Thesis (M. Tech.(Agriculture: Animal Production)) - Central University of technology, Free State, 2012 / A 42-day feeding trial involving 180 day old broiler chicks was carried out at Glen Agric Institute ARC poultry section to study the effects of whole hatchery waste meal (WHWM) as an alternative in broiler diets. In this study whole hatchery waste meal (WHHW) replaced fish meal (FM), protein for protein, in broiler diets at 0, 10, 20, and 30% levels. One hundred and eighty broiler chickens were grouped, 45 birds per treatment which were further replicated 3 times (15 birds per replicate) in a completely randomized design. Feed and water supply were offered to birds ad libitum while standard management practices were meticulously adopted. Samples of the two test ingredients were sent to a lab for chemical analysis and the results indicated that FM had higher content of crude protein (73.18%) while that of WHWM was 4226. The calcium phosphorus ratio was 16.6:1 for WHWM as against 1.5:1 in the FM. The results also indicated a higher content of Ash% and Ether extract for WHWM (18.12) and (23.94) respectively. The higher ash content could be due to the high content of eggshell at the time of processing. At the end of the feeding trial broiler performance, blood, carcass characteristics and the economic benefit of using WHWM in broiler diets were determined. Blood and meat samples were collected and sent to the pathology laboratory at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein for hematological and meat characteristics analysis. Results for broiler performance showed that broilers fed diet 2 had highest values for feed intake (118.25g/bird/day), weight gain (50.16g/bird/day) and daily protein intake (29.08g/bird/day) while those fed with diet 3 were superior in the efficiency of feed conversion (2.31). The highest value of abdominal fat 1.12% was observed in birds fed diet 2. The highest live mass was observed in birds fed diets containing no WHWM (2.83), while non significant difference were observed in live mass of birds fed diet 1, 3 and 4. Broilers fed control diet had highest mean values for eviscerated weight (2.20kg) and dressing percentage (77.86%). Blood samples were sent for analysis of White blood cells (WBC), Red blood cells (RBC) and Haemoglobin (HGB), Hematogrit (HCT), Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The results showed marginal variations in blood parameters. White blood cell counts were higher for birds fed control diet (519.59 x 103/1) than those fed WHWM (484.93 X 103/1). Non significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed on the HGB of all treatment groups including the control group. RBC counts of T1-T3 were not significantly different from each other but statistically significantly different from T4 (30% WHWM). The highest value of 2.67 106/ mm3 was observed in birds fed a higher level of WHWM. High RBC and HGB counts in the birds fed WHWM are an indicative of higher oxygen carrying capacity. The HCT and MCH results showed nonsignificant differences between T1, T3 and T4, except T2 which was significantly different from the other treatment groups. The MCV values for T1-T4 were 132.58, 126.47, 129.15 and 128.15 10'15L respectively. The highest and lowest values were recorded on T1 and T2 respectively. The feed costs decreased with an increase in the level of WHWM in broiler diets. The lowest feed cost/kg weight gain of R8.69 recorded for broilers fed on diet three. This agrees with several studies which documented the use of hatching waste in poultry diet as means of reducing feed cost (Babiker et al 1991; Abiola, 1999; Abiola, 2000; Abiola and Onunkwor 2004). It can be concluded that 10% of FM can be replaced with WHWM in broiler diets without adverse effects on growth, hematological and carcass traits.

Thesis (M. Tech.) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2011

Thesis ( M. Ed.(Educational Management)) - Central University of technology, Free State, 2011 / The purpose of this study is to investigate teaching strategies that ensure the inclusivity of learners with physical and/or mental impairments in the mainstream schools in Lesotho. The intention being to equip educators with strategies that can be employed in order to address this didactical challenge at mainstream schools. The inclusion of impaired learners can be achieved only if teachers understand the purpose of inclusive education as defined by Van Rooyen and De Beer (2006) that inclusive education is an education system that ensures that all children learn and participate regardless of their disabilities. The study followed a mixed method approach, in the form of a survey, that is semi-structured questionnaire for teacher respondents while an observation coupled with informal discussion was utilized for the learner respondents. Population and sampling consisted of 211 teachers randomly drawn from 23 primary schools found in Berea and Maseru districts of Lesotho. The completed questionnaires were collected and analysed. The study found that there are challenges experienced by physically and/or mentally impaired learners with their teachers and peers. According to the findings of the research, Lesotho teachers in mainstream classes do not have enough training to work with impaired learners. Given this situation, it is not only recommended that the current group of teachers are re-skilled and re-trained through short courses and workshops, but also that teacher training colleges and university in Lesotho are encouraged to constantly review and update their programmes so that they are responsive to the professional needs of educators. Appropriate inclusive teaching strategies are also recommended to assist in addressing this challenge. Educators should be sufficiently supported by the para-professionals in order to make inclusive education successful. Government experts should work collaboratively with the Lesotho College of Education and the National University of Lesotho with regard to the attainment of these skills and competencies, in order to improve the work of the educators at schools. At school level, special educators should be hired in order to identify learners with impairments.

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.