43867 research outputs found
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The geological significance of basement–cover contacts along the northern margin of the Johannesburg Dome
Get PDFAbstract: The basement–cover contacts in the Jukskei River shear zone were studied to investigate their geological significance and relationship to regional deformation and alteration events. To address this, the study used a multi-disciplinary approach that integrated structural, petrographic, geochemical (major and trace elements), isotopic (carbon isotopes) and Raman spectroscopy data. The basement granodiorites and tonalites in this study are part of the Johannesburg Dome of the Archean Kaapvaal Craton. Cover sequences in this study are the Black Reef Formation (Transvaal Supergroup) and the Witwatersrand Supergroup. The Black Reef Formation sits nonconformably on weathered granodiorite, whereas the basement– Witwatersrand Supergroup contact is tectonic in nature...M.Sc. (Geology
Molecular phylogeny and DNA barcoding of the African endemic cycad genus Encephalartos Lehm.
Get PDFAbstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract.Ph.D. (Botany
Rethinking the course content and pedagogies used in learning about ‘Asian Religions’
Get PDFAbstract: This essay examines the concerns expressed by students when studying a second-year module on Asian religions and how they thought the facilitation of their learning could be most effective. Following research done with three cohorts of second-year students studying Asian religions from 2015 to 2017, this essay argues that both changes in pedagogy and course content are needed to create spaces where learning about these religions can address the concerns raised by students. Students were particularly concerned about how studying Asian religions would prepare them for the world of work and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The research for this essay is located in a social constructivist pedagogy that forefronts social justice and is grounded in an engaged learning practice. The essay examines why in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, studying Asian religions is important and valuable to students studying for a degree in preparation for entry into the workplace. The essay shows that engagement with different technologies in teaching and learning enables a pedagogy of co-knowledge production and co-sharing of know-ledge where students learn technological skills, critical thinking skills, and a deepening awareness of their worldviews and those of other people. In so doing, this module addressed student concerns about their studies and the skills they considered valuable in preparing them for future careers
Catalytic application of gold and palladium nanoparticles supported on mesoporous transition metal oxides in oxidation and hydrogenation reactions
Get PDFAbstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract.M.Sc. (Chemistry
South African primary school learners’ understandings about the nature of scientific inquiry
Get PDFAbstract: This study investigates grade 4 learners’ understandings about the Nature of Scientific Inquiry (NOSI) in primary schools within the South African context and further establishes differences in learners’ NOSI understandings in differently resourced schools. A qualitative methodology was employed using a framework of five knowledge aspects about the NOSI in assessing learners understandings about the ways scientists investigate the natural world. Four different school types and 152 grade 4 learners from South African primary schools participated in the study. Data was collected using the open-ended Views About Scientific Inquiry-Elementary (VASI-E) questionnaire. Directed content analysis was employed to categorise data as naïve, mixed and informed understandings about the NOSI, using a scoring guide. Findings from data analysis indicated that, over 70% of grade 4 learners held naïve understandings about all five aspects of the NOSI investigated in the study. The findings also revealed some observed differences in NOSI understandings across the different school types. Some excerpts from revealed that, participant learners considered a scientist’s work to be limited to “chemicals” and laboratories. Learners were recorded to use the words “experiment and investigation” interchangeably. Findings also revealed that, few or no inquiry tasks were enacted within school science at this grade level. Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that, there is need for primary school learners to acquire baseline knowledge about the NOSI by engaging in learning tasks that scaffold their understandings on how scientific knowledge is generated. Also that the NOSI should be explicitly addressed by involving learners in inquiry activities on questioning, data collection, observation, and interpretation. These findings have direct implications for primary school teachers and teacher educators for enacting science as inquiry. We recommend future research assessing learners’ NOSI understandings in other grades in the primary schools, and further investigations on factors that affect learners’ NOSI understandings
COVID-19 and changing tourism demand : research review and policy implications for South Africa
Get PDFAbstract: The tourism sector in South Africa has experienced the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and in response national government is charting initiatives for a recovery plan. In common with other countries the promotion of domestic tourism is a core focus. Arguably, the magnitude of the pandemic will reshape existing patterns of tourism demand and supply which need to be understood and researched for designing appropriate policy interventions. Against the backcloth of the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for recovery strategies, and the increasing focus on domestic tourism, the aim in this article is to interrogate COVID-19 impacts on the demand-side of tourism looking at changes in consumer demand and of intentions to travel. A desk top review is conducted of research produced by national governments, international organisations and of academic surveys completed in over 20 countries. The research findings are discussed in four themes, namely, (1) risk perceptions and the new tourism psyche; (2) travel intentions and changing mobilities; (3) travel intentions and changing patterns of demand; and, (4) the contactless economy and ‘untact’ tourism. The paper concludes with eight sets of policy recommendations for South Africa
3D printing for sustainable low-income housing in South Africa : a case for the urban poor
Get PDFAbstract: This paper presents the findings of an assessment of the possible measures needed for the adoption of three-dimensional (3D) printing for sustainable low-income houses that can be beneficial to the urban poor. The study adopted a quantitative approach and answers were sought from construction professionals actively involved in a construction project in the country. The study revealed through factor analysis that 3D printing for sustainable low-income housing delivery in South Africa could be encouraged through effective promotion and training, government support, improvement of 3D printing technology, and affordability of the technology. The study contributes significantly to the body of knowledge as it reveals the possible measures for improving the adoption of 3D printing in housing delivery in South Africa—an aspect that has not gained significant attention in the fourth industrial revolution and housing delivery discourse in the country
Life extension of systems for coal-fired power plants
Get PDFAbstract: Electricity is a crucial commodity for humankind. Population growth, industrial development, and urbanization are key factors steering the electricity demand globally. The power supply internationally is dominated by coal-fired power plants, although there is a gradual introduction of alternative energy systems, such as renewable energies, these are not meeting nor overcoming the need. Besides, renewable energy systems are more expensive compared to coal-fired systems. The coal-fired energy plants are required to run at full capacity to meet the electricity demand, resulting in the coal-fired infrastructure deteriorating, due to plant load variation and age. These concerns, therefore, necessitate optimum planning, strategies, and cost-effective resolutions to asset maintenance. There is a need for South Africa to follow this norm. This study investigates the life extension of systems for coal-fired power plants. This research aims to get a clear understanding of the contributing factors which influence a coal-fired boiler’s performance. Also, by examining the holistic reliability engineering and cost-effective maintenance philosophies for a coal-fired boiler. In finding answers for the mentioned themes, the study starts with the literature review to set a foundation, and the knowledge is used later to test the research findings. The three variables are used for this examination i.e., the boiler’s performance from two power plants, the contributing factors that influence the coal-fired boiler performance, and the reliability level of existing boilers from both organizations. The researcher uses secondary data from Company B and Company K. The research findings indicate a decline in boiler's performance over time. Moreover, the quantitative results from the Pareto chart analysis of both power stations demonstrate similar contributing factors that affect coal-fired boilers’ performance i.e., coal quality, soot blowing, tube leak, poor combustion failure, and forced drive fan failure. Lastly, the mean time between failure results of boilers reveals that both power plants have lower reliability levels.M.Phil. (Engineering Management
State of clinical social work in South Africa
Get PDFAbstract: Clinical social work has a long tradition in South Africa, with the first formal training program starting in 1977. More recently, clinical social work has been legislatively recognized as a specialization within social work, and clinical social workers will soon begin to register with this specialization. This article presents the only review of clinical social work in South Africa. It maps the history of the field, its current definition, training opportunities and registration (licensing) procedures. Drawing on a national survey of clinical social workers, the article describes the range of theories and practice modalities employed by clinical social workers, foregrounding the use of grief counselling, cognitive behavioral therapy, crisis intervention and psychodynamic therapy, and a predominance of individual work. Three case examples of clinical practice are advanced, related to a range of contemporary issues, including grief, violence, gender identity, sex work, migration and clinical work in macro contexts. The authors conclude with a reflection on the challenges and future directions for clinical social work, emphasizing clinical practice within a developmental social welfare approach and the need to address decoloniality and indigenous practice in the African context
Modular/Block teaching : practices and challenges at Higher Education Institutions of Ethiopia
Get PDFAbstract: The purpose of the study was to investigate the practices and challenges of modular/block teaching in higher education institutions of Ethiopia. A descriptive survey design was used with instructors and students. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to gather data and analysed quantitatively (descriptive and inferential statistics) and qualitatively (thematic analysis). The results showed variations in practice across different universities. It was found that modular/block teaching helps students to concentrate on one subject at a time but does not place emphasis on practical skills; this means that the theory and practice of the theory stay separate, which does not make learning credible. Additionally, it was found that due to the limited time given for one course, it was difficult to implement active learning. Generally, instructors and students faced challenges in the practice of modular/block teaching. Practically, the authors have made suggestions for the better implementation of modular/block teaching
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