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Application of virtual reality for enhanced learning integration in higher education institutions
No full textAbstract: Time constraints frequently hamper information assimilation during class activities when carrying out physical experimentations. Due to limited class time, educators find it challenging to keep track of their students’ learning progress. At the administrative level, a shortage of educational technology financing limits both educators’ ability to optimally influence knowledge and the learners’ ability to integrate what has been taught through abstract means thoroughly. The inability of educators and learners to communicate effectively undermines the primary goal of learning because they cannot meet the diverse needs of students. Higher education institutions frequently use obsolete equipment and are not updated on virtual reality technology. As a result of these considerations, a virtual reality (VR) simulation was used in this study. As some notable success rates were achieved, virtual reality technology is promising if effectively adapted to the curriculum. This is covered in the literature review of this dissertation. This study identified the steps and processes involved in creating a virtual reality experience for information integration and developing a virtual reality application. It also looked into the possibility of using the developed application as a learning tool. This application is ideal for teaching students about electric induction motors with variable frequency drives. The virtual reality system used in this study combined a virtual game engine simulator, Unity 3D, and Blender modelling software to develop the application. To convert the development to an Android application, a cross-platform software development kit was used. The developed android application simulates a virtual reality experience that replaces the real world with a virtual world and allows the user to experience the state of being in the virtual world with a head-mounted display in order to understand the operation of an electric motor with a variable frequency drive.M.Phil. (Mechanical Engineering Science
Photobiomodulation of adipose-derived stem cells for improved differentiation and neuronal cell maintenance
Get PDFAbstract: Due to the restrictive ability, and often, the inability of the mammalian nervous system to regenerate and repair itself following trauma, strategies are required to assist in improving this process (Bajek et al., 2016). Many avenues have been explored, and few show more promise for neuronal regeneration than stem cell (SC) therapy. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) are likely candidates to assist in the recovery process as ADMSCs can be manipulated through the combined use of growth factors and photobiomodulation (PBM) to transdifferentiate into neuronal cells (Ikegame et al., 2011, Mvula et al., 2008). Several techniques have been explored to transdifferentiate ADMSCs into neuronal cells for clinical use (Van Rensburg et al., 2021); however, these strategies have not successfully induced transdifferentiation for subsequent functional usage (George et al., 2018). Attempts have been made to transdifferentiate ADMSCs into neuronal lineages utilizing pharmacological inducers or growth factors (Tang et al., 2014, Ashjian et al., 2003). It has been shown that PBM holds the potential for effective ADMSCs transdifferentiation, maintenance, and proliferation (Crous et al., 2021). Photobiomodulation utilizes photons to modify and adjust the biological activities of SCs (Moore et al., 2005). Photobiomodulation has been shown to improve the transdifferentiation and proliferation of ADMSCs compared to growth factor or chemical inducer exposure alone (George et al., 2018, de Villiers et al., 2011). Transdifferentiation can be upregulated with visible spectrum laser light at 400 - 700 nm, and proliferation can be promoted with near-infrared wavelengths at 700 – 1100 nm (Wang et al., 2017b, Wang et al., 2016). The use of consecutive wavelengths using PBM is still a novel concept (Crous et al., 2021, Fekrazad et al., 2019). The aim of this in vitro study was to transdifferentiate immortalized ADMSCs (iADMSCs) with growth factors and chemical inducers and to subsequently determine the supporting effects of single-use PBM at 525 nm green (G) and 825 nm near-infrared (NIR) at 5 J/cm2 and consecutive...M.Tech
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of physiotherapists’ towards controlling Tuberculosis infection in southwest Nigeria
Get PDFM.A. (Public Health)Abstract: Background: Despite the existence of national tuberculosis (TB) infection control guidelines, Nigeria still ranks among the top 10 high-burden countries for TB globally. This suggests TB infection control measures are not well implemented. The physiotherapists (PTs) are among health professionals that have direct contacts with patients. However, there is paucity of African research investigating knowledge, attitudes and practices of PTs regarding TB. Objective: The study sought to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of PTs’ towards controlling TB infection in the southwest Nigeria. The study further examined the associations of PTs’ KAP characteristics with age. Methods: A descriptive quantitative cross-sectional study involving 323 PTs practicing in the six states of Nigerian southwest zone was conducted. Participants were recruited using the probability simple cluster sampling technique. The participants were given a pre-coded structured self-administered questionnaire via electronic means. Data management and analysis were performed using EPINFO 7.2 and SPSS version 27. EPINFO 7.2 was utilized to calculate crude odds ratios (OR) while adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and corresponding confidence interval (CI) were calculated using multivariate logistic regression in SPSS to examine KAP characteristics associations with age categories (< 40 years and ≥ 40 years). Results: The mean age of the participants was 34.93 ± 9.51 years and 62.2% of them were males. The majority of the participants, 58.2%, 57.6% and 39.3% had low knowledge, negative attitude and poor practice regarding TB infection control respectively. Participants who were unsure whether TB patients with negative sputum smears could be considered infectious were significantly more likely to be below 40 years of age, (AOR 6.73, 95% CI 1.05 – 43.02). Those who correctly noted that having a TB suspect wear a surgical mask is necessary before a confirmed diagnosis, were significantly more likely to be below 40 years of age (AOR 6.19, 95% CI 1.30 – 29.50). Physiotherapists who had positive attitude regarding TB infection control were significantly less likely to be below 40 years of age (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.26 – 0.68). Participants who expressed strong agreement and strong disagreement regarding willingness to be have TB testing, were significantly less likely to be below 40 years of age (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.03 – 0.53) and OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.31 – 0.85) respectively. Physiotherapists who expressed strong disagreement regarding accepting approved TB vaccine were significantly less likely in crude analysis to be below 40 years of age (OR) 0.09, 95% CI (0.02 – 0.45). Participants who showed strong agreement regarding willingness to care for patients with TB, were significantly less likely to be below 40 years of age (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.29 – 0.84). PTs who never used an N95 respirator when collecting sputum from a patient and also in the TB consultation room were significantly more likely to be below 40 years of age (AOR 6.53, 95% CI 1.24 – 34.51) and AOR 8.75, 95% CI..
Infection prevention knowledge and practices among health care workers at Federal Medical Center Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
Get PDFM.A. (Public Health)Abstract: Background The health care environment is very hazardous due to a wide range of exposures that are potentially harmful to health workers and patients alike. These hazards include infectious agents (Ebola and Covid-19) physical and chemical hazards. Health workers play a vital role in the health system of every nation including that of Nigeria justifying the need to constantly adhere to health and safety protocols. Objectives The purpose of the study was to assess the level of knowledge and practice of infection prevention at Federal Medical Center, Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. Methods The study was a cross-sectional quantitative study. The sample size was 316 participants using selfadministered pretested questionnaires. Sampling was by convenience. Statistical software’s SPSS and EPI Info were used for data analysis. Frequencies and logistic regression were done for sociodemographic information, knowledge, practice, and factors that affect non-adherence to standard precautions and use of PPE(s). Results The 20-29 age group were less 38 (12%) when compared to the 40-49 age group 114(36.1%). The nursing profession had a higher number of health workers 116 (36.7%) compared to the doctors 68(21.5%), whereas the auxiliary medical staff/health technicians/CHEW (Community Health Extension workers), health attendants, the dentists/dental therapist had a lower number of health workers, at 45 (14.2%), 44 (13.9%) 4 (1.3%) respectively compared to the medical profession. Other sources of information on infection prevention and control was statistically significant relative to those that had more than one source of the information, AOR 0.48, 95%CI (0.25-0.94). A lack of knowledge on the minimum recommended duration of handwashing was statistically significant among participants relative to the actual recommended duration, AOR 0.32, 95%CI (0.19-0.54). There was poor adherence to proper hand washing practices seen in the results for participants that sometimes washed their hands before, and after contact with a patient, beddings, or materials, or after taking blood samples which were statistically significant AOR 1.82, 95%CI (1.04-3.20), AOR 4.51, 95%CI (1.76-11.54) respectively relative to those that always washed their hands. Participants that have not been trained on infection prevention and control were statistically significant AOR 2.33, 95%CI (1.29-4.22) relative to those that have been trained. The participants that said PPE(s) were not always available was statistically significant AOR 2.39, 95%CI (1.31- 4.37) relative to those that responded that PPE(s) were always available and was a factor or reason for non-adherent to infection prevention and control protocols and the use of PPE’(s).When PPE(s)..
Proximity and remoteness in graphs
Get PDFAbstract: Please refer to full text to view abstract.M.Sc. (Mathematics
A case study of ethical leadership and transparency in selected Secondary schools
Get PDFAbstract: In South Africa, various sectors, including education, have been characterised by unethical leadership evidenced by widespread corruption, lack of moral norms in procedures, and inadequate emphasis on ethical standards of performance or behaviour. Deficits in ethical leadership in the educational sector are well-reported and are represented by problems in organisational efficiency, mismanagement and even corruption. This study reports on an inquiry into ethical leadership and transparency and their impact on school leadership in two secondary schools located within the Ekurhuleni District of the Gauteng Province. The research question that gave direction to this study was centred around how ethical leadership and transparency are practised by school leaders in two secondary schools. Using qualitative research within an interpretivist paradigm and a case study design, data was collected through semi-structured interviews with various school leaders. These school leaders consisted of deputy heads of school, heads of departments, academic administrators, a school counsellor and post-level 1 teachers. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 crisis, both principals were unable to be present for the online interview, despite numerous attempts to reschedule. From the findings, three themes emerged that focused on the conceptualisation of ethical leadership: the role of ethical leaders in secondary schools and transparency as an essential component of leadership. It was revealed that school leaders do not have sound conceptualisation of ethical leadership, but rather relied on a basic understanding of what is right and wrong. What was also discovered is that many school leaders felt that the disadvantaged and disenfranchised learners at a school do not require a deliberate focus, but that they should rather be treated equally as part of the school community. This related to the plight of those suffering from poverty, unemployment or adverse situations beyond the learners’ control. The findings also presented the idea that trust and respect can by symbiotic: it is important for an ethical leader to be respectful and trustworthy so they gain respect and trust from their peers or employees. Finally, the study stressed the importance of transparency in secondary schools, specifically in drafting and implementing budgets, decision-making and policies of accountability. In order to ensure that transparency is present in all aspects related to school matters, school leaders need to vi create structures (committees), policies and processes that specifically deal with transparency and how it will be enforced.M.Ed. (Educational Leadership and Management
Teachers' experiences of the heads of departments’ instructional leadership role in primary schools
Get PDFAbstract: The South African education system is characterised by poor learner performance; the structure of Continuing Professional Teacher Development (CPTD) programmes; poor communication among various stakeholders; inadequate resources; incompetent heads of departments (HoDs); inferior teacher training; and the lack of support from the Department of Education (DoE). Using qualitative research within an interpretivist paradigm, this study explored teachers' experiences of their HoDs as instructional leaders in primary schools. HoDs are unclear of their roles and responsibilities, and they therefore have problems in balancing management demands and curricula and instruction. HoDs should take on an instructional leadership role and ensure that teachers provide effective teaching to improve learner performance. When teachers experience problems in teaching, HoDs are required to provide professional development programmes. Twelve teachers, purposefully selected from four primary schools, were interviewed. Three themes emanated from the study: Understanding the concept instructional leadership; the instructional leadership roles of HoDs; Teachers’ expectations of their HoDs in their instructional leadership role. Findings showed that participants had a good understanding of the concept instructional leadership and were also aware of the importance of HoDs taking on an instructional leadership role. One of the primary responsibilities of HoDs is to effectively implement the Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS) with the view to identifying the pedagogical needs of teachers and providing CPTD. The study also showed that the DoE provided insufficient professional support to HoDs and teachers. The study recommends that HoDs and teachers need to effectively implement the IQMS policy. Teachers must carefully select an effective staff development team (SDT) which includes the HoD and peers who have expertise in the teacher’s field. The HoD and SDT should work collaboratively to provide professional development programmes. Key words: professional development, head of department, instructional leadership, Integrated Quality Management System.M.Ed. (Educational Leadership and Management
Power system events classification using genetic algorithm based feature weighting technique for support vector machine
Get PDFAbstract: Currently, ensuring that power systems operate efficiently in stable and secure conditions has become a key challenge worldwide. Various unwanted events including injections and faults, especially within the generation and transmission domains are major causes of these instability menaces. The earlier operators can identify and accurately diagnose these unwanted events, the faster they can react and execute timely corrective measures to prevent large-scale blackouts and avoidable loss to lives and equipment. This paper presents a hybrid classification technique using support vector machine (SVM) with the evolutionary genetic algorithm (GA) model to detect and classify power system unwanted events in an accurate yet straightforward manner. In the proposed classification approach, the features of two large dimensional synchrophasor datasets are initially reduced using principal component analysis before they are weighted in their relevance and the dominant weights are heuristically identified using the genetic algorithm to boost classification results. Consequently, the weighted and dominant selected features by the GA are utilized to train the modelled linear SVM and radial basis function kernel SVM in classifying unwanted events. The performance of the proposed GA-SVM model was evaluated and compared with other models using key classification metrics. The high classification results from the proposed model validates the proposed method. The experimental results indicate that the proposed model can achieve an overall improvement in the classification rate of unwanted events in power systems and it showed that the application of the GA as the feature weighting tool offers significant improvement on classification performances
Water and Wastewater Digital Surveillance 1 for Monitoring and Early Detection of 2 the COVID-19 Hotspot: Industry 4.0
Get PDFAbstract: There are a high number of COVID-19 cases per capita in the world that goes undetected including clinical diseases compatible with COVID-19. While the presence of the COVID-19 in untreated drinking water is possible, it is yet to be detected in the drinking-water supplies. COVID-19 viral fragments have been found in excrete, this call for wastewater monitoring and analysis (wastewater surveillance) of the potential health risk. This raises concern about the potential of the SARS-CoV-2 transmission via the water systems. The economic limits on the medical screening for the SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 worldwide are turning to wastewater-based epidemiology as great potential tools for assessing and management of the COVID-19 pandemic. Surveillance and tracking of the pathogens in the wastewater are key to the early warning system and public health strategy monitoring of the COVID-19. Currently, RT-qPCR assays is been developed for SARS-CoV-2 RNA specimen clinical testing and detection in the water system. Convectional wastewater treatment methods and disinfection are expected to eradicate the SAR-CoV-2. Chlorine, UV radiation, ozone, chloramine is been used to inactivate and disinfect the water treatment system against the SARS-CoV-2. Water management and design of the water infrastructure require major changes to accommodate climate change, water cycle, reimaging of digitalization, infrastructure and privacy protection. The water digital revolution, biosensors and nanoscale, contact tracing, knowledge management can accelerate with disruption of the COVID-19 outbreak (water-health-digital nexus)
A critical analysis of the In Duplun rule in South African law
Get PDFLL.M. (Commercial Law)Abstract: It is commonly known that most people enter into credit agreements and certain contracts where they then owe money which in most cases is encompassed by interest. As we live in a democratic constitution there is a great need for the protection of the rights of all those who live in the Republic, both the consumer and the creditor must be protected with a strike of a clear balance regarding their rights. Interest on money owed or borrowed may run to an extent where the consumer is unable to pay off the debt owed due to certain economic conditions and the heavy burden on the amount owed. Therefore, there has been an introduction of the so-called in duplum rule which is a principle in credit law used to protect consumers and debtors. It operates in the instance where interest charged exceeds the principal debt owed and according to the rule the interest will then be capped when it reaches an amount which is equal the outstanding principal debt. There exists the common-law in duplum rule and the statutory in duplum rule. These rules are aimed at limiting interest charged once it reaches an amount which equals the outstanding principal debt which is called “the double”. However, these rules differ in their scope of coverage as the common law rule covers all forms of agreements which bear interest and the statutory rule covers agreements falling under the regulation of the National Credit Act as it also includes charges under section 101(1)(b)-(g) of the Act and the extended application of interest as contained in section 103. The in duplum rule as a general rule is stated to apply to all credit agreements and contracts between people where there is interest bearing, however case law and legislation stipulate circumstances where the rule does not apply. The dissertation will discuss the exclusion of certain consumers and debtors such as juristic persons (irrespective of their threshold) under the statutory rule and the critical analysis of the application of both rules. Should a person’s credit contract or agreement fall under the common law rule they shall then not receive the protection offered under the statutory rule as it provides an extended protection and an effective protective mechanism to debtors to escape exploitation from credit providers. However, due to certain impediments arising from the extension of the rule to certain debts such as fiscal debts, courts have inter alia reached a dictum that such debts should remain uncovered by the rule. With such debts remaining uncovered, debt relief for other consumers is farfetched. Certain consumers and debtors are excluded under the statutory in duplum rule which limits their rights to access to credit facilities and protection under the National Credit Act. With such lack of proper protection to all consumers and debtors, this raise concerns on the sufficiency of the rule and equality for all in the commercial market. It is also questionable as to whether the rule serves as a debt relief mechanism for all, considering its limited application in the South African economy. Many people rely on credit in order to meet some of their needs and expenses in life which comes with the need for the vigorous application of the rule to provide protection
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