A cyber security awareness and education framework for South Africa
- Authors: Kortjan, Noloxolo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Computer crimes -- Prevention , Computer security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9811 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014829
- Description: The Internet is becoming increasingly interwoven in the daily life of many individuals, organisations and nations. It has, to a large extent, had a positive effect on the way people communicate. It has also introduced new avenues for business and has offered nations an opportunity to govern online. Nevertheless, although cyberspace offers an endless list of services and opportunities, it is also accompanied by many risks. One of these risks is cybercrime. The Internet has given criminals a platform on which to grow and proliferate. As a result of the abstract nature of the Internet, it is easy for these criminals to go unpunished. Moreover, many who use the Internet are not aware of such threats; therefore they may themselves be at risk, together with businesses and governmental assets and infrastructure. In view of this, there is a need for cyber security awareness and education initiatives that will promote users who are well versed in the risks associated with the Internet. In this context, it is the role of the government to empower all levels of society by providing the necessary knowledge and expertise to act securely online. However, there is currently a definite lack in South Africa (SA) in this regard, as there are currently no government-led cyber security awareness and education initiatives. The primary research objective of this study, therefore, is to propose a cyber security awareness and education framework for SA that will assist in creating a cyber secure culture in SA among all of its users of the Internet.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Kortjan, Noloxolo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Computer crimes -- Prevention , Computer security
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9811 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1014829
- Description: The Internet is becoming increasingly interwoven in the daily life of many individuals, organisations and nations. It has, to a large extent, had a positive effect on the way people communicate. It has also introduced new avenues for business and has offered nations an opportunity to govern online. Nevertheless, although cyberspace offers an endless list of services and opportunities, it is also accompanied by many risks. One of these risks is cybercrime. The Internet has given criminals a platform on which to grow and proliferate. As a result of the abstract nature of the Internet, it is easy for these criminals to go unpunished. Moreover, many who use the Internet are not aware of such threats; therefore they may themselves be at risk, together with businesses and governmental assets and infrastructure. In view of this, there is a need for cyber security awareness and education initiatives that will promote users who are well versed in the risks associated with the Internet. In this context, it is the role of the government to empower all levels of society by providing the necessary knowledge and expertise to act securely online. However, there is currently a definite lack in South Africa (SA) in this regard, as there are currently no government-led cyber security awareness and education initiatives. The primary research objective of this study, therefore, is to propose a cyber security awareness and education framework for SA that will assist in creating a cyber secure culture in SA among all of its users of the Internet.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A framework to mitigate phishing threats
- Authors: Frauenstein, Edwin Donald
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Mobile computing -- Security measures , Online social networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9832 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021208
- Description: We live today in the information age with users being able to access and share information freely by using both personal computers and their handheld devices. This, in turn, has been made possible by the Internet. However, this poses security risks as attempts are made to use this same environment in order to compromise the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for users and organisations to protect their information resources from agents posing a security threat. Organisations typically spend large amounts of money as well as dedicating resources to improve their technological defences against general security threats. However, the agents posing these threats are adopting social engineering techniques in order to bypass the technical measures which organisations are putting in place. These social engineering techniques are often effective because they target human behaviour, something which the majority of researchers believe is a far easier alternative than hacking information systems. As such, phishing effectively makes use of a combination of social engineering techniques which involve crafty technical emails and website designs which gain the trust of their victims. Within an organisational context, there are a number of areas which phishers exploit. These areas include human factors, organisational aspects and technological controls. Ironically, these same areas serve simultaneously as security measures against phishing attacks. However, each of these three areas mentioned above are characterised by gaps which arise as a result of human involvement. As a result, the current approach to mitigating phishing threats comprises a single-layer defence model only. However, this study proposes a holistic model which integrates each of these three areas by strengthening the human element in each of these areas by means of a security awareness, training and education programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Frauenstein, Edwin Donald
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Computer networks -- Security measures , Mobile computing -- Security measures , Online social networks -- Security measures
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9832 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021208
- Description: We live today in the information age with users being able to access and share information freely by using both personal computers and their handheld devices. This, in turn, has been made possible by the Internet. However, this poses security risks as attempts are made to use this same environment in order to compromise the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for users and organisations to protect their information resources from agents posing a security threat. Organisations typically spend large amounts of money as well as dedicating resources to improve their technological defences against general security threats. However, the agents posing these threats are adopting social engineering techniques in order to bypass the technical measures which organisations are putting in place. These social engineering techniques are often effective because they target human behaviour, something which the majority of researchers believe is a far easier alternative than hacking information systems. As such, phishing effectively makes use of a combination of social engineering techniques which involve crafty technical emails and website designs which gain the trust of their victims. Within an organisational context, there are a number of areas which phishers exploit. These areas include human factors, organisational aspects and technological controls. Ironically, these same areas serve simultaneously as security measures against phishing attacks. However, each of these three areas mentioned above are characterised by gaps which arise as a result of human involvement. As a result, the current approach to mitigating phishing threats comprises a single-layer defence model only. However, this study proposes a holistic model which integrates each of these three areas by strengthening the human element in each of these areas by means of a security awareness, training and education programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A strategy to make ICT accessible in rural Zambia: a case study of Macha
- Authors: Van Stam, Gertjan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Communication in rural development -- Zambia , Communication and technology -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9830
- Description: The problem discussed in this dissertation is to gather evidence of good practice and derive strategy for the development of ICT access in rural Zambia. Access to ICT services is important, also in rural areas of Africa. The challenges are many. There is a distinct void in tangible descriptions of the realities of ICT Access in rural areas or actionable guidelines for practitioners. This study involves a case study in the rural areas of Zambia. It does so through ethnography involving 10 years of observation of aspects of ICT access in rural Macha, Zambia. In this community, emerging from an articulated vision, ICT access in the form of the Internet arrived in 2004. Macha Works with its ICT unit LinkNet provides the basis for this interpretive approach from within the rural cultural setting. The purpose of the study is to benefit the local rural community, addressing the fundamentals of reality to add to the body of knowledge. The study involves cross cultural interaction and takes a trans-disciplinary view on science. It involves Participative Action Learning and Research aimed at recognising the complex adaptive systems while being aligned with the ethics of the rural African environment. Emphasis is on the needs of the community, rather than of the individual utilising empirical evidence. The good practices in Macha that inform strategy to make ICT accessible in rural areas are: engaging the community, building relationships; workforce development, unlocking productivity; thought leadership, establishing authority.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Van Stam, Gertjan
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Communication in rural development -- Zambia , Communication and technology -- Zambia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9830
- Description: The problem discussed in this dissertation is to gather evidence of good practice and derive strategy for the development of ICT access in rural Zambia. Access to ICT services is important, also in rural areas of Africa. The challenges are many. There is a distinct void in tangible descriptions of the realities of ICT Access in rural areas or actionable guidelines for practitioners. This study involves a case study in the rural areas of Zambia. It does so through ethnography involving 10 years of observation of aspects of ICT access in rural Macha, Zambia. In this community, emerging from an articulated vision, ICT access in the form of the Internet arrived in 2004. Macha Works with its ICT unit LinkNet provides the basis for this interpretive approach from within the rural cultural setting. The purpose of the study is to benefit the local rural community, addressing the fundamentals of reality to add to the body of knowledge. The study involves cross cultural interaction and takes a trans-disciplinary view on science. It involves Participative Action Learning and Research aimed at recognising the complex adaptive systems while being aligned with the ethics of the rural African environment. Emphasis is on the needs of the community, rather than of the individual utilising empirical evidence. The good practices in Macha that inform strategy to make ICT accessible in rural areas are: engaging the community, building relationships; workforce development, unlocking productivity; thought leadership, establishing authority.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Analysis of factors influencing the performance of a hydrokinetic coil pump
- Authors: Opperman, Adriaan Jacobus
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Pumping machinery, Electric , Pumping machinery -- Performance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9640 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021041
- Description: A hydrokinetic coil pump (HCP) is described by its name. It is a coil pump driven by the kinetic energy in flowing water. The hydrokinetic energy is converted into mechanical energy by means of a paddle-wheel. The coil pump makes up part of the paddle-wheel and together is called a HCP. The HCP floats in a stream of flowing water while tethered to the bank. The focus of the study was to identify and analyse the factors influencing the HCP. The HCP was then optimized for rural application. Data acquisition took place through experimentation on a full scale experimental platform according to a central composite experimental design. Variables used for the experimentation included; Stream Velocity, Delivery Head, Number of Coils, Discharge, Number of Paddles, Paddle-Wheel rotational speed Overall HCP efficiencies of up to 22 percent were obtained. The efficiency would drop as the stream velocity increased. Stream velocity has been identified as the most influential factor with regards to the variables analysed by this study. The HCP is ideal for rural application. The simplicity of the design ensures reliability as well as an effective water supply solution. The HCP is ideal for slow flowing rivers and can deliver up to 1190ℓ/h to a delivery head of 5m with a stream velocity of 1.2m/s. This is sufficient to supply a small rural community with running water.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Opperman, Adriaan Jacobus
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Pumping machinery, Electric , Pumping machinery -- Performance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9640 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021041
- Description: A hydrokinetic coil pump (HCP) is described by its name. It is a coil pump driven by the kinetic energy in flowing water. The hydrokinetic energy is converted into mechanical energy by means of a paddle-wheel. The coil pump makes up part of the paddle-wheel and together is called a HCP. The HCP floats in a stream of flowing water while tethered to the bank. The focus of the study was to identify and analyse the factors influencing the HCP. The HCP was then optimized for rural application. Data acquisition took place through experimentation on a full scale experimental platform according to a central composite experimental design. Variables used for the experimentation included; Stream Velocity, Delivery Head, Number of Coils, Discharge, Number of Paddles, Paddle-Wheel rotational speed Overall HCP efficiencies of up to 22 percent were obtained. The efficiency would drop as the stream velocity increased. Stream velocity has been identified as the most influential factor with regards to the variables analysed by this study. The HCP is ideal for rural application. The simplicity of the design ensures reliability as well as an effective water supply solution. The HCP is ideal for slow flowing rivers and can deliver up to 1190ℓ/h to a delivery head of 5m with a stream velocity of 1.2m/s. This is sufficient to supply a small rural community with running water.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Analysis of restricted earth fault relay application within a shunt capacitor bank design impacting on protection stability
- Authors: Minkley, Warick
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Electric power systems -- Protection , Electric power transmission -- Equipment and supplies -- Protection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9604 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021106
- Description: This research is aimed at analyzing the performance of the restricted earth fault relay used on a 400kV capacitor bank scheme used on the Eskom Transmission network. After the commissioning of two Capacitor Banks using the above mentioned scheme design the plant was energized. As a result of the energization the Shunt Capacitor Bank (SCB) then experienced spurious trips. The cause of the trips was found to be the operation of the restricted earth fault relay. In this research project, restricted earth fault protection on SCBs in the Eskom Transmission environment will be the area of interest. The proposed research will analyze the current SCB protection scheme in service specifically looking at the restricted earth fault circuit design and relay performance. An equivalent model of the SCB from primary plant perspective based on theory will be derived. Recording and analyzing of Comtrade transient waveforms respectively, when the bank is nergized, will be done in order to provide a reference base to work from. Manual alculations of various parameters from the derived model including transient inrush currents and fault currents will be performed to access applicable scheme parameters. Further calculations will include the voltage setting for the restricted earth fault relay. As a result of the analysis a recommendation will be made on a viable solution or a revised design will be put forward, based on the results, to improve the scheme’s performance. The protection scheme is used on the two 400kV 100MVAR capacitor banks 11 and 12 at Hydra Substation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Minkley, Warick
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Electric power systems -- Protection , Electric power transmission -- Equipment and supplies -- Protection
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9604 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021106
- Description: This research is aimed at analyzing the performance of the restricted earth fault relay used on a 400kV capacitor bank scheme used on the Eskom Transmission network. After the commissioning of two Capacitor Banks using the above mentioned scheme design the plant was energized. As a result of the energization the Shunt Capacitor Bank (SCB) then experienced spurious trips. The cause of the trips was found to be the operation of the restricted earth fault relay. In this research project, restricted earth fault protection on SCBs in the Eskom Transmission environment will be the area of interest. The proposed research will analyze the current SCB protection scheme in service specifically looking at the restricted earth fault circuit design and relay performance. An equivalent model of the SCB from primary plant perspective based on theory will be derived. Recording and analyzing of Comtrade transient waveforms respectively, when the bank is nergized, will be done in order to provide a reference base to work from. Manual alculations of various parameters from the derived model including transient inrush currents and fault currents will be performed to access applicable scheme parameters. Further calculations will include the voltage setting for the restricted earth fault relay. As a result of the analysis a recommendation will be made on a viable solution or a revised design will be put forward, based on the results, to improve the scheme’s performance. The protection scheme is used on the two 400kV 100MVAR capacitor banks 11 and 12 at Hydra Substation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Development of thick section friction stir welding using a sliding tool shoulder
- Authors: Chetty, Shamalin
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Friction welding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9633 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015081
- Description: Sliding shoulder friction stir welding (SSFSW) is an alternative joining technique to the conventional friction stir welding process. The welding mechanism comprises of a rotating probe and a non-rotating shoulder. The shoulder therefore does not contribute to any heat generation or plastic deformation. When welding thicker section material, the contribution of heat generation from the shoulder becomes less significant and most of the heat and plastic deformation must be generated by the tool probe. For this reason it was decided to develop the process for thick section AA6082-T6. Due to the stationary (non-rotating) shoulder the weld track is smooth and there is no reduction in cross-sectional area. This research is based on the development of a sliding shoulder friction stir welding tool with the ability to create joints of up to 25mm thick on aluminium alloy 6082-T6 plate as well as the associated process development. The sliding shoulder friction stir welding tool was designed, manufactured and tested by initially performing partial penetration welds with various size tool probes and then finally by performing a sliding shoulder friction stir butt weld on 25mm thick plate. As welds were performed and more knowledge gained about the process, design modifications were made. These included varying the clearance between the tool probe and stationary shoulder; the profile of the shoulder which contributes to material flow during the process; and supporting the tool probe to prevent deflection when welding thicker sections at high forge forces. From the sliding shoulder friction stir welds performed, an understanding of material flow during the process was gained when analysing the macro-sections and exit holes of the welds. Typical process forces and torques associated with the process were measured to assist with future head unit and tool designs with regard to sliding shoulder friction stir welding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Chetty, Shamalin
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Friction welding
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9633 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015081
- Description: Sliding shoulder friction stir welding (SSFSW) is an alternative joining technique to the conventional friction stir welding process. The welding mechanism comprises of a rotating probe and a non-rotating shoulder. The shoulder therefore does not contribute to any heat generation or plastic deformation. When welding thicker section material, the contribution of heat generation from the shoulder becomes less significant and most of the heat and plastic deformation must be generated by the tool probe. For this reason it was decided to develop the process for thick section AA6082-T6. Due to the stationary (non-rotating) shoulder the weld track is smooth and there is no reduction in cross-sectional area. This research is based on the development of a sliding shoulder friction stir welding tool with the ability to create joints of up to 25mm thick on aluminium alloy 6082-T6 plate as well as the associated process development. The sliding shoulder friction stir welding tool was designed, manufactured and tested by initially performing partial penetration welds with various size tool probes and then finally by performing a sliding shoulder friction stir butt weld on 25mm thick plate. As welds were performed and more knowledge gained about the process, design modifications were made. These included varying the clearance between the tool probe and stationary shoulder; the profile of the shoulder which contributes to material flow during the process; and supporting the tool probe to prevent deflection when welding thicker sections at high forge forces. From the sliding shoulder friction stir welds performed, an understanding of material flow during the process was gained when analysing the macro-sections and exit holes of the welds. Typical process forces and torques associated with the process were measured to assist with future head unit and tool designs with regard to sliding shoulder friction stir welding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Green building guidelines at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
- Authors: Smit, Gerrit
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Sustainable buildings , Sustainable architecture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , College campuses
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9697 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010974 , Sustainable buildings , Sustainable architecture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , College campuses
- Description: Although much research has been conducted on the greening of universities in the international context, not many studies focus on this topic in the South African context. A literature overview also identified that there are insufficient guidelines for green buildings at South African universities. Even though the Green Star rating tool is implemented in South Africa, no set of guidelines for green buildings exits at South African universities. The development of guidelines for green buildings at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan is a challenge which needs to be investigated. From the literature overview, it was possible to develop a framework containing seventeen green building aspects which could assist in developing green building guidelines. For this study, a two stage process was used to obtain information to evaluate green building guidelines critically at South African universities. Green building guidelines, as available at South African universities, were firstly explored by conducting a content analysis of all South African university websites. The information available on South African university websites regarding green buildings was scant and only two universities, namely the University of Cape Town and the University of Pretoria, reported that they had a green building. Stage two in the research process involved the empirical investigation of guidelines for green buildings at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The results of the descriptive statistics showed that most building guidelines were perceived as important, but difficult to implement. The building guideline that was ranked the most important was the design of buildings that required low levels of maintenance or were maintenance free. The building guideline that was ranked the easiest to implement was to save energy in general. Considering the 17 suggested aspects and the five groups identified, a proposed set of green building guidelines was developed. The data gathered in this study is important as it could be utilised by the university to develop and implement the proposed green building guidelines.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Smit, Gerrit
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Sustainable buildings , Sustainable architecture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , College campuses
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9697 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010974 , Sustainable buildings , Sustainable architecture -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , College campuses
- Description: Although much research has been conducted on the greening of universities in the international context, not many studies focus on this topic in the South African context. A literature overview also identified that there are insufficient guidelines for green buildings at South African universities. Even though the Green Star rating tool is implemented in South Africa, no set of guidelines for green buildings exits at South African universities. The development of guidelines for green buildings at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan is a challenge which needs to be investigated. From the literature overview, it was possible to develop a framework containing seventeen green building aspects which could assist in developing green building guidelines. For this study, a two stage process was used to obtain information to evaluate green building guidelines critically at South African universities. Green building guidelines, as available at South African universities, were firstly explored by conducting a content analysis of all South African university websites. The information available on South African university websites regarding green buildings was scant and only two universities, namely the University of Cape Town and the University of Pretoria, reported that they had a green building. Stage two in the research process involved the empirical investigation of guidelines for green buildings at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. The results of the descriptive statistics showed that most building guidelines were perceived as important, but difficult to implement. The building guideline that was ranked the most important was the design of buildings that required low levels of maintenance or were maintenance free. The building guideline that was ranked the easiest to implement was to save energy in general. Considering the 17 suggested aspects and the five groups identified, a proposed set of green building guidelines was developed. The data gathered in this study is important as it could be utilised by the university to develop and implement the proposed green building guidelines.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Guidelines for the effective use of telemedicine in public healthcare in resource constrained settings
- Authors: Kativu, Kevin
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Telecommunication in medicine , Medical care- technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9820 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020061
- Description: On September 8 2000, world leaders gathered at the United Nations summit and resolved to help citizens in the world's poorest countries to achieve a better life by the year 2015. This resolve was outlined in the Millennium Development Goals that were subsequently published with goals 4, 5 and 6 specific to healthcare. The integration of ICT‘s in the remote delivery of services has opened new avenues from which centralised, scarce resources can be accessed remotely for the benefit of the general population. Telemedicine has made great strides in the developed world with remote populations benefiting from the improved access to healthcare. In the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, the sub-field of teleradiology has shown promise for enabling the wider delivery of specialist services. However, in resource constrained settings such as developing countries, telemedicine has had limited success and as a result, the equitable access to healthcare for remote populations remains inconceivable. This is exacerbated by the migration of healthcare professionals both domestically and internationally. The public sector has suffered the most with acute staff shortages in the public healthcare institutions, more so in rural and remote areas. This study identifies the prevailing challenges posing as barriers to the effective use of telemedicine services in the Public health sector in resource constrained settings and provides recommendations and guidelines aimed at facilitating the adoption and effective use of telemedicine. Challenges are identified from literature and from the first person accounts of specific role-players who are directly involved with telemedicine in their respective institutions. Participants are drawn from institutions offering telemedicine services within the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Challenges identified from literature are collated with those identified from the participant interviews to provide a concise list of factors that is used as input to the recommendation and guideline development process. The results thus far point to an enthusiastic environment coupled with a semi-capable infrastructure but however hampered by staff shortages and a general lack of support structures and propulsion mechanisms to adequately encourage the wider use of telemedicine. The proposed guidelines aim to address the challenges at the different role-player levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Kativu, Kevin
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Telecommunication in medicine , Medical care- technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9820 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020061
- Description: On September 8 2000, world leaders gathered at the United Nations summit and resolved to help citizens in the world's poorest countries to achieve a better life by the year 2015. This resolve was outlined in the Millennium Development Goals that were subsequently published with goals 4, 5 and 6 specific to healthcare. The integration of ICT‘s in the remote delivery of services has opened new avenues from which centralised, scarce resources can be accessed remotely for the benefit of the general population. Telemedicine has made great strides in the developed world with remote populations benefiting from the improved access to healthcare. In the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, the sub-field of teleradiology has shown promise for enabling the wider delivery of specialist services. However, in resource constrained settings such as developing countries, telemedicine has had limited success and as a result, the equitable access to healthcare for remote populations remains inconceivable. This is exacerbated by the migration of healthcare professionals both domestically and internationally. The public sector has suffered the most with acute staff shortages in the public healthcare institutions, more so in rural and remote areas. This study identifies the prevailing challenges posing as barriers to the effective use of telemedicine services in the Public health sector in resource constrained settings and provides recommendations and guidelines aimed at facilitating the adoption and effective use of telemedicine. Challenges are identified from literature and from the first person accounts of specific role-players who are directly involved with telemedicine in their respective institutions. Participants are drawn from institutions offering telemedicine services within the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Challenges identified from literature are collated with those identified from the participant interviews to provide a concise list of factors that is used as input to the recommendation and guideline development process. The results thus far point to an enthusiastic environment coupled with a semi-capable infrastructure but however hampered by staff shortages and a general lack of support structures and propulsion mechanisms to adequately encourage the wider use of telemedicine. The proposed guidelines aim to address the challenges at the different role-player levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Guidelines for the use of the Indie approach in game development projects in the context of a capstone experience
- Authors: Marais, Craig
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Computer games -- Design , Computer games -- Programming
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9824
- Description: This research addresses the challenges associated with the supervision of game development projects as part of a capstone experience. The context of this research is the capstone experience as undertaken by third year software development students who have chosen to develop a game for their project at the School of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). This research begins by determining the curricular requirements with respect to the capstone experience for Information Technology (IT) qualifications. This is done by investigating the applicable documentation at the international, national and departmental levels. The position of game development as a sub-category of software development is established and the Indie paradigm is investigated as a further sub-category of game development. Furthermore, the Indie paradigm is investigated through in-depth analyses of the techniques used in the development of ten Indie games. This investigation serves to identify the commonly used techniques in the Indie paradigm. The research presents a case study of the game development projects at the School of ICT at the NMMU for the period from 2009 to 2013. This case study combined with the techniques identifed from the Indie paradigm forms the basis of the guidelines presented by this research. The guidelines are subject to a review by an industry expert. The review takes the form of an expert interview, which serves to verify the guidelines. This research concludes by demonstrating alignment with the objectives it set out to achieve and motivating the success of the research conducted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Marais, Craig
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Computer games -- Design , Computer games -- Programming
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9824
- Description: This research addresses the challenges associated with the supervision of game development projects as part of a capstone experience. The context of this research is the capstone experience as undertaken by third year software development students who have chosen to develop a game for their project at the School of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). This research begins by determining the curricular requirements with respect to the capstone experience for Information Technology (IT) qualifications. This is done by investigating the applicable documentation at the international, national and departmental levels. The position of game development as a sub-category of software development is established and the Indie paradigm is investigated as a further sub-category of game development. Furthermore, the Indie paradigm is investigated through in-depth analyses of the techniques used in the development of ten Indie games. This investigation serves to identify the commonly used techniques in the Indie paradigm. The research presents a case study of the game development projects at the School of ICT at the NMMU for the period from 2009 to 2013. This case study combined with the techniques identifed from the Indie paradigm forms the basis of the guidelines presented by this research. The guidelines are subject to a review by an industry expert. The review takes the form of an expert interview, which serves to verify the guidelines. This research concludes by demonstrating alignment with the objectives it set out to achieve and motivating the success of the research conducted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Packed-bed rock thermal energy storage for concetrated solar power: enhancement of storage time and system efficiency
- Authors: Maidadi, Mohaman Bello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Solar thermal energy , Energy storage , Reliability (Engineering)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9639 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020914
- Description: Solar thermal energy harvesting is a promising solution to offset the electricity demands of a growing population. The use of the technology is however still limited and this can most likely be attributed to the capital cost and also the intermittent nature of solar energy which requires incorporation of a storage system. To make the technology more attractive and effective, cheap means of harvesting solar energy and the development of efficient and inexpensive thermal energy storage devices will improve the performance of solar energy systems and the widespread use of solar energy. Heat storage in a packed-bed rock with air as the working fluid presents an attractive and simple solution for storing solar thermal energy and it is recommended for solar air heaters. A packed-bed rock storage system consists of rocks of good heat capacity packed in a storage tank. The working fluid (air) flows through the bed to transfer its energy. The major concern of the design for a packed-bed rock thermal storage system is to maximize the heat transfer and minimise the pressure drop across the storage tank and hence the pumping power. The time duration the stored energy can be preserved and the air flow wall effect through the bed are the common complications encountered in this system. This study presents an experimental and analytical analysis of a vacuum storage tank with the use of expanded perlite for high temperature thermal energy storage in a packed-bed of rocks. Dolerite rocks are used as the storage medium due to their high heat capacity and as they are locally available. To minimise the pressure drop across the tank, moderate rock sizes are used. The tank contains baffles, allowing an even spread of air to rock contact through the entire tank, therefore improving heat transfer. There is a good correlation between the predicted and the actual results (4 percent) which implies that the baffles incorporated inside the vacuum tank forces the air through the entire tank, thereby resulting in an even lateral temperature distribution across the tank. The investigation of heat loss showed that a vacuum with expanded perlite is a viable solution to high temperature heat storage for an extended period. The research also focuses on the investigation of a proposed low cost parabolic trough solar collector for an air heating system as shown in Figure (1.3). The use of a standard solar geyser evacuated tube (@R130 each) has cost benefits over the industry standard solar tubes normally used in concentrating solar power systems. A mathematical was developed to predict the thermal performance of proposed PTC and it was found that the measured results compared well with the predictions. The solar energy conversion efficiency of this collector is up to 70 percent. This research could impact positively on remote rural communities by providing a source of clean energy, especially for off-grid applications for schools, clinics and communication equipment. It could lead to a significant improvement in the cost performance, ease of installation and technical performance of storage systems for solar heating applications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Maidadi, Mohaman Bello
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Solar thermal energy , Energy storage , Reliability (Engineering)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9639 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020914
- Description: Solar thermal energy harvesting is a promising solution to offset the electricity demands of a growing population. The use of the technology is however still limited and this can most likely be attributed to the capital cost and also the intermittent nature of solar energy which requires incorporation of a storage system. To make the technology more attractive and effective, cheap means of harvesting solar energy and the development of efficient and inexpensive thermal energy storage devices will improve the performance of solar energy systems and the widespread use of solar energy. Heat storage in a packed-bed rock with air as the working fluid presents an attractive and simple solution for storing solar thermal energy and it is recommended for solar air heaters. A packed-bed rock storage system consists of rocks of good heat capacity packed in a storage tank. The working fluid (air) flows through the bed to transfer its energy. The major concern of the design for a packed-bed rock thermal storage system is to maximize the heat transfer and minimise the pressure drop across the storage tank and hence the pumping power. The time duration the stored energy can be preserved and the air flow wall effect through the bed are the common complications encountered in this system. This study presents an experimental and analytical analysis of a vacuum storage tank with the use of expanded perlite for high temperature thermal energy storage in a packed-bed of rocks. Dolerite rocks are used as the storage medium due to their high heat capacity and as they are locally available. To minimise the pressure drop across the tank, moderate rock sizes are used. The tank contains baffles, allowing an even spread of air to rock contact through the entire tank, therefore improving heat transfer. There is a good correlation between the predicted and the actual results (4 percent) which implies that the baffles incorporated inside the vacuum tank forces the air through the entire tank, thereby resulting in an even lateral temperature distribution across the tank. The investigation of heat loss showed that a vacuum with expanded perlite is a viable solution to high temperature heat storage for an extended period. The research also focuses on the investigation of a proposed low cost parabolic trough solar collector for an air heating system as shown in Figure (1.3). The use of a standard solar geyser evacuated tube (@R130 each) has cost benefits over the industry standard solar tubes normally used in concentrating solar power systems. A mathematical was developed to predict the thermal performance of proposed PTC and it was found that the measured results compared well with the predictions. The solar energy conversion efficiency of this collector is up to 70 percent. This research could impact positively on remote rural communities by providing a source of clean energy, especially for off-grid applications for schools, clinics and communication equipment. It could lead to a significant improvement in the cost performance, ease of installation and technical performance of storage systems for solar heating applications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Transient analysis of erroneous tripping at grassridge static VAr compensator
- Authors: Taberer, Marcel Wayne
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Transients (Electricity) , Electric transformers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9603 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020918
- Description: The research work conducted and presented forward in this document is the evaluation of real time values obtained using three recording devices at two independent locations and implementing them as recorder devices in Eskom’s power system. The research work conducted was presented at an IEEE International Conference (ICIT2013) and Appendix A shows the accepted paper presented. A derived model within a simulation software package known as DIgSILENT PowerFactory is created and Electromagnetic Transient (EMT) studies are performed and then compared to the real time values obtained using the OMICRON CMC 356’s. Transformers are normally energised via a circuit breaker which is controlled by an auxiliary closing contact. By applying system voltage at a random instant in time on the transformer windings may result in a large transient magnetizing inrush current which causes high orders of 2nd harmonic currents to flow under no load conditions. A philosophy known to mitigate these currents is to energise the transformer by controlling each individual phase 120 degrees apart with the first pole closing at the peak on the voltage waveform. Transients produced due to 500MVA transformers been introduced into the power system at a certain space in time can cause nuisance tripping’s at the particular location where the respective transformer is energised. OMICRON EnerLyzer is the software tool used for the Comtrade recordings at both locations. Four independent case studies are generated within EnerLyzer software and the relevant Comtrade files are extracted for the four independent case studies relative to Transformer1 and Transformer2 switching’s. TOP software, which is a mathematical tool used to analyse Comtrade files, is then used to analyse and investigate the four case studies. Results from DIgSILENT PowerFactory are then generated according to the derived model. The results extracted depict three scenarios, indicating a power system that is weak, strong and specifically a power system that correlates to the actual tripping of a Static VAr Compensator (SVC). The results are all formulated and then evaluated in order to produce a conclusion and bring forward recommendations to Eskom in order to effectively ensure the Dedisa/Grassridge power system is reliable once again.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Taberer, Marcel Wayne
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Transients (Electricity) , Electric transformers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9603 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020918
- Description: The research work conducted and presented forward in this document is the evaluation of real time values obtained using three recording devices at two independent locations and implementing them as recorder devices in Eskom’s power system. The research work conducted was presented at an IEEE International Conference (ICIT2013) and Appendix A shows the accepted paper presented. A derived model within a simulation software package known as DIgSILENT PowerFactory is created and Electromagnetic Transient (EMT) studies are performed and then compared to the real time values obtained using the OMICRON CMC 356’s. Transformers are normally energised via a circuit breaker which is controlled by an auxiliary closing contact. By applying system voltage at a random instant in time on the transformer windings may result in a large transient magnetizing inrush current which causes high orders of 2nd harmonic currents to flow under no load conditions. A philosophy known to mitigate these currents is to energise the transformer by controlling each individual phase 120 degrees apart with the first pole closing at the peak on the voltage waveform. Transients produced due to 500MVA transformers been introduced into the power system at a certain space in time can cause nuisance tripping’s at the particular location where the respective transformer is energised. OMICRON EnerLyzer is the software tool used for the Comtrade recordings at both locations. Four independent case studies are generated within EnerLyzer software and the relevant Comtrade files are extracted for the four independent case studies relative to Transformer1 and Transformer2 switching’s. TOP software, which is a mathematical tool used to analyse Comtrade files, is then used to analyse and investigate the four case studies. Results from DIgSILENT PowerFactory are then generated according to the derived model. The results extracted depict three scenarios, indicating a power system that is weak, strong and specifically a power system that correlates to the actual tripping of a Static VAr Compensator (SVC). The results are all formulated and then evaluated in order to produce a conclusion and bring forward recommendations to Eskom in order to effectively ensure the Dedisa/Grassridge power system is reliable once again.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
User requirements framework for mobile government in the Western Cape
- Authors: Wilson, Fiona Michelle
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Government communication systems , Internet in public administration , Electronic government information , Mobile communication systems , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9751 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008076 , Government communication systems , Internet in public administration , Electronic government information , Mobile communication systems , Information technology
- Description: Globally, mobile technology use, particularly the use of mobile phones, is becoming increasingly widespread. One consequence of this growth is mounting interest in using mobile technologies in the public sector, particularly in developing countries, because it is seen as enabling better access to information and services for citizens. Mobile government (m-government), defined as the use of mobile technologies and applications for public sector services, promises to extend access to public services to marginalised sectors of the population and is emerging as a new focus in the ongoing challenge to provide efficient, effective and accessible public services. Though interest in m-government is emerging in the provincial Western Cape Government (WCG) of South Africa, few guidelines exist in the WCG to inform the development of public sector mobile services. This absence impacts on service delivery and the primary objective of this study was to propose a set of guidelines that could guide the prioritisation of citizen facing public sector services for mobile implementation in the Western Cape. The study considered two areas namely, government and user needs. The primary research question was to determine what public sector services citizens need and how these services should be prioritised for mobile delivery in the Western Cape. To address this, three research sub-questions were formulated. The first question aimed to examine conceptions of mobile government. To achieve this a literature study and documentation review was conducted, from which factors influencing service prioritisation emerged. The second research question aimed to identify citizen needs that could inform mobile public sector services in the Western Cape. Thus a survey and interviews were conducted with citizens using the WCG community ICT centres (e-Centres). The third research question aimed to identify factors that impact on the prioritisation of citizen facing public sectors for mobile delivery in the Western Cape. The findings from the literature study, survey and interviews conducted were used to address this research question. The results from the three research sub-questions were triangulated to address the main objective of the study and from this a set of guidelines for prioritising mobile public sector services in the Western Cape was proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Wilson, Fiona Michelle
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Government communication systems , Internet in public administration , Electronic government information , Mobile communication systems , Information technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9751 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008076 , Government communication systems , Internet in public administration , Electronic government information , Mobile communication systems , Information technology
- Description: Globally, mobile technology use, particularly the use of mobile phones, is becoming increasingly widespread. One consequence of this growth is mounting interest in using mobile technologies in the public sector, particularly in developing countries, because it is seen as enabling better access to information and services for citizens. Mobile government (m-government), defined as the use of mobile technologies and applications for public sector services, promises to extend access to public services to marginalised sectors of the population and is emerging as a new focus in the ongoing challenge to provide efficient, effective and accessible public services. Though interest in m-government is emerging in the provincial Western Cape Government (WCG) of South Africa, few guidelines exist in the WCG to inform the development of public sector mobile services. This absence impacts on service delivery and the primary objective of this study was to propose a set of guidelines that could guide the prioritisation of citizen facing public sector services for mobile implementation in the Western Cape. The study considered two areas namely, government and user needs. The primary research question was to determine what public sector services citizens need and how these services should be prioritised for mobile delivery in the Western Cape. To address this, three research sub-questions were formulated. The first question aimed to examine conceptions of mobile government. To achieve this a literature study and documentation review was conducted, from which factors influencing service prioritisation emerged. The second research question aimed to identify citizen needs that could inform mobile public sector services in the Western Cape. Thus a survey and interviews were conducted with citizens using the WCG community ICT centres (e-Centres). The third research question aimed to identify factors that impact on the prioritisation of citizen facing public sectors for mobile delivery in the Western Cape. The findings from the literature study, survey and interviews conducted were used to address this research question. The results from the three research sub-questions were triangulated to address the main objective of the study and from this a set of guidelines for prioritising mobile public sector services in the Western Cape was proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
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