Central University of Technology

About: Central University of Technology is a education organization based out in Bloemfontein, South Africa. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Higher education & Population. The organization has 852 authors who have published 1478 publications receiving 13171 citations. The organization is also known as: Technikon Free State & Central University of Technology Free State.

The effect of acetone as a post-production finishing technique on entry-level material extrusion part quality

Abstract: Entry-level material extrusion artefacts persistently suffer from questionable weakened end-product production quality, according to industrial standards. These limitations can be addressed by the development of improved finishing techniques that may narrow the gap between low-cost and high-end production methods in additive manufacturing. In doing so, the technology may become available to a larger spectrum of prosumers who previously were reluctant to use entry-level technology because of these limitations. This article describes the effect that acetone has as a post-production finishing technique for low-cost artefact production. Through a series of quantitative investigations, the study provides evidence that acetone reduces the tensile strength, increases polymer ductility, and significantly reduces the surface profile roughness of thermoplastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The potential cost and waste reduction for entry-level manufactured products can then be identified.

Dark tourism: Growth potential of niche tourism in the Free State Province, South Africa

Abstract: Dark tourism involves tourists visiting sites of death, disaster and depravity. Well known dark tourism sites include Chernobyl in the Ukraine, the 9/11 Memorial in New York, and the Auschwitz conc...

Modeling the Effects of Land Use Change and Management Practices on Runoff and Sediment Yields in Fincha Watershed, Blue Nile

Abstract: In the Nile Basin, water from the Ethiopian highlands, particularly from the Blue Nile, has in the past benefited downstream people in Sudan and Egypt in different ways – agriculture, livestock, industry and power generation. Blue Nile contributes up to 62% of the total flow (measured at Aswan) and similar proportion of sediment to the Nile flow system. However, such benefits are now threatened due to the fact that the upper Blue Nile is heavily affected by watershed management problems, caused by overpopulation, poor cultivation and land use practices, deforestation and overgrazing, resulting in significant loss of soil fertility, rapid degradation of natural systems, significant sediment depositions in the lakes and reservoirs and sedimentation of irrigation infrastructures such as canals. Poor water and land management upstream reduces both potential runoff yields and the quality of water reaching downstream. The result is a vicious cycle of poverty and food insecurity for millions in the upstream; and poor water quality, heavy siltation, flooding, and poor temporal water distribution in the downstream threatening livelihood and economies in the downstream. It is widely recognized that improved watershed management in the Blue Nile will significantly increase water availability for various stakeholders within the basin. Preventing anthropogenic sediments reaching the Nile water system and enhancing runoff generated from upstream watersheds requires a better understanding of the characteristics, sources and processes generating the sediments so that effective land use and management practices can be implemented. The objective of this study was, therefore, to predict the effects of land use and management practices on runoff and sediment yields in Fincha watershed of Upper Blue Nile, Ethiopia, using SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model. Calibration results showed that the model adequately predicted runoff volumes and sediment yields with coefficient of determinations (R2) ranging from 0.82 to 0.86 and Nash Sutcliffe efficiency (ENS) ranging from 0.73 to 0.85. Simulation of various land use scenarios showed that average monthly runoff volumes increased by 12.68, 2.24 and 4.74%, respectively, when 20% of forest, 20% of grazing, and 20% of shrub land is converted to agricultural land. The respective increase in average monthly sediment yields were 16.20, 2.07 and 3.80%. Moreover, average monthly runoff volumes and sediment yields were increased by 17.86 and 19.46%, respectively, when 20% of each of forest, grazing, and shrub lands are converted to agricultural land simultaneously. Simulation of management practices also indicated that while runoff volumes remained almost constant, average monthly sediment yields decreased by 20.82-24.41 t/ha under various land use scenarios as the result of soil conservation interventions. This study demonstrated that SWAT model is a useful tool for modeling the impacts of land use and management practices on the hydrological processes and thus can serve as a basis for developing sound watershed management interventions in the study area.

The Digital Age: Changing Roles of Lecturers at a University of Technology in South Africa

Abstract: The purpose of this exploratory mixed methods study was to investigate the level of digital technologies acceptance at a University of Technology in South Africa and how lecturers perceive as their new roles in the digital age. A total of 86 lecturers from four programmes in the School of Teacher Education participated in the study. The data for the study was collected using questionnaires and an interview schedule. The study found that the majority of academics surveyed used mobile telephones and computer-based technology more frequently compared to other digital technologies. These findings indicate the high level of technology acceptance among lecturers in the School of Teacher Education. The second part of the study found that the perceived changing roles were influenced by the frequent use of computer-based technologies within and outside the classroom. The study highlight two implications that need to be addressed, namely, technology acceptance and management of roles associated with digital technology use.

Cost-effectiveness of direct metal laser sintered maraging steel inserts for plastic injection moulding process

Abstract: This paper describes an investigation into the possible heat transfer benefits of conformal cooling channels using maraging steel MS1 inserts, which could result in a reduction of cycle times and cost per product, and improve part quality by eliminating defects such as warpage and heat sinks. A manufacturing cost and lead-time comparison showed that a conventionally manufactured insert reached its break-even point after fewer injection moulding cycles than an additive manufactured insert, due to its lower manufacturing costs. During high-volume production, the additive manufactured insert becomes more profitable to use, due to its shorter cycle times.