Searching for the role of ICTs in development : a case study of a rural multi-purpose community centre in the Dwars River Valley, South Africa

Bibliography: leaves 94-99.This dissertation examines ICTs and their role in development. It explores a single case study of a rural Multi-Purpose Community Centre in South Africa in an attempt to gain a richer understanding of the issues surrounding the implementation of such centres. The study is socio-technical in nature and is based on a framework composed of interpretivism, hermeneutics and the actor-network theory. Key issues explored include: the affect of ICTs on the emergence of a local champion; the struggle of creating active participants in a project of this nature; and the usefulness of replication models in guiding implementations

Design and Development of a Lower Limb Rehabilitation Device for Spinal Cord Injury Patients

Introduction: Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are seen commonly in Southern Africa and can completely change the course of the affected's life. Lower limb disability is a common complication from this injury, but a patient can be rehabilitated in some cases. Research and clinical observations suggest that early mobilisation and rehabilitation leads to shorter hospital stays and better clinical outcomes. Relieving the time dedication placed onto the rehabilitation team could mean that patients receive a higher standard of care. Methods: A cyclic movement device has been designed to mimic the gait cycle that a patient is attempting to recover. The device was intended towards providing a ground reaction force simulation at the correct points of the gait cycle. The device was tested in-silico with validated skeletal models to determine joint torques and angles. In-silico testing was also utilised to determine the loads placed onto the patient by the device through its use. The force data could then be used to predict possible ground reaction forces. Results: The device allows for a gait similar trace path of the ankle, comparable to that found in the literature. The ankle has a range of motion of 3 1° as the device completes a full cycle in which the crank rotates 360 °. The hip has a range of motion of 28° and the knee 35° in this same movement. The shape of the displacements of the joints of the lower limb is comparable to that seen in researched gait patterns. However, the timing of the knee and hip joints' movements are not synchronous with that of the gait patterns. The device is validated to be sufficiently stable to use, and the motor and power components can provide the 7259N.mm of torque needed to move the model. Conclusion: The results suggest that the device has potentia l as an adjunct to rehabilitation schemes. In-silico testing showed that the device is able to simulate some of the kinetic and kinematic parameters seen in normal gait. Further work is needed to prototype the device to physically and clinically validate the device

Energy watch: an energy conservation project for elementary schools

The goal of this project was to organize and implement an energy conservation program for second and fifth grade students that would increase their overall awareness and understanding of energy concepts and energy conservation

The Chemical removal of sulphates using barium salts.

Thesis (M.Sc.-Chemical Engineering)-University of Natal, 1988.Abstract available in PDF copy

Extension of Liability of Abstracters

The General Rule.- In 1900 a standard encyclopedia said: By the weight of authority an abstracter is liable only to the person ordering and paying for the abstract; and where this view obtains, the fact that an abstracter has knowledge that his abstract is to be used in a sale or loan to advise a purchaser or person about to lend money does not affect the rule as to his liability. In some jurisdictions, however, the abstracter\u27s liability has been extended to protect those who, relying on the correctness of the abstract, are injured

...Carnival March...

https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/mmb-ps/3318/thumbnail.jp