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The design of a student resource centre in central Port Elizabeth

  • Authors: Jacobs, Lize-Mari
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Library architecture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Libraries -- Space utilization , Library buildings -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18908 , vital:28748
  • Description: The city centre of Port Elizabeth houses a large percentage of the city’s student population. The primary tertiary institution, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, is decentralised from the city centre. Thus, many students sacrifice a lot of time and money travelling far distances between the campus and home every day. The treatise proposes a Student Resource Centre in Central Port Elizabeth as an appropriate building that will provide the students with appropriate learning spaces and access to resources in close proximity to home. The treatise seeks to understand the aspects that influence the design of learning spaces. Students and pedagogy are constantly changing within the current age of technology. Learning spaces should be designed to satisfy student needs and reinforce current pedagogy. The treatise also investigates the challenges and opportunities of an identified site located within a precinct that is inaccessible and in a state of urban decay that causes segregation within the city. The Student Resource Centre will act as a central gathering and learning space serving the many varied needs of the students within its constituency, while also positively contributing to the urban context of the city as a whole.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The design of a tannery near Bulawayo, Republic of Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Sibanda, Sinqumo
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Factories -- Zimbabwe -- Designs and plans Architecture, Industrial -- Zimbabwe -- Designs and plans , Tanneries -- Zimbabwe -- Designs and plans Architecture, Modern -- 21st century
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18707 , vital:28709
  • Description: The purpose of this research is to develop a design for a tannery using alternative tanning methods where natural chemicals would be used in the place of metal based acid. There are unprecedented levels of contamination in the natural water systems due to partially processed chemicals coming out of industries with tanneries producing a significant amount of untreated effluent. The aim of the research is to investigate the process of reclamation, rehabilitation and reuse of the animal hides as well as the reproduction of the inherent context, where a mutually beneficial interaction between the program and the context will be realized. This will involve a process of reclamation of the existing waste land, the remodeling of the existing dilapidated sewerage treatment infrastructure such that the existing structures and the waste treatment processes are adapted for the benefaction of the tannery. The design will explore the symbiotic nature and the contrasts that are inherent in factories as a type, with high volumes of waste and the envisaged mitigation mechanism this facility will have to the natural environment. Spatial concepts dealing with these programmatic contrasts, that is, containment and openness, heavy and light, interiority and exteriority, threshold and termination will be interrogated.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The design of a water treatment and research facility for the shark river in Happy Valley, Port Elizabeth

  • Authors: Van der Westhuizen, Leon Vercueil
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Sustainable architecture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- 21st century Architecture -- Environmental aspects -- 21st century , Water -- Purification -- Biological treatment -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18740 , vital:28718
  • Description: This treatise was born out of an ecological concern for the abandoned Boet Erasmus stadium in Happy Valley, Port Elizabeth. The derelict state of the stadium along with polluted urban waste water and contaminated water from the Shark River, has caused severe destruction to the unique ecosystems only found in this part of the metropole. The current environmental status of the stadium provides the foundations for investigations into an architectural intervention of a remedial nature to rehabilitate the valley and implement water remediation strategies to filter the polluted and contaminated water. The treatise further seeks to create environmental awareness of how important these ecosystems are in urban environments and what services they can provide for its citizens. The research conducted focused on the relationship between man and nature and how to successfully integrate the natural and built environments. This provided unique responses in developing an architectural and urban intervention that responded to the ecological issues of the derelict site and re-introduced nature into the city to enrich the natural environment to the advantage of both man and nature. Rhizofiltration has been employed as an water remediation strategy for the site, through using various aquatic plants such as water lilies to filter the contaminants and heavy metals in the water. The associated agricultural practices and water cleaning systems are managed by the architectural intervention. The project starts off as a series of wetland systems and a basic water lily farm which then develops into a water treatment and research facility, to harvest, process and research the flower by-products produced by the Rhizofiltration process. The water lilies have the ability to absorb the heavy metals and when saturated they are harvested and used as test subjects to extract and smelt the heavy metals to produce precious jewellery pieces. Through the process of biologically filtering the polluted and contaminated water, water lilies will thrive in the landscape and provide opportunity for cultivating indigenous plants to form part of the rehabilitation process of Happy Valley. As a result, the treatment process will provide natural public swimming areas to promote public awareness and participation. A site specific and an regenerative type of architecture will be investigated to facilitate the changing nature of the biological treatment processes and return the site to an environmentally sound state, which will contribute to the rehabilitation of Happy Valley.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The design of a yacht manufacturing facility for Robertson & Caine in the East London harbour

The design of a youth resource centre-, in Korsten, Port Elizabeth

  • Authors: Marillier, Nicole Nora
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Library architecture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Library buildings -- Planning , Recreation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Design and construction
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15453 , vital:28250
  • Description: This treatise investigates the contextual, spatial, physical and social-economic conditions of Korsten, Port Elizabeth, in order to produce an architectural intervention in the form of a Youth Resource Centre, that can respond to unemployment, gangsterism, drug abuse and health issues. Korsten has a high concentration of schooling facilities which draws in youths from surrounding areas such as Gelvandale and New Brighton thus creating a nodal point of youthful energy. Through research and understanding of existing conditions it is hoped to provide an intervention strategy to be a catalyst to promote the urban regeneration of the Korsten precinct which will give a cultural identity and community upliftment to the area. The methodology used is in the form of both qualitative and quantitative research oriented towards discovery, description and an overall understanding of processes and activities. The “nature of the site” is studied by breaking down the various spatial and physical structures that make up Korsten. Layers were mapped out on various scales from metro to sub-metro. Several precedent studies were done - three precedent studies focused on similar “township” contextual conditions for community type buildings. These precedents were analysed through certain categories (contextual, spatial and material) in order to depict certain positive and negative aspects. Further four precedent studies were done to form an understanding of the nature of the building type. The selection of the buildings was based on the programmes aimed at youth development all concerned with the youth of their various areas. The selected buildings were viewed through specific criteria in order to draw conclusions from which to generate an appropriate architectural response. From these aspects conclusions were drawn which were applied in the design process. As these conditions were being unpacked, a youth resource centre emerged focused on education , health and performance showcasing. This building type developed in response to the specific challenges faced by the youth of the area.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The design of an affroestation plant for Tsitsikamma forest reserve, province of the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Maybery, Keegan Lyle
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Architecture -- Environmental aspects Architecture, Modern -- 21st century , Forest conservation -- South Africa -- Tsitsikamma Forests and forestry -- South Africa -- Tsitsikamma
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18875 , vital:28742
  • Description: Environmental degeneration along the south coast of South Africa’s Garden route, particularly the Tsitsikamma region, has reached dire straits. The commercial alien tree plantations have taken over national reserves resulting in wildlife habitat and movement restrictions, high risk fire zones, the choking of crucial mountain water catchments as well as depleted the sense of place of the area (Cowling et al., 2009). Poor management of these reserves and commercial plantation supervision are primary contributors to this, which has lead to the ecological immanent disaster we now face. The result of this is a complete depletion of fresh water feeding the local community and tourists, the local agriculture which supply food to much of the coastal region and ultimately the destruction of indigenous natural biomes with devastating effect on the species of flora and fauna in the area. The aim of this treatise is to introduce a flexible metabolic building within the sensitive natural environment in order to catalyse the afforestation of indigenous flora in the Tsitsikamma region. This is to be achieved through a design process that involves the development of an adaptable architecture that responds to the delicacy of the site and the interwoven nature of the ecology with which it must interact, taking cognisance of the significance of flexibility, place and trace in the approach. The design implementation is envisoned to possess two stages, namely the implemention of a sawmill (Phase 1) as a temporary unit which will permanently eradicate the alien forestry and re-purpose the trees into fertilizer, biofuel and building materials. Once the sawmill has fulfilled its purpose, the temporary structure will take on a new form through a tranformation into a Honeybush tea processing plant. Phase 2 of the practical implementation involves the re-use of the processed timber, which will be incorporated as the building material for the construction of a management, exhibition and research facility. Ultimately “filling in the gaps” of the fragmented coastal forest ecosystem reconnecting Tsitsikamma to the Wilderness nature reserve. The infill will be in the form of Honeybush, an indigenous plant which exhibits lush flowers and other indigenous forest flora. The Honeybush yields Vitamin C, potassium, calcium and magnesium. It’s natural materials contain bioactive compounds called polyphenols that are known to possess antioxidants, antiatherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antitumor, and antiviral activities.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The design of an airport terminal in Somerset East, province of the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Karihindi, Kounikui
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Aeronautical museums -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Designs and plans , Airport buildings -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Airports -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Designs and plans
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18886 , vital:28743
  • Description: In addressing the stunted growth of the town of Somerset East, the treatise suggests that the model of an aerotropolis be used as means to spur economic growth an development of the town. The treatise proposes the design of an air terminal facility, to act as a catalyst, for which growth of a mini-Aerotropolis will happen around as well as a northern gateway for tourism to two of South Africa's popular national parks; Addo Elephant National Park and Mountain Zebra National park. The challenge being the creation of a building type that incorporates several would be segregated activities into one hybrid that generates public space within an interface or transcient space.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The design of an aquaculture plant for the lower Swartkops valley, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Skein, Philip Jacobus
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Architecture -- Conservation and restoration -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Landscape architecture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Aquaculture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Fishes -- Conservation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15389 , vital:28237
  • Description: This treatise originated as a response to the current environmental issue that is currently threatening the existence of biodiversities within the Swartkops Estuarine region. The increasing amount of illegal and negligent human-related activities within the Estuary has seen to an rise in degradation and destruction of our natural ecosystems with the issue of water pollution recently acquiring crisis stage. Being brought up in Uitenhage, the close proximity of the Swartkops River naturally served as an endless resource of outdoor activities over the years. Witnessing the current degraded state of my beloved river served as motivation for this treatise which is an attempt to address and reconcile our relationship with the natural environment. The issues facing the natural environment of Swartkops will be looked at in depth and sets of integrated interventions will be proposed in order to minimise further anthropocentric effects on nature. The project will attempt to develop a restorative design framework that will achieve ecological-, economical-, and social sustainability whilst voicing conservation awareness through the promotion of sustainable industry in the region. The project will address issues of natural degradation on various scales in order to develop an holistic approach that will restore and sustain the local- and national value of the Swartkops Estuary. The series of interventions will eventually lead to the design of a building located in Swartkops Village.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The design of an international wool exchange for Port Elizabeth

  • Authors: Bothma, Ashley Andre
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Historic sites -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Historic buildings -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38852 , vital:35007
  • Description: Due to the growth increase in the wool industry in South Africa and the industry's lack of public activity that the existing South Africa (S.A) wool exchange exudes, the opportunity for a new type of wool exchange presents itself. the advantages in technology have evolved in many an industry and the same can be for the wool industry. the existing S.A. wool exchange fails to comfortably meet the needs of the industry with regards to technology. the creation of international wool exchange will provide a platform to boost the industry and incorporate the use of current technology to improve on the process involved within the program. BKB. Ltd have expressed a similar interest in the development of an international wool exchange but have requested the use of an abounded heritage building in an attempt at a sustainable future through re-use.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The design of an internet sever facility in central, Port Elizabeth

  • Authors: Binda, Mathew Ryan
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: City planning -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Urban renewal -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Land use, Urban -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Central places -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18762 , vital:28720
  • Description: The concepts underlying this treatise develop from an observation of contemporary society’s inherent reliance on technology, its growing popularity as an information exchange mechanism and Africa’s lack of connection to it’s foundation, the internet. Human interaction with digital technology, supported by the internet, has created a new social culture which manifests meaning through visual and virtual cues. These make reference to place and are experienced as real and individual, relating to theories such as Heidegger’s imagined place (Heidegger 1971). In order to enhance Southern Africa’s connection with the global network of the internet, the design of an Internet Server Facility will bridge previously under-utilized international lines into the country at Port Elizabeth engaging with the existing infrastructural system. At this point of connection the infrastructural zone impedes the extension of a public environment. The design seeks to challenge the conception of the highway infrastructure in Port Elizabeth as objects that dehumanise space. It intends to emphasise structure and building as a set of processes or systems able to work together to enable not only the functional aspects of data infrastructure, but also respond to the urban fabric providing a multitude of spatial environments that engage with everyday human activity. Investigations of the previous impact of infrastructure which has been layered onto the edge of Port Elizabeth’s historical core, reveal the stripping of it’s place-making qualities over time, resulting in an urban wasteland. In considering the placement of an infrastructural system, an existing vacant space that forms part of the current infrastructure is more appropriate than using up other urban spaces. In its response, the system would need to respond to its urban environment in a way that infrastructure has previously failed to do in this area, due to its position adjacent to the CBD. For this reason the design is concerned with the urban rejuvenation of the scarred landscape and a design strategy for the development of a contemporary digital infrastructural system, capable of not only being a non-evasive to the urban environment but also a catalyst in the creation of physical and digital place-making in the public realm.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The design of an office and service facilities for the daily dispatch in East London

  • Authors: Van Heerden, Ilka
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Office buildings -- Design and construction Interior architecture -- South Africa -- East London , Office layout -- Design Office buildings -- Design
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18751 , vital:28719
  • Description: A lack of understanding of the multi-dimensional field of built environment heritage places the non-monumental fabric of historic city centres under great threat. This fabric plays a vital role in contributing to the collective significance and character of a place, despite its comparatively less remarkable nature. These buildings are often most susceptible to change, especially with regard to use. Responsible conservation and innovative design can allow buildings to undergo inevitable change, without compromising their heritage significance, despite the increasing demands of contemporary urban building typologies. Office typologies of the 21st century are particularly demanding with regard to efficiency, flexibility, sustainability and the need for a creative environment that promotes collaboration among knowledge workers. The document sets out a process by which to sensitively manage the juxtaposed relationship between historic buildings and a contemporary use, to generate an innovative design, resilient in its ability to retain the historic meaning of existing buildings.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The design of an urban agriculture centre for Port Elizabeth

  • Authors: Marinus, Sheree Anne
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Urban agriculture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth City planning -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MArch
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18919 , vital:28749
  • Description: This dissertation is based on the design of an Urban Agriculture Centre situated within the urban fabric of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The treatise evolves out of issues pertaining to actual problems. Deforestation, desertification, floods, drought, population growth and pollution, only to name a few, are issues that play a crucial role in the survival of humanity and other ecosystems. After extensive research, it was identified that traditional farms are unsustainable, inefficient and causes great damage to the environment. Current farming methods will not be able to produce enough food for the growing population. Traditional farming relies on the climate and particular seasons to produce crops. At the rate that the population is growing, traditional farmers will not be able to keep up. Traditional farms use hectares and hectares of land - this is the one major disadvantage, as there is only a certain amount of arable land in the country. The treatise diagnosed this problem, and proposes that farming should move into the urban areas, where the majority of the population subsists. New generation farming techniques allows for agriculture to take place within the urban fabric. The agriculture technique that will be used in this treatise is hydroponics. The treatise addresses urban issues such as sprawl and wasted space within urban areas. For this reason, the treatise adopts a derelict industrial heritage building, within the Central Business District of Port Elizabeth, as the building that will be utilized by the proposed urban farm. The treatise has chosen the Old Premier Mill Building in Port Elizabeth as a suitable candidate for the proposed project. The building is over one hundred years old, and possesses unique heritage value. Using an existing building is a sustainable option, but for obvious reasons the treatise will be challenged to preserve the heritage value of the old Premier Mill building. The concept of an urban farm/vertical farm is perceived as a highly technical building, due to its nature, which demands a ‘high-tech’ aesthetic. The treatise challenges this contrast: designing a highly technical building while trying to preserve a structure of high heritage value. Part one of this dissertation sets the groundwork for the treatise and discusses the different aspects the of the project that will influence the design. Part two sets the foundation for all the aspects that will inform the treatise concerning the proposed project. The knowledge gathered in these two sections will be applied in part three of this dissertation.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The design of offices for the Amathole district council in Stutterheim, Province of the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Njoba, Athenkosi Sinoxolo
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Office buildings -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Designs and plans Business parks -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Designs and plans , Municipal buildings -- Designs and plans
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18896 , vital:28747
  • Description: South Africa is 20 years into democracy and it prides itself in the 1994 democratic elections. This document briefly looks into the era of the democratic governance and its impact on the less developing settlements in the Amathole and Amahlathi districts. The meanings and concepts of democratic governance are explored. Consequently, the findings convey that not everyone in South Africa and Eastern Cape are able to practice their right of accessing information or voicing their opinion concerning government in a formal platform. This contradicts the core values to democracy which imply a people centered approach where people lead the country (themselves) through the governing authorities. The frequent protests against service delivery are a clear indication that there is a break down in the communication between government and South African citizens. Material from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) revealed that overpopulation, unemployment, poor education and lack of service delivery are the primary issues that hinder the progress of the region with reference to service delivery. Thus the primary objective of this research is to find ways to rehabilitate communication breakdown by creating a medium of clear dialogue between the government and its people. The architectural aim of this research is to design a district municipality that will be a connector of other municipalities, towns, settlements and precincts. The building aims to be a catalyst for development in the district that celebrates the heritage of the region. The project aims to communicate its fundamental concepts in the expression of the design, for example the permeability of the building will promote transparency, accessibility and integration with the community. In this way, democracy and its core principal of governing with the people will be done with less spatial hindrances.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The design, management and testing of a solar vehicle's energy strategy

  • Authors: Jordaan, Johan
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Solar energy -- Hybrid systems , Renewable energy sources
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7428 , vital:21362
  • Description: In recent years the interest in implementing solar energy on vehicles (electrical and hybrid) has grown significantly [1]. There are currently limitations in this sector, such as the low energy density (efficiency of conversion) of this source, but it is still a renewable resource and as such, there is a growing interest [1]. A “smart” energy strategy implemented on a solar/electrical vehicle, in order to increase its energy harvesting volume, could enhance the growth of this sector. A tracking algorithm for a solar vehicle’s MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracker) can be designed to source solar energy very effectively and to increase the speed of finding (tracking) this optimal sourcing point (solar panel voltage and current). Even though there are many different MPPT algorithms, it was decided that most of them were designed for stationary MPPT applications and the dynamics of implementing a MPPT on a vehicle create some unique scenarios. These include: Shadow flicker. This is rhythmic, rapid moving shadows across a solar panel, such as shadows from a line of trees: Rapid changes in solar panel orientation due to the road surface/relief; Rapid changes in panel temperature due to the location of the vehicle. The aim of the research can be divided into three outcomes: 1 Creating a “Smart” energy strategy/control, 2 Implement the new control system on a solar vehicle’s MPPT, and 3 Harvesting maximum energy from solar panels using the new energy strategy. The term “smart” is used to indicate the ability of the MPPT algorithm to be updated and improved based on previous results. A MPPT and scaled solar vehicle is designed and manufactured in order to test the MPPT algorithm. The purpose of using a self-developed experimental setup is to have more control over the system variables as well as having the maximum freedom in setting up the system parameters.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The development and evaluation of a new manufacturing process for β-sitosterol-D glucoside

  • Authors: Mtyopo, Mthetheleli Bethwell
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Pharmaceutical chemistry Chemistry, Organic
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45920 , vital:39320
  • Description: The existing production sequence of β-sitosterol-D-glucoside, a glucoside used in an “over-the-counter” (OTC) preparation under the brand name of Moducare® comprises of three process steps with an overall yield of less than 20%. The low yield is partly due to the instability of intermediates at reaction temperatures > 0oC, and partly due to the thermodynamic equilibrium between two stereoisomers. An economically alternative process was developed, evaluated and scaled-up in a 2l reactor. The project was initiated with a specific limitation in terms of the starting material that comprised a mixture of plant sterols, which necessitated a study of the isolation and purification of the desired product from a rather complex reaction mixture. The use of silver as halide acceptor for the Koenigs-Knorr synthesis did not give statistically significant different results from the same approach but using cadmium as halide acceptor instead. However, using the direct O-glucosylation approach not only gave statistically significant higher results, but also resulted in a much more convenient procedure. Under optimum conditions, a yield of approximately 83% (isolated) of 2,3,4,6- tetra-О-acetyl-β-sitosterol-D-glucoside could be achieved, which was substantially higher than that achieved with the traditional Koenigs-Knorr methodology and above reported yields in the literature (60-80%) for direct glycosylation. Separation of 2,3,4,6-tetra-О-acetyl-β-sitosterol-D-glucoside (BSSGT) from a reaction mixture that contains 2,3,4,6-tetra-О-acetyl-campesterol-D-glucoside (CSGT), 2,3,4,6-tetra-О-acetyl campestanol-glucoside (CSSGT), and 2,3,4,6-tetra-О-acetyl-sitostanol-Dglucoside (SSGT) was investigated using column chromatography. When using silica gel particles, very good separation efficiency and product recovery could be achieved using hexane/ethyl hexane as eluent. The isolated 2,3,4,6-tetra-О-acetyl-β-sitosterol-Dglucoside was easily hydrolysed to β-sitosterol-D-glucoside in high yields (79%) using methanolic KOH. The process for the production of β-sitosterol-D-glucoside was scaled-up from the laboratory bench scale (250 cm3) to a laboratory scale of 2 l using the direct Oglycosylation method. The overall yields of the scaled reaction for β-sitosterol-D-glucoside was slightly above the literature reported values (59%, 8/92) for the KnoenigsKnorr synthesis and compares well above (62%, 0/100) the current production process (less than 20% yields). When using catalogue prices, the material costs (without recycling) for the direct Oglucosylation route is approximately 57% less for the synthesis of 1kg of β-sitosterol-Dglucoside compared to the Koenigs-Knorr route. Given further savings for recycling, the direct O-glucosylation route provides an attractive alternative route for the synthesis ofthe target compound.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The development of a counselling intervention for people living HIV and AIDS experiencing stress-related psychological conditions in the Eastern Cape province

  • Authors: Twaise, Nomvula Virginia
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7927 , vital:24322
  • Description: People living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV) suffer from a number of stress-related psychological disorders. The aim of this study was to develop an integrative intervention, which combined Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Body-Mind Therapy and Multicultural perspectives to assist health care workers in identifying and treating stressrelated psychological disorders among people living with HIV and AIDS. The study employed an intervention research design using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The quantitative data was collected from PLHIV attending HIV Counselling and Testing (HCT) and Anti-retroviral therapy clinics in the Buffalo City Municipality (BCM) of the Eastern Cape Province. The qualitative data was collected from the health care workers of the selected study sites. Purposive sampling was used to select the study sample. Instruments used included a biographical questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Medical Outcome Study- HIV (MOS-HIV) and focus group interviews to gather data for the development of an intervention model that would address reported stress-related psychological disorders. Findings showed that people living with HIV and AIDS endure stress in their lives on daily basis rather than episodes of severe or clinical depression. Many of the PLHIV are dealing with a number of psychosocial problems that compromise their quality of life and health status. In conclusion, the study illustratively interpreted and discussed the results in relation to the objectives of the study. The study recommends that PLHIV should be exposed to stress management programmes, and health care workers (HCWs) should be offered training in basic counselling skills, stress management and/or debriefing.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The development of a green energy sector model for the Southern African Development Community (SADC)

  • Authors: Ramagoma, Mbavhalelo Justice
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Southern African Development Community , Clean energy industries , Climatic changes , Greenhouse gases
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5422 , vital:20839
  • Description: The Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, like most parts of the African continent, faces significant modern energy services access challenges. It is estimated that less than 45% of the SADC region’s populace have access to reliable modern energy forms and the situation is worse in rural areas where access is approximately 30%. Poor energy security is exacerbated by electricity power cuts and load shedding in almost all of the member states in the region. With the advent of battery storage, all forms of green energy have the potential to contribute to the shortfall in the supply of peaking power required to meet the daily (morning and evenings) and seasonal (winter) peaks when most power is required on the grid network. The region is endowed with vast green (renewables/low carbon or clean) energy resources. The purpose of this study is to expand the empirical body of research and knowledge on factors that contribute to widespread access success to green energy in the SADC region. Investments into green energy resources require an understanding of the unique characteristics of the energy sector in the region. In order to achieve this, a conceptual theoretical model was developed and tested empirically. Factors that influence green energy access success were identified through literature reviews and discussions with energy practitioners. All identified factors were then operationalised by carefully defining them in the context of the study. In order to test the proposed theoretical model and the hypothesised relationships, a structured questionnaire was developed and sent to energy practitioners from various sections of the energy sector in the region. STATISTICA 12 was employed to analyse relationships between variables and responses between identified groups. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (Pearson r) was employed to determine correlations between variables. Conclusions about hypotheses six (6) to fifteen (15) were made based on correlations between variables. T-tests were employed to make inferences about the views of various categories of respondents with regard to the twelve (12) identified variables. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and Analysis of variance (ANOVA) examined associations between the dependent and independent variables with the identified categories of respondents and conclusions about hypotheses one (1) to five (5) and sixteen (16) were also made. The study finds that policy and the regulatory environment are still the main driving force behind energy access in the region. Power generation is managed by authorities’ power utility companies. Unbundling of power utilities supported by new energy business and operating models to accommodate mini and off grid power plants is found to be a key to green energy access in the region. The energy market is transforming in favour of independent power producers (IPPs) and consumers will significantly influence energy access decisions in the future. Green energy power storage to overcome intermittency will feature prominently in the success of green energy access in the region. Widespread access success to green energy will be attained when green energy access is reliable, affordable, efficient, and socially acceptable, meet the demand and reduces environmental pollution. The study recommends that strategic green energy planning must incorporate green energy infrastructure development, projects finance and human capacity development as priorities amongst SADC region’s member countries. Regional energy access enabling institutions must be strengthened; energy policies implemented with vigour and private sector participation enhanced in an integrated energy market.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The development of a student housing policy in the Nelson Mandela Bay

  • Authors: Mhlonyane, Asisipo
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Student housing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Housing policy -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Housing development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11574 , vital:26939
  • Description: The rapid increase in student enrolment in universities has brought about a number of concerns, including off campus student housing as Institutions of Higher Learning are unable to accommodate all students on campus. Due to the extremely small number of students that are currently being accommodated on campus, many students are forced to find accommodation off campus. Property owners nearby Institutions of Higher Learning have begun letting their homes to students for economic gain. Housing of students has become a new business venture for many surrounding houses and large buildings. This study examined some of the problems associated with non-accredited accommodation in Summerstrand in order to provide recommendations towards a policy for off campus student accommodation. The study investigated the experiences of both students and landlords in order to establish some of the requirements a property owner needs to meet in order to be legible to house students. Ultimately the study will make recommendations for an effective policy for off-campus student accommodation in the Nelson Mandela Bay. An effective policy for the development of student housing in the Nelson Mandela Bay needs to be formulated as students can be exploited by landlords and landlords can exploited by students. The study identified 4 particular areas of concern namely rent, security, facilities and maintenance; and provided recommendations for the policy for off-campus accommodation.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The development of boiler control models for the optimization of boiler efficiency

  • Authors: Kellerman, Andre
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Boilers Boiler-making industry , Steam-boilers Mechatronics Power electronics
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MEng
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48014 , vital:40463
  • Description: With Eskom’s fleet rapidly reaching end of life and maintenance outages becoming more frequent, it has become more critical to be able to determine transient effects of auxiliary losses and system responses due to instabilities. A low mono-nitrogen oxide (low-NOx) burner replacement project has recently been completed at Camden power station in Ermelo. It has thus deemed itself as a perfect candidate for a model which can be used to understand the new systems’ response during transient scenarios. The aim is to develop a boiler control model to be used for simulation of various process conditions and failure scenarios in order to predict the boiler plants’ behaviour and improve its availability. Research was done on common boiler control practices and modelling of boiler control. A theoretical boiler control model was developed based on the Camden power station’s control system specification. The computational model of the boiler control was implemented in Flownex® simulation environment, which was found to be particular useful for modelling industrial applications. A number of simulations with the computational model were performed and the results were compared against the historic plant data showing good correlation. In parallel, a thermo-fluid model of the boiler was developed using Flownex® by a Masters student at the University of Cape Town, which was then integrated with the control model. The combined Flownex model was used for simulation of the following important cases: a mill trip, a Forced Draught fan trip and load changes. The obtained results show good correlation with the real plant data, indicating that the developed computational model can be considered accurate for Camden’s particular type of boiler and its control. Hence, it is envisaged that the developed combined Flownex model can be applied for simulation of the boilers of the Camden power station.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

The development of rhenium nanoradiopharmaceuticals

  • Authors: Ntsimango, Songeziwe
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Rhenium -- South Africa Radiopharmaceuticals -- South Africa , Nanoparticles -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13017 , vital:27144
  • Description: The dissertation details the experimental work on the attempt to develop rhenium(V)phthalocyanine complexes directly from its +7 oxidation state (perrhenate). Different reducing agents (PPh3, Na2S2O5 and NaBH4) were employed and consequently, different results were acquired, such as rhenium(V)-mediated oxidative hydrolysis of the phthalocyanines (Pcs), the formation of a rhenium-phthalocyanine complex and phthalocyanine-capped nanoparticles. The rhenium nanoparticles that were formed were optimized from a synthesis point of view and, cancer localizing ability of the rhenium nanoparticles was investigated. The complexes were synthesized through direct metalation of pre-formed metal-free phthalocyanines using the “cold isotopes” of the rhenium metal. Rhenium nanoparticles (Re NPs) were synthesized in aqueous saline medium so as to imitate the environment on which Re is produced from its reactor. The nanoparticles (NPs) were capped with phthalocyanines which were covalently biofunctionalized with a folic acid moiety to enhance the targeting ability of the Re NPs. These NP systems were characterised with techniques such as ultraviolet-visible UV-Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy TEM. Cytotoxicity of the NPs was tested against four different cell lines and subsequently their cytotoxicity profiles were elucidated, and the profiles shown a dose-dependent responsealthough the results in some cell lines were unclear. Their fluorescence properties were also studied to provide photophysical information for investigation of their tumor localization using human cancer cells lines via confocal fluorescence microscopy studies. Particle size effect on localization of NPs was also investigated using confocal fluorescence and TEM. Two sizes were chosen (10 and 50 nm), and the smaller NPs (10 nm) were found to exhibit stronger fluorescence properties than the 50 nm NPs, and they were also found to have a better localization ability than the 50 nm NPs. Finally, their tumor and organ biodistribution studies will be carried out using micro-SPECT kits and model mice (using the “hot” isotopes in a radiopharmacy laboratory).
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  • Date Issued: 2016
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