Thesis (M. Tech. (Education)) -- Central University of Technology, Free state, 2011 / This study examines the problems encountered by educators regarding the implementation of the National Curriculum Statement in mathematics in grades 10-12. The first aim of the study was to provide solutions to problems regarding training experienced by FET mathematics educators. The second aim was to identify problem areas in the NCS that frustrate mathematics educators teaching in the FET band and to identify areas that appeal to these educators. The third aim was to provide guidelines to assist educators with lesson planning in mathematics in the FET band. The fourth aim was to provide guidelines for appropriate assessment in mathematics in the FET band. The fifth aim was to provide guidelines for the effective integration of OBE in the teaching of mathematics in the FET band. The field work was executed by administering a questionnaire to a randomly selected sample of fifty two educators teaching in the FET band. Interviews were semi-structured, flexible and yielded additional information to that of the questionnaire. The questions of the interview were directly related to the objectives of the study and followed a given sequence that was adhered to in each interview process. The researcher arranged to interview one educator from each of the 15 randomly selected schools in the Motheo-district, but only 10 educators responded positively in the interview process, other educators could not avail themselves on that day. The researcher analysed the responses according to the respondent‟s personal particulars. Descriptive analysis of the sample data for section B of the questionnaire were then done, using respondent counting, percentages and the average for the responses of each statement. This study revealed that educators differ in terms of the problems that they encountered in implementing the NCS in mathematics. The findings from this study pointed out problems such as educators receiving inadequate training on implementing the NCS in mathematics. It was also revealed that educators had not been visited by the departmental officials in their schools for monitoring the implementation of the NCS in mathematics. The last finding showed that teaching and learning support material arrived late during 2008 and that there was a large shortage of such material. The result of the study provides invaluable baseline information with regard to the problems encountered by the educators in the implementation of the NCS in mathematics. On the basis of the findings of this study, a number of recommendations for the implementation of curriculum change in mathematics on FET level are given in Chapter 5.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Graphic Design)) -- Central University of Technology, free State, 2010 / Good package design entails employing appropriate yet attractive graphic attributes such as colour, typography and images with which the consumer can engage. Even the name of a colour plays a considerable part in the success of a new product or brand. Consumers use graphic attributes to associate different products with different income groups, to infer the weight of products and even use it as an indicator of the perceived change in temperature resulting from the use of certain products. Consumers develop colour preferences based on associations they have formed through experience which are influenced by factors such as age, gender, culture and demographics. Colour may also affect consumers’ respond to a product and may even have an effect on their emotional state. In order for consumers to involve themselves with store brands more readily, packaging has to be updated constantly to keep packaging fresh and exciting. A shopping bag, transformed with graphic attributes into a designer shopping bag, can, just as good packaging often does, contribute to the art and science of selling a product or promoting a brand. Consumers prefer designer paper shopping bags with attractive appearances and showed a willingness to even pay for the paper bags. This study determined if consumers will actually purchase a designer paper shopping bag as opposed to just indicate a willingness to do so. Semistructured interviews with 100 subjects provived insight into consumers’ perception of the designer paper shopping bag sold at a store selling higher priced items. Designer paper shopping bags were offered to consumers for sale. Two retail stores in Bloemfontein, South Africa, participated in the study. Consumers could choose whether to buy a designer paper shopping bag or to make use of the plastic bags provided by each of the stores. Consumers prefered to rather purchase a designer paper shopping bag sold at a well-known store, selling branded, higher priced items than purchase one from a store that sells lower priced items of which the brand names are unknown to them. Consumers are more likely to pay for a designer paper shopping bag when the amount spent by them in store is relatively high. It is recommended to introduce new packaging items via marketing strategies such as “buy one get one free” and to not test a new packaging item during a recession as consumers then tend to spend less than usual. Interviewees agree that the colour scheme of the designer paper shopping bag used in the study associate well with the clothes and accessories sold in the store. Subjects suggested a few general ideas, but agree that the illustrations used on the paper shopping bag are appropriate. The majority of the interviewees state that they can read all the typography easily and that they will feel confident when carrying the designer paper shopping bag.

Thesis (M. Tech.) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2010 / English is listed as the official or second official language in forty five countries. It is the majority language in twenty seven countries. English is spread vastly over the world, resulting in scores of speakers (Kitao, 1996). However, in countries where English is not the dominant language, language schools are available to assist in the acquisition of the language. It is stated that EFL methods are effective and thriving in teaching English to non-native speakers. It is further pointed out that EFL methods rival those used in traditional classes which mainly use teacher-orientated-language whereas TEFL focuses on enhancing student-orientated-language in a classroom (http://teflonline.com). The research’s importance stems from the area of focus and purpose. It is the primary purpose of this paper to examine whether improved possibilities and imperatives of language acquisition to subjects and teachers are offered by TEFL methods. The dissertation derives greater primary importance upon consideration of the effectiveness of TEFL in multi-lingual classrooms. This dissertation will determine whether EFL methods are in fact more effective and efficient in teaching English than other known methods. On another point it should then be possible to improve TEFL methods and take them to further possibilities such as online classes or web-based-training. The dissertation’s aim is to critically review TEFL as an effective method of teaching English in a multi-lingual environment. This is done by incorporating the TEFL teaching methods into an experimental classroom of students from different ethnical backgrounds, age groups and mother tongues – except English. By critiquing the TEFL course content and using contextual and literature reviews, internet research, questionnaires, observations, interviews and formative assessment opportunities, data were gathered on participant perspectives on the following key questions of the research: 1. Do the TEFL teaching techniques differ from those in traditional English classrooms? 2. If this is the case, how do these techniques differ? 3. Do the students benefit from TEFL, or may/can they benefit? 4. And do teachers benefit by using TEFL techniques in the classroom? The Researcher is a qualified TEFL educator and aims to make an in-depth study of EFL techniques and whether it can be effective in a multi-lingual classroom. The study is conducted at the Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft, Aalen (HTW Aalen) and the Educcare day-care centre in Stuttgart, Germany. xvi Three case studies were conducted throughout the course of this research. A total of fifteen months and thirty-six subjects of different ages, ethnicities and genders participated in observational case studies. The remaining nine months were utilised in preparation of the case studies and drafting of the research paper. The conclusions drawn from this research are definitive distinctions in the subjects’ ability to acquire English by means of EFL methods. The EFL methods were widely accepted by the case subjects. The research showed that the subjects enjoyed the student-orientated classroom, because they felt included in the proceedings of the lessons. This was done by the EFL way of encouraging the potential in the students to actively part-take in the lesson by talking freely, known as Student Talking Time (STT). According to questionnaires and interviews the subjects declared that STT gave them the ability to possess control over the speed and strength in which they acquire the new information. The students did not feel like they were only absorbing information provided to them by the teacher, instead they felt like active participants in the learning process. The teacher, on the other hand also benefits from EFL. The first advantage for EFL educators is more freedom in lesson planning. Due to the fact that TEFL focuses on increasing the STT in classrooms, the teacher’s responsibility shifts from a leading to an assisting function. This gives the possibility to the lecturer to have many potential scenarios for one lesson to the contrary of a strict lesson plan. A stringent lesson plan in traditional classes usually does not allow derivation from the original path or derivation is only possible for very experienced teachers (http://teflonline.com). In the EFL classes a standard path is not needed. Instead it is essentially necessary to be prepared for many likely situations as a reaction to the current needs of the classroom. As an additional benefit the positive reaction of the students to the teaching methods increases the teacher’s motivation. The lecturer1 can then pass this positive effect back to the students and provoke more self-confidence in the students when teaching. This overall self-enhancing cycle shows, in conclusion that incorporating EFL teaching methods into a lesson, realises the main objective of every language teacher: to assist students in acquiring the target language. In addition it is the aim of this research that the findings may participate in future development and improvement in educational systems where teaching a second or foreign language to students, whether English or any other foreign language.

Thesis (D. Tech. (Environmental Health)) -- Central University of technology, Free State, 2013 / Some epidemiological studies suggest that exposure to high levels of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) may be linked with the development of adverse health effects. However there is still controversy on this matter. Due to rapid technological growth in the modern society, employees in the welding and electrical industries are highly exposed to electromagnetic fields and may be at a high risk for developing occupational diseases. The health effects which may result from exposure to electromagnetic fields are related to the strength and frequency of the fields. This study was conducted to (i) assess the exposure levels to EMFs in the welding industry, (ii) determine the possible health risks associated with exposure levels, and (iii) develop a health and safety model to guide the industry on how to reduce exposure to EMFs. The study was conducted in one mega welding company in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality. Welders, fitters and office workers (88 in total) gave consent to participate in the study and completed questionnaires (ethical clearance attached). Measurements of extremely low frequency EMFs were taken in workshop A, workshop B and working offices. Measurements for magnetic fields were taken at distances of 1, 2 and 3 meters (m) from the EMFs sources. The exposure levels of magnetic fields were very high in the workshops, with welders and fitters exposed to about 7.6 microtesla (μT). Electric fields were relatively low in all workstations. Participants in the study were experiencing symptoms of ill health such as headaches, sleep disorders, fatigue and distress. The symptoms reported by the workers were similar in the both groups (exposed and control). There is no clear relationship between recorded exposure levels and the development of the reported symptoms. The health and safety model was developed to guide the industry to reduce exposure to electromagnetic fields. The model describes the implementation of engineering and administrative control measures in an effort to reduce exposure to EMFs. The model also highlights the importance of wearing personal protective equipment to shield against EMFs amongst others. This study suggests that occupational exposure to high levels of extremely low frequency EMFs may increase the risk for development of chronic diseases such as leukaemia, brain and breast cancer and other diseases among highly exposed employees. Implementation of safety measures is necessary to reduce exposure to EMFs.

Thesis (M. Education) -- Central University of Technology, Free State, 2013 / The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between parental support and self-regulated learning behaviour of grade 12 learners. The study investigated support given to self-regulated learning of grade 12 learners. It gathered both quantitative and qualitative data. The researcher adopted the QUAN-qual model, which is also known as explanatory design. In this model quantitative data are collected first and are more heavily weighted than qualitative data. The quantitative method investigated the relationship between parental support and grade 12 learners’ self-regulated learning behaviour. It also investigated how parental support contributed to learner self-regulated learning behaviour. Qualitative research design explained strategies schools used to encourage positive parental support in their children’s self-regulated learning. It also explained why parents did not offer their support to their children’s education despite the fact that the South African School Act of 1996 encouraged them to do so. The population included grade 12 teachers and learners, as well as learners’ parents from different secondary schools in the Lejweleputswa district. The researcher administered questionnaires to 118 teachers and 218 learners, while 6 parents were interviewed. Teachers and learners were handed relevant questionnaires aimed at their level of participation in the survey. For quantitative data analysis the chi-square test was employed to test whether there were relationships between the variables. The study revealed that there was statistical significant relationship between parental support and learners’ self-regulated learning behaviour. Qualitative data was analysed making use of different analytical concepts used to guide researchers in qualitative data analysis. Although learners may acquire effective self-regulated learning strategies on their own, proper guidance from parents and teachers is very crucial, especially in the early stages of learning. The study established that regular general parent’s meetings, each term, help to facilitate improved learner performance. Amongst others, the researcher recommended that schools should introduce incentive for parental involvement in school matters.

Thesis (M. Tech.) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2010 / The aim of this study was to establish factors that contribute to poor learner discipline in the primary school. Although discipline has addressed in many schools, putting it through in the classroom is always another story. To address the issue of discipline, this article examines the factors that influence poor discipline in schools, in the Free State province and sought to suggest strategies that may be implemented to improve poor discipline in schools and sustain positive nation of discipline. Questionnaires were administered to educators and information gathered from responses. Both the literature study and empirical research revealed that there were factors which negatively influenced discipline in schools. Finally, several recommendations were made to rectify the current situation.

Thesis (M. Tech.(Somatology)) - Central University of Technology, Free state, 2013 / The role of the modern woman has drastically altered within the last 20 years. Aiming to find a balance and adequate time to address both family and work demands requires fine planning and compromise, most likely leading to a woman who is overstressed, fatigued, impatient and anxious. A fatigued body, induced by stress overload, may result in an elevation in blood pressure, pulse rate and breathing rate. These physiological alterations may predispose individuals to cardiovascular disease and a compromised immune system. Currently, the dynamics between physiological changes within the body and the influence of aromatherapy essential oils are not well defined or researched. Limited information is available to explain the influence of aromatherapy essential oils as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) on female physiological parameters, specifically blood pressure, pulse rate and breathing rate. The aim of the research study firstly was to evaluate the physiological alterations in the female human body in response to aromatherapy Ylang ylang essential oil, and secondly, to determine the perceptions regarding the physiological and psychological abilities of the participants upon completion of the treatment course. The outcome of this study will contribute to the scientific knowledge of aromatherapy essential oils as a CAM therapy. A single blind, experimental case-control study design was followed. This research study recruited 36 voluntary female participants from the Bloemfontein area between the ages of 20 and 45 years. The 36 participants were divided equally into group A and B. Group A commenced with the face control (carrier oil only), followed by three face experimental treatments (Ylang ylang essential oil blend). Thereafter, the back control was conducted, followed by three back experimental treatments. Similarly, group B commenced with three back experimental treatments, followed by the back control. The three face experimental treatments followed and concluded with the face control. Demographic and post-treatment questionnaires were utilised to ascertain demographic data and any perceptive physiological and psychological changes. The blood pressure, pulse rate and breathing rate physiological parameters were measured by utilizing the Nihon Kodhen apparatus. Physical stress indicators such as elevated pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and breathing rate increased during stress were reduced at a quicker rate in aromatherapy treatments where Ylang ylang essential oil was present. Dermal application of Ylang ylang essential oil produced more prominent improvements when applied to the back area, indicating that a larger absorption surface provides superior improvements in the physical parameters. Most participants perceived an improvement in stress levels, concentration levels, energy levels and self esteem levels. In general, it seems probable that Ylang ylang essential oil had a positive effect on stress and had a reductive effect on some of the physiological parameters. The topic of complementary and alternative therapies is a diverse one. Various opinions, whether justifiable or not, are possibly influencing the public domain which has become directed at CAM therapies as alternatives to conventional medicine. The most evident and probable shortcoming in CAM therapy research lies in the lack of scientific research and evidence. Thus, more research is required in order to contribute to this field of study by adding knowledge and provide a better understanding of the topic. This study has contributed to the knowledge of CAM therapies.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Biomedical technology)) - Central University of technology, Free State, 2013 / Breastfeeding is a major source of childhood nutrition and protection, but with South Africa having one of the highest HIV prevalence in the world the risk of HIV transmission from mother to infant through breastfeeding becomes a major issue. Infant mortality due to malnutrition and infections is also of great concern. Exclusive breastfeeding and giving antiretroviral drugs to the HIV-infected mother and the HIV-exposed infant is one of the most significant ways to improve infant survival rates and reduce transmission of HIV through breastfeeding. Whether HIV disease progression and its metabolic impact on the mother will affect the nutrient composition of breast milk is a question that arises. The aim of this study was to determine the possible association between the stage of HIV disease, as measured by the immunological markers, and the nutrient composition of breast milk. The study population consisted of 60 HIV infected female volunteers who were divided into two groups. Milk and blood samples were obtained from 30 HIV-positive women that was not on any ARV treatment and from 30 HIV-positive women that was on ARV treatment. Their HIV status and treatment regime were obtained from their files. Participants were also asked to complete a questionnaire. Macro-nutrients that were measured included lactose, proteins, fat, total solids and the energy content of the breast milk. This was done on the MIRIS Human milk analyser. The micro-nutrients that were measured were calcium and phosphate on the DXC 800 chemistry analyser. Blood analysis was included to determine the stage of HIV disease progression in the HIV-positive mothers and comprised of a CD4/CD8+ T cell count, viral load and a full blood count. CD4/CD8+ T cells were determined using flowcytometry on the BD FACScalibur. The COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HIV-1 Test was used for the determination of the viral load and the full blood count was done using a Sysmex XT2000i haematology analyser. When comparing the analysed haematological variables, the white blood cells and red blood cells indicated a significant difference between the two groups. Both of the groups were anaemic. The CD3+ T cell count was higher and the CD4+ T cell count was lower than the reference range in both groups. The median CD4+ T cells and HIV-1 viral load for the HIV with treatment group was higher than the HIV-infected without treatment group. The analyzed milk data yielded no p-value of great significance, suggesting that there was no statistically significant difference recorded of the measured nutrients between mothers receiving treatment and those who did not receive any treatment for HIV. The Spearman Correlation Coefficient was used to determine if HIV disease progression would have an influence on the nutrients that were measured. For the HIV-infected without treatment group, a significant correlation was found between the HIV-1 viral load and percentage total solids in breast milk. For the HIV-infected with treatment group the only positive correlation was between the CD4+ T cell count and the percentage total solids and energy content of the breast milk. No strong positive correlation could be established between the immunological markers of HIV disease progression and the analysed nutrients in the breast milk. Taking this into consideration, HIV-positive mothers can breastfeed their babies even if their HIV status is at a more advance phase, but the emphasis should be placed on exclusive breastfeeding and getting the needed support to breastfeed.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Biomedical technology)) - Central University of technology, Free State, 2013 / Thirty-one years after the discovery and isolation of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by French and American scientists, much progress has been made in basic research, clinical treatment, and public heath prevention. Although, much evidence of mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT) of HIV has been amassed since then, not much of it describes the effects of HIV on the nutrient composition of breast milk. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of HIV on the nutrient composition of breast milk, by studying two groups of adult lactating respondents from the same socio-economic background, who were chosen randomly and participated voluntarily. The study population consisted of 60 breastfeeding mothers, divided into two groups of 30 mothers each. Group one represented the control group of HIV non-infected mothers whereas group two consisted of HIV-infected mothers who did not receive any treatment. After a registered medical nurse took blood and breast milk samples, analysis was done on ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) whole blood to determine the haematological and immunological parameters and breast milk was analyzed for nutrient composition. Standard laboratory operating procedures (SOP) were followed, throughout, to determine the parameters of the blood and breast milk samples. Results showed that associations between the socio-economic statuses (SES) of the two respondent groups could be established. Albeit differences were not significant, some were, however, detected in the number of people contributing to the household income of the respondents (p = 0.0051), their employment status (p < 0.0001) and the availability of water sources (p = 0.1124). It is believed that factors, such as the prevalence of HIV, if related to the different levels of SES may play an important role in the outcome of the health statuses of individuals at different levels of society. By implication, it is not the different levels of SES, but rather factors related to the different levels of SES that have an impact. Significant differences could be seen in the haematological variables between the two respondent groups: Red blood cell count (RBC) (p < 0.0001), hemoglobin (Hb) levels (p = 0.0119), hematocrit (Hct) (p = 0.0031), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (p = 0.0005), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) (p = 0.0043) and monocyte count (p = 0.0275). These differences, however, were not significant to this study. Other differences that were significant were immunological parameters between the two respondent groups: CD4 cell count (p < 0.0001) and viral load, done only on the blood of the HIV-infected respondent group. The CD4 cell count is used as a guideline for the initiation of treatment for HIV-infected persons and is required to accurately assess the immune status of any patient at any given time. The viral load has long been established as a strong predictor of the rate of disease progression. The only significant difference in the breast milk composition was reflected in the following variables between the two groups: percentage (%) proteins (p < 0.0001) and calcium levels (p = 0.0081). The median and mean values of the percentage proteins were elevated in the subject group of mothers living with HIV, while calcium levels in the same group showed a decrease in both median and mean values. The lack of significant differences between the groups might be due to the small study population. If nothing else, this study highlights the need for further trials to evaluate the true effects of HIV on the nutrient composition of breast milk.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Environmental health)) - Central University of technology, Free State, 2013 / Introduction Dairy farms in central South Africa produce a substantial amount of milk, which is sold in Bloemfontein, Free State. Large volumes of unpasteurized (raw) milk is collected on the dairy farms, which undergoes further processing before it reaches the consumer at the end of the production line. There is a large proportion of the population that, in most cases unknowingly, consumes raw milk that has bacterial counts substantially higher than legal standards. Poor quality unpasteurized milk is either sold as fresh milk in the informal market, or as dairy products, such as cheese, manufactured from unpasteurized milk. Consumers are therefore, in most cases, unaware of the poor quality dairy products they consume. Milk quality is usually assessed in terms of bacterial content, which include Escherichia coli, coliforms and total bacterial count. The bacterial quality of milk is influenced by a number of factors, including farming practices, structural design of the milking shed, herd health and quality of water used in the dairy. If the highest level of hygiene practices is maintained, contamination of the milk by pathogenic microorganisms will be controlled, however, any drop in the vigilance of hygiene practices could result in unacceptable high levels of pathogenic microorganisms resulting in poor quality raw milk. Poor quality raw milk will inevitably result in poor quality pasteurized milk, containing unacceptably high levels of pathogenic organisms, which will eventually reach the consumer. Objectives The objectives of this study were to assess the quality of milk and influencing factors of milk produced on 83 dairy farms that supply milk intended for further processing to the greater Mangaung region, Central South Africa. Influencing factors investigated included, water quality and hygiene of milk contact surfaces, namely pulsator surfaces and milk pipeline surfaces. Methods Standard sampling procedures were followed when milk was sampled from bulk milk tanks, water at the point of use in the dairy, as well as collection of surface swabs. Escherichia coli, coliforms, total bacterial counts and somatic cell counts in milk were determined in terms of the regulations relating to milk and dairy products, and for water in terms of drinking water standards. These data were analysed and the factors that directly influence bacterial quality of milk were identified. Results 93% of the dairy farms displayed E. coli in their bulk milk containers, which did not comply with the legal standard. For coliforms, 86% of the milk samples did not comply with the legal standard. The total bacterial count of 85% of the milk samples did comply with the legal standard. The somatic cell count of 42% of the milk samples did not comply with the legal standard. The pulsator surfaces as well as the milk pipeline surfaces of 13% of the dairy farms displayed the presence of E. coli. 80% of the pulsator surfaces and 78% of the milk pipeline surfaces did comply with the legal standard pertaining to coliforms. The total bacterial count of pulsator surfaces revealed that 19% complied, whereas 29% of the milk pipeline surfaces complied with the legal standard. The water data further revealed that 31% of the dairy farms contained E. coli in the water used in the dairies. 63% of the dairy farms contained more than the allowable number of coliforms in their water. Chi-square tests revealed significant differences (p > 0.05) between the presence or absence of E. coli in milk and water; the presence or absence of E. coli in milk and milk pipeline surfaces; the presence or absence of E. coli in milk and pulsator surfaces and the presence or absence of E. coli in milk and the positioning of the cows in the milking shed. When milk quality indexes were calculated for all the farms, only four farms were classified with excellent milk, the remainder were all classified as producing poor quality milk. The hygiene quality indexes revealed that the hygiene practices on all the farms were not up to standard. Discussion and conclusion The study revealed that the milk produced for commercial processing and distribution in the greater Mangaung region of central South Africa was of poor quality. It is often mistakenly believed that the pasteurization process will remove all microorganisms from milk. As this is not the case, it is of major concern that milk delivered commercially is not of acceptable quality. Furthermore, it could be concluded that the quality of milk products from raw milk were also probably not of acceptable quality. The results further revealed that the possible contributing factors to the poor quality milk produced by the 83 commercial dairy farms were; poor quality water used in dairy sheds and contaminated milk contact surfaces. From this study it could be concluded that the overall status of milk production on the 83 commercial dairy farms studied, did not meet the standards required for milk quality, water quality and hygiene practices.