Interview with Michael Welker

No Abstrac

The effect of Black Plastic Mulch on Growth, Production and Root Development of Chenin blanc Vines under dryland conditions

Studies have shown that black plastic used as a mulch at' planting time under conditions of limited or no irrigation, greatly increased the growth of the vines. Although the exposed plastic film deteriorated within two years, the favourable effect persisted to the fifth year after planting, bringing the mulched vines to production a year earlier than the unmulched vines. The advantages of plastic mulch are conservation of soil moisture, more uniform soil temperatures,weed control and less soil compaction. These factors increase root and shoot growth, and improve both survival of the young vines and production. The durability of the plastic film was extended by covering it with a layer of soil, and thus a longer period of weed control was obtained

Professionalising principalship in South Africa

No Abstract.South African Journal of Education Vol. 27(3) 2007: pp.431-44

The effect of Charolais and Hereford sires and straightbred and crossbred dams on pre-weaning growth of calves

Weaning performance of calves sired by Charolais and Hereford on dams of Angus, Bonsmara and Hereford and various crossbred dam combinations was compared. Charolais sired calves were on average 5 kg heavier at birth and 20 kg heavier at weaning than Hereford sired calves. Among the three straightbred dam breeds, the Bonsmara weaned calves that were approximately 6% heavier than both the Angus and the Hereford calves. The use of crossbred dams having intermediate levels of Charolais composition is suggested in crossbreeding programmes in intensive production systems based on cultivated pastures under irrigation. South African Journal of Animal Science Vol.32(1) 2002: 38-4

Using a portfolio of evidence in a community-based project module: reflection in perspective

Community-based learning is a relatively new field in South Africa. It has only been extensively included in academic programmes at universities for about fifteen years.Students have to make a positive contribution to individuals in their communities (Dukhan 2008:21) and develop a combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation in order to make a difference, and to promote the quality of life in a community (O Connor 2006: 52).Too often assessment reflects on a single quantitative measure or symbol to indicate a level of achievement. This aggregate does not, however, indicate the student‟s particular weaknesses and strengths, and whether or not he or she possesses competencies in a specific aspect. A more objective method/procedure of reporting assessment on levels of achievement and competency obtained is the compilation of a portfolio. The main aim of this paper is to provide some guidelines for the compilation and implementation of portfolios as a tool in authentic assessment for the student, but also acts as a document that would guide a community into the sustainability of the project

An Efficient Beam Steerable Antenna Array Concept for Airborne Applications

Deployment of a satellite borne, steerable antenna array with higher directivity and gain in Low Earth Orbit makes sense to reduce ground station complexity and cost, while still maintaining a reasonable link budget. The implementation comprises a digitally beam steerable phased array antenna integrated with a complete system, comprising the antenna, hosting platform, ground station, and aircraft based satellite emulator to facilitate convenient aircraft based testing of the antenna array and ground-space communication link. This paper describes the design, development and initial successful interim testing of the various subsystems. A two element prototype used in this increases the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by 3 dB which is corresponding to more than 10 times better bit error rate (BER)

Assessing NGO’s contribution to the overall quality of life and sustainability of the community, a case study

Abstract: The study first aims to determine the contribution of none governmental organizations, (NGO’s) to the overall quality of life of the community and its members. Quality of life is a vague and difficult concept and students have not yet agreed on the definition of quality of life (Kruger, Rootenberg, & Ellis, 2013; Massam, 2002; Dissart and Deller; 2000). The question that needs to be answered is how many of these statements have been translated into sustainable actions? In its simplest form it describes a person’s satisfaction or dissatisfaction with their life. Well-being and quality of life usually means the same (Kim, Uysal & Sirgy, 2013) and can be measured from a multi-material dimension and non-material dimension (Easterlin and Angelescu, 2012; Stiglitz, Sen & Fitoussi, 2010). Secondly it identifies the socio-demographic variables relative to quality of life perceptions. Embracing the framework of appreciative inquiry the researchers looks at how community engagement has continued to strive towards sustainability to be sustained in communities and then add to the quality of life in a community. There is a focus on the levels of interest in community engagement, with the intervention of students in a structured academic programme and what is being done by higher education institutions to sustain that interest. Theoretically this study contributes to the body of knowledge on the contribution of the School of Tourism and Hospitality, (STH), working with students over the last years (2014, 2015 and 2016). It is important that the STH develop long-term strategies for the NGO’s that will benefit the community and its members and so ensure the sustainability of the relationship with the NGO’s and improve the overall quality of life

Aftercare to chemically addicted adolescents: An exploration of their needs

Treatment of chemical addiction includes preparation for treatment, formal treatment and aftercare. The latter appears to be a neglected area in service delivery to chemically addicted adolescents, contributing to the high relapse potential following treatment. The current qualitative study aimed at both exploring and describing the aftercare needs of chemically addicted adolescents. The chemically addicted adolescents included in this study received in-patient treatment as well as aftercare, but nonetheless experienced a relapse; necessitating further in-patient treatment. Purposive sampling was implemented to recruit 31 participants between the ages of 14 and 20 years. The sample size was determined by data saturation. Data for this exploratory, descriptive and contextual study were collected by means of narrative inquiry. Tesch’s framework for qualitative data analysis was employed and data verification was conducted through Guba’s model. The findings illustrated a need to attend to adolescents intrapersonal and interpersonal as well as environmental needs following treatment. The results can provide service providers with focus areas to be included in aftercare services to these adolescents.Department of HE and Training approved lis