement for the Natural Aggregate for the application in rural/urban roads as an ultrathin asphalt mixture
Short-Term Load Demand Forecasting For Transnet Port Terminal (Tpt) In East London Using Artificial Neural Network
Get PDFDissertationThe daily and weekly energy consumption patterns at the Transnet Port Terminal (TPT) in East London varies stochastically. This is as a result of the transient weather patterns that exist at the harbor. It has therefore become imperative to wisely manage this load in order to save electricity costs and for future infrastructure development. Hence the ongoing supply of electricity to port consumers requires an accurate and adequate short-term load forecast (STLF) for quality, quantity, and efficient management.
Many researchers have recently proposed Artificial Neural Networks for short-term load prediction. However, most of the studies have not considered the quickly changing weather patterns that exist at the port. Therefore, the objective of this study is to establish a supervised short-term load prediction using ANN models, and to verify the effectiveness of such predictions by using the real load data from the TPT. The suggested system architecture uses open- loop training with real load and weather information, and then a closed-loop network is used to produce a prediction with the predicted load as its feedback data.
Data collection points were set up in the ring network of the port by installing new power measuring meters, and weather data obtained from local meteorology offices in order to build a suitable alternative of localised data management (data base) for saving all data gathered. Hence, profiling of the load in the TPT was done and load forecasting was carried out, leading to improved load management strategies for the harbor terminal. ANN short-term load prediction (STLP) models were developed utilising its own performance to improve precision by essentially implementing a load feedback loop that is less reliant on external data. To ensure that the timeseries data recorded at the port were well modeled, the Nonlinear autoregressive exogenous model (NARX) for load prediction were developed using mean squared error (MSE) as a performance metric.
Furthermore, to show the efficacy of the proposed model for STLP, the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was used with the same data for short-term predictions. The minimum mean squared errors obtained for both NARX and ANFIS models were 0.0010939 and 0.0032 respectively, indicating that the NARX model is more accurate during the forecast of departmental loads. The results of the predictions using the hourly timeseries indicated a close match between the forecasted and actual load demand at the port terminal. The effects of the load forecast could be used as a guide for implementing management plans for internal load, such as the generation of urgent electricity and the programme of implementation for demand-side management policies
Cultivation Of African Potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea Fisch., C.A.Mey. & Avé-Lall.) Using A Nutrient Solution
Get PDFThesisThe aim of this study was to investigate the cultivation of African potato (Hypoxis hemerocallidea Fisch., C.A.Mey. & Avé-Lall.) using nutrient solutions. The specific objectives were to determine the effects of different concentrations of potassium (K) on the agronomic attributes, mineral and the phytochemical (i.e. primary metabolites) contents as well as to evaluate the relationship between K levels, agronomic attributes, mineral and primary metabolite accumulation in African potato. The study was conducted in the greenhouse, Central University of Technology, Free State, Bloemfontein Campus. The effects of four K levels were studied for 9 months (October, 2018 – August, 2019). Culture plantlets of African potato were obtained and grown. The four levels of K used were 4.00, 6.00, 8.00 and 10.00 meq L-1, arranged in a randomised complete block design with six replications. Agronomic attribute data were collected in three stages; 18 weeks, 32 weeks and 40 weeks after transplanting respectively for the first, second and third data collection. The results of this study agree with the hypothesis of the study. Significant effects of K levels on agronomic attributes were observed only after the first measurement. Optimization of agronomic attributes started at 8.00 meq L-1 and heightened at 10.00 meq L-1 in the second measurement. Results revealed that K level of 4.00 meq L-1 showed a positive effect on yield parameters. Root fresh mass and root dry mass produced during the third measurent showed no significant differences at 4.00 and 10.00 meq L-1 K levels. There was no significant mineral accumulation in the leaf due to K levels. Calcium and B were significantly accumulated in the corm at 4.00 meq L-1 K level. Whilst alanine was optimized at K level of 10.00 meq L-1, malic acid decreased with increase in the levels of K used until the level of 8.00 meq L-1. Multivariate analysis (PCA) revealed the strong synergistic and antagonistic relationship between K levels and all minerals used in the nutrient solution. Potassium showed positive relationship with S, Mg, Zn, Mn and Cu in the leaf, whilst K association with S, Mg and N was negative in the corm. More minerals were accumulated in the corm at K level of 4.00 meq L-1. Two principal components, PC1 and PC2 accounted for most of the variations in the PC analysis. Most of the parameters loaded positively on PC1, which accounted for most of the variations. Generally, the study revealed a low K level of 4.00 meq L-1 with increased Ca:Mg ratio could be recommended for growing African potato. It is therefore possible to cultivate African potato in a controlled environment using nutrient solutions
The Effect Of Conductive Fillers On The Properties Of A Paraffin Wax/Lldpe Blend For Energy Storage
Get PDFDissertationThis study deals with the effect of two conductive fillers (viz boron nitride (BN) and single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT)) on the properties of the linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) matrix and LLDPE/paraffin wax blend. The pure LLDPE and paraffin wax/LLDPE blend (30/70) were melt-mixed with 1,2 and 3 wt.% content of BN and SWCNT, respectively. Because it is well-known that both conductive fillers are able to improve the thermal conductivity of the paraffin wax/polymer blends, the aim of this study was to focus on the effect of both conductive fillers on the dispersion of paraffin wax into LLDPE matrix, mechanical properties, crystallization behaviour, and thermal stability of the LLDPE/wax blend. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the LLDPE/paraffin wax blends depicted a phase separated system, which was further supported by two separate peaks from the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The SEM images of 2wt.% BN incorporated into the LLDPE matrix without paraffin wax showed an agglomerated BN nanoparticle within the matrix. It was further shown from the morphology that the addition of BN into the LLDPE/paraffin wax blend had no affinity with the paraffin wax, while the addition of SWCNT showed better dispersion into the LLDPE/paraffin wax/BN blend composites. This better dispersion is attributed to a high affinity between the carbon-based filler and paraffin wax. There was an enhancement in the crystallization temperature and degree of crystallization in the presence of both BN and SWCNT, which is due to the nucleating effect of the two conductive fillers into the LLDPE and LLDPE/wax blend. From the thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), it is evident that the incorporation of the SWCNT and its synergy with BN enhanced the thermal stability of the LLDPE by forming a heat barrier that could have prevented the entrance of heat into LLDPE matrix. Generally, there was a reduction in tensile strength with the addition of paraffin into the BN/LLDPE and SWCNT/LLDPE composites, which is due to wax crystals crystallizing on the amorphous region of polymer, thereby acting as defect points for the initiation as well as propagation of stress cracking. Furthermore, the incorporation of BN into the LLDPE matrix reduced the impact strength of the composites, with this behaviour being attributed to BN particles acting as crack nucleation sites thereby it is easier for crack to form in the composites and as a result reducing the overall impact strength. The presence of wax into the LLDPE composites was found to reduce the impact strength of the system, which may be ascribed to the low viscosity of paraffin wax which might have acted as flaws with the matrix, acting as a catalyst for initiation as well propagation of stress cracking
Evaluation of an intelligent agro-climate decision support tool for small-scale farmers
Get PDFThesis (Master: Information Technology)--Central University of TechnologyFood security in Africa and the rest of the globe has come under tremendous threat. This means that agriculture, being the main driving force behind many economies is under threat. Seventy percent of the food produced in Sub-Saharan Africa comes from the rainfed small-scale agriculture. This agricultural sector happens to be the most devastated by any disasters experienced in the agricultural sector such as floods, drought, and other extreme climatic conditions. Evidence show that Africa has accounted for the most global droughts. Droughts have also become increasingly common in recent years. For example, out of 106 global droughts observed between 2010 and 2019, eight occurred in Africa in 2019. Catastrophically, these droughts affected 66 countries and impacted 690.2 million people, 9.3 million of whom were in Africa. The dire case for Africa can be attributed to lack of timeous and relevant early warning systems which is a result of limited resources in the small-scale agricultural societies. Indigenous Knowledge is currently still the trusted prediction tool being used by small-scale farmers for their day-to-day operations and strategic agricultural decision support. Climate change and global warming have however rendered this knowledge unreliable and unpredictable. There is a plethora of scientific models, decision support tools and predictive methods that have been researched, all in the quest to find the solutions to the declining food production in the agricultural sector. Furthermore, much investment has been put behind research in the agricultural sector all over the world. The relationship between the Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and scientific methods has been substantially debated, but researchers have concluded that science and indigenous knowledge complement each other rather than compete. Limitations to both IK and modern scientific tools has led to this study which aimed to investigate an integration of Indigenous knowledge, mobile phone, and smart sensor technology with intelligence, in one system that can play a role in assistive decision support tool. In order to enhance and extend IK, the concept of installing smart sensors in the field with the view to measure humidity, Phosphorous, Potassium and Nitrogen concentration, and for detection of possible infestation of crops. For the theoretical framework, this study adopted and adapted the ITIKI framework as a foundation. ITIKI is a drought early warning system developed for small-scale farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. The system uses input from observed indigenous knowledge indicators according to various farming activities and uses the fuzzy inference system for an assumption output. Weather forecast and historic climate data forms part of the system input. The necessary and relevant messages are conveyed to the small-scale farmers through mobile phone. The forecast provided by the ITIKI framework gives valuable information in making decisions on whether to plant, when to plant and even how and what to plant. To enhance the intelligence of ITIKI, this study investigated the application of machine learning algorithms to assist small-scale farmers in a crop selection process at the planting stage. The study explored machine learning classification models to find the best possible model which resulted in an Agro-climate Decision Support tool. This tool was developed to be able to assist farmers in making a crop selection decision prior to planting. This tool was developed using the blueprint for integrating the IK and scientific model. Machine learning (ML) was used to determine the model to be integrated with the IK for developing the intelligence of the system. Climatic data, together with edaphic data ran through different ML algorithms to determine the best algorithm. The best model was used to select the best crop to plant based on the edaphic and climatic data. The models were tested and evaluated using the Jupyter notebook’s different metrices. The system compares the results of the ML with the observed IK to determine the crop to be planted. In a case where the results prove contrary, a decision requires a crop scientist intervention. The evaluations proved that the latter was possible because the climatic and edaphic conditions could affect the accuracy of the ML model, and the confusion matrix results suggested different crops at times. In conclusion, the study developed a cropping decision support tool for integration of Indigenous knowledge, sensor technology data, machine learning and mobile phone technology in a form of the Intelligent Agro-climate decision support system to be used by small-scale farmers
Lecturer Resilience During Student Unrest: A South African Case Study
Get PDFJournal ArticleOver the past few years, local and international universities have seen considerable student unrest in
response to unaffordable tuition fees and inequality and even pressures from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thus, resilience becomes evident in the way people behave in adverse situations. Especially for
developing lecturers, resilience may help to respond appropriately to adverse situations, regardless of
where the pressures originated from. Therefore, this study investigated the role resilience played in
the teaching behaviours and approaches displayed by lecturers during student unrest. Semistructured
interviews and the Brief Resilience Scale were applied to generate data from 16
participants. Findings reveal that most lecturers displayed moderate to high levels of resilience and
study results strongly relate to the multi-dimensional teacher resilience framework selected for
exploring the topic. What emerged, was the lecturers’ determination to teach, as well as their personal
agency and collaboration, all contributing to an ability to successfully fulfil their responsibilities. The
findings of this study may add value to how university management structures could assist lecturers
during times of adversity
Matching The Competencies Of Hospitality Graduates With The Expectations From The Hospitality Industry In Ghana: A Case Study
Get PDFThesisEmployers in the hospitality industry worldwide are expecting graduates to be work-ready, possessing competencies that will assist them to achieve their ultimate goal of profit maximization. Universities therefore must assess the competency needs of specialized areas within the industry and incorporate them into their curriculum. The purpose of this study was to match the competencies of hospitality graduates with the expectations from industry in the Ghanaian context. The main aim of the study was to contribute both theoretically and empirically by addressing the challenges of training and developing suitably qualified hospitality graduates.
The data for this study were collected in two phases, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods. In the quantitative phase, a structured questionnaire was administered to collect data from both university graduates and hospitality employers. In the qualitative phase, focus group interviews were conducted to collect data from stakeholders, including heads of hospitality departments and hospitality management lecturers of five selected technical universities in Ghana. In the quantitative phase, data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS) version 23. In the qualitative phase, thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data.
The empirical results revealed that the key competencies expected of hospitality graduates were leadership skills, teamwork, communication skills, human relations/ interpersonal skills, operational skills, problem-solving skills, innovative abilities, right attitude towards work, and the ability to adapt to challenging circumstances. However, with regard to the extent to which hospitality graduates exhibit the required competencies, a Mann-Whitney U test indicated that, according to hospitality employers, none of the required competencies were exhibited by hospitality graduates. The findings thus revealed gaps between the competencies expected by the industry and the perceived competencies of hospitality graduate. These gaps can, in part, be attributed to current hospitality curricula being offered by Ghanaian universities. Based on these gaps, the study proposed a framework for hospitality management programmes to address the shortcomings. The study further emphasized the need for universities that offer hospitality management programmes to assess the competencies desired by the tourism and hospitality industry to produce graduates who are able to meet the needs of the job market