Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology. 2013. / This study was a homoeopathic drug proving of Bitis atropos 30CH (derived from Berg adder venom) with a subsequent comparison of the proving symptoms to known venom toxicology and existing remedies from the materia medica, that on repertorisation, yielded the greatest similarities in the Mental, General, Physical and unique symptomatology of Bitis atropos. Methodology : The proving was carried out in the form of a double-blinded, placebo controlled trial on healthy subjects who were administered the proving substance or placebo. The resultant influence of this substance on the health of provers (i.e. symptoms produced) was recorded in journal format and formed the materia medica and ultimately the clinical indications thereof according to the Law of Similars. Twenty eight healthy consenting provers who meet the inclusion criteria (Appendix B), were randomly split into two groups, one being the experimental group comprising 22 provers, and the other a placebo control group comprising 6 provers. This was further split between the researcher and co-researcher, each responsible for 11 provers receiving verum and 3 receiving placebo. The researchers and the individual provers were unaware of their respective group allocation and the provers were unaware of the identity of the proving substance. The fresh venom sourced from a wild, Berg adder, was processed according to the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia (Appendix G) to produce the 30CH Homoeopathic potency thereof. Six lactose powders were dispensed to each prover (either placebo or verum) and taken sublingually three times a day or until the onset of symptoms. Symptoms were recorded by the provers in journals over 4 weeks and were closely supervised by the researcher. When the symptoms subsided, the combined journals were collected, collated, analysed, interpreted and validated. Accepted symptoms were converted to materia medica and Repertory format. Results : The proving yielded a total of 903 rubrics, of which 18 were newly created. The systems mostly affected were Dreams, Mind, Head and Eye. Comparison of proving symptoms to that of venom toxicology, as seen in case studies of envenomation by Bitis atropos, yielded similar results, as the sensations experienced in provers closely matched that of known venom toxicology. On repertorisation of the proving symptoms, the existing remedies that were closely related were Sepia officinalis, Lachesis mutus and Argentum nitricum. Further repertorisation of toxicological symptoms indicated a further relation to Belladonna, Natrum muriaticum and Hyoscyamus niger. Conclusion : Clearly observable signs and symptoms were produced by healthy provers in response to administration of Bitis atropos 30CH, in addition there was a significant degree of similarity between proving symptoms and that of known toxicology of the crude substance. The researcher identified Sepia officinalis, Lachesis mutis and Argentum nitricum as the three most similar existing homoeopathic remedies and a detailed comparison thereof was conducted. A further repertorisation of the toxicological symptoms of envenomation by the snake, yielded the remedies Belladonna, Natrum muriaticum and Hyoscyamus niger which were also compared to Bitis atropos.

Submitted in fulfillment of the Master’s Degree in Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology Durban, 2014. / The purpose of this research study was to determine any therapeutic significance of Malus domestica (domestic apple) in the potentised, homoeopathic form and to contribute this information to the body of the homoeopathic materia medica. It was further hypothesised that some proving symptoms experienced by the provers during the research study would show a resemblance to unique characteristics of the plant in terms of its natural appearance and cultural references. This involved a detailed doctrine of signatures analysis of Malus domestica based on an extensive literature review. Combining a proving research study with comparative analysis to the doctrine of signatures helped to clarify and verify the remedy’s potential therapeutic value. Methodology This homoeopathic proving was carried out in the form of a double blind placebo controlled study of Malus domestica 30CH with a total of 30 provers. The prover sample was randomly divided into two groups: 24 provers (80%) into the verum group and the remaining six provers (20%) into the placebo group. The provers were unaware of either the proving substance or the potency used. Participants were required to record their mental, emotional and physical status’ one week prior to administration of the proving powders as a form of control for comparison of symptoms post administration of the proving remedy. Thorough physical examinations and case histories of each prover were taken prior to and after the proving period. Provers ingested one powder three times a day for three days and recorded their symptoms daily in a journal. The duration of the proving period spanned five weeks. During this period researchers were in constant contact with all participants. Once the proving period was complete, all journals were gathered and the information therein translated into materia medica and repertory format so as to develop the remedy picture of Malus domestica 30CH. A comparison between the symptomatology produced in the provers and the doctrine of signatures was then performed. Results A wide range of symptoms were documented by the provers. The results revealed an affinity to the mental plane – the most striking being the theme of being disconnected and separated from others in the environment as well as within one’s self. Marked polarities were depicted as follows: Anger/irritability vs. calmness/tranquility; Depression/sadness vs. cheerfulness; Confusion vs. concentration/clarity of mind; Connection vs. disconnection. Physically, symptoms concerning the extremities were numerous, with provers describing symptoms of their limbs being disconnected/separated as well. Head symptoms were also numerous as provers described a wide range of headaches, as well as headaches that were associated with eye symptoms. Abdominal symptoms manifesting as cramping associated with diarrhoea and, in some cases, constipation were documented. Dizziness associated with the sensation of the head floating was common as well. Numerous themes arising from dreams were recorded by provers, with a clear affinity to family members as well as dreams of social gatherings and banquets. Provers dreamt of family members placed in precarious situations wherein the lives of their loved ones were at risk, whilst the emotion of guilt was expressed in certain dreams regarding parties and banquets. The comparison between the homoeopathic drug proving of Malus domestica 30CH and the doctrine of signatures brought many similarities to light, with most of these similarities relating to the mind, extremities and head. Conclusion As hypothesised Malus domestica 30CH produced clearly observable symptoms in healthy provers. On comparison, the proving remedy and the doctrine of signatures brought many parallels to light – the majority of which related to the mind, extremities and head. To gain a complete remedy picture of Malus domestica it is imperative that further research into the symptomatology of different homoeopathic potencies be conducted.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Technology: Chemical Engineering, Durban University of Technology, 2014. / Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that can be produced from animal fats, vegetable oils or recycled used cooking oil. From the 1970’s, biodiesel received increased focus as an alternative to crude oil and its component products. Among various processes used for biodiesel production, transesterification of glyceride and alcohol in the presence of a catalyst to produce ester (biodiesel) and glycerin remains the most common. In Africa, biodiesel is currently produced industrially in a number of ways via different methods. In South Africa, there are a number of biodiesel production plants that are continuous processes with feed samples from different sources. Reviewing the batch systems for developing economies, various observations were made. Some produced biodiesel using batch systems at room or day temperatures, another used different temperatures, some also used flat based buckets for their mixing and so on. This becomes difficult for local producers who desired to produce biodiesel on a very small scale for their farms or business. Hence, the study was aimed at evaluation batch biodiesel systems and to come up with a simplified approach for a producer in a developing economy or a local user. The objectives of this study were as follows; To evaluate biodiesel production options, and hence develop a simplified process that can be used to produce biodiesel in developing economies. The criteria for evaluation will include: ease of operation, non-specialist equipment, range of feedstock, product quality and product yield. To evaluate various factors that affect these criteria and make recommendations that will enable a local producer to remain within an optimum range Compare the produced biodiesel properties against general biodiesel and petroleum diesel ASTM standard range Recommend simplified equipment design for a local producer Perform economic evaluation to establish cost required both for equipment and raw materials for a local producer. After literature review on the existing processes, base catalyzed transesterification was selected. This is because of the simplicity as well as ease of operation. Experimental trials commenced using feeds from pure vegetable oil (PVO) and waste vegetable oil (WVO) to familiarize biodiesel production, as well as study the behavior of each having the research criteria in focus. Various variables that affect ease of operation, product quality, and yield were also investigated. These include temperature, type of catalyst (KOH or NaOH), type of alcohol (Methanol or Ethanol), concentration of catalyst, and purity of alcohol, and nature of feed (PVO or WVO). The effect of temperature was compared against product quality, yield, and ease of operation. Other variables were also compared against the same criteria. Treatment of WVO because of impurity and moisture contamination associated with such samples was also studied. The product was then tested using some ASTM procedures to compare biodiesel quality to acceptable standards. Efficient reaction time is paramount for a quality biodiesel. It was observed that biodiesel required between 25 and 30 minutes for a complete reaction. Lower temperatures clearly affected the quality of biodiesel produced. Best operating range was found to be between 55 oC – 75 oC is usually recommended for a transesterification reaction to obtain optimum yield and quality. The use of KOH compared to NaOH yields similar results even though NaOH is usually selected because of the reduced cost. The use of methanol compared to ethanol also yields similar results, even though methanol is usually preferred due to cost. Purity of available alcohol is vital as its reduction from 99.5 % to 75 % during experimental trials, yielded poor quality biodiesel. This is mainly due to moisture content that usually gives room for bacteria growth and corrosion of fuel lines in engines. As long as a titration test is carried out on the feed, the use of WVO is a good option. Varying catalyst concentrations from 0.5 % to 1.75 % were considered and the best regimes identified. This test will enable a producer from a growing economy to use the appropriate reagent, which will ensure the transesterification reaction is complete. After comparing appleseed and cone based design, the latter was selected as it will eliminate any difficulty that a local producer might encounter in making the biodiesel batch. In terms of costs, it was discovered that the major costs to a local producer will be the biodiesel mixer and fittings which will be fixed costs. Other variable costs are considered to be affordable, as the cost of waste vegetable oil is very low as well as other industrial reagent grade that will be required. In summary, batch biodiesel production for a local user or developing economy is a very feasible exercise. One needs to ensure that the recommendations regarding pre-treatment of feed oil, basic reaction criteria and other generic parameters are considered during production.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the Degree of Magister Technologiae: Civil Engineering, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / The urgent need to rehabilitate or replace ageing deteriorated buried potable water pipeline networks is one of the many critical service utility provision challenges faced within the municipalities in South Africa. The majority of these unreliable deteriorated pipeline networks consist of un-dipped (not coated with bitumen) AC piping which have long passed their planned economic and technical lifespan. Traditionally, the open trenching method has been utilised for the replacement of aged and deteriorated piping. However, this traditional open trenching method has shown to be expensive and difficult to implement, particularly in congested high traffic use urban areas. The need to rehabilitate or replace the ageing deteriorated buried potable water pipelines in South Africa, taking into account the above mentioned expensive factors has a solution. This solution is termed ‘trenchless technology’ and sometimes also termed ‘no dig’. Recent advancements in trenchless technologies now include innovative methods such as pipe bursting, close-fit lining and sliplining. Close-fit compact pipe manufactured by Wavin Overseas B.V. was newly introduced in South Africa in 2010 for the rehabilitation of deteriorated pipelines. These trenchless methods require further research into their technical application merits, drawbacks and costs in relation to the traditional open trenching method in order to determine which method is more expensive and also least suitable. Traditionally, the ‘total cost’ associated with pipe rehabilitation or replacement projects consisted only of the direct costs. The indirect and socio-economic inconvenience costs were often ignored and resulted in costly expenses to the municipalities. However, this research will show that these indirect and socio-economic inconvenience costs must form part of the total cost of a project as it assists with the successful completion of the project without expensive unforeseen costs to the municipalities. In addition, this research will provide insight as to which indirect and socio-economic inconveniences are dominantly experienced by the public. To achieve this, a quantitative socio-economic survey questionnaire was developed. This questionnaire was aimed at residents and business owners who were affected during a project of this nature. This research study will serve as a support tool to municipalities of South Africa when selecting a pipe rehabilitation or replacement method. This support tool will provide key technical merits and drawbacks of the traditional open trenching method, pipe bursting method, close-fit compact pipe method and sliplining method. In addition, this research study will compare the ‘total cost’ of the traditional open trenching method against the trenchless pipe bursting method. The decision making process lies in the hands of the municipal technical managers. Therefore, their knowledge and experience of up to date information on trenchless methods (as well as the traditional open trenching method) is vitally important. This research provides insight as to the knowledge and experience of technical municipal staff on trenchless methods, its application and use in South Africa. A quantitative survey questionnaire was developed by the researcher. This questionnaire was aimed at technical staff in the water departments of district and local municipalities of South Africa. The results of the above questionnaire surveys formed part of the eThekwini Water and Sanitation (EWS) Feasibility study funded by the Dutch Government. When comparing the costs of the trenchless pipe bursting method against the traditional open trenching method, the results revealed that trenchless methods are undoubtedly cheaper and far less disruptive to the public. The results of the socio-economic survey revealed that trenchless methods were preferred by the public since it was less disturbing and the hindrances experienced were also far less than the traditional open trenching method. The results of the technical municipal survey questionnaire revealed that at least 50% of municipal technical staff of South Africa are not adequately informed about trenchless methods, its application and technical merits and drawbacks respectively. This survey questionnaire revealed that South Africa may be advancing over the years on the use of trenchless methods, however, more educating in the form of training, seminars and other methods of marketing must be undertaken starting at a municipal level.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / Introduction The aim of this study was to investigate the homeopathic potential of Bitis atropos 30CH (Homoeopathically prepared Berg adder venom) and to compare the materia medica of Bitis atropos with that of existing remedies originating from remedies derived from the same genus: Bitis. It was hypothesised that the thirtieth centesimal potency of the substance Bitis atropos would produce clearly observable signs and symptoms in healthy volunteers, furthermore it was hypothesised that the materia medica of Bitis atropos would be comparable with those of existing remedies originating from the genus Bitis. Methodology The homeopathic drug proving of the substance Bitis atropos 30CH took the form of a double-blinded, randomised, placebo controlled trial. A total of 28 provers took part in the proving, twenty one percent (6 provers) were randomly administered placebo, the other seventy nine percent (22 provers) were randomly administered verum (active proving drug). Each prover received six lactose powder sachets, either placebo or verum, and were instructed to take one powder three times a day or until symptoms arose. Symptoms induced in healthy provers by Bitis atropos or placebo were recorded in journal format on a daily basis for a period of 4 weeks or until symptoms subsided. This data was subsequently transcribed into nomenclature suitable for the materia medica and repertory. A general picture of the remedy was described which according to the Law of Similars forms the clinical indications of the substance in homoeopathic practice. A concurrent study of the proving of Bitis atropos 30CH was conducted by Brijnath (2013), and focused on comparing the results of the proving with the venom toxicology of the snake and other related remedies. Results A wide variety of mental, emotional and physical symptoms were produced. Some of the main themes included feelings of antagonism with one’s self, polarity, anxiety, irritability and a lack of focus with a feeling of confusion. Some of the physical symptoms produced were a lack of energy, fatigue, temperature sensitivity, skin eruptions, eye symptoms, ear symptoms, back pain, asthma symptoms, and an increase in libido. The symptoms from the proving of Bitis atropos 30CH were subsequently compared with remedies that belong to the same genus: Bitis. This analysis aimed to demonstrate the similarities between the remedies in the same genus: Bitis. A significant degree of similarity was noted within the mental sphere, where the remedies shared the same themes of anxiety, irritability, polarity, confusion and lack of mental focus. Some of the physical symptoms shared by the remedies were those of respiratory symptoms, temperature sensitivity, fatigue, lack of energy and headaches and an increased libido. Conclusion This investigation supported the hypothesis that Bitis atropos 30CH would produce clear and observable signs and symptoms in healthy volunteers in addition it supported the hypotheses that the materia medica produced would be comparable to the existing remedies sharing the same genus i.e.- Bitis arietans arietans(Puff adder) and Bitis gabonica gabonica (Gaboon viper).

Submitted in fulfillment of the Masters degree in Technology: Community Health Nursing, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / Background One of the major challenges for the Department of Health in South Africa today is inequity and the need to provide quality integrated health care for all its citizens. Primary Health Care (PHC) has been declared as the way to achieve this goal, through the District Health System. Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) and the Essential Medicines List (EML) have been developed and are used at PHC clinics and hospitals. This study explored the use of STGs and the EML by professional nurses at PHC clinics in the UMgungundlovu District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods A quantitative descriptive research design was used. Questionnaires were used to collect data from respondents at the PHC clinics. A retrospective review of facility registers kept by the respondents on the rational use of drugs was also carried out by the researcher. Results The findings of the study revealed that the respondents had a good understanding of the use of the STGs and the EML. There was no evidence of polypharmacy, and medications were prescribed according to guidelines. Areas that were suboptimal were related to prescription writing in writing of schedules and routes of medication as indicated in facility records. The results further showed that training on the use of the STGs and EML were inadequate, which implies the need for strengthening of training programmes.

Submitted in fulfillment of the academic requirements for the Master’s Degree of Technology: Electrical Engineering – Light Current, Durban University of Technology, 2012. / The development of a transit radio telescope at the hydrogen line frequency of 1420 MHz is described. The telescope antenna uses a 5 m diameter parabolic reflector with an estimated efficiency of 50 % and an F/D ratio of 0.5. The gain of the antenna at 1420 MHz (wavelength of 21.1 cm) is approximately 35 dB with a beamwidth of approximately 3°. The antenna is mounted on a concrete beam at the first floor level, running between two 5 floor tower blocks on the Steve Biko campus of the Durban University of Technology. The majority of the components of the radio telescope antenna and receiver were designed and manufactured at the Durban University of Technology by students of the Departments of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering. The measured sensitivity of the receiver is approximately -94 dBm with a bandwidth of approximately 80 MHz. Radio sources successfully detected by the radio telescope include the Sun, the Moon, Sagittarius A, Centaurus A and Vela X.

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree in Masters of Technology in Nursing, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / South Africa is one of 12 countries where the under-five child mortality rate has increased. In response to this challenge, the WHO and UNICEF in the 1990s developed Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI), a strategy to reduce child mortality and morbidity. IMCI training was launched in South Africa in 1998. Health care workers trained in IMCI face many challenges when applying the new integrated case management approach. Training settings tend to differ from the actual work environment. Simulation is practiced in an enclosed environment and certain assessments are not possible for example chest in drawing, level of consciousness, oedema amongst others. In South Africa, there has been limited research on IMCI in-service and pre-service training and no research has been conducted regarding the training of student nurses on IMCI and follow up of these learners in the clinical field. Purpose of the study The purpose of this study was to evaluate the IMCI training of learners in the use of IMCI Guidelines in the KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing (KZNCN). Methodology This study followed a descriptive quantitative approach and evaluates the training of the learners and the facilitation and training of lecturers with regards to IMCI in the KZNCN campuses. Data was collected using questionnaires for facilitators and learners on the three campuses. Results The findings of this study revealed that teaching and learning approaches used to facilitate IMCI were adequate except for clinical practice and theory which was reported to be insufficient.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2014. / Correct neck support is required during sleep to align the spine and maintain neutral posture, and to immobilise the joints in the neck which would allow the cervical paraspinal muscles to relax (De Laittre, 1974; Ambrogio et al., 1998; Erfanian et al., 1998). Poor spinal posture during sleep however, has been hypothesized to result in lateral bending and uneven loading on the intervertebral discs and cervical facet joints, and compression of pain-sensitive structures in the neck (Leilnahari et al., 2011). The pillow is a significant contributing factor to sleep quality and the development of symptoms on waking (Gordon et al., 2011). This should theoretically reduce pressure on the pain-sensitive structures and allow the intervertebral discs to be unloaded and rehydrated (Leilnahari et al., 2011). Aim: To determine and compare the effect of the Simmons’ Beautyrest pillow, a polyester foam pillow, a latex pillow, and no pillow, on cervico-thoracic and forward head posture in the supine and recumbent supine positions in asymptomatic individuals. Methods: Forty asymptomatic subjects between the ages of 20 and 30 years were recruited using convenience sampling. The study was a double-blinded comparative investigation where all participants underwent a case history, physical examination and an orthopaedic examination of the cervical spine. Thereafter, digital photographic images of the participants lying without a pillow and on three different pillows (Simmons Beautyrest® pillow, a polyester foam pillow and a latex pillow) in the supine and recumbent positions were captured. These images were then uploaded onto a computer, and using the linear co-ordinates of each anatomical landmark (which was determined by the researcher using CorelDraw Graphics Suite 12), the cervico-thoracic and craniocervical postures were determined. The cervico-thoracic posture was determined by calculating the gradients of the intersegmental slopes, relative to the horizontal plane, using the formula (y2 − y1)/(x2 − x1). The craniocervical posture was determined by calculating the craniocervical angle. This angle was determined by constructing lines between the anatomical landmarks and measuring the angle produced at C7. At the end of the objective data collection, participants were asked verbally which pillow they found most comfortable. All data was collected by the researcher. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 21.0. Repeated measures ANOVA test was used to compare the mean slope measurements in the four conditions. Inferential techniques included Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test and t-tests. A p-value of < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. iv Results: The mean (± SD) age of the participants was 24.3 (± 2.57) years. In terms of pillow preference, 15 participants preferred the latex pillow, 8 preferred the polyester pillow and 17 preferred the Simmons Beautyrest® pillow. In the recumbent position for the C2-EOP slope the latex and Simmons Beautyrest® pillows supported the neck in a similar manner (p= 0.480) and closer to neutral than no pillow and the latex pillow. For the C4-C2 and the C7-C4 slopes, the latex pillow produced the least extreme slope. For the T3-C7 slope, the polyester pillow produced the slope closest to neutral. Overall, for the entire cervical spine, the latex pillow produced the least extreme slopes, but at the cervico-thoracic junction, the polyester pillow produced the most neutral slope. In all segments, the condition without a pillow produced the most extreme slopes. When comparing the slopes themselves, it can be seen that the most extreme deviations from neutral occurred at the C2-EOP segment. The midcervical spine deviated least from neutral. In the supine position, there were no significant differences (p> 0.05) in the sagittal angular displacement between the pillows. Conclusion: The results of this study support the view that there is no one particular pillow that is better than the others for providing optimal support to the head and neck. Furthermore, practitioners should be aware that it is the craniocervical and cervico-thoracic slopes, which are determined with the patient in the recumbent position, that provide significant information regarding support provided by the pillow rather than the sagittal angular displacement assessed in the supine position.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Technology: Biomedical Technology, Durban University of Technology, 2012. / Antiretroviral therapy (ART) was introduced because it has shown to reverse the Acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), by reducing the HIV replication, allowing the regeneration of the patient’s immune system. ART is given to patients for the rest of their lives as part of HIV clinical care, but the use of ART has shown evidence of metabolic side effects which range from manageable to life threatening complications. Aims and objectives of the study The aim of the study was to investigate whether patients on ART developed metabolic side effects such as pancreatitis, dyslipidaemia and hepatotoxicity. These metabolic side effects were determined by laboratory testing of blood levels of specific biomarkers at stipulated intervals. Any significant change in the blood levels of these specific biomarkers was identified. Methodology : The study included 92 patients who were already selected for the ART programme which is in accordance to the South African National Antiretroviral Therapy Guidelines of 2003 Laboratory blood analysis was conducted. The repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare changes in biomarkers over time. The severity of each side effect was assessed by grading each biomarker laboratory result through the use of an established toxicity grading table. Results : It was found that the biomarker blood levels were not significantly altered within 12 months of ART, however, there was a gradual increase of most biomarker values, indicating that abnormalities may be detected after a longer period of treatment. Conclusion : Within 12 months of treatment, life-threatening toxicities were not detected. It may be speculated that if ART is monitored correctly, life-threatening toxicities may be avoided in many patients.