A proposal for innovation and technology transfer at CUT

Published ArticleVision 2020 represents the preferred developmental way forward for the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT). It defines the intention of greatly increasing the involvement of its staff and students in innovation and technology transfer activities, resulting in the CUT having a greater effect on the socioeconomic development of the region. The article describes educational processes that would prepare graduates for such activities, as well as financial and other support measures to assist (prospective) entrepreneurs to convert research outputs into commercially viable products. The potential value to such individuals of participating in formal innovation and incubation activities is also described

Control algorythm of a smart grid device for optimal radial feeder load reconfiguration

Abstract Secondary distribution network, generally speaking, performs as well as the performance of its LV feeders. The main problem a feeder is experiencing is the load unbalancing due to the stochastic nature of its individual single-phase loads: bigger losses in certain phase accompanied with bed voltage regulation and voltage unbalance. The aim of this paper is to address the issue of automatic balancing as progressing from the end of the feeder towards the front using smart device based on three-ways switch selector and artificial intelligence algorithm to minimize the neutral current

An evaluation of the knowledge, attitude and practices of South African university students regarding the use of emergency contraception and of art as an advocacy tool

Background: This study assessed the knowledge and use of emergency contraception (EC) against the background of current sexual practicesamong a multi-racial student population at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In addition, the use of art as an advocacy tool in promoting awareness of EC and related sexual issues was also evaluated. Methods: A random sample of 162 students with equal representation of race and gender was interviewed. The questionnaire used addressed knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding contraception, with emphasis on EC and current sexual practices. It was administered by trained interviewers at three different sites at the DUT, where the Kara Walker image was also displayed on banners by Art for Humanity (AFH). Results: Over 77% of participants indicated that EC was some sort of birth control or contraceptive method. Only 51% of the respondents felt that ECwas a good form of contraception and 27% of all students indicated that it should not be used at all. However, given a choice, 66% of African students would use it, compared to 46% Indian, 31% coloured and 52% white students. The various levels of undergraduate study (i.e. first to third year) did not impact on the level of knowledge of or attitude towards the use of EC among students. Students had health and social concerns, including that if more men were informed about EC, they may use it to pressure women into having unprotected sex. Over 90% of students knew that EC did not provide protection from HIV, AIDS and STDs. Of the 162 students questioned, only 21% had seen the Kara Walker poster and their responses to the banner were varied. While a few students thought that it was an inappropriate portrayal of women, most students who saw the banner thought it was effective in drawing attention to the consequences of unsafe sexual practices.Conclusion: It is imperative that concise information and pre- and post-counselling be provided by health care professionals to empower individuals at tertiary institutions to make informed choices with respect to reproductive health. Proper dissemination of information will create awareness and enhance wider acceptance and the use of the arts as an advocacy tool may further promote health education

Genetic parameters of testicular measurements in Merino rams and the influence of scrotal circumference on total flock fertility

Genetic parameter estimates for scrotal circumference (SC), testis diameter (TD) and two-tooth liveweight (LW) were obtained for 1380 two-tooth Merino rams born from 1986 to 1998 on the Tygerhoek Experimental Farm. The effect of SC of service sires (n = 263) on ewe fertility was also investigated. Year of birth, selection group and LW were significant sources of variation for both SC and TD. SC had a significant effect on ewe fertility. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.29 to 0.40, 0.25 to 0.38 and from 0.49 to 0.52 for SC, TD and LW, respectively. Adjustment for LW decreased heritability estimates of SC and TD and the genetic correlations between the latter traits. Rams with an unadjusted SC of less than 30 cm should not be used. South African Journal of Animal Science Vol.32(2) 2002: 76-8