University of South Africa

About: University of South Africa is a education organization based out in Pretoria, South Africa. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Context (language use) & Population. The organization has 8478 authors who have published 19960 publications receiving 237688 citations. The organization is also known as: Unisa.

Recent Developments in Layer-by-Layer Technique for Drug Delivery Applications

Abstract: Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of polyelectrolytes to multifunctional polyelectrolyte multilayer hollow capsules (PMCs) with a core–shell structure is now a well-established method. PMCs have been s...

Fog harvesting: An alternative source of water supply on the West Coast of South Africa

Abstract: Experiments conducted during the 1990s investigated the feasibility of using fog water to supplement existing water supplies in the arid west coast region of South Africa. Based on these results, a project was initiated aimed at implementing an operational fog water collection system to provide potable water to a small, water-poor rural community. A 70 m2 fog water collector was subsequently erected on the crest of the hill located next to the mission station called Lepelfontein. The volume of water collected was measured by means of a water flow meter and a tipping bucket. An automatic weather station recorded rainfall, wind speed and direction. The data record spans the period September 1999–August 2001. This paper gives a brief overview of the methods used to select the experimental site and describes the design of the fog water collection system. This is followed by a detailed account of the water yields, the contribution of fog and rainfall to the total yield, the characteristics of wet events, the factors associated with water collection and water quality. On average, yields of around 4.6 l of water were collected per square metre of collecting surface per day with maximum daily yields approaching 4000 l. The quality of the water was excellent. It thus appears that fog water collection may have considerable potential as an alternative water source at many other locations on the west coast of South Africa.

Fabrication of Al–TiC composites by hot consolidation technique: its microstructure and mechanical properties

Abstract: Al-based metal matrix composites reinforced with different volume fraction of TiC particles as reinforcement was synthesized by the hot consolidation process. The titanium carbide used in this study was synthesized directly from the titanium ore (ilmenite, FeTiO 3 ) by carbothermic reduction process through thermal plasma technique. The field emission scanning electron micrographs (FESEM) reveals the homogeneous distribution of TiC particles in the Al-matrix. Enhanced Young's modulus and mechanical properties with appreciable ductility were observed in the composite samples. The significant increases in the mechanical properties of the composites demonstrate the effectiveness of the low-density TiC reinforcement.

Teaching practice generated stressors and coping mechanisms among student teachers in Zimbabwe

Abstract: We sought to establish stressors and coping mechanisms for student teachers on Teaching Practice from a Christian-related university and a government-owned teachers’ college in Zimbabwe. The sample was made up of 77 participants (38 females, 39 males). Thirty-two participants were from the university and 45 were from the teachers’ college. A questionnaire and an interview schedule were used to collect data. Frequencies and percentages were used in quantitative data analysis while qualitative data were thematically analysed. The main stressors revealed were problems with difficult learners, low allowances, heavy workload, and shortage of teaching and learning aids and, to some extent, supervision-related matters and the effect of the protracted industrial action by serving teachers that overlapped with the Teaching Practice period in the study. Most coping strategies were in the form of social-support networks, particularly interactions with family and friends. Student teachers suggested a number of actions to be taken to reduce the related stress. Recommendations are made.

Reading skills and mathematics : the practice of higher education

Abstract: This article considers the relationship between poorly-developed reading skills and academic performance in mathematics. It discusses some aspects that underpin all successful reading and considers these in relation to the reading difficulties experienced by a group of foundation phase mathematics students. The project investigating these difficulties was divided into a testing phase and an intervention phase. This article reports on the testing phase. South African Journal of Higher Education Vol.16(3) 2002: 196-206