The prospects of commercialising small-scale chicken production in Buffalo City metropolitan municipality, Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: Seti, Thembalethu Macdonald
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poultry -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Chicken industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15244 , vital:40257
- Description: The aim of this study is to explore the prospects of commercialising small-scale chicken production in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape. In the attempt of exploring these prospects, the researcher sought to understand socio-economic characteristics of small-scale chicken farmers, describe the small-scale chicken enterprise, and determine farmer’s level of commercialisation and factors influencing the farmer’s commercialisation level. Stratified random sampling was used to select 99 participants in the study area. The sampled participants constituted small-scale chicken farmers that were supported by government projects and farmers that were not part of any government support. Descriptive statistics, Household Commercialization Index (HCI) and Multinomial Regression model were used to analyse data and bring meaning to it. The results of the study signify that most of the farmers (66percent) are subsistence oriented, meaning most of their produce is consumed within the household and about 40percent are semi-commercial and only 7percent are at full commercialization meaning they only produce for the market. The result also showed that access to extension services (p<0.03), gender (p<0.03) household size (permanent family members) (p<0.01), transport cost (p<0.04), farming experience (p<0.02, grades and standards (p<0.01), production machines (p<0.05), and distance to the market (p<0.05) were the major determinants influencing output commercialization in the study area. The major constraints to production identified and prioritized by farmers were lack of feed, disease outbreaks, high mortality rate and theft. Based on the study results, to bring about the prospects of commercialising small-scale chicken, government should consistently supply extension officers, government investment in poultry machines and transport is also recommended. In terms of further research, the study suggests that research on profitability of small-scale chicken production would yield immense insights for policy development.
- Full Text:
The relationship between selected body composition components and self-efficacy among 12-14 year old rural adolescents in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Nkopo, Mandisi, S
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Child development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Children -- Growth Body composition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4536 , vital:28403
- Description: Body composition changes drastically in both males and females during the adolescent years. The changes may have a negative effect on their physical health as well as psychological well-being, with respect to attributes such as self-efficacy. Being either overweight or obese during adolescence has social, economic and psychological consequences, which include low self-efficacy. However, very few international studies and not a single South African study could be found which measured the relationship of anthropometric body composition components, general self-efficacy levels and actual measured body size among adolescents, particularly among rural adolescents. Consequently, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between anthropometric body composition components and self efficacy, by conducting a comparison of self-efficacy levels among normal, overweight and obese 12 to 14-year-old rural adolescents in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The sample consisted of boys (n=49) and girls (n=43) between the ages of 12 and 14 years. The body composition components were body weight, stature, body mass index, sum of 3 skinfolds, percentage body fat and hip-to-waist ratio. The sample was also classified into normal, overweight and obese groups, according to body mass index. A self-administered Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children (SEQ-C) which was developed by Muris (2001) was used to measure general self-efficacy. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, the Pearson correlation matrix and Cohen's effect size for significance (Cohen, 1992) and a Mann-Whitney U Test was used to determine statistical differences. Significance was set at p<0.05. Only 17 percent of the participants in the research sample were found to be overweight or obese. Only emotional self-efficacy showed significant (p=0.02) differences between the participants who were classified as having normal weights and the group which comprised the overweight and the obese groups. Overweight and obese boys and girls still had very high levels of self-efficacy, although their body mass index scores were high. Boys scored higher in social self-efficacy and girls in academic self-efficacy. Only girls presented significantly high correlations between body mass index and emotional self-efficacy (r=0.33, p=0.02), total self-efficacy and hip-to-waist ratio (r=0.44, p=0.00), social self-efficacy and hip-towaist ratio (r=0.39, p=0.01) and emotional self-efficacy and hip-to-waist ratio (r=0.33, p=0.02), while boys presented them only with respect to body weight (r=0.31, p=0.02) and stature (r=0.39, p=0.00). The results suggest that a positive relationship exists between body composition, in terms of hip-to-waist ratio, weight and stature, and self-efficacy among South African rural adolescents. However, girls presented significantly strong and positive correlations between hip-to-waist ratio and self-efficacy, whereas boys presented significant, strong and positive correlations between body weight, stature and self-efficacy. Only emotional self-efficacy showed significant differences between normal weight and overweight or obese South African rural adolescents. It seems likely that cultural beliefs may exert an influence on the psychosocial perceptions of adolescents in relation to body size, consequently affecting self efficacy levels.
- Full Text:
The study of blockchain towards its application to South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
- Authors: Mthethwa, Sthembile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South African Social Security Agency Electronic funds transfers -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12610 , vital:39292
- Description: In recent years, there has been a rapid improvement in the way currencies are perceived, which has led to a rise in digital currencies commonly known as cryptocurrencies (because they are secured by the use of cryptography). Bitcoin was the _rst successful cryptocurrency which allowed users to transact directly with each other without the involvement of the third party (the bank). Bitcoin introduced a new technology known as the blockchain which is considered to be the ext-generation technology". Blockchain is a chronological database used to store all the transactions that have occurred since the inception of Bitcoin. A study of the Blockchain involving its application to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is presented. This study assesses how the Blockchain functions. The Blockchain has been viewed as the next-generation technology. This study also assesses the application of the Blockchain to other systems other than cryptocurrencies or digital currencies. Recent studies in the literature have proposed applications of the Blockchain to other system (e.g. electronic voting, smart contracts, and intellectual property rights). Although these proposals have been put forward, none has been made speci_cally for SASSA. This study also presents the problems that the Blockchain has (e.g. scalability, security).Recent literature has tried to solve the problem of scalability, by introducing new protocols like mini-blockchain. In addition, this study presents the challenges that SASSA is currently having and it provides details about the attacks that could succeed in the system. The study presents the analysis of the blockchain for its application to SASSA; the analysis includes scalability, performance and security. Based on the analysis, it is shown that the blockchain is not compatible to be applied to SASSA. However, this study proposes a solution to some of the challenges SASSA is currently facing.
- Full Text:
The use of behaviour, saliva cortisol and faecal glucocorticoid levels as stress indicators in beef cows
- Authors: Dzviti, Melody
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Veterinary physiology Beef cattle -- Behavior Glucocorticoids
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8165 , vital:31634
- Description: The study evaluated the use of saliva as a minimally invasive technique for cortisol level determination. This was done by assessing the relationship between serum and saliva cortisol based on short sampling intervals. In addition, the study also determined the effect of successive handling on faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM), rectal temperature (RT), avoidance distance (AD), chute and crush scores as well as urination, defaecation and vocalization in multiparous cows. For trial one six non-pregnant, clinically healthy Nguni cows were used. They were administered with standardised doses of adrenocorticotropic hormone on treatment days and saline was used as a placebo on alternative days. Simultaneously, blood and saliva samples were collected to quantify cortisol levels. No relationship (r = 0.0131, P>0.05) was observed between serum and saliva cortisol. However, results showed that there was adrenal stimulation in saliva coupled by significant (P<0.05) effects of sampling intervals. For the second study 21 non-pregnant and clinically healthy Nguni cows of one herd were used for the trial. They were divided into parity groups and their weights were used as a covariate in data analysis. For five consecutive weeks, fresh faecal samples were extracted and rectal temperatures measured. In addition, fear of approaching humans was assessed by AD scores and behaviour scores in the crush chute, as well as vocalisation, urination and defaecation were observed. The effect of successive handling significantly (P<0.05) affected the physiological parameters, namely FGM and RT. Contrariwise, Chi-square tests revealed that parities had a significant (χ2 < 0.05) influence on AD and crush scores as well as on the occurrence of excretory behaviour. It was concluded that saliva cortisol can be used as a stress indicator in beef cows. However, plasma cortisol can be significantly volatile thereby becoming less sensitive to changes across time. This can cause a lack of relationship between plasma and saliva cortisol. On the other hand, repetitive handling of beef cows has an influence on faecal stress levels. In addition, beef cows of differing parities behave differently to handling stress.
- Full Text:
Thermodynamic and electrical performance monitoring of a domestic split-type air conditioner and development of a simulation based R22 permanent replacement
- Authors: Bantan, Mafor Glory
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Air conditioning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4857 , vital:28537
- Description: The difficulty that exists in accurately monitoring the performance of air conditioners has made performance prediction an arduous task. Nevertheless, the performance still needs to be monitored and predicted as it helps solve a lot of problems resulting from this technology like effect of the technology on the grid, energy consumption, water utilisation and GHGs emission. With the introduction of regression modelling as a means of system monitoring and prediction some years ago, the accuracy was still a call for concern. It is worth realising that increasing the number of predictors will enhance this method’s accuracy. As such, this document intends to increase the accuracy of this method’s monitoring and predicting ability by increasing the number of predictors to cut across system thermal, environmental and human behavioural variation. These predictors experimentally gotten are used to build an environ-behavioural model that monitors the coefficient of performance and energy consumption of a domestic split-type air conditioner with higher accuracy. Refrigerants have undergone evolution in the past decades in a bid to come up with a refrigerant that has zero ODP, lower – than – R22 GWP and much better than R22 thermodynamic performance. No pure refrigerant has been found to possess these qualities as such mixtures or blends are the best shot at the moment. R410A could stand the test of time to be the long term R22 replacement but for the fact that besides R410A’s higher GWP than that of R22, the former’s system performance is lower than that of the latter’s due to the lower thermodynamic performance of the former. This means the search continues. In this document, a combination of carefully chosen refrigerant components are carefully blended to come up with a simulation based R22 long term replacement, which will be referred to in this document as BTEP.
- Full Text:
Tillage and crop rotation effects on selected soil properties and wheat yield in a short term field experiment in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: Mtyobile, Mxolisi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Crop rotation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Cropping systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13414 , vital:39659
- Description: Severe land degradation associated with current conventional production systems have resulted in low production amongst the small scale farmers in the Eastern Cape. Inappropriate management practices cause depletion of organic matter and other essential nutrients leading to a decline in crop productivity. There is growing evidence that conservation agriculture (CA) practices involving no-tillage (NT) coupled with crop rotation and surface residue retention increases soil organic carbon (SOC) and other essential nutrients and therefore has potential to alleviate soil quality deterioration. A study was carried out to investigate the effects of tillage and crop rotation with crop residue retention on selected soil properties and on wheat yield in the Alice Jozini ecotope of the Eastern Cape. Specific objectives were to determine (i) the effect of crop rotation and tillage on soil SOC, NH4, NO3, total N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, soil pH and EC distribution at 0-5 cm, 5 cm -10 cm, 10 cm-20 cm (ii) the effect of crop rotation and tillage on soil bulk density, porosity and on soil water content (iii) the effect of crop rotation and tillage on wheat biomass and grain yield. Treatments were arranged as a split-split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Tillage treatments included no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) and were applied on the main plots while crop rotation treatments were applied as subplots. Crop residue retention treatments were applied as sub-sub plots. The rotational treatments were maize-fallow-maize (MFM), maize-fallow-soybean (MFS), maize-wheat-maize (MWM) and maize-wheat-soybean (MWS). However, the current study focused on tillage and crop rotation treatments under residue retention to give 8 treatments. Data from the field trials showed that NT with residue retention had significantly (p < 0.05) higher SOC, Total N, P, K, Ca and EC relative to CT. The MWS rotation under no-tillage (NT) with residue retention followed by MFS resulted in the progressive improvement in soil nutrient status. The correlations of SOC with various soil nutrients under study showed that the nature of the relationships between SOC and nutrient availability was consistent. Results on soil physical parameters showed that tillage had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on soil bulk density (ρb) and porosity whereas a significant effect on soil water content under NT was observed. Crop rotation had no significant effects (p > 0.05) on soil bulk density, porosity and soil moisture across the tillage treatments. The MWS rotation registered an increase in soil porosity in comparison with the MWM and MFM. Tillage x crop rotation interaction effects were significant (p < 0.05) on the measured porosity and soil water content. Soil bulk density showed negative correlation with soil porosity and soil water content (SWC) whereas porosity had a positive correlation with SWC. On yield parameters, results revealed that no significant (P>0.05) interaction of main effects with respect to wheat biomass and grain yield. Tillage had a significant (P<0.05) effect on wheat biomass only in season 2. Tillage and crop rotation effects were not significant (P>0.05) with regards to grain yield throughout the experimental period. Higher grain wheat biomass and grain yield were found in MWS rotation under NT with surface residue retention although not statistically significant. Correlation analysis revealed that wheat yield was positively correlated to SOC, P, and Total N. Therefore, combination of NT with MWS rotation with residue retention has the potential to significantly improve soil chemical properties and wheat grain yield whereas MWM followed by MWS crop rotation under NT showed an increase in soil porosity and soil water content.
- Full Text:
Yield responses, mineral levels of forages and soil in old arable land planted to four legume pasture species in Lushington communal area, South Africa
- Authors: Gulwa, Unathi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Forage plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Minerals in animal nutrition Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2799 , vital:28091
- Description: This study was conducted in the old arable land located in Lushington communal area in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The objectives of the study were to assess the effect of legume introduction on biomass yield, forage and soil mineral levels of the arable lands planted to four leguminous pastures in four seasons. Planting was done in March and October 2008 in Lushington. All legumes were subjected to grow under rain fed conditions. Trifolium vesiculosum (arrowleaf clover), Lespedeza cuneata (sericea lespedeza), Trifolium repens (white clover) and Lotus corniculatus (birdsfoot trefoil) are the four forage legume species that were sampled for the purposes of this study. The four legume species persisted out of the fourteen species that were initially tested for adaptability and persistence in the environmental conditions of Lushington communal area. The legumes, grasses and soils from these legume plots were sampled to determine the effect of legume introduction on the forage yield, mineral contents of the companion grasses and soils over four seasons. Plant and soil samples were collected once in spring (November) 2013, summer (February), autumn (March) and winter (May) 2014 for biomass production, macro and micronutrients determination. Results indicated that legume inclusion and season affected (P < 0.05) the total dry matter (TDM) yield production. Plots with Lespedeza cuneata had the highest TDM (1843 kg/ha) and control plots had the least dry matter production (1091 kg/ha). Summer season provided the highest (P < 0.05) TDM compared to the other seasons. Both legume and grass quality was also affected (P < 0.05) by legume inclusion in different seasons. Accordingly, grasses harvested from Trifolium repens plot showed higher CP level (10.90 percent) than those harvested from other plots whereas the lowest grass CP content (6.90 percent) was measured in the control treatment. L. cuneate had the highest (P < 0.05) CP level (11.00 percent) and T. repens had the least CP (6.63 percent) level. Grasses harvested in autumn had the highest (P < 0.05) CP level (12.50 percent) and those harvested in winter had the least CP level (4.60 percent). Similarly, all legume pastures harvested in spring had superior (P < 0.05) CP (10.80 percent) levels and those harvested in winter had the least CP (3.50 percent) level. Legume inclusion had an effect (P < 0.05) on both grass and legume macro nutrient contents. Trifolium repens plot had the highest grass K (1.07 percent), Ca (1.50 percent) and Mg (1.83 percent), whereas there were lower K (0.12 percent), Ca (1.25 percent) and Mg (1.08 percent) contents in grasses harvested from the control and T. vesiculosum plots, respectively. In legumes, macro nutrient concentrations: K (0.68 percent), Ca (1.75 percent) were superior in the T. vesiculosum plot in comparison to other plots. Season also affected (P < 0.05) both grass and legume macro nutrient content. There was higher K (0.90 percent), Ca (1.30 percent) and Mg (0.94 percent) content in grasses harvested in autumn whereas there were lower levels in winter harvests. In legumes, superior K (0.74 percent) and Mg (1.87 percent) content were attained during spring while the least were measured in winter (0.07 percent) and autumn (0.75 percent), respectively. Likewise, both legume inclusion and season had an significant effect (P < 0.05) on the forages micronutrient levels. During spring, there was superior soil P content (36.28 mg/kg) while during autumn; there was less P (22.58 mg/kg) content. The highest SOC level (1.49 percent) was measured in the T. repens plot whereas the lowest SOC (1.15 percent) was attained in the control plot. The results of this study showed that grass legume mixtures produced forages with high nutrient content and herbage yield. Legume planting in the old arable lands has a potential to improve soil quality parameters such as soil P and SOC content.
- Full Text:
A bitcoin framework : an alternative payment system for marginalized areas of South Africa using low-end mobile phones
- Authors: Dlamini, Nelisiwe Peaceness
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Electronic funds transfers -- South Africa Bitcoin -- South Africa Mobile commerce -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11884 , vital:39115
- Description: The emergence of the cryptocurrency Bitcoin, has invoked the need for developing financial systems that can be used to transfer digital value. This would serve as a solution to developing countries especially the challenged ones, when it comes to accommodating the financial needs of the disadvantaged people. Moreover, it facilitates access to financial services to allow them to transact with ease. Numerous companies have taken advantage of the prevalence of mobile phones and introduced financial platforms to provide financial inclusion to disadvantaged people. Financial institutions and Mobile Network Operators (MNO) have developed platforms such as cell phone banking services, mobile money, mobile wallets, and electronic wallets that can be used to provide affordable financial services. Although this is the case, alternative platforms that are affordable and accessible through mobile phones are still required. Therefore, this study proposes a Bitcoin framework that can be used as an alternative platform through low-end mobile phones to provide access to financial services to the disadvantaged people in marginalized areas. To prove the concept of the proposed Bitcoin framework, a Mobile Bitcoin Wallet System (MBWS) prototype was developed, which allows a person using a low-end mobile phone with no intervening technology such as Internet or Bluetooth, to access a Bitcoin wallet by sending a Short Message Service (SMS). This enables Bitcoin to be accessed more easily and affordably by the people. Thus the developed prototype conceptualizes an alternative payment system or a payment method that can augment the existing payment methods. The MBWS is evaluated to assess if it can offer the services that other platforms offer by being compared to a cell-phone banking service. It was deployed on a computer connected to the Internet to enable a connection to the Bitcoin network and access to the blockchain which records all the transactions that take place in Bitcoin. Although this system provides access to the Bitcoin wallet, for it to be applied to areas where people require an alternative payment system, it still needs to be enhanced for such use. This includes scaling the system and adding more functions to it.
- Full Text:
A situational survey of Siyazondla homestead food production proogramme and food security, poverty alleviation in selected communities of Nkonkobe Local Municipality of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Phezisa, Bulelani
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2392 , vital:27795
- Description: People living in rural areas are continually losing their value, dignity, ubuntu and rural nature of livelihood. Agriculture in these areas characterises the nature of rural livelihood. Traditionally, people living in rural areas were highly dependent on their production from gardens for food, income (barter exchange), and other social activities. Nowadays, that motive and interest is no longer operating at its full potential, so to revive that history and nature, household (homestead) production, certain programmes were introduced to greatly improved the standard of living of the poor, and it has proved to have an impact as it has generated income, and created food stability and employment through the project. Home gardens are there and can be used as the method and the strategy toward improvement and development of the people around the world, more especial to developing countries. Certain programmes that are initiated for acting against the challenges faced by rural people have failed to materialise and operate on their fully potential. The Siyazondla homestead food production programme is the one of the programmes practiced by the government of South Africa to act against such challenges, affecting especially poor people. This study was aimed at assessing the role of Siyazondla homestead food production programme in food security and poverty alleviation in selected communities of Nkonkobe local municipality of the Eastern Cape. It took the form of a case study in Msobomvu, Ngcothoyi and Binfield locations. The Nkonkobe local municipality is demarcated into five major areas: Middledrift, Alice, Seymour, Fort Beaufort and Balfour. The study sample was collected from beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the Siyazondla programme. The sample size was 90 respondents, from which in one area, a 15 beneficiaries and anticipated non- beneficiaries were targeted. The target sample from each village was collected from 15 beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. Many farmers from the study area benefited from the programme, though a limited number was targeted. Therefore, a probability sampling was applied and employed, where there were more than required number of beneficiaries of the programme and anticipated beneficiaries of the programme. The study was effectively and efficiently carried out and achieved with the use of personal interviewing of the recipients by use of questionnaires. The study was analysed by a computerised programme of analyses called SPSS v.2.1 and excel. The objectives of the study based on food security, poverty alleviation and reduction, and also improving nutritious status. The finding of the research clearly indicates the outcome of the programme on livelihood basis of the beneficiaries. Some of the objectives of the programme were achieved, such as food security and nutritious levels, whilst other objectives had shortcomings. The finding of the study also shows that programme, though had original benefits but also there are the anticipated and probable benefits of the programme Siyazondla, such as income, skill of farming, improving social status, and there are some possibilities when the programme is properly implemented. Though the majority of people are concentrated in rural areas, the programme on its own had shortcoming to meet needs of the whole population, as food insecurity, unemployment and poverty are taking its course. The programme on its own had shortcoming such as lack of adequate resource and as results, very few people benefited from the programme. Another shortcoming of the programme is the effectiveness of agricultural extension personnel to certain aspect such as marketing of farmers produce and proper monitoring and evaluation of the programme. Therefore, in the long run programmes of this nature are promising, there will be some development and improvement toward growth and better standards of livelihood. It is through this study that had to assess the structure, procedure, strategies implemented of the programme and impact of the programme to both beneficiaries and anticipated beneficiaries of the programme.
- Full Text:
An analysis of the efficiency of ontology and symbolic learning algorithms in indigenous knowledge representation
- Authors: Dzimba, Jesman
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Ontology Computer algorithms
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11939 , vital:39120
- Description: It is without a doubt that machine learning has been the area of focus in early days of artificial intelligence, but the early neural networks approach suffered some shortcomings and this led to a temporary decline in research capacity. New symbolic learning techniques have emerged since then which have yielded promising results and have led to a revival in research in machine learning. This has seen many researchers focusing on these techniques and experimenting with them by comparing their performances for different applications. With that in mind, the research thus decided to make an analysis of the symbolic approach against other approaches such as the neural network (connectionist) to evaluate the power of the former approach. This was done by first generating an ontology that acted as a representation of some collected indigenous knowledge. It is from this ontology that a dataset was generated. The dataset was made ambiguous to see the learning power of classifiers in such data. Two experiments were done, one using WEKA and the other using Orange as tools. The reason why the two experiments were used is because there was not a single tool which contained all the required learning algorithms. The research wanted to make use of ID3 and CN2 symbolic algorithm. However, WEKA had ID3 and not CN2 while Orange had CN2 and not ID3. The most important attributes from the ontology regarding the indigenous knowledge were the name of the plant, the province it is found and the disease the plant treats. Therefore the dataset had two features which were disease and province and one label which was the name of the plant. The learning algorithm was to use the two features to generate rules used to predict the label. However, there was ambiguity on the dataset. The challenge was that two different labels would contain the same features, thus leading to wrongful classification. This was the core of the research. Even though the learning model concluded this situation as wrongful classification, in real time, a system using the same learning model would provide desired and correct results. The only flow which was there is that the learning model simply used one label to predict under and ignore the other label with similar features. This was identified as a flow for both symbolic and non-symbolic algorithms. There is no way of giving suggestions in the case a user wants a different plant but with similar features. Therefore for classification using an ambiguous dataset, both these approaches proved to have the fore mentions flow. The research then decided to use recall to analyze the power of these approaches. It was discovered that ID3 has better recall than Multilayer perceptron and Naïve Bayes algorithms when using a training set. ID3 managed to recall clearly and effectively three of its classes by a probability of 1 while Bayes Net had only one class with recall probability of 1. To further investigate the issue of recall, cross validation was used to contrast the competence of recall of the three algorithms to strengthen the assertion that indeed ID3 has a better recall as compared to the other two algorithms. Three stages of cross-validation were done, one stage using 10 fold, the other 20 fold, and the last using 50 fold. For all the different stages of crossvalidation, Bayes Net proved to perform better in terms of recall than the other two algorithms. In cross-validation, MLP could recall approximately above 88% of the instances available in contrast to when using training set where the algorithm recall only two out of 18 instances. In overall the symbolic approach proved to be a commendable approach for use over the nonsymbolic approach. The study of machine learning involves the building of learning algorithms, improving upon learning algorithms or making comparisons of machine learning algorithms. The research raised awareness on some improvements that need to be done on not only symbolic algorithms but non-symbolic ones as well. Some improvements include improving on or coming up with algorithms that suggest alternative predictions in cases of ambiguity instead of doing wrongful classification and not reflect on other possibilities.
- Full Text:
An assessment of participatory development and rural sustainable livelihoods in Zimbabwe : the case of Tsholotsho District
- Authors: Moyo, Walter Ntandoyenkosi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Community development -- Zimbabwe Rural development projects -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8419 , vital:32744
- Description: The central merits of this study and of the efforts invested throughout its development lie in its focus on participatory development and rural sustainable livelihoods. The main objective of the study was to assess the implementation of development projects in Tsholotsho district in Zimbabwe with regards to the issue of participation and its role to sustainable development. The study utilised the documentary research methodology which was used to gather data. The analysis of data was undertaken through the use of the participatory approach as the main theoretical framework. The study has shown that participatory development has been altered to take numerous and divergent forms that do not usher in the expected outcomes. Participatory development in Tsholotsho has thus taken a different stance since it has turned to be merely rhetoric and has suffered modifications and transformations to such an extent that power relations between and among development stakeholders subjugate the poor further leaving them without any voice. Community members are experiencing a ritual of empty processes that camouflage as participatory development making the people not to be centrally involved in bringing about rural sustainable development. One of the greatest challenges facing the rural development domain today is the search for alternative tools that seek to facilitate collective actions and solutions through the process of participation so that the poor get to be active not passive agents of development. This study is of the view that more research is needed to study the indigenous rural knowledge systems and their integration to modern knowledge systems; more so that is also a need to scrutinize the roles and responsibilities of NGOs interventions since they have made significant impacts in rural development. Finally, there is need to assess how policies affect development providers’ contributions in development processes.
- Full Text:
An assessment of quality, class and grade of service (QoS, CoS and GoS) over worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMax) networks through performance evaluation of bandwidth
- Authors: Nomnga, Phumzile
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Wireless communication systems Wireless LANs -- Standards Broadband communication systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8033 , vital:31481
- Description: The Dwesa WiMAX network provides broadband communications over wireless connectivity for various types of multimedia traffic, such as emailing, browsing, VoIP, file transfer, etc. to the community members. The community members of Dwesa use schools’ computer labs to access the network and generate the aforementioned multimedia packets on dedicated timeslots and thus cause network congestion during such timeslots. Against this background, WiMAX implementation has faced several challenges in living up to its objectives in RMAs. Quality of Service (QoS) degradation as a result of high traffic demands remains one of the challenges thwarting WiMAX implementation. The GoS is also bound to get compromised as connectivity demands arise consistently with more subscribers connecting to the network, making it difficult to measure the success a subscriber is expected to have in accessing the network. The CoS and SchedType play a significant role in the redistribution of the available bandwidth to all bandwidth requests. This research project exploits this avenue to assess the resultant degradation of QoS and GoS caused by the inconsistent availability of bandwidth as redistributed by the CoS combination with a SchedType. The four CoS which are, namely, the UGS, rtPS, nrtPS and BE were implemented with the different SchedTypes, namely, MBQOS, FCFS and rtPS. Although the implementation process was conducted in a simulated environment using NS-3, the simulated network emulated the network setup implemented in Dwesa. The outcomes of the implementation suggests that certain combinations of the CoS’s with SchedTypes can lead to degradation of QoS whilst some combinations can redistribute the available bandwidth to ensure the provisioning of guaranteed QoS.
- Full Text:
An evaluation of medicinal plants used in South Africa and Lesotho for uterotonic contractile purposes
- Authors: Smit, Inge
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Traditional medicine -- South Africa Traditional medicine -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15232 , vital:40256
- Description: Background One of the leading cause of maternal mortality globally is postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), which mainly occur in developing countries. By identifying traditional medicinal plants that is used by Traditional birth attendants we can analysis the plants for cyclotides which contain uterotonic properties and a wide variety of other properties. The indigenous knowledge of traditional medicinal plants need to be preserved and scientifically proven to ensure future drug development and continued use of these plants. Cyclotides can be used as a backbone to develop novel drugs in that cyclotides are very stable proteins. Methods: Ten plants were identified that are commonly used to prevent or treat postpartum haemorrhage. The plant samples were collected, prepared and dried in South Africa. The plants were analysed in Austria. The plants underwent extraction of one gram of each plant was analysed using: Matrix-Assisted Laser desorption Ionization time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS); Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Analysis by High-performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Results None of the ten plants analysed showed the presence of cyclotides. It is important to report negative results, because it informs the academic fraternity and could be entered in a global data base of results. The plants analysed is known to be used by Traditional Birth Attendants for the treatment or prevention of postpartum haemorrhage. Conclusion All the plants analysed are commonly used to prevent and treat PPH. The fact that no cyclotides were found do not dispute the practical use of these plants to prevent and treat PPH. There continue to be a gap in what uterotonic properties these plants contain and should be further investigated.
- Full Text:
Assessing the vulnerability of resource-poor households to disasters associated with climate variability using remote sensing and GIS techniques in the Nkonkobe Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Chari, Martin Munashe
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- Forecasting Natural resources -- Remote sensing Droughts -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2425 , vital:27837
- Description: The main objective of the study was to assess the extent to which resource-poor households in selected villages of Nkonkobe Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa are vulnerable to drought by using an improvised remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS)-based mapping approach. The research methodology was comprised of 1) assessment of vulnerability levels and 2) the calculation of established drought assessment indices comprising the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) from wet-season Landsat images covering a period of 29 years from 1985 to 2014 in order to objectively determine the temporal recurrence of drought in Nkonkobe Local Municipality. Vulnerability of households to drought was determined by using a multi-step GIS-based mapping approach in which 3 components comprising exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity were simultaneously analysed and averaged to determine the magnitude of vulnerability. Thereafter, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to establish weighted contributions of these components to vulnerability. The weights applied to the AHP were obtained from the 2012 - 2017 Nkonkobe Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and perceptions that were solicited from key informants who were judged to be knowledgeable about the subject. A Kruskal-Wallis H test on demographic data for water access revealed that the demographic results are independent of choice of data acquired from different data providers (χ2(2) = 1.26, p = 0.533, with a mean ranked population scores of 7.4 for ECSECC, 6.8 for Quantec and 9.8 for StatsSA). Simple linear regression analysis revealed strong positive correlations between NDWI and NDVI ((r = 0.99609375, R2 = 1, for 1985), 1995 (r = 0.99609375, R2 = 1 for 1995), (r = 0.99609375, R2 = 1 for 2005) and (r = 0.99609375, R2 = 1 for 2014). The regression analysis proved that vegetation condition depends on surface water arising from rainfall. The results indicate that the whole of Nkonkobe Local Municipality is susceptible to drought with villages in south eastern part being most vulnerable to droughts due to high sensitivity and low adaptive capacity.
- Full Text:
Assessment of rangeland condition and evaluation of farmers' perception in Njwaxa and Mbizana communal rangelands of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Ngcofe, Odwa Armstrong
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13259 , vital:39627
- Description: This study was conducted to determine of rangeland condition in terms of botanical composition, soil nutrient composition, and also to evaluate farmers’ perception on rangeland condition and degradation in two communal villages Njwaxa and Mbizana in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa in 2014. A Structured questionnaire consisting of close and open-ended questions was used to investigate farmers’ perceptions on range condition, land degradation, and their causes. Fifty households with livestock were randomly selected in two communal areas of Middledrift (i.e. Njwaxa and Mbizana). Respondents of 21 years and above were selected. For assessment of range condition three homogeneous vegetation units (HVU) were demarcated in all study sites, namely slope; valley and toplands were demarcated and sub-divided into four 100m x 50m replicates. In each replicate, four 100m transects were laid parallel to each other 25m apart 1m2 quadrant was systematically located four times along each transect for herbaceous vegetation and soil sampling. The step point method was employed to determine herbaceous species composition and basal cover. A 400m2 belt transect was used to determine woody vegetation composition, density and tree equivalents in each HVU. The germination method was employed for soil seed bank composition and plant density. The soil micro and macro nutrients (N, P, K OC, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu and Mn) and pH were also analyzed The majority of the respondents were between the ages of 51-60 years. Most of the farmers had more cattle (38percent) than goats (32percent) and sheep (30percent). Livestock numbers were perceived to have declined over the previous 20 years by the majority of respondents (96percent). The respondents indicated that their rangelands were mainly used for browsing (1.37), fire wood (2.01), building and fencing (2.63) and medical purposes (3.66). All the respondents indicated that their rangelands were highly degraded. Sheet erosion (50percent) was perceived to be the major type of soil erosion indicator mentioned by the farmers, followed by gully erosion (29percent) and rill erosion (21percent). The rangeland was dominated by Increaser II (pioneer) (63.2 percent) grass species followed by Decreaser (mesophytes) species (26.3percent). Digitaria eriantha in the valley (53.5 percent) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than both in the top (10.5percent) and sloppy areas (33.5percent) at Njwaxa communal rangeland, the abundance of D. eriantha was significantly higher (p<0.05) than top and valley in Mbizana communal rangeland. The results showed that soil seed banks were dominated by perennials, followed by annuals and biennial species being least abundant. The dominant forb Jamebrittenia c.f. albanesis was significantly higher (p<0.05) in both slopes (6.65percent) and toplands (7.34percent) than in the valley (3.15). The second most dominant species Puesdognaphalium undulata was significantly higher (p<0.05) in topland areas (6percent) than in valley bottom (3.8percent) and sloppy areas (4.3percent). The results of soil nutrients revealed no significant differences (p>0.05) in the concentration of OC, Ca, and Mg between the communities and seasons. Phosphorus (P) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in winter (concentrations) in most of the sites, except the top sites of Mbizana where summer concentration of P was significantly higher than winter. Potassium (K) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in summer than in winter in most of the HVUs, except the topland areas of Njwaxa and Mbizana sloppy areas where there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the concentration of K. Soil pH did not display any significant differences (p>0.05) between communities and sites. The mean soil pH recorded in this study was 5.4 implying the soils of Njwaxa and Mbizana communities were acidic. It is evident that communal farmers are well aware of their rangeland condition, changes occurring in their rangelands, their causes and are capable of suggesting some solutions in controlling the declining condition of the rangelands. This study has shown the importance of engaging farmers’ inputs in range assessment since those are people bearing the consequences of rangeland degradation.
- Full Text:
Characterisation of selected municipal organic waste for energy conversion through gasification
- Authors: Ngubelanga, Nolitha
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Biomass gasification Sewage -- Purification Biomass energy Renewable energy sources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11020 , vital:36682
- Description: Biomass gasification has become a study of great interest over the years and plant biomass with cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin found to be an ideal resource for conversion into heat and power through thermochemical processes such as gasification. The inadequate supply of the energy in the country has become critical with the national energy provider struggling to meet the energy demands of the ever growing population of South Africa. The depletion of natural resources and the unstable prices as well as the cost of transporting the fuels together with the environmental effects of burning fossil fuels are contributing factors to the energy crisis. Alternative sources of energy that are locally available, sustainable, and environmentally friendly are presently in demand as municipal organic wastes has been considered a source of renewable energy with gasification deemed one of the leading edge technologies to harness the energy. This research only studied the characteristics and kinetics of selected municipal organic waste including decaying wood, tomatoes, onions, cabbage, butternut and bones. The research did not involve the gasification process because of expenses associated with gasification processes, however, this has been considered as future studies under the conditions of available resources to carry out the actual gasification experiments. The characteristics of selected municipal organic wastes for energy conversion through gasification were actually investigated in this study and the implication of the value of each property interpreted in relation to gasification with specific reference to information available in the literature. Proximate analysis conducted on the wastes indicate that the physical properties in terms of the weight percentages of moisture, volatile matter fixed carbon and ash contents of the wastes vary considerably, especially with regards to the last three properties. The reason for this wide variation was attributed to the source of the wastes and the standard of living of the people vi in the area where the wastes were collected. However, the values obtained for these properties are within limits for the wastes to be adequately used as feedstocks in a gasification process, except for their content of ash, which was significantly high in all of the wastes for the aforementioned reasons. The ultimate analysis of the wastes as determined using the Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy gave the percentage composition of the chemical elements present in the wastes, which suggest that carbon is the chief elemental constituent of the wastes. The highest carbon content of about 47% was recorded for bone due again to the reasons previously adduced. According to McKendry, 2002, the high carbon content of the wastes implies increased calorific value as well as increased gas production during gasification. A number of ash–forming elements were also found in the wastes, which included magnesium and potassium in low concentrations that does not pose any technical challenges during gasification, although their concentration may increase under high temperature gasification, which may equally result to some catalytic effect that would contribute to the overall gasification efficiency (Anukam et al., 2016). Calorific value analysis also suggests that the wastes contain reasonable amount of energy that can be converted to useful energy through gasification. Although, variation in calorific value was also noted, the highest calorific value of about 18 MJ/kg was recoded for bones, which correlates its data on the highest carbon content of all wastes. However, the data on the calorific value of the wastes suggests that the wastes are well suited for gasification by virtue of their calorific value. FTIR analysis revealed the major functional groups present in the internal structure of the wastes. The common functional groups observed were the OH group found in the band around 3600–3400cm-1 for most of the wastes; the C–H stretching band at 2970-2780 cm-1; and the C–O as well as the C–O–C observed in the region of 1740–1710 cm-1 and 1250-1220 cm-1 for all samples, respectively. Most functional group in the internal structures of gasification feedstocks function to facilitate faster vii rates of reaction and consequently faster rates of gasification that contributes to optimum efficiency under any conditions of gasification (Anukam et al., 2016). While thermogravimetric analysis established thermal parameters that are likely to have positive influence on the gasification of the wastes, kinetic investigation revealed two parameters that may also impact on the gasification of the wastes. These are activation energy and pre–exponential factor, which were found to be in good agreement with the values obtained in the literature even though variation in these parameters was noted. The values obtained for activation energy and pre–exponential factor using the Kissinger method of kinetic analysis showed a far less value for these two parameters when compared to commonly used feedstocks like wood and coal. This was a reason attributed to the chemical characteristics of the wastes, mainly their lower content of carbon compared to these two (wood and coal) commonly used fuels.
- Full Text:
Characterisation of the production and consumption of milk in the communal livestock production sector of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Kumbirai, Kaguru Tinashe
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Milk consumption -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Dairy farming -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3066 , vital:28251
- Description: The study was conducted in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa with the objective of characterising milk production and consumption among the communal households. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data through a single visit survey between June 2014 and May 2015. The study was undertaken in five randomly selected communal districts using a multi – stage area probability sampling method. Household sample size was calculated using a statistical methodology through a fixed formula based on a rural population size of 4410000, at a confidence level of 95 percent. A total of 500 households were selected with a sample size of 20 households in 5 communities within five different communal districts within the province. Half of the total sample size was used to represent the number of non-milk producing households (250) to get a true reflection on consumption profiles for nonproducers. Across the province the average communal family size was between 5-10 members with a monthly income of ZAR1340 per household. On average, pasture land size of the sampled households was 1 ha, with a range of 0.25-1.7 ha. The numbers of animals per species found in the studied province was highest for sheep (310) followed by cattle (227) and goat (87). Average livestock holding per household in the study area was 9.85 TLU (Tropical Livestock Unit). According to the respondents the predominant milking livestock numbers were between 1-3 animals milking per household. In the studied area traditional hand milking of livestock was the major milking practices at 12 percent in goats, 15 percent in sheep and 45 percent in cattle milk production. Consumption was the predominant reason for milk production recorded at 27 percent across the province. Milk production was 43 percent most preferred in cattle followed by 32 percent in goat and least at 29 percent in sheep across the province. In general, from the study it was noted that the majority (38 percent) of the respondents across the province indicated 0-5mins as the time it took to milk most milk producing livestock. The majority of the milking practices was done (37 percent) predominantly once a day, followed by 2 percent twice daily across the province. The daily milk production was on average (0.45±1.07) 2-5 litre in cattle, (4.86±0.814) 0-1litre in goats and (2.62±0.42) 0-1 litre sheep per producing house hold with in the province The monthly raw milk consumption in the province was (2.20± 1.42) 2-5 litres of cattle milk, (4.78±0.79) 2-5 litres of goat milk and (4.98±0.69) 2-5 litres of sheep milk per consuming household.
- Full Text:
Characterization of various garden grass species for energy conversion in a down draft biomass gasifier
- Authors: Mkosi, Lungisa
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Biomass energy Greenhouse gases Renewable energy sources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5817 , vital:29399
- Description: Energy plays a vital role in socio-economic development and raising living standards of human beings. The overreliance on fossil fuels results in the depletion of fossil fuels as well as environmental pollution from the green-house gases that result from the use of fossil fuels. Biomass feedstock are able to ameliorate this situation by utilizing the CO2 that has been used by plants during photosynthesis. This study investigated the suitability of the three garden grass species (Chloris gayana, Cynodon dactylon and Pennisetum clandestum) as biomass feedstock for gasification purposes. The three garden grass species were collected at the Alice Campus of the University of Fort Hare. These grass species were characterized using elemental analyser (CHNS), FT-IR, EDX and TGA. The Activation energy (Ea) of the three grass species were 48.22 kJ/mol for P. clandestum, 36.8 kJ/mol for C. gayana and 258 kJ/mol for C. dactylon. Of the three grass species, C. gayana had the lowest Activation energy of 36.8 kJ/mol and also had the highest maximum efficiency of 69 percent compared to 65.3 percent for P. clandestum and 63.5 percent for C. dactylon. Actual gasification was not carried out but the results on maximum efficiency were obtained from computer simulation of gasification.
- Full Text:
Comparative analysis of characteristics of the various sugarcane bagasse types in terms of gasification
- Authors: Kula, Mpumezo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Bagasse Sugarcane -- Breeding Coal gasification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13392 , vital:39656
- Description: The insight that the fossil fuel reserves are limited, together with concerns over security of supply (i.e. the oil crises), initiated the first raise of interest in biomass and all other renewable energy forms. However, the concern grew that global warming and the resulting climate change were enhanced by carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions resulting from fossil fuel consumption. Meanwhile, biomass energy is thought to account for 14–15percent of total world energy consumption. Hence, the exploitation and utilization of biomass energy are effective and necessary for relieving the pressures caused by environmental pollution and fossil fuel shortage (Lv et al., 2010). Recently, extensive research aimed at converting biomass to useful energy have been carried out, especially pyrolysis and gasification, which are particularly suitable for the effective and efficient utilization of biomass. Sugarcane bagasse is the main byproduct of sugarcane mill, ready available at the production site so that it may be a suitable raw material for the production of biofuels, chemicals, and electricity. Among the methods that have been previously studied, is this particular study we explore thermochemical process, gasification. The properties of sugarcane bagasse relevant to gasification are briefly reviewed. The compositions of the bagasse as a fuel are variable, especially with respect to inorganic constituents important to the critical problems of sintering, fouling and slagging. Alkali and alkaline earth metals, in combination with other fuel elements such as silica and sulfur, are responsible for many undesirable reactions in a gasifier system. The three sugarcane bagasse types namely washed, unwashed and the depithed sugarcane bagasse were subjected in different types of characterization to review and compare their characteristics for gasification. Ultimate analysis was used to determine the elemental compositions and this was helpful in estimating the energy input of the materials. Elemental compositions were determined with the CHNS analyzer which gave the percent compositions of each fuel in terms of Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulphur as well as Oxygen (by difference) and the SEM/EDX which gave the elemental composition of the materials as can be viewed from the EDX. The proximate analysis which is the physical characterization of the materials was carried out to preview the behavior of the sugarcane bagasse when subjected into high temperatures as the gasification process uses very high temperatures. These were determined by the TGA and the volatile matter content; fixed carbon content, moisture content and ash content were extrapolated from the resulting thermogram. SEM images for surface structures of the bagasse and FTIR for the structural functionality and bonding structures. The characterization of the bagasse was conducted to compare their gasification properties.
- Full Text:
Comparative analysis of characteristics of the various sugarcane bagasse types in terms of gasification
- Authors: Kula, Mpumezo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Bagasse Bioenergetics Sugarcane -- Breeding Solar energy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1929 , vital:27584
- Description: The insight that the fossil fuel reserves are limited, together with concerns over security of supply (i.e. the oil crises), initiated the first raise of interest in biomass and all other renewable energy forms. However, the concern grew that global warming and the resulting climate change were enhanced by carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions resulting from fossil fuel consumption. Meanwhile, biomass energy is thought to account for 14–15% of total world energy consumption. Hence, the exploitation and utilization of biomass energy are effective and necessary for relieving the pressures caused by environmental pollution and fossil fuel shortage (Lv et al., 2010). Recently, extensive research aimed at converting biomass to useful energy have been carried out, especially pyrolysis and gasification, which are particularly suitable for the effective and efficient utilization of biomass. Sugarcane bagasse is the main byproduct of sugarcane mill, ready available at the production site so that it may be a suitable raw material for the production of biofuels, chemicals, and electricity. Among the methods that have been previously studied, is this particular study we explore thermochemical process, gasification. The properties of sugarcane bagasse relevant to gasification are briefly reviewed. The compositions of the bagasse as a fuel are variable, especially with respect to inorganic constituents important to the critical problems of sintering, fouling and slagging. Alkali and alkaline earth metals, in combination with other fuel elements such as silica and sulfur, are responsible for many undesirable reactions in a gasifier system.
- Full Text: