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Investigating the Introduction of Fuel Cell Technology in Underground Mining Equipment
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science, in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, School of Mining Engineering , University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025Fossil fuels, which are major energy sources, have harmful effects on the environment, and their continued use contributes to global warming and climate change. Moreover, diesel combustible engines in underground mining machinery emit noise, diesel exhausts, and heat during operation, creating an unfavourable working environment. Diesel particulate matter has been classified as a human carcinogen, and occupational exposure limits have already been established in other countries and are anticipated in South Africa. The research investigated the introduction of hydrogen fuel cell technology in underground machinery, particularly the diesel load haul dump machine, to mitigate harmful emissions during their operation and promote the use of renewable energy. The objectives of the study entailed assessing the effects of diesel exhausts in underground working environment, as well as actions taken to reduce emissions. The study also looked at the key aspects that need to be considered to support the application of fuel cell technology in mining operations, constraints affecting their adoption and status of existing regulations and policies. The application of hydrogen fuel cell technology in the mining industry would promote the beneficiation of platinum and other minerals in South Africa, further contributing to economic development and growth. The successful implementation of hydrogen fuel cell technology would also result in a healthier working environment for underground employees and would be a step towards achieving a carbon-free environment. The study employed a mixed-method approach. Data was collected through semi- structured interviews conducted with relevant subject matter experts within the mining industry. Measurements of the operating environment were taken, and the maintenance requirements of the current internal combustible engines and site visits to different sections of the case study mine were conducted. Diesel fuelled machines have harmful effects on the working environment and contribute to global warming. Measures put in place to reduce effects of diesel exhausts affect productivity and are mostly human dependent such as effective use of personal protective equipment. During the design stage, key considerations iv such as the environment, performance and emissions requirements must be studied. Prior to implementing fuel cell technology in underground mining equipment, sufficient testing must be done to ensure reliability and reduce repair costs. To ensure the smooth implementation of Hydrogen Fuel Cell (HFC) in underground equipment, adequate assessment of the skills and training will be required. Existing regulations and policies must be reviewed, and new policies must be introduced to support hydrogen fuel cell technology and to increase investment in the South African hydrogen economy. With the worldview shifting towards a sustainable environment and development, all research and development that supports renewable energy is critical. Research and development to reduce capital costs of HFC technology through improved processes and large-scale production must be done.MM202
Design of genusspecific seminested primers for simple and accurate identification of Enterobacter strains
No full textCompaRISON OF QuantiFERON Glod inTube Versus Tuberculin Skin Tests on the Initiation of Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy among Patients Newly Diagnosed with HIV in the North West Province of South Africa the Teko Study A Cluster Randomized Trial
No full textCopyrolysis of microalgae and sewage sludge over ZnOMgOCeO2 HZSM5 catalyst for energy and water treatment application
No full textPrevalence of burnout in O&G registrars in the University of Witwatersrand department during Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, in the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025Background The symptoms of burnout syndrome are still poorly understood, particularly in the context of healthcare. There are a variety of contributing factors to burnout, including age, gender, seniority, sociocultural background, having children, and marital status. Resilience, a supportive family structure, a productive work environment, and sufficient resource availability are some of the protective factors that can prevent burnout. Over the past few years, there has been a growing interest in the mental health of healthcare professionals, with registrar burnout receiving particular attention. Objectives To determine the prevalence of burnout amongst registrars in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department during the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and to identify possible risk factors and supportive factors which may prevent burnout. Methods This study was an analytical, cross-sectional study. Electronic survey in the form of a questionnaire was sent via email to all registrars at the University of Witwatersrand Obstetrics and Gynaecology circuit during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic from March 2020 to June 2021. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used as a tool to evaluate burnout. It consists of a series of statements related to the feelings and experiences associated with burnout. The Respondents are asked to rate how frequently they experience each statement on a scale from 0 to 6. A high degree of burnout is reflected by high scores on emotional exhaustion and depersonalization subscales and low scores on the personal accomplishment subscale. 11 Results There was a 69% response rate from the participants. Of the responding participants, 57.8% were female and 42.2% were male. In this study only 28.9% of the participants showed emotional exhaustion. Depersonalization was high in 53.3% and 75.6% had a low personal achievement. The overall burnout among the O&G registrars was 4.4%. No significant association between sociodemographic (age, gender, marital status) and MBI dimensions was found. Conclusion The burnout prevalence among O&G registrars was low potentially because of protective workplace factors. Reducing the risk of burnout may be achieved by creating a supportive work environment and implementing resilience-building programs. These protective factors should be investigated further to guide healthcare burnout prevention strategies.MM202
