Factors that impact on the user experience of a mobile school health application
- Authors: Chetty, Avineshin
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Wireless communication systems in medical care , Medical informatics Application software Technology -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21801 , vital:29780
- Description: In South Africa, the National Department of Health through its Integrated School Health Policy, use school nurses, to visit schools and perform health screening of learners which focus mainly on nutrition, eyesight and hearing. To date, this was done manually, but with the advance of technology, there is a need to investigate the use of for example, mobile applications to assist with health screening tasks. As part of the TECH4RED project in the Chris Hani district, a mobile school health assessment application was implemented and used over a period three years. As this is a new way of conducting the health screening, there is a need to understand the user experiences of the end users who interact with both the technology and the application. The objective of this study was to investigate the perceived factors that impact on the UX of the school health assessment application. The research aimed to understand the uses, advantages and disadvantages of mobile health applications. It also aimed at determining whether there are unique characteristics of the targeted end users and if so, whether such characteristics would affect the overall UX when using the application. Determining the levels of satisfaction and investigating the apparent challenges the users faced while interacting with the application provided some insights into underlying factors. A theoretical framework was constructed using existing literature. Using a case study approach, data was collected by means of end user satisfaction and user experience questionnaires. Additional data collection was done by means of an expert review to obtain feedback on the content and workflow of the school health assessment application. The resulting findings from the research included, a descriptive list of factors that impact the school health assessment application, as well as a subsequent list of recommendations for improvements. These key-findings could lead to possible guidelines, while additionally, providing valuable insight into mobile school health applications on the whole.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Chetty, Avineshin
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Wireless communication systems in medical care , Medical informatics Application software Technology -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21801 , vital:29780
- Description: In South Africa, the National Department of Health through its Integrated School Health Policy, use school nurses, to visit schools and perform health screening of learners which focus mainly on nutrition, eyesight and hearing. To date, this was done manually, but with the advance of technology, there is a need to investigate the use of for example, mobile applications to assist with health screening tasks. As part of the TECH4RED project in the Chris Hani district, a mobile school health assessment application was implemented and used over a period three years. As this is a new way of conducting the health screening, there is a need to understand the user experiences of the end users who interact with both the technology and the application. The objective of this study was to investigate the perceived factors that impact on the UX of the school health assessment application. The research aimed to understand the uses, advantages and disadvantages of mobile health applications. It also aimed at determining whether there are unique characteristics of the targeted end users and if so, whether such characteristics would affect the overall UX when using the application. Determining the levels of satisfaction and investigating the apparent challenges the users faced while interacting with the application provided some insights into underlying factors. A theoretical framework was constructed using existing literature. Using a case study approach, data was collected by means of end user satisfaction and user experience questionnaires. Additional data collection was done by means of an expert review to obtain feedback on the content and workflow of the school health assessment application. The resulting findings from the research included, a descriptive list of factors that impact the school health assessment application, as well as a subsequent list of recommendations for improvements. These key-findings could lead to possible guidelines, while additionally, providing valuable insight into mobile school health applications on the whole.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Impact of intergrating teebus hydro power on the unbalanced distribution MV network
- Authors: Mthethwa, Lindani
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electric power systems , Renewable energy sources Hydroelectric power plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33054 , vital:32512
- Description: Small hydro power sources have been identified as one of the renewable energy technologies that the South African government is focusing on in order to generate more electricity from renewable/independent resources. Due to the low carbon output of most renewable energy technologies and the carbon intensive power generation technologies that are currently being used in South Africa e.g. Hydro, coal, gas, and etc. further pressure is increasing to incorporate cleaner forms of generation. In 2002 a study focusing on the hydropower potential was compiled providing an assessment according to conventional and unconventional possibilities for all the provinces. Nowadays, the power electricity demand is growing fast and one of the main tasks for power engineers is to generate electricity from renewable energy sources to overcome this increase in the energy consumption and at the same time reduce environmental impact of power generation. Eskom Distribution Eastern Cape Operating Unit (ECOU) was requested to investigate the feasibility of connecting a small hydro power scheme located in the Teebus area in the Eastern Cape. The Eastern Cape in particular, was identified as potentially the most productive area for small hydroelectric development in South Africa for both the grid connected and off grid applications. These network conditions are in contrast to the South African electricity network where long radial feeders with low X/R ratios and high resistance, spanning large geographic areas, give rise to low voltages on the network. Practical simulation networks have been used to test the conditions set out in the South African Grid Code/NERSA standard and to test the impact of connecting small hydro generation onto the unbalanced distribution network. These networks are representative of various real case scenarios of the South African distribution network. Most of the findings from the simulations were consistent with what was expected when comparing with other literatures. From the simulation results it was seen that the performance of the variable speed generators were superior to that of the fixed speed generators during transient conditions. It was also seen that the weakness of the network had a negative effect on the stability of the system. It is also noted that the stability studies are a necessity when connecting the generators to a network and that each case should be reviewed individually. The fundamental cause of voltage instability is identified as incapability of combined distribution and generation system to meet excessive load demand in either real power or reactive power form.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mthethwa, Lindani
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electric power systems , Renewable energy sources Hydroelectric power plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33054 , vital:32512
- Description: Small hydro power sources have been identified as one of the renewable energy technologies that the South African government is focusing on in order to generate more electricity from renewable/independent resources. Due to the low carbon output of most renewable energy technologies and the carbon intensive power generation technologies that are currently being used in South Africa e.g. Hydro, coal, gas, and etc. further pressure is increasing to incorporate cleaner forms of generation. In 2002 a study focusing on the hydropower potential was compiled providing an assessment according to conventional and unconventional possibilities for all the provinces. Nowadays, the power electricity demand is growing fast and one of the main tasks for power engineers is to generate electricity from renewable energy sources to overcome this increase in the energy consumption and at the same time reduce environmental impact of power generation. Eskom Distribution Eastern Cape Operating Unit (ECOU) was requested to investigate the feasibility of connecting a small hydro power scheme located in the Teebus area in the Eastern Cape. The Eastern Cape in particular, was identified as potentially the most productive area for small hydroelectric development in South Africa for both the grid connected and off grid applications. These network conditions are in contrast to the South African electricity network where long radial feeders with low X/R ratios and high resistance, spanning large geographic areas, give rise to low voltages on the network. Practical simulation networks have been used to test the conditions set out in the South African Grid Code/NERSA standard and to test the impact of connecting small hydro generation onto the unbalanced distribution network. These networks are representative of various real case scenarios of the South African distribution network. Most of the findings from the simulations were consistent with what was expected when comparing with other literatures. From the simulation results it was seen that the performance of the variable speed generators were superior to that of the fixed speed generators during transient conditions. It was also seen that the weakness of the network had a negative effect on the stability of the system. It is also noted that the stability studies are a necessity when connecting the generators to a network and that each case should be reviewed individually. The fundamental cause of voltage instability is identified as incapability of combined distribution and generation system to meet excessive load demand in either real power or reactive power form.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Motivation of construction workers in the nelson Mandela Bay Metropole, South Africa
- Jesumoroti, Christtestimony Oluwafemi
- Authors: Jesumoroti, Christtestimony Oluwafemi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Performance standards -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Construction workers -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Construction industry -- Employees -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30573 , vital:30962
- Description: The issue of construction workers’ motivation has become a subject of debate among construction project management professionals. Construction workers mostly work long hours in relatively disagreeable environments and, far from their families. Most of the activities are done under difficult conditions including harsh weather conditions, however, employees are required to be motivated towards ensuring the attractiveness of the industry to them. Moreover, there are diverse perceptions that the motivation of construction workers positively impacts construction workers performance or rather adversely affects the general performance of construction workers. Although, workers motivation has been proven to improve construction productivity globally, motivation of construction workers seems not to be effectively implemented in South African Construction Industry. As a result, it is difficult for management to identify motivational factors that affect workers productivity in a work environment. A quantitative research approach was employed to analyse the result obtained from a structured questionnaire survey. The research respondents included: bricklayers, plumbers, concrete workers, electricians, carpenters, and professionals. This study used data from primary source which focus on tradesman, labourer and professional context. A survey was conducted with tradesmen, labourers and professionals regarding motivation on construction workers which was conducted in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole, Eastern Cape. It was found that motivation is important to construction workers’ performance. Awarding bonuses to workers is important to improving workers’ efficiency and there is a need for construction workers recognition by management. Construction industry stakeholder should shift their attention and prioritise the motivation of its workers since the industry has a way of cubing poverty and uplifting the county’s economy. The findings revealed that motivational communication, rather than functional communication, would enhance worker productivity. It was found that both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards are needed to improve worker productivity. It was also found that positive reinforcement techniques, should be used to enhance worker productivity. The findings from this research study revealed that the motivational theories apply to construction workers, and management needs to apply these theories wisely to achieve improved productivity. The study therefore concludes that motivational techniques are necessary to improve construction workers productivity on a vii construction site. It is recommended that supervisors use motivational communication, extrinsic rewards, intrinsic rewards and positive reinforcement to motivate their workers to achieve higher levels of productivity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Jesumoroti, Christtestimony Oluwafemi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Performance standards -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Construction workers -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Construction industry -- Employees -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30573 , vital:30962
- Description: The issue of construction workers’ motivation has become a subject of debate among construction project management professionals. Construction workers mostly work long hours in relatively disagreeable environments and, far from their families. Most of the activities are done under difficult conditions including harsh weather conditions, however, employees are required to be motivated towards ensuring the attractiveness of the industry to them. Moreover, there are diverse perceptions that the motivation of construction workers positively impacts construction workers performance or rather adversely affects the general performance of construction workers. Although, workers motivation has been proven to improve construction productivity globally, motivation of construction workers seems not to be effectively implemented in South African Construction Industry. As a result, it is difficult for management to identify motivational factors that affect workers productivity in a work environment. A quantitative research approach was employed to analyse the result obtained from a structured questionnaire survey. The research respondents included: bricklayers, plumbers, concrete workers, electricians, carpenters, and professionals. This study used data from primary source which focus on tradesman, labourer and professional context. A survey was conducted with tradesmen, labourers and professionals regarding motivation on construction workers which was conducted in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole, Eastern Cape. It was found that motivation is important to construction workers’ performance. Awarding bonuses to workers is important to improving workers’ efficiency and there is a need for construction workers recognition by management. Construction industry stakeholder should shift their attention and prioritise the motivation of its workers since the industry has a way of cubing poverty and uplifting the county’s economy. The findings revealed that motivational communication, rather than functional communication, would enhance worker productivity. It was found that both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards are needed to improve worker productivity. It was also found that positive reinforcement techniques, should be used to enhance worker productivity. The findings from this research study revealed that the motivational theories apply to construction workers, and management needs to apply these theories wisely to achieve improved productivity. The study therefore concludes that motivational techniques are necessary to improve construction workers productivity on a vii construction site. It is recommended that supervisors use motivational communication, extrinsic rewards, intrinsic rewards and positive reinforcement to motivate their workers to achieve higher levels of productivity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Potable water production from atmospheric vapour using an ejector evacuated solar powered refrigeration system
- Authors: Cawood, John Henry
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Solar energy , Solar radiation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23481 , vital:30567
- Description: This research project explores the possibility of using solar radiation energy to produce safe liquid water through the condensation of atmospheric water vapour for human consumption, livestock watering and also for small scale high value crop irrigation. The research activities are comprised of a literature study, comparison of similar devices in use, a design and prototyping exercise, a measure of development work to enhance the performance of the prototype and testing in Al-Batinah province in the Sultanate of Oman, where the author is currently on a work assignment. This dissertation describes the research activities performed to answer the following question: ‘Is it possible to economically produce sufficient quantities of liquid water from atmospheric vapour using only heat energy from the sun?’ This question poses a further two questions which need to be answered in the literature study. These are: ‘What is an economical price for clean drinking water?’ and ‘What is a sufficient quantity of water?’ The purpose of producing liquid water from atmospheric water vapour is an attempt to develop the technology to harvest an alternative and almost inexhaustible water source. The reason for requiring a new source of water is due to the fact that the available fresh water resources of the world are diminishing due to pollution, extensive utilisation and salination. Several references indicate that the problem is compounding itself due the increasing demand on a diminishing resource, with deepening negative effects on agriculture1, health2, economy3, industry and lifestyle4. Many future scenarios depict clean water as a scarce and expensive commodity, unaffordable to many. The condensation of atmospheric vapour is not a new concept. The literature study explores historical attempts to achieve this, as well as detailing the shortcomings of contemporary vapour condensation units as the modern state of the art. This survey covers the spectrum from large versions deployed by military and remote area construction operations to produce water for all purposes, to small desktop electrical water producing machines. The focus of the research is on a more environmentally conscious process, attempting to use a simple ejector driven device with sunshine as the energy source and water as the refrigerant. A further environmental enhancement of the concept is that of designing the machine to last for an extremely long working life, thereby diluting the carbon footprint of manufacture over a great number of years. A portion of the research is devoted to the development of a basic model which takes into account the climatic and meteorological variables to accurately predict a water harvest. The development of the model is then used to optimise the process, narrow the variability of assumptions and assist with the design. The model also serves to predict the performance of the unit in other locations under different prevailing climatic conditions. A design specification and a prototype are produced and tested. Finally the design is scrutinised using value engineering principles to reduce cost, effort and environmental impact and also to reduce the overall cost to provide a more economically viable appliance. The prototype device used in this study will use a collector area of 1 square meter, roughly equivalent to 1000 Watts of solar power under ideal conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Cawood, John Henry
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Solar energy , Solar radiation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23481 , vital:30567
- Description: This research project explores the possibility of using solar radiation energy to produce safe liquid water through the condensation of atmospheric water vapour for human consumption, livestock watering and also for small scale high value crop irrigation. The research activities are comprised of a literature study, comparison of similar devices in use, a design and prototyping exercise, a measure of development work to enhance the performance of the prototype and testing in Al-Batinah province in the Sultanate of Oman, where the author is currently on a work assignment. This dissertation describes the research activities performed to answer the following question: ‘Is it possible to economically produce sufficient quantities of liquid water from atmospheric vapour using only heat energy from the sun?’ This question poses a further two questions which need to be answered in the literature study. These are: ‘What is an economical price for clean drinking water?’ and ‘What is a sufficient quantity of water?’ The purpose of producing liquid water from atmospheric water vapour is an attempt to develop the technology to harvest an alternative and almost inexhaustible water source. The reason for requiring a new source of water is due to the fact that the available fresh water resources of the world are diminishing due to pollution, extensive utilisation and salination. Several references indicate that the problem is compounding itself due the increasing demand on a diminishing resource, with deepening negative effects on agriculture1, health2, economy3, industry and lifestyle4. Many future scenarios depict clean water as a scarce and expensive commodity, unaffordable to many. The condensation of atmospheric vapour is not a new concept. The literature study explores historical attempts to achieve this, as well as detailing the shortcomings of contemporary vapour condensation units as the modern state of the art. This survey covers the spectrum from large versions deployed by military and remote area construction operations to produce water for all purposes, to small desktop electrical water producing machines. The focus of the research is on a more environmentally conscious process, attempting to use a simple ejector driven device with sunshine as the energy source and water as the refrigerant. A further environmental enhancement of the concept is that of designing the machine to last for an extremely long working life, thereby diluting the carbon footprint of manufacture over a great number of years. A portion of the research is devoted to the development of a basic model which takes into account the climatic and meteorological variables to accurately predict a water harvest. The development of the model is then used to optimise the process, narrow the variability of assumptions and assist with the design. The model also serves to predict the performance of the unit in other locations under different prevailing climatic conditions. A design specification and a prototype are produced and tested. Finally the design is scrutinised using value engineering principles to reduce cost, effort and environmental impact and also to reduce the overall cost to provide a more economically viable appliance. The prototype device used in this study will use a collector area of 1 square meter, roughly equivalent to 1000 Watts of solar power under ideal conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
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