TUT DIGITAL OPEN REPOSITORY

Featured Items

Gap solitons in optical fibers with the concatenation model.

Alngar, Mohamed E. M.; Shohib, Reham. M. A.; Biswas, Anjan; Yildirim, Yakup; Moshokoa, Seithuti P.; Dakova, Anelia; Alshomrani, Ali Saleh

This paper recovers gap solitons from Bragg gratings of the concatenation model. The new mapping method recovers a full spectrum of optical solitons. The parameter constraints for the existence of such solitons are enumerated.

2024-05-02

The effective use of social media platforms by the basic education department.

Cebo, Luvuyo Moses

Social media is an effective engine for communication in operating business functions for all organisations. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of awareness and information sharing that online communication affords the Department of Basic Education. It aimed to determine the use of social media platforms by the Department of Basic Education employees, the public and educators to communicate issues pertaining to education. The Department of Education makes use of Basic Education via different social media platforms, a few to mention are Facebook, Twitter, Thutong and email for communication purposes. These are available on the education website www.education.gov.za The researcher used a quantitative approach to collect empirical data from the Department of Basic Education in South Africa through a survey questionnaire that was forwarded to the Department of Education employees. Data analysis was done with the use of the Statistical Package for Statistic Systems program. The results are revealed with use of pie charts and bar graphs. The descriptive and relationship analyses are shown in this study and the recommendations and conclusions are tabled. Findings in this study show that some social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube exist in the Department of Basic Education, however, the officials are blocked from using these social media platforms. The officials cite that permission is granted to senior officials, starting from level 13; this refers to the Director, Chief Director, the Deputy Director-General, Director-General, the Deputy Minister and Minister. These are the officials that use social media platforms to communicate with the public. The Department of Basic Education officials consist of specialists that are meant to communicate with learners irrespective of their background or wherever the learners reside, especially with today’s presence of innovative technology as a rapid means of communication. Learners are supposed to consult with specialists through various communication channels.

2021-05-01

Characterization of women and youth smallholder agricultural entrepreneur’s in rural irrigation schemes in Vhembe district, South Africa.

Mavhungu, T.J.; Nesamvuni, A.E.; Tshikolomo, K.A.; Raphulu, T.; Raphulu, J.A.; Mpandeli, N.S.

The purpose of the study was to characterize irrigated smallholder agricultural enterprises (ISAEs) in selected areas of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. The characterization focused on the geophysical environment and on participants in ISAEs. Precipitation was at most 460mmpa for villages along Madimbo Corridor and 701-1380mmpa for those along Mutale Valley, and temperatures were 38.1℃-44.0℃ (Madimbo) and 30.0℃-40.0℃ (Mutale). Groundwater supplemented surface water and was utilized more at Madimbo Corridor compared to Mutale Valley. The study area was characterized as semi-arid to sub-humid, hence technologies for efficient irrigation should be promoted. Participants in ISAEs were female (94.9%), and adult (52.72%) with low education levels (67.7% ≤ secondary education). The majority (88.65%) were not formally employed (54.61% self-employed, 34.04% full-time farmers). Participants experienced some level of poverty, 68.03 per cent received low household incomes (R1001-R5000/month), 77 per cent received social grants. Interestingly, the majority (65.31%) stayed in multiple-roomed houses, had cement brick walls, and corrugated iron roofs (54.42%), and all had electricity, a stove, and a fridge. Also, majority-owned radio (96.67%), DSTV (87.45%), vehicles (65.56%), and cellphones. Participants mostly provided adequate food supply (91.84%) with three meals/day (79.38%) except during hard times where 49.56 per cent provided fewer meals mostly due to delayed readiness of farm produce. Strategies to empower ISAE participants to be more effective should consider their gender, age, education, and economic status estimated by income, asset ownership, and food security.

2021-12-09

Investigating students self perceived effective learning during classroom interaction involvement at a South African university.

Moroasi, Olter Matsimela; Cekiso, Madoda P.; Segabutla, M. H.; Dieperink, Marius; Olifant, Florence M.

Affective learning has been neglected in university curricula. Majority of students were perceptive to others’ behaviour and reactions during classroom interaction. Students reported being observant of others' reactions while speaking. Students felt confident and sure of what to say and do. Quantitative survey design and the Attribution theory.

2023-03-01

Effectiveness of LMS digital tools used by the academics to foster students’ engagement.

Simelane-Mnisi, Sibongile

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of LMS digital tools used by academics to foster student engagement at the University of Technology in South Africa. International studies have examined how academics encourage student engagement in online learning environments. They also investigated what teachers do and why they do it. The study that explored this problem on the LMS was not discovered by the researcher in a South African context. The intent of this study is to fill the gap in the literature. Participants were 116 academics from the faculties of A (76%) and B (24%). The question posed was: Which of the LMS tools were used effectively by the academics to foster students’ engagement? To answer this question, embedded design was used in a mixed-method approach. Data were gathered using a survey questionnaire with both open-ended and closed-ended questions and interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed with the SPSS version 29 frequency distribution and percentage. Qualitative data were analyzed using Atlas.ti version 22. The results showed that 90.5% of the academics concurred that the learning activities on the LMS foster students to interact and engage. Instructional designers should support academics in the selections and the use of appropriate engagement tools on the LMS. The findings revealed that academics used LMS and third-party tools relating to the discussion forums, groups, Collaborate Ultra, Microsoft Teams chats, and WhatsApp to encourage interactivity in an online environment, as well as the development of authentic assessments in the LMS in this era of artificial intelligence.

2023-09-26

The seeds of ethnic or tribalistic manifestations in Limpopo: The case of Makhado, Vuwani and Malamulele.

Mugovhani, Ndwamato G.

This research article argued that the current conflicts between Vhavenda and Vatsonga, two decades and four years later after the first democratic elections for a new South Africa in 1994, are manifestations of the seeds that were sown by the Voortrekkers since their arrival around the Soutpansberg in the northern parts of South Africa in 1836. Makhado (Louis Trichardt), Vuwani and Malamulele have been embroiled in continuous arguments and counterarguments, advocacies and counter advocacies, including protests, and in some instances, destruction of the essential property. Before then, Vhavenda and Vatsonga used to live alongside each other and even together. In their traditional village settings, there was no discrimination based on language or ethnicity. Through review of early scholarly writings, oral resources garnered from elders and the author’s personal experience, a few episodes were highlighted, and the ramifications thereof were discussed. Contribution: This study also postulated that although the promotion of the tribes’ uniqueness was culturally significant, social cohesion and multiculturalism could have been sustained without institutionalising the segregation laws and demarcations, for these decisions have come back to haunt the present democratic South Africa’s ideals of nation and social cohesion.

2021-11-08

Recent Submissions

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    A case study of the perceptions of stakeholders on local government support for the development and promotion of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
    (Tshwane University of Technology, 2024-07-24) Mudau, Aluwani Desmond; Dr. Rasigan Maharajh
    Improving knowledge of sustainable financial best practices is crucial for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) that want to expand. Many face challenges securing funding due to not having the necessary financial records and lack of knowledge. While some entrepreneurs have embraced modern tools, many are still disadvantaged in terms of access to information and resources. This prompted the researcher to investigate the case study of the perceptions of stakeholders on local government support for the development and promotion of SMMEs in Thulamela Local Municipality, Limpopo province, and the extent of their contribution. The study adopted an interpretivism research philosophy and a qualitative approach to determine the role of SMMEs and the extent of their contribution to the economic development of Thulamela Local Municipality. The study focused on Thohoyandou which had ten (10) respondents and four (4) key national, provincial, and local government informants. A structured questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument. Fourteen (14) copies of the questionnaires were self-administered. Atlas.ti was used to analyse the data by utilizing the Statistical Analysis Software. Empirical findings revealed that SMMEs face numerous challenges, including difficulty obtaining finance and government support services, both of which can be addressed by the government. The study concluded that SMMEs, particularly those in the food and restaurant industry, play an important role in the economic development of Thulamela Local Municipality. Concerning the efficacy of these government institutions in improving the SMME sector. It was discovered that, despite the government's numerous schemes and initiatives, these small businesses continue to fail. This was attributed to the fact that these small businesses were unaware of the institutions set up to help them with financing and training, as a higher percentage of them still sought government funding and assistance. Conclusions and recommendations on actions that will ensure that these government support services are effectively rendered toward SMME’s growth and development, as well as how reforms in the law and regulation will work toward less failure and better-performing SMMEs, were also made.
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    The socio-economic constraints of water and sanitation hygiene in economically marginalised settings in South Africa.
    (Tshwane University of Technology, 2023-10-16) Ndlovu, Sergio; Dr Esther Makhetha
    This mini dissertation titled The Socio-Economic Constraints of Water and Sanitation Hygiene in Economically Marginalised Settings in South Africa explores the multifaceted challenges faced by economically marginalised communities in South Africa concerning water and sanitation hygiene (WASH). The study employs a transdisciplinary approach to investigate the unique needs, barriers, and vulnerabilities of these communities in accessing clean water and adequate sanitation facilities. Through in-depth desktop research and analysis, this research sheds light on the socio-economic inequalities that exist in the provision of WASH services in informal settlements and rural and urban areas, particularly in Hammanskraal, Gauteng, South Africa. The findings of this dissertation reveal the profound impact of historical inequities stemming from apartheid-era policies, resulting in persistent disparities in access to clean water. These inequities have been exacerbated by an ageing infrastructure and inadequate distribution networks, leading to frequent supply disruptions and reliance on contaminated water sources. Despite government initiatives and community efforts to improve water access, challenges such as infrastructure decay, limited distribution, and contamination persist. Key recommendations include prioritising equitable access to clean water through subsidisation and targeted assistance programmes to make water affordable for all residents. Substantial investment in upgrading and maintaining water infrastructure is essential, with potential collaboration with international organisations to secure necessary funding. Implementing regular water quality testing and sustainable management practices is crucial to prevent contamination. Effective policies, transparent governance, and community advocacy are vital to ensure water safety and equitable distribution. Enhanced coordination between government bodies and municipalities, coupled with public health initiatives, is fundamental to promoting overall health and well-being in Hammanskraal. By analysing the socio-economic factors that impede access to WASH services, this study contributes to the broader goal of achieving equitable and sustainable access to clean water and sanitation for all South Africans.
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    Near-infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics for rapid profiling of plant secondary metabolites.
    (De Gruyter, 2013-09-30) Mokgalaka, Ntebogeng S.; Lepule, Sello P.; Regnier, Thierry; Combrinck, Sandra
    In this study, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, in combination with chemometrics, was used as a rapid tool for determining if exposure to contamination from mine tailings influences the matrices of the specimens, compared to those from natural populations. Principal component analysis (PCA) plots were made from the chemometric models obtained to establish if season of harvest, geographical origin, and level of soil contamination play a determining role in the chemical profiles of the individual specimens harvested from mine sites or natural populations. The random distribution on PCA score plots corroborated the intraspecies variation of Lippia scaberrima previously observed by gas chromatography flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) essential oil profiles. Clustering according to the season and origin of the individual plants confirmed that the geographic location and the season of harvest influence the chemical profiles of L. scaberrima. The NIR data could not be correlated with the level of soil contamination to which the specimens were exposed. The PCA scores and loadings plots obtained from NIR data of Searsia pendulina suggest that the species is tolerant to pollution from mine tailings. Although separation was obtained in a three-component PCA model between specimens sampled during different seasons, some clustering was observed by specimens from the same geographical origin.
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    The in vitro antibiofilm activity of selected culinary herbs and medicinal plants against listeria monocytogenes.
    (Oxford University Press (OUP), 2009-09-18) Sandasi, M.; Leonard, C.M.; Viljoen, A.M.
    Aims: The antibiofilm activity of extracts obtained from selected herbs, spices, beverages and commercially important medicinal plants was investigated on Listeria monocytogenes. Methods and Results: The growth and development of the biofilm was assessed using the crystal violet (CV) assay. The respiratory activity was assessed using the 2, 3-bis [2-methyloxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) reduction assay. The majority of extracts tested prevented cell adhesion to the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) surface. Seven of the 15 extracts reduced biofilm adhesion of both the clinical and the type strains by at least 50%. In contrast, inhibition of a preformed biofilm was more difficult to achieve, with only three extracts (Rosmarinus officinalis, Mentha piperita and Melaleuca alternifolia) inhibiting the growth of both strains by at least 50%. Conclusions: Although most extracts were able to reduce initial cell attachment, inhibition of growth in a preformed biofilm was more difficult to achieve. Significance and Impact of the Study: The ability to reduce biofilm biomass as shown by several plant extracts warrants further investigation to explore the use of natural products in antibiofilm adhesion.
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    Bioactivity of selected essential oils and some components on listeria monocytogenes biofilms.
    (Elsevier B.V., 2010-07-03) Leonard, C.M.; Virijevic, S.; Regnier, T.; Combrinck, S.
    Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium, able to survive and grow in water, soil, agricultural products, various foods and the food processing environment. The ubiquitous nature of the organism, coupled with its ability to colonise food-processing surfaces by forming biofilms, causes it to be of a major concern to the industry. Increased foodborne pathogen resistance and negative consumer perceptions regarding the use of synthetic bacteriocides, has resulted in natural antimicrobials being sourced from the plant kingdom. The listerial antibiofilm activities of Syzygium aromaticum (clove), Mentha spicata (spearmint), Lippia rehmannii and Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) essential oils and their major components were evaluated using the crystal violet assay and confocal scanning laser microscopy. Listerial biofilms treated with S. aromaticum or M. spicata essential oils, or the pure compounds nerol and citral, exhibited a similar biofilm biomass to the positive control. However, the essential oils of lemongrass, L. rehmannii, eugenol and R-carvone caused biofilm enhancement, rather than inhibition. L. rehmannii and lemongrass essential oils did not display any antibiofilm properties. Results obtained were confirmed by microscopic observations indicating either a reduction (inhibition) or an increase (enhancement) in biofilm biomass when exposed to the essential oils or pure compounds. The present study revealed that M. spicata and S. aromaticum essential oils as well as pure citral and nerol are good candidates for further development of ecofriendly disinfectants.
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