3D printing of carbon nanofiber‐PLA composite

Abstract: The aim of this research study was to study the mechanical properties of carbon nanofiber (CNF) and Polylactide (PLA) composite. The composite material was developed by mixing Polylactide with carbon nano fiber using a three dimensional printer. The research study presents the following; the mixing ratios which were used, time intervals, mixing equipment and mixing method. After the composite material was developed, the mechanical properties of the material were studied. These mechanical properties include the ultimate tensile strength and yield strength between the two materials that is PLA and PCM composites. The effect of processing methods and conditions on the properties of CNF/PLA composites were also taken to consideration due to the impact they might have in the results obtained. An excel Anova software was also used to compare the UTS of the two materials and conclude if there is a significant difference between the parent material and the developed composite material. The Ultimate tensile strength improved by 4.16% from the initial ultimate tensile strength obtained from PLA samples, while the yield strength increased by 38.05% from the PLA. These results obtained conclude that the mechanical properties of the PCM have improved. At the end of the paper, recommendations of possible future challenges for CNF/PLA composites will be presented

Understanding Curriculum Policy and Practice

Exam paper for second semester: B.Ed. (Hons) (Understanding Curriculum Policy and Practice

Education Curriculum 3B

Exam paper (Supplementary) for second semester B.Ed

Pilot evaluation of a second-generation electronic pill box for adherence to Bedaquiline and antiretroviral therapy in drug-resistant TB/HIV co-infected patients in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

CAPRISA, 2018.Abstract available in pdf

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic across Africa : current status of vaccinations and implications for the future

The introduction of effective vaccines in December 2020 marked a significant step forward in the global response to COVID-19. Given concerns with access, acceptability, and hesitancy across Africa, there is a need to describe the current status of vaccine uptake in the continent. An exploratory study was undertaken to investigate these aspects, current challenges, and lessons learnt across Africa to provide future direction. Senior personnel across 14 African countries completed a self-administered questionnaire, with a descriptive analysis of the data. Vaccine roll-out commenced in March 2021 in most countries. COVID-19 vaccination coverage varied from low in Cameroon and Tanzania and up to 39.85% full coverage in Botswana at the end of 2021; that is, all doses advocated by initial protocols versus the total population, with rates increasing to 58.4% in Botswana by the end of June 2022. The greatest increase in people being fully vaccinated was observed in Uganda (20.4% increase), Botswana (18.5% increase), and Zambia (17.9% increase). Most vaccines were obtained through WHO-COVAX agreements. Initially, vaccination was prioritised for healthcare workers (HCWs), the elderly, adults with co-morbidities, and other at-risk groups, with countries now commencing vaccination among children and administering booster doses. Challenges included irregular supply and considerable hesitancy arising from misinformation fuelled by social media activities. Overall, there was fair to reasonable access to vaccination across countries, enhanced by government initiatives. Vaccine hesitancy must be addressed with context-specific interventions, including proactive programmes among HCWs, medical journalists, and the public

Technology helps put food on the table

The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform introduced the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP) in August 2009, with the aim of bringing about co-ordinated and integrated agrarian transformation to benefit rural communities. In a study to identify technologies available for rural development and initiatives that involve technology, it was found that the implementation of the programme leaves much to be desired. Tim Hart reports.

Technological initiatives for rural development: evidence from eight comprehensive rural development programme pilot sites

HSRC Policy Brief, MarchBetween July and October 2010, a multidisciplinary team of researchers, led by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), conducted a scoping study to identify technologies available for rural development and to develop baseline information on technology oriented initiatives previously and currently under way in eight of the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP) pilot sites across eight provinces in South Africa.