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Exploring the significance of bloodstain pattern analysis in murder cases in Pretoria
Get PDFThis research was aimed at exploring the importance of bloodstain pattern analysis as another mechanism or a technique used during a murder investigation. The emphasis in this research was more on the blood found at the crime scene as it may lead to solving the crime. Research shows that resolving of crime begins at the scene and how evidence found at these scenes are analysed, maintaining the chain of possession.
The researcher adopted a qualitative approach, with the assistance of participants who are knowledgeable and experts in this regard. Furthermore, literature study on the subject matter was used in order to ensure comprehensive research with the aim of capacitating investigators of serious crime in South Africa. In order to do this, two critical questions were used as a benchmark, namely: “What are the objectives of murder investigations?” and “What is the significance of bloodstain pattern found in the murder crime scene?” The qualitative approach was used to collect data from the participants who constantly investigate the crime scene where blood is found, including case study and literature review. The researcher wanted to bring to the attention of the crime scene investigators that blood found at the crime scene carries more valuable evidence that is acceptable in court. The bloodstain found at the scene gives the entire movement and direction of both victim and perpetrator.
The researcher recommends that the crime scene analysts and examiners be trained on the bloodstain pattern analysis as a technique in investigation. The researcher discovered that many members are not trained on the BPA; and also recommends that refresher courses be offered to those who have completed the course.M. Tech. (Forensic Investigations)Criminology and Security Scienc
Revisiting Agricultural Technologies in the 4IR Era
No full textFood security is becoming a growing problem worldwide. Much focus
should therefore be placed on the agricultural sector with a view of equipping
the sector for increased food production capabilities. The agricultural sector is
changing rapidly globally due to the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) mega tech nologies, resulting in smarter ways to farm. These technologies allow farmers
to maximise production remotely while controlling every aspect of crop farming
such as pest control, soil conditions, crop monitoring, and soil moisture. These
advances will allow farmers to be more profitable, efficient and environmentally
friendly. However, evidence suggests that small-scale farmers are left behind in
the use of 4IR mega technologies in South Africa.
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the use of various 4IR technologies
in the agricultural sector by using a desktop review of current literature. The paper
recommends for a government-driven entity to be established that will focus on
building capacity for small-scale farmers to build more sustainable and bigger
businesses to assist in increased food production through the introduction of 4IR
technologiesColleges of Economic and Management Science
Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of newly qualified professional nurses towards health research in Umgungundlovu health district, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
Get PDFNew professional nurses graduate every year and begin their work in the clinical setting. To move from novice to expert professional nurses (Benner 2014:402), health research needs to be incorporated into their clinical setting and decision-making to improve patient care.
The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of newly qualified professional nurses toward health research within uMgungundlovu health district, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and recommend methods to augment a culture of research among professional nurses. A qualitative approach using an exploratory, descriptive design was used.
Focus group interviews were conducted and data saturation occurred in focus group 3. Data analysed using Creswell and Creswell’s (2018:316-321) five steps of data analysis revealed newly qualified professional nurses had a positive attitude toward health research and perceived research important for patient care, despite their knowledge being introductory. Recommendations include support to enhance the culture of research among nurses.M.A. (Health Studies)Health Studie
The Perceived Quality of Strategic Decision-Making in a Facilities Management Organisation
No full textThis research was focused on an Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) Organisation
and aimed to determine how its management can improve its strategic decision-making
by investigating the differences between the perceived levels of and the relationship
between quality strategic management (QSM), the value of strategic management tools
(SMT) in supporting strategic management, strategic decision-making (SDM), and
organisational performance (OP). It also attempted to determine which strategic
management tools were used compared to those perceived as valuable to improve
strategic decision-making. This research used quantitative research methods with
descriptive analysis. The data collection technique was a survey method with a
questionnaire as the main tool, with a realised sample of 45. Data analysis was done
through exploratory factor analysis and unweighted least squares to determine internal
consistency reliability. Support for one factor was determined through factor extraction
and scale reliability through Cronbach’s alpha coefficients.
Results suggested that there were significant differences in the perceived levels
between QSM, SMT, SDM, and OP in the sample of the population. It also indicated
which tools were used and perceived as more valuable than others in the organisation,
while strong and positive correlations (relationships) were perceived between QSM,
SDM, OP, and many of the SMT. The results informed management through
recommendations of how they could improve strategic decision-making. Through
investigation of the perceptions of employees on QSM, SMT, and SDM there are ways
management can improve strategic decision-making
Teachers’ attitudes towards the use of Information and Communication Technology in inclusive primary schools
No full textThe integration of ICT remains a major barrier in education, negatively affecting the teaching and learning process in inclusive schools in South Africa. The purpose of the study therefore was to provide a deep understanding about the attitudes of teachers towards the integration of ICTs in teaching and learning in inclusive primary schools. A qualitative approach was used in the research to discover the teacher’s perceptions, opinions, and feelings about the use of ICTs in Inclusive primary schools. Purposive sampling strategy was used to select two participants from each of the five inclusive primary schools, which constituted a total of ten participants. The theoretical framework that informed the research was drawn from Lev Vygotsky’s social learning theory (1962). Data collection was done through in-depth interviews, which were corroborated by non-participant observations, to triangulate the study’s findings. Qualitative thematic data analysis whereby the researcher identified, categorised themes and sub-themes in accordance with the study’s sub-research questions was employed. From the findings of this study.it was recommended among others that the ministry of education should be hands -on when it comes to ICT usage in Inclusive primary schools, teachers must be well trained and involved in decision-making and processes for implementation of ICT usage in inclusive primary schools and that there should be adequate technical and administrative support available to teachers during the implementation on ICTs.M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)Inclusive Educatio
A framework for the adoption of Agile software development methodologies in Botswana
No full textModern software development methodologies (SDMs) such as Agile, Scrum, Extreme Programming, Lean and others are emerging as the de facto software development methodologies around the globe, however, their uptake by Botswana software development companies (BSDCs) have been slow with many opting to use traditional methods such as the Waterfall method. This research aimed to explore the factors that affect the adoption of Agile SDMs by the
Botswana software development industry (BSDI) and why the newer
methodologies are not considered for adoption, and thereafter develop a guiding framework for the adoption of an appropriate Agile SDM. An
interpretivist/constructivist paradigm guided this research study, and the case study methodology was adopted because it allows research of complex phenomena in a specific context to be conducted. A sample of 12 BSDCs using purposive sampling was used for the study, however, only 9 companies participated. Ethical approval for the research was sought from both the University of South Africa and the Government of Botswana. It was found that the adoption and implementation of newer SDMs by the BSDI were hampered by the assumption that this process would attract costs and affect profit margins of the industry, lack of knowledge about newer methodologies such as Agile, shortage
of skilled personnel, insufficient resource support, and inefficient knowledge management systems. A framework, guided by the Technology Acceptance Model II, was developed, and validated. This framework provides a starting point for the Botswana software industry, organisations interested in adopting Agile methodologies. The framework emphasises better practices and provides
guidance in the use of Agile as a software development methodology.Ph. D. (Information Systems)School of Computin
The Impact of Virtual Learning Environments on the Practical Skills of Open Distance Learning Students in Electrical Engineering
No full textOpen distance learning (ODL) education has been developing rapidly in South Africa. The main reason behind the growth is the demand for online studies created due to the corona pandemic. The ODL system involves study that is not limited by geographical boundaries and extends to many knowledge areas electronically. In practice the study tends to extend to knowledge areas beyond those offered by the standard contact or traditional universities. At the University of South Africa (UNISA), the adoption of the ODL framework to theoretical subjects has been successful by making use of the Sakai virtual learning environment (VLE). The practical subjects or practical knowledge areas on the other hand have previously been taught face-to-face. Therefore, the practical modules have not been effectively taught online particularly in the electrical engineering curriculum. This issue can contribute to graduates who are unskilled in the practical component of a knowledge area, which can lead to unemployment. Virtual learning environments (VLE's) play a vital role when it comes to teaching and learning online. In this paper, the impact of VLE’s on the practical skills of students and practical knowledge is investigated. This is done by analyzing the change in pass rates of students in a practical subject such as Electrical Engineering when taught face-to-face as compared to when taught through a VLE such as Sakai online. Two groups termed as emerging centered learner (ECL) and a developed centered learner (DCL) are investigated. The method evaluates students who study electrical engineering practical module part-time. In this paper the Sakai platform was used as a VLE to teach and then evaluate students in the electrical engineering practical module. The practical guide with the full set of experiments was uploaded on Sakai under additional resources. The students were given the necessary guidelines and tasks via Sakai online, examined and then the pass rates achieved were analyzed at the end of the program and compared to the pass rates achieved using previous face-to-face teaching method used for the same practical’s. It was determined that a VLE can be used to improve the pass rates of a practical module such as electrical engineering taught online in ODL.Electrical and Mining EngineeringUniversity of South Afric
A Framework for Embracing Mobile Gadgets to Nurture the Reading Habits of Rural Learners in Southern Africa
No full textAccess to mobile gadgets has increased exponentially, altering social and educational conditions in Africa. This also applies to the reading habits of rural learners in secondary schools. This paper investigates how mobile gadgets could be embraced to nurture the reading habits of rural secondary school learners in Southern Africa. This qualitative study employed a multiple case study design in five rural secondary schools in Beitbridge District, Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe, and five rural secondary schools in Vhembe District, Limpopo, South Africa. Focus group interviews were adopted as a data collection tool for this study. Data was then analysed thematically according to the objectives of the study. The findings reveal the benefits of mobile reading, which include sharing reading materials, easy access, and use by rural learners. The barriers to mobile gadget reading include a strong emphasis on academic, as opposed to leisure, reading and internet connectivity problems. The findings further reveal that some rural learners in Beitbridge did not have access to mobile gadgets. In addition, we found that some rural learners in Limpopo were using their mobile gadgets to read e-news and e-novels. Some of them spend five or more hours accessing social media for entertainment purposes only, and this has a negative effect on their reading. The study concludes that some rural learners in Southern Africa use their mobile gadgets to nurture their reading habits, although some challenges were identified. In response, this study presents an integrated framework that could be adopted to embrace mobile gadgets to improve the reading habits of rural learners.Graduate School of Business Leadershi
Self-leadership of nurses in a critical care outreach service: The development of a conceptual framework.
No full textGlobally, critical care outreach services (CCOS) were implemented in health care
facilities; however, compliance with guidelines is poor. The authors have noticed that a gap
exists in the literature on how self-leadership might influence nurses’ implementation of
CCOS. Self-leadership is about leadership applied to oneself. Critical care outreach services
assist nurses with the nursing care of a patient whose health is declining. Leadership is needed
for the successful implementation of CCOS.Health Studie
Cellulose polymers with β-amino ester pendant group: design, synthesis, molecular docking and application in adsorption of toxic metals from wastewater
No full textAbstract
Background
Cellulose polymers with multidentate chelating functionalities that have high efficiency for toxic metal ions present in water were designed, synthesized, and analyzed. The synthesis was carried out by reacting microcrystalline cellulose extracted from the solid waste of the olive industry with tert-Butyl acetoacetate (Cell-AA), produced cellulose with β-ketoester functionality was then reacted with aniline and the amino acid glycine to produce Cell-β-AN and Cell-β-GL, respectively.
Results
The adsorption efficiency of the three polymers toward Pb(II) and various toxic metal ions present in sewage was evaluated as a function of adsorbent dose, time, temperature, pH value, and initial ion concentration to determine optimum adsorption conditions. The three polymers showed excellent efficiency toward about 20 metal ions present in a sewage sample collected from the sewer. The adsorption process follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model with a second-order of adsorption rate, the calculated qe values (2.675, 15.252, 20.856 mg/g) were close to the experimental qe values (2.133, 13.91, 18.786 mg/g) for the three polymers Cell-AA, Cell-β-AG and Cell-β-AN, respectively. Molecular Dynamic (MD) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were performed on the three polymers complexed with Pb(II).
Conclusion
The waste material of the olive industry was used as a precursor for making the target cellulose polymers with β-Amino Ester Pendant Group. The polymer was characterized by SEM, proton NMR, TGA, and FT-IR spectroscopy. The efficacy of adsorption was quantitative for metal ions present in a real sample of wastewater and the efficiency didn’t drop even after 7 cycles of use. The results indicate the existence of strong complexation. The thermodynamic study results showed a spontaneous bonding between of Pb(II) and the polymers pendant groups expressed by the negative value of the Gibbs free energy