Synthesis of Bio-Based Polymer Products

The project covers the synthesis of two bio-based polymers. One aspect of the research investigates the synthesis of materials for use in vegetable oil-based UV-curable coating, and the subsequent polymerization of the materials into a coating film. The second aspect of the research follows the synthesis of a functionalized cellulose material for use as a reinforcer in a vegetable oil-based composite. Both products are subsequently analyzed by various methods

Introducing cooperative learning: students’ attitudes towards learning and the implications for self-directed learning

AbstractThis article reports on research that aims to enhance self-directed learning by introducingcooperative learning strategies. The two-fold aim of this research was firstly to determinewhether the implementation of cooperative learning in a Computer Application Technologyclass of first-year students contributed to positive attitudes towards learning, and secondly,whether students’ attitudes towards learning, after completion of the cooperative learningintervention, related to their self-directedness. We conclude that the implementation ofcooperative learning in a Computer Application Technology first-year class positivelycontributes to students’ attitudes towards learning and their attitudes towards learningrelated to their perceived self-directed learning (SDL) readiness

Management strategy for people management in the mining sector of Venezuela, Colombia and Chile

The stages of management strategic for the management of people of the mining sector of Venezuela, Colombia and Chile are analyzed. The research is of quantitative type, descriptive, and non-experimental cross-sectional design. The technique of the survey through a nine-item questionnaire, is used and applied to 55 managers, attached to each vice presidency of the companies Carbones del Guasare, SA, Carbonifero Cerrejon and Winter mine. The technique of analysis was descriptive, variance, linear regression and of factorial type. The results showed lack of significant differences between the stages of management strategic, considered to be moderate. The study showed that people management strategic management enhances sustainable competitive advantages as a distinctive feature in the real sector, becoming partner in generator of strategic value for their competence in the 0rganization, responding to the demands of the environment.Indexación: Scopu

Self-directed learning research and its impact on educational practice

This scholarly book is the third volume in an NWU book series on self-directed learning and is devoted to self-directed learning research and its impact on educational practice. The importance of self-directed learning for learners in the 21st century to equip themselves with the necessary skills to take responsibility for their own learning for life cannot be over emphasised. The target audience does not only consist of scholars in the field of self-directed learning in Higher Education and the Schooling sector but includes all scholars in the field of teaching and learning in all education and training sectors. The book contributes to the discourse on creating dispositions towards self-directed learning among all learners and adds to the latest body of scholarship in terms of self-directed learning. Although from different perspectives, all chapters in the book are closely linked together around self-directed learning as a central theme, following on the work done in Volume 1 of this series (Self-Directed Learning for the 21st Century: Implications for Higher Education) to form a rich knowledge bank of work on self-directed learning

Utilizing APEX2 to Identify Folding Factor Interactions in the Endoplasmic Reticulum

Protein (cargo) undergo folding and isomerization in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) with help from various folding proteins and chaperones. There is little knowledge of the interactions between a cargo and its folding factors and even less is known about whether these folding partners change as a function of time and/or context or whether the folding factors differ from cargo to cargo. APEX2 is an engineered monomeric peroxidase reporter capable of catalyzing biotinylation of nearby proteins when activated using peroxide in the presence of biotin-phenol. APEX2’s activity has been established in the mitochondria, so we developed a molecular tool to help identify cargo-protein interactions in the ER. Preliminary labeling work was performed using a fusion protein of APEX2 and albumin that demonstrated robust biotinylation activity in the ER. Our data suggests APEX2 is highly active in the ER and with careful manipulation; this method has the potential to help fill the large gap in knowledge of protein folding.M.Sc

Making biodiversity offsets work in South Africa - A governance perspective

South Africa is increasingly putting itself into an undesirable state of ecological deficit. Regulatory and other interventions are needed to stop and reverse ecosystem degradation. Biodiversity offsets are seen as one possible method of mitigating the current trends in biodiversity and ecosystem services loss in the country. However, for offsetting to succeed in practice, a number of barriers will have to be overcome. This paper discusses concerns raised by South African stakeholders as part of a policy development process implemented by the Department of Environmental Affairs and proposes how the identified barriers may be overcome in the South African setting

鋼琴戀曲２: 再說一次我愛你

本書由專業音樂人兼香港知專設計學院（前身為香港專業教育學院 (IVE) ）印刷及數碼媒體系講師負責編寫鋼琴樂譜，引領出流行曲的另一種鋼琴音韻，而收錄的25首本地流行樂曲，更是本地樂壇最經典的情歌，實可令讀者彈出醉人琴音。 樂譜包括：《童話》、《幸福摩天輪》等