Thesis (D. Tech. (Clinical Technology )) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2013 / The HIV pandemic in South-Africa has created a new form of vulnerability for households with regards to food security and nutritional status which are vital components in the general care of HIV-infected individuals. The risk of nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition are predictors of disease progression and treatment in resource limited settings. Furthermore, HIV affects nutritional status by increasing the energy requirements, reducing food intake, affecting nutrient absorption and metabolism inadequacies due to cytokine activity and diarrhea. Several vitamins and minerals are important in fighting HIV infection because they are required by the immune system and major organs to attack infectious pathogens. Many of these micronutrients have been found to be deficient in HIVinfected persons and several studies were launched worldwide to investigate the feasibility of food assistance and nutrient supplementation. Nutritional supplementation has been advocated in HIV-infected persons especially in lowincome countries such as South Africa. Therefore, a study to evaluate the role of nutritional supplementation in HIV-positive patients becomes necessary, especially in a developing country such as South Africa. It is against this background that the present research was initiated to examine the influence of a nutritional supplement on the immune status and health status of HIVpositive/ AIDS adult individuals. The aim of the investigation was to determine if supplementation with a mixture comprised from specific minerals, vitamins and herbs over a period of one year, affected the haematological status, immune status, viral load and pulmonary function in forty (40) HIV-infected individuals living in the Mangaung Metropolitan, RSA. viii A quantitative, open-labeled, before-after clinical trial was conducted at the Central University of Technology, in Bloemfontein, Free State Province in the RSA. Socio-demographic and dietary intake questionnaires were completed. All data pertaining to anthropometric measurements, haematological status, immune status, viral load and pulmonary function were obtained my means of using standard procedures and technological equipment. The data were subjected to parametric and non-parametric statistical analysis. The results of the present investigation show that the eating pattern of this urbanized group of individuals reflects high energy (KJ) and macronutrient intakes coinciding with sub-optimal intake of Vitamin D and iodine. Of all the haematological variables the only statistical significant changes observed were increases in the median erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (p=0.0219) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (p=0.0245) after six months of nutritional supplementation. At 12 months a statistical significant decrease in the median CD/CD8 ratio (p<0.0048), median Hematocrit concentration (p<0.0312), median mean cell volume (MCV) (p<0.0359), and median RDW (p<0.0273) accompanied a statistically significant increase in the MCHC (p<0.0003) at 12 months after supplementation. At 6 months 89% (CI95%: 73%; 96%) of the individuals showed a decline in viral load counts with a median percentage decline of 34% (CI95%: 73%; 96%). At 12 months 85% [CI95%: 68%; 94%] of the individuals show a decrease in viral load counts with a median percentage decline of 62.9% (CI95%: 50%; 78.6%) following the intake of the supplement. The main findings of the present investigation reveal that 68% (50%-81%) of the individuals show a statistical median increase (p=0.0302) of 16.9% (11.5%; ix 36.1%) in the Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) at six months. A significant decrease (p=0.0484) in the median FEF75 of 28.1% (14%; 35.3%) is observed in 70% (53%-83%) of the individuals after 12 months of exposure to the supplement. No statistical significant changes are observed for FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC and FEF50 over the entire trial period. The present results suggest that a significant measurable decrease in viral load in HIV-infected individuals can be obtained by means of subjecting individuals to a nutritional fortification supplement strategy for 6 months or more.

Thesis (M. Tech.) -- Central University of Technology, Free State, 2008 / In this study, the development and implementation of a quality-monitoring program for raw milk as part of the quality management system of a milk processor was studied. Various aspects that contribute to raw milk quality were also included. Ten factors that are important in the production of good quality raw milk were summarised in the Ten Point Plan for the production of quality raw milk. Thirty-eight producers, who have supplied raw milk to the processor over a period of five year, were involved in this program. The producers are located all over the Northwest Province. Sixty thousand litres of milk is processed at the processor daily. The milk is taken in from the farms on alternative days by tankers supplied by the processor. A mark sheet was developed to evaluate control points during milking that can be measured directly from the laboratory. This was done monthly. Factors that could not be measured in the laboratory were evaluated when visits to the milk parlours were done twice a year. At the end of the year, the results of the mark sheet as well as the results of the parlour audits were compiled on a quality chart and the results were calculated as a percentage. The processor used the results of the quality charts to reward producers for quality milk. It was found that producers do not have the necessary infrastructure and knowledge to analyse milk. Analysing the raw milk and releasing the results to the producer are important measures to identify and manage problem areas that can pose a risk to the production of good quality raw milk. It is very important to supply the producer with the correct and relevant information because most of the representatives of companies, which visit the farms, supply information to the benefit of the product they sell. A formal monitoring program ensures that raw milk adhere to quality measures due to the fact that producers know the basic principles necessary for the production of good quality raw milk and the fact that the producer can implement measures in his/her own unique farm environment. The implementation of the Ten Point Plan for the production of quality raw milk at the processor had a significant influence on the quality of raw milk that was bought from producers. During times of milk shortages, the processor had to buy milk from alternative sources, which have no quality-monitoring program. Most of the times, this milk did not comply with the law regarding the total bacterial count, the coliform count, and the E. coli count. Record keeping is an important part of the management system of a dairy. Results from this study stressed a meaningful relationship between the keeping of records as mentioned in the Ten Point Plan and the production of good quality raw milk. It is recommended that producers be sharpened regarding the requirements for the production of good quality raw milk. Purchasing good quality raw milk assured the marketing of the best quality dairy products to the consumer. The contribution of this study to the dairy industry is the fact that the implementation of a quality-monitoring program ensures the maintenance of a sustainable quality of raw milk to the industry.

Thesis (Master in Education) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2014 / It is generally believed that Information Communication Technologies can extend knowledge and education to poor and marginalised people in South Africa. However, African countries still face many challenges in trying to provide appropriate and sustainable solutions for improving education and skills that will support the development of educators in all communities; this can be viewed in light of the millennium developmental goal. Thus the Department of Education put measures in place to bridge the gap in knowledge, skills and understanding of Computer Application Technology (CAT) educators through the provision of in-service training (INSET) programmes. The research study aimed at assessing the impact of in-service training programmes offered to CAT educators in Secondary Schools in the Free State province. The study made use of a survey and an evaluation research design. The target population for this study was all Further Education and Training (FET) Phase educators in all secondary schools in the Free State Province. A self-constructed questionnaire was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. The study revealed that the INSET programme still needs to improve on its content relevance to syllabus and it should provide educators with skills in dealing with the challenge of teaching learners with disabilities. The majority of educators were satisfied with the INSET programme as they indicated that it assisted in enhancing their skills and content knowledge; they further indicated that it gave them motivation to go into classrooms and teach. One educator quoted “I am now able to make some functions that usually gave me headaches. It greatly changed and developed the knowledge I had”. This indicates that the challenges that were experienced in classrooms were also met. It can thus be concluded that the INSET programmes did have a positive impact to the skills and challenges that educators experienced. That the study did achieve its v goal which was to assess the impact of INSET programs for CAT educators in the Motheo District, Free State province.

Thesis ( M. Tech. (Agriculture )) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2014

Thesis (D. Tech.) -- Central University of Technology, Free State, 2009

Thesis (D. Tech.) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2009 / This research analyses the discourses of students without barriers on inclusive higher education. It is assumed that the discursive practices of students without barriers will affect their perception negatively on inclusive education. This leads to the students without barriers’ attitude. As a result the students without barriers believed that upbringing played a role in their discourses. Parental and societal stereotypes blinded them to discourses. Analysing the discourses of students without barriers indicates the need for support in order to go beyond their stereotypes. To confirm these findings, I used qualitative study to conduct my research. The literature is reviewed in Chapter Two to find out what various researchers in previous studies say with regard to the discourses of students without barriers. Six respondents were selected from two different universities, namely the Central University of Technology and the University of the Free State. This was done with the purpose of analysing the discourse of students without barriers to determine if they understood what it means to be supported. The Free Attitude Interview was used as the technique for gathering information from the respondents. The purpose was to find the discourses of students without barriers in an inclusive higher education. This research study used the textually orientated discourse analysis (TODA) as a technique for gathering data. A tape recorder was used as a supplement for information that might be forgotten. The audio recordings were transcribed, verbatim and later interpreted. The spoken word of the respondents was analysed with the aim of disclosing the ideology carried by the respondents. This study is able to conclude that students without barriers felt superior to physically disabled students, as they indicated in their dominant discourses. This implies that students without barriers are positioned with ideology and discourses in so far as their meaning construction of discourses are concerned. Based on the findings, the study recommends an inservice programme to help students without barriers to become aware of their discursive practices. The students without barriers should not allow negative stereotypes and misconception to prevent them from their discourses in inclusive higher education.

Thesis (M. Tech.) -- Central University of Technology, Free State, 2008

Thesis (M. Ed.) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2008

Thesis (M. Tech. (Electrical Engineering )) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2014 / Remote rural electrification via grid-extension is a challenging solution due to high connection costs and low electricity consumption rate. As a result, it is difficult to recover the initial investment costs. Therefore, electrification is made possible by means of the commonly used off-grid approaches such as solar, wind, diesel generator and conventional micro-hydro. However, owing to non-continuous availability of sunlight and wind, high cost of diesel fuel, and requirements for construction of diversion weirs, these off-grid approaches might not offer a cost-effective and reliable solution to low income rural residents. There are many rural communities throughout the world without access to grid electricity and with access to flowing water. An off-grid micro-hydrokinetic river (MHR) system is one of the promising technologies to be used in remote rural areas with flowing water. It can bring sustainable improvement to their quality of life due to its high energy density and minimal environmental impact. This technology is still in the development stage and there is a lack of application, especially in rural areas. Hence, this study investigates the current status of MHR technology in rural applications. To demonstrate the economic feasibility of an off-grid MHR system, a rural site with multiple energy sources within South Africa has been used. The economic benefit offered by this proposed system at the selected site is compared to the economic benefits offered by other commonly used standalone systems such a solar, wind and diesel generator (DG). This economic comparison has been performed by making use of a Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER) simulation tool. Grid extension has also been used as a comparison method for obtaining an economical distance between grid lines and the remote rural site. The results highlighted the acceptable economic performance of the MHR system. v Finally, most of the available modelling and simulation tools for mechanical and electrical systems are not equipped with hydrokinetic modules. Hence, an MHR system model has been developed in MATLAB/Simulink in order to study its dynamic performance as submitted to variable water resource. Its performance has then been compared to the performance of a wind system counterpart for generating the same amount of electrical power. This proved/verified that the proposed system can generate electricity markedly cheaper than a wind system even in areas with adequate wind resource within South Africa.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Biomedical Technology)) -- Central University of Technology, Free State, 2014. / Traditional medicine has been known by mankind since ancient times as a healthcare system. All cultures have used herbs throughout history and it was an integral part of the development of modern civilization. Primitive man observed and appreciated the great diversity of plants available to him. Plants provided food, clothes, shelter and medicine and still play a vital role in rural villages of South Africa. The medicinal uses of plants and animals have been developed through trial and error. Herbal plants produce and contain a wide variety of chemical substances that act upon the body’s immune system. The medicinal properties of Ipomoea oblongata (E.Mey.ex Choisy) in this study was to determine the phytochemical content, antioxidant, anti-cancer and anti-diabetic properties of I. oblongata (Mothokho), a medicinal plant used by traditional medical practitioners of Thaba-Nchu in the Free State. The study was carried out in order to validate the ethnomedicinal claims made by the traditional medical practitioners and to evaluate the plant’s potential as a novel therapeutic agent. Twelve traditional medical practitioners of the Kopanang Dingaka Association were interviewed on the knowledge and use of I. oblongata (Mothokho). The phytochemical constituents of the plant were determined using standard screening methods. Testing for antioxidant properties (free radical scavenging activity) was carried out by means of the 2, 2- diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. The Sulforhodamine B assay was used to screen for anti-cancer activity in breast (MCF7), colon (HCT116) and prostate (PC3) cancer cell lines. Glucose uptake in C2C12 muscle cells was used to evaluate the anti- iii diabetic potential of I. oblongata. Methanol extract was fractionated using Ultra-Pure Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) to identify active compounds. The traditional medical practitioners cited the plant roots as the main ingredient in the treatment of respiratory infections, sexually transmitted infections, postnatal womb treatments, inflammation, arthritis, wounds and cancer. The methanol extract of I. oblongata showed remarkable (99.03%, 98.39, 71.31%) antioxidant potential in all triplicates tested which explains its use in oxidative stress-related diseases such as arthritis and cancer. Phytochemical tests showed the presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, steroids, terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids and tannins. However, the extracts were inactive against the cancer cell lines used. Glucose uptake by the C2C12 muscle cells was increased by over 150% and was comparable to that of insulin and metformin, suggesting good anti-diabetic activity. Predicted compounds found were dihydroquercetin pentaacetate, actinorhodin and actinorhodine, using Chemspider analysis. These are possible compounds that could be found in the Ipomoea oblongata extracts when using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to determine the structure and names of the active compounds. Ethnobotanical uses of Ipomoea oblongata were found to have a link with other ethnobotanical studies to capture the indigenous knowledge, culture and therapeutic uses. The phytochemical results of Ipomoea oblongata can contribute to the knowledge of new drug development as indicated by literature (Harbone; 1973, Soforowa, 1993; De et al., 2010) that plants contain phytochemical contents and phenolic compounds that are valuable as medicinal properties. Methanolic extract of Ipomoea oblongata presented high levels of antioxidant activity respectively, which can become a potential iv antimicrobial agent and remedy oxidative stress related diseases. The anticancer properties were inactive and the cytotoxicity levels were found to below in I. oblongata. Low levels of cytotoxicity allow medicinal plants to be consumed by humans with fewer side effects however doses must be standardized. High levels of glucose uptake in muscle cells were indicated from the aqueous extract of Ipomoea oblongata, therefore showing great potential as an antidiabetic agent. Many medicinal plants have been validated as antidiabetic therapeutic agents in South Africa and the world. New treatment of cancer, diabetes, bacterial and viral infections is required from natural products that are cost effective with minimal side effects that can be used in health care systems. There is a correlation between the medicinal properties found in I. oblongata and the ethnomedicinal uses cited by the traditional medical practitioners. The plant I. oblongata has six ethno-pharmaceutical uses. I. oblongata is a good source of anti-diabetic and antioxidant agents that can be developed further. However the plant is not a good source of anticancer properties. Future research will be into the isolation and identification of the active compounds.