Thesis (M. Tech. (Civil engineering)) - Central University of Technology, free State, 2013 / Hydrological models have become vital tools for understanding hydrologic processes at the catchment level. In order to use model outputs for tasks ranging from regulation to research, models should be scientifically sound, robust, and tenable. Model evaluation is therefore beneficial in the acceptance of models to support scientific research and to guide policy, regulatory, and management decision-making. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the SWAT model in simulating stream flow for the Modder River Basin. The study area is situated at -29° 11’ latitude and 26° 6’ longitude at an elevation of 1335 m and drains a land area of 949 km2. The land cover is mainly grassland (pasture) with other minor land use types. The climate of the area is semi-arid with Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP) of 563 mm. Two techniques that are widely used in evaluating models, namely quantitative statistics and graphical techniques, were applied to evaluate the performance of the SWAT model. Three quantitative statistics, namely Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), percent bias (PBIAS), and ratio of the mean square error to the standard deviation of measured data (RSR), in addition to the graphical techniques, were identified to be used in model evaluation. Results of calibration and validation of the model at a monthly time step gave NSE of 0.65, Pbias of 15 and RSR of 0.4, while NSE of 0.5, Pbias of 31 and RSR of 0.5 were recorded for validation. According to monthly model performance ratings, the model performed well during calibration and performed satisfactory during the validation stage.

Thesis (M. Tech.) -- Central University of Technology, Free State, 2008 / The aim of the study was to determine radiation dose levels around the theatre table, on either side of the C-Arm, in order to establish if the radiation dose received by staff during back pain procedures fell within the limits set by the International Commission of Radiological Protection (ICRP). The question that arose from this goal was whether the stance of staff, in relation to the x-ray tube side of the C-Arm, influenced radiation dose levels. In order to apply the ALARA principle, the possibility of lowering the radiation dose in the neurological theatre was explored. The measurement methodology of the study was twofold: measurements were executed by means of TLD meters, as well as with an ionisation chamber. TLD meters were placed on the patient, the neurosurgeon and the radiographer during back pain procedures, and, more specifically, during fluoroscopy, to record the doses with the Image Intensifier (II) above the table as well as with the x-ray tube above the table, at the pelvis and the chest height of the staff. Ionisation chamber measurements were recorded in 25cm intervals around the theatre table with a phantom and the C-Arm positioned in the PA, oblique and lateral positions at 110cm and 133cm heights from the floor. The TLD results indicated that, when compared to the Image Intensifier side, the radiation dose was higher on the x-ray tube side of the C-Arm. The radiation dose was higher at the height closest to the x-ray source. The radiation dose received by the patient was higher with the x-ray tube positioned above the table (PA). The radiation dose to the surgeon’s hand and body was higher with the x-ray tube positioned above the table (PA). Radiation dose levels with the x-ray tube above the table during back pain procedures in the current theatre exceeded the occupational annual recommendation of 500mSv to the neurosurgeons hands, as recommended by the ICRP. The opposite is true with the II positioned above the table. The research question was answered positively in that the x-ray tube under couch orientation has the potential to limit dose levels during back pain procedures. The measurement values resulted in a proposed protocol in terms of positioning of staff and orientation of the C-Arm in order to apply the ALARA principle during back pain procedures. Constant revision of protocols is the responsibility of the radiographer in order to guarantee that the ALARA principle is implemented in every unique situation.

Thesis (D. Tech.) -- Central University of Technology, Free State, 2010 / Branded dairy products have lately become a global trend. As a result of this, the origin of the milk used in the manufacturing of branded cheeses must be declared by the producer, since it is known that these products are highly adulterated with foreign milk. In South Africa, branded Ayrshire Cheddar cheese has become highly popular due to its unique organoleptic properties and in light of claims that it ripens much faster than cheese made from other milk (not including Ayrshire). This study was therefore directed to investigate the unique properties of branded Ayrshire Cheddar cheese versus Cheddar cheese manufactured from a mixture of other breeds’ milk (not including Ayrshire milk) and to establish a catabolite profile for each cheese type. The outlay of the thesis was constructed into six chapters each with its own outcomes. The first chapter focused on the variations between the two Cheddar cheese batches (produced from Ayrshire and other breeds’ milk) with regards to organic acid, selected chemical parameters and starter microbiotia. In the following three chapters mathematical models were developed that would predict organic-; fatty and amino acid fluxtuations respectively in the cheese made from Ayrshire and other milk. In the last chapter two artificial neural networks were designed with the two starter organisms, Lactococcus lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus as variable indicator respectively. Thirty-two cheese samples of each batch (pure Ayrshire (4) / mix breed with no Ayrshire (4)) were ripened and samples were analysed under the same conditions on the following days after production: 2, 10, 22, 36, 50, 64, 78, and 92. In the subsequent chapters, the following analysis were done on each day of analysis: organic acid by means of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); fatty acids by means of Gas Chromatography Mass Spectometry (GCMS); amino acids by means of GC-MS; microbial analysis by means of traditional methods, total DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR); and standard chemical analysis for moisture, NaCl and pH. In the first research chapter, the minimum and maximum (min/max) values, standard deviations and proposed rel X values of organic acids were evaluated in Ayrshire and the mixed-breed Cheddar cheese, and showed that isovaleric acid is the organic acid with the least variation relative to concentration in both cheeses and it was assumed that this organic acid is the most effective indicator of cheese uniformity. Clear differences in organic acids, chemical variables and starter micro-organisms were also evident in the two cheese batches. Results obtained from the regression models which was defined for each organic -; amino - and fatty acid by means of mathematical equations can be used by the manufacturer to achieve i.e. the selection of cheese for specialist lines, the early exclusion of defective cheeses, and the establishment of brand origin (Ayrshire vs. mixed-breed Cheddar cheeses). The regression graphs also illustrate unique flux patterns in Ayrshire and the mixed-breed in terms of organic -, fatty -, and amino acid content. In the last chapter, the discrimination between the two batches was respectively done via artificial neural network (ANN) modelling of Lactococcus lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus as indicator organisms. The ANN consisted of a multilayered network with supervised training arranged into an ordered hierarchy of layers, in which connections were allowed only between nodes in immediately adjacent layers. The construction thereof allowed for two output nodes, connected to an input layer consisting of two nodes to which the inputs were connected. In both cheeses the results from the ANN showed acceptable classification of the cheeses based on the counts of L. lactis and S. thermophilus.

Thesis (D. Tech. (Clinical Technology)) -- Central University of technology, Free State, 2013 / Objectives: Survival with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) is made possible by dialysis but is in turn associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and decreased quality of life (QOL). Quality of life is a frequently overlooked, yet a critical consideration in evaluating the overall medical care of ESKD patients. This study aimed to evaluate the QOL of chronic haemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in multiple dialysis units in South Africa. Methods: A comparative descriptive study carried out on 100 haemodialysis (HD) (n=100) and 100 peritoneal dialysis patients (PD) (n=100) patients, evaluating factors such as demographics, duration on dialysis, medical history, clinical indicators and the patient’s understanding thereof, was performed. Quality of life was measured using the medical outcomes study 36 (SF-36). These factors, clinical scores and QOL measures were compared amongst HD and PD patients and thereafter correlated to nephrology professionals’ perspective on QOL. Results: A total of 200 (n=200) patients from 11 dialysis units were evaluated. Mean age for the HD group was 49±15 years compared to 53±14 years for the PD group (p=0.043). The HD patient group had an improved physical composite (PCS) score adjusted for age, urea, creatinine and albumin (p<0.001). The mental composite score (MCS) was improved in the PD group although not significant (p>0.05). A positive correlation was found, as PD patients had an improved symptom control score, adjusted for age (p=0.04), an improved effect of kidney disease score adjusted for albumin (p=0.000), and an improved burden QOL score adjusted for urea, creatinine and albumin (p=0.019). Age was shown to be associated to the physical functioning (p=0.01) and PCS (p=0.040), and diabetes to the emotional role (p=0.04), in QOL. An increase in the years on dialysis showed a reduced emotional well-being (p=0.028) and being on the transplant list an improved MCS (p=0.003). Participation in a pre-end stage kidney disease (PESKD) management programme showed improvement in the general health component (p=0.032), the effect (p=0.01), and the burden of kidney disease (p=0.02). Assessing patients’ knowledge on ESKD revealed the relationship of the PCS to the understanding of managing the complications associated with CKD (p=0.01) and access management (p=0.01). The understanding of diet was found to be significant to the burden of CKD (p=0.01) and the complications associated with CKD was found to be further significant to the effect and symptom QOL (p=0.01). Nephrology professionals rated the difficulty of living with kidney disease a 7.49 out of 10 score and 71% felt QOL is taken into consideration with managing ESKD patients. Conclusion: The study demonstrated differences in the adjusted QOL scores amongst HD and PD dialysis patients in the dialysis units studied. The importance of PESKD was emphasized in relation to improved QOL. Quality of life is a valid marker and important for the ongoing audit of renal services.

Thesis (M. Comm.) -- Central University of Technology, Free State, 2007 / From the Stone Age, each nation or group of people has had a distrust of those different from themselves. This is evidenced in various ways, for example, social welfare given to local residents only, scornful names given to foreigners and other ethnic groups and rituals designed to keep themselves separate from others. These incidents of diversity resulted into an unplanned and emergent set of norms, values and beliefs that exert enormous influence on the way in which an organisation operates, how organisational structure is developed, the integration and adaptation of internal and external relationships, as well as the orientation of the underlying values of the organisation. The main aim of changing culture is to improve organisational performance. To achieve this aim, it requires an understanding of the underlying assumptions and values that determine what is important in an organisation as well as assessment of the impact of culture on operational efficiency. The impact of organisational culture is identified through the negative and positive outcomes of mining activities, and is illustrated by employee satisfaction, job commitment, organisational loyalty, turnover, absenteeism and productivity. The aim of this research study was to identify the characteristics of organisational culture and evaluate the impact of organisational culture on gold mining activities in the Free State. The methodology used in this study comprises of empirical as well as a literature study. Questionnaires and interviews were used to gather information for the empirical study. The empirical study revealed that firstly, organisational culture is created partially by leaders, and that one of the most critical functions of leadership is the creation and the management of culture. Lastly, organisational culture emerges when employees think, believe and act according to the pressures and priorities of their environment. Unfortunately, employees do not set aside their cultural values and lifestyle preferences when they come to work. It is the responsibility of the management to create an environment that is conducive to a healthy working environment. This study established that the necessity to control the workforce productivity need not be accompanied by ruthless or aggressive exploitation of cultural management, but by reliance on employees’ capability to exercise judgement to cope effectively with environmental uncertainty. Rules, norms and strategies developed cannot “fit” every circumstance but encourage conformity rather than creativity, and compliance rather than commitment.

Thesis (M. Tech.(Biomedical Technology)) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2010 / Introduction: Geophagia, generally referred to as earth-eating, occurs in many countries of the world, including African countries such as South Africa. A need was identified to characterize human geophagic habits and the microbiological content of geophagic clayey soil, including the presence of potentially pathogenic nematodes (geohelminths), in South Africa. Materials and methods: Questionnaires were developed to generate data on human geophagia and included demography, socio-economics, indigenous knowledge, business aspects, mining and hygiene practices of vendors/geophagists. A total of 52 soil samples (n = 52) were collected from the district of Thabo Mofutsanyane (Free State, South Africa), which comprised of vendor, topsoil, excavated and control soil sample groups. Nematode content were isolated using the Ammonium bicarbonate protocol, thereafter the nematodes were classified and population sizes determined for each sample. Soil colour classification was completed using the Munsell Soil Color Charts. Results and discussion: The questionnaire revealed that geophagia in this region was practised mainly by women of child-bearing age because of the taste of the soil. Vendors sell geophagic clayey soil (known as mobu) collected from the mountain- and riversides for subsistence, generally costing one to two rand per bag. Hygiene and environmental conditions are considered when mining geophagic clayey soils. Whitish-perceived clayey soils are preferred by most of the geophagists. According to the Munsell Soil Color classification, Thabo Mofutsanyane geophagic soils ranged from brownish, to greyish, to yellowish in colour. Vendor soils were mostly greyish, while topsoils, excavated soils and control soils were mostly brownish. No human pathogenic nematode ova or larvae were isolated from any of the samples, however 34 nonpathogenic nematode taxa representing five trophic levels were identified. These included mainly herbivores, but also fungivores, bacteriovores, omnivores and predators. Taxon richness (number of taxa) greatly varied in the soil sample groups with vendor soil n = 9, topsoil n = 24, excavated soil n = 16 and control soil n = 14. Tylenchus sp., Criconemoides sphaerocephalus and Ditylenchus sp. were the only nematode taxa identified in all the different sample groups, with Tylenchus sp. notably more abundant overall. When the median nematode population sizes were compared between the geophagic soil samples, no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) could be identified. In contrast, the median nematode population sizes for all samples differed significantly (p < 0.05) from the control soil sample group. Conclusion: This study revealed that geophagia is probably not a vector for geohelminth infection in the district of Thabo Mofutsanyane, South Africa. However, the rich presence of non-pathogenic soil nematode communities in these brownish, greyish and yellowish geophagic soils may be useful as biological indicators of general soil health.

The overall purpose of this research was to develop an inter-agency reporting protocol for the child protection system in the Free State. The aim was to integrate current legislation and policy into this inter-agency reporting protocol to create standardised reporting procedures to ensure effective access to and response from the child protection system for the child in need of care and protection. The thesis comprises six sections: SECTION A: This section comprises the problem statement, the research purpose statement and objectives, the central theoretical statement, the approach to the research, the research methodology, as well as the limitations and restrictions of the research. Furthermore, key words are defined and an explanation of the research report is provided. The problem statement shows that problems have been experienced for quite some time regarding the way reports are being handled within the child protection system. The result is that children in need of care and protection do not have effective access to the child protection system and they don’t get effective response when their cases are reported. Although the rights, interests and wants of the child in need of care and protection are addressed in existing legislation and policy, there is still a problem with the implementation and enforcement of said legislation and policy. SECTION B: This section comprises four consecutive articles: Article 1: Legislation and policy for reporting within the child protection system of South Africa In this article, Phase 1 (problem analysis and project planning) of the intervention model was used. An analysis was made of the existing legislation and policy regulations currently in use in South Africa during reporting at the child protection system. This was done by means of literature analysis. Article 2: Agents, cases, persons and response during reporting at the child protection system In this article, Phase 2 (information gathering) of the intervention model was used. An analysis was made of the stipulations of current legislation and policy in South Africa regarding agents, cases, persons and response that should be kept in mind when developing an interagency reporting protocol for the child protection system. It was done by means of literature analysis. Article 3: Reporting procedures and protocols from abroad applicable to an inter-agency reporting protocol for the child protection system In this article, Phase 2 (information gathering) of the intervention model was used. The contents of foreign reporting procedures and protocols were analised in an effort to determine what contribution such procedures and protocols can make to the development of an inter-agency reporting protocol for the child protection system. It was done by means of literature analysis. Article 4: An inter-agency reporting protocol for the child protection system in the Free State In this article, Phases 3 (design), 5 (evaluation and advanced development) and 6 (dissemination) of the intervention model were used. The researcher used the information that came to the fore during the literature analysis in Phases 1 and 2 of the intervention model, to design an inter-agency reporting protocol and flow charts for the child protection system in the Free State. The suitability of this protocol was tested by means of semi-structured interviews with the agents responsible for handling reports within the child protection system. The qualitative data obtained from this was used for the further development of an inter-agency reporting protocol for the child protection system in the Free State. SECTION C: This section comprises a summary of the collective findings and conclusions that came to the fore during the research, whereafter recommendations were being made. SECTION D: This section comprises the various appendices used during the research. SECTION E: This section comprises a complete list of references. SECTION F: This section comprises the final inter-agency reporting protocol for the child protection system in the Free State. / PhD (Social Work), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The aim of the study was to investigate the training of school governing bodies in the Free State Province from an education management point of view. Since 1994 the South African government has adopted a number of policy documents aimed at democratizing education in the country. The transformation of education in the new South African context encompasses the idea of partnership in which participants - such as parents, educators, learners (in secondary schools) play an active role in taking decisions on behalf of the school. The State alone cannot control schools, but has to share its power with other stakeholders. However, this can only happen if participants in school governance are trained to have power and the capacity to decide on matters affecting their schools. Hence, training is the cornerstone of affirming governors in the execution of their roles and responsibilities. Since school governing bodies are composed of a cross section of people with different ideologies, expectations and levels of education - training is necessary to prepare then for co-operative governance. Without adequate and on-going in-service training, it is unlikely that school governing body members can make informed decisions. The empirical method, namely qualitative research, was successful in obtaining information from participants about the training offered to them. It also established how participants felt and thought about their experiences and perceptions about the training they received, whether it built capacity or not. A number of recommendations were made with regard to the research findings for stakeholders to note. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Comparative Education)

Text in Afrikaans / Summaries in Afrikaans and English / Die doel van die sensus was om 'n perspektief te verkry oar die bestuur van plaaslike owerhede in die Vrystaat se primere gesondheidsafdelings deur verpleegkundiges. Faktore rakende die omvang van die verpleegkundige in beheer se bestuursfunksies, die werksverhoudinge tussen hulle en hul hoofde, hul optimale benutting ten opsigte van bestuur en sekere aspekte van hul bestuursopleiding is ge"ldentifiseer as belangrike komponente. Ontleding van data het getoon dat verpleegkundiges en hoofde van mekaar verskil ten opsigte van hul sienings rakende die bestuursfunksies van die verpleegkundige in beheer. Werksverhoudinge tussen die verpleegkundiges en hul direkte toesighouer is nie altyd bevredigend nie. Die swak benutting van hul bestuursvaardighede blyk vir die verpleegkundiges in beheer onaanvaarbaar te wees. Sekere aspekte van die bestuursopleiding van verpleegkundiges behoort aandag te geniet. Plaaslike owerhede behoort aan verpleegkundiges geleenthede vir voortgesette bestuursopleiding te bied. Aanbevelings om die optimale benutting van verpleegkundiges in beheer van primere gesondheidsafdelings van plaaslike owerhede te bevorder, is geformuleer. / The purpose of this census was to obtain a perspective on the management of primary health services of local authorities by nurses in the Free State. Factors regarding the extent of management in primary health care services by nurses, working relationships between them and their superiors, their optimal utilisation with regard to management and certain aspects of their managerial training, were identified as important components. Analysis of data indicated that nurses and their superiors differ from one another regarding their views on managerial functions of the nurses in charge. Working relationships between nurses in charge and their superiors were not always satisfactory. Nurses found the poor utilization of their management skills unacceptable. Certain aspects of the managerial training of nurses should receive attention. Local authorities should provide opportunities for ongoing managerial training for nurses. Recommendations to utilise nurses in charge of primary health care services optimally, were formulated. / Health Studies / M.A.

The challenge facing principals currently is to revisit their role to improve external examination results in the Republic of South Africa. Almost all schools in the Free State, in particular those in rural areas such as the Thabo Mofutsanyana Education District; the Xhariep Education District; part of the Motheo Education District (e.g. Botshabelo and Thaba-Nchu) and most urban areas, such as the Lejweleputswa Education District and the Fezile Dabi Education District, have schools which have had poor examination results for the past 20 years. To answer the challenges currently facing principals in the Free State, this research used a qualitative research framework and methodology to articulate research questions and arrive at constructive and instructive models to reveal and close the gaps between performing and underperforming secondary schools in the province. A particular group of principals was chosen, influenced by the performance and underperformance of their schools in the various education districts in the province. Research findings from unstructured interviews with doctoral candidates, and research on China, Finland and Singapore’s education systems with special reference to instructional leadership were conducted. The doctoral candidates’ ideas were confirmed by practical unstructured interviews with Sekgutlong and Beacon high school principals who visited Singapore with the MEC of the Free State Department of Education. In plenary and parallel encounters with principals of secondary schools in the Free State, it emerged that rote learning is prevalent in the Free State secondary schools. Therefore, was resolved by the majority of the principals that critical postmodern instructional leadership should be recommended as an instructional methodology to usher in critical thinking, innovation, creativity and self-reliance in Free State education. In addition, this will close the gap between performing and underperforming secondary schools. Finally, grounded postmodern instructional leadership as a leadership strategy will assist a contemporary secondary school learner’s generation to cope with the academic requirements of tertiary education. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Didactics)