Accreditation in South Africa is a relatively new phenomenon compared to other countries. The United States of America have used accreditation for over a hundred years as a basis for quality assurance. This private, voluntary system of self-examination and peer review has been central to the creation of a U.S. higher education enterprise that is outstanding in many respects (Council for Higher Education Accreditation, 2013). Since the implementation of accreditation into the South African Quantity Surveying education system at Higher Education Institutes, it has promised numerous benefits with positive outcomes for universities and graduates. However, it has failed to convert these promises into a process that adequately prepares graduates that pass through the quantity surveying education programmes for the working world of the built environment industry. This investigation sought to discover the reasons why accreditation was not producing skilled graduates from accredited programmes in South Africa despite its claimed theoretical benefits. The research methodology adopted in this study was a quantitative approach. Two close ended well-structured questionnaires were developed and directed to a sample of quantity surveying graduates and built environment organisations who were actively practicing quantity surveying in Kwazulu-Natal. The purpose of the graduate questionnaire was to determine the opinions from graduates of quantity surveying programmes, their level of work readiness and the skills and competencies that they require for the world of work. The employer questionnaire identified the level of graduate quantity surveyors work readiness and the skills and competencies that they require for professional practice. Further investigations highlighted the responses of graduates from traditional universities and universities of technology, as well as male verse female comparisons. The findings of the study show that quantity surveying graduates were neutral about programme accreditation criterion and in it adequately preparing them for the world of work and professional practice. Employers agreed that students did not demonstrate a good balance of theoretical, practical and experiential knowledge. They were neutral about quantity surveying graduates and their level of work readiness from accredited quantity surveying programmes. They also regarded a combination of traditional, evolved and emerging skills and competencies as important for graduates to possess. The results indicate that the prescribed programme criterion for quantity surveying programmes do not align themselves with the expectations and needs of professional practice. Further findings indicate the SACQSP routes to registration requires students to graduate from accredited quantity surveying programmes. Only then can graduates professionally register and practice as professionals in society. However, it should be noted that most organizations (72.7%) did not require quantity surveying graduate employees to be registered with the SACQSP. A further analysis of quantity surveying graduates from traditional universities compared to universities of technology and male responses compared to female responses were conducted. The findings showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the them. To conclude, the current quantity surveying programmes offered by higher education institutes do not meet the requirements of the built environment industry by adequately preparing skilled quantity surveying graduates. The following recommendations were highlighted to assist in improving the current higher education quantity surveying programmes. These recommendations include an increased role and involvement of the built environment industry, collaboration between the SACQSP, higher education institutions and the built environment industry and future programme development.

Slope failure occurs due to various factors, one of the most significant being that of soil variability in a slope and associated geological threats such as unconsolidated soils, settlement, groundwater seepage and infiltration. The analysis of slope stability should incorporate and analyse the interactions between slope configuration, shear strength resistance, pore-water pressure and water conditions of a slope. This study focuses on the causal effects and slope stability of two natural slopes in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Large parts of the study area are underlain to great and varying depths by problem soils, namely the Berea Red Sands. These are dune soils, deposited by ancient wind activity, that are found parallel to the east coast of Durban. The Berea Red “sands” vary greatly in soil type ranging from fine grained sands to silts and clays. Those of looser consistency are known to undergo significant settlement under loading, and also with water interaction. The clay and silt varieties are known to exhibit heave under the same circumstances. In some cases, liquefaction of Berea sands may occur due to the loss of soil structure upon water introduction into the soil mass. The aim of this research is to formulate and compare the stability of the two slopes under different water conditions in the form of Factors of Safety and Probabilities of Failure, using RocScience© software. Site investigations were conducted to classify and collect soils, which were then put through rigorous laboratory testing. The results from testing were applied where possible to the modelling software and a host of important findings were made. The liquefaction potential of poorly graded, uniform Berea sands was observed first-hand on site, in the laboratory and again during slope stability analyses. As anticipated, the slope stability of both sites proved to increase reaching “optimum” conditions due to the positive effects of matric suction. Upon increasing water conditions further or saturating the slope, increasing incidences of failure and instability occurred due to the loss of matric suction and cohesion. This instability can also be attributed to the proven decrease in shear strength properties of the soil, cohesion and internal friction, leading to loss of shear strength in the slope. The positive effects of matric suction were further proven when the slope of Site A that considered matric suction (in the form of an air entry value), exhibited a slightly higher FOS and improved slope stability than the one without. The results and conclusions of this research project prove the importance of investigating a soils variability and the subsequent slope reaction under varying moisture conditions. These are key factors to consider prior to civil construction on problem soils, so as to mitigate major failures and the consequences thereof. Keywords: slope stability; soil variability; slope stability analysis; kinematic analysis; Factor of Safety; Probability of Failure; geotechnical design; applied geology; matric suction; soil shear strength; liquefaction potential; Berea Red sands.

The recent liberalization of the electricity market and increased environmental concerns as well as an increase in energy demand across the globe have brought the use of renewable energy sources such as wind energy to the fore. Some of the potential benets of renewable energy sources (RESs) are: localized generation, environmental-friendliness, generation of clean energy, reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, increase in energy generation for increasing demand, and reduction in transmission losses. However, high penetration of RESs exposes power grids to several challenges. Some of these challenges for RESs are: increases in voltage prole level, high power losses, reverse power ow (RPF), protection and control issues. The main concern of this research work is RPF. RPF is a situation whereby excess power generated on a grid as a result of high integration or penetration of RES is fed back to the source of generation. RPF exposes power grids to various challenges; aside from causing grid instability. RPF incurs additional losses on the grid, causing over-voltage and overloading of the connecting elements such as conductors and transformers. In recent times, various control strategies have been deployed to mitigate these eects on the grid. Energy management systems (EMSs) with energy storage devices (ESDs) are the most commonly applied strategies. However, intrusion into consumers' privacy and the high cost of energy storage devices poses a challenge to this approach. Voltage rise (VR) is one of the consequences of RPF. Line impedance reduction and reactive power compensation using exible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices are some of the methods use for voltage rise control. On-load tap changer transformers (OLTCs), generation curtailment and reverse power relay are also deployed to control RPF. However, reactive power compensation and generation curtailment approaches lead to power losses and voltage instability respectively. This thesis proposes a more secure method for utilising reverse power ow to supply power to modern electric vehicle (EV) charging stations through a multi-port power electronic transformer (MPPET). The proposed method consists of a RPF detection stage (RPFDS) electrically coupled to the point of common coupling (PCC), which discriminates between the total power generated on the grid and the actual load demand. A smart circuit breaker operates as soon as it picks up signal from RPFDS. The MPPET receives power from RPF utilization substation which is then used for electric vehicle (EV) charging. The method was validated experimentally in the laboratory. The results of the research work proved the eectiveness of the MPPET in voltage regulation and in RPF utilisation.

This study sought to look at the lives of former drug addicts who had managed to leave drug addiction, how they left and how their lives were after quitting drugs. A total of 6 participants who comprised of 4 former drug addicts and 5 community members in different capacities were individually interviewed. Data was collected and subjected to analysis by way of coding and identification of arising themes. The findings indicate that environmental factors are the major reasons as to why drug users continue using drugs. However, with the help of third parties like UYDEL or other peers, the drug addicts are able to quit drugs. Traumatic experiences also contribute to the exit of some from the industry. These findings show that one factor alone is not adequate for the drug addicts to quit drugs but it is rather the interplay of several factors or when a particular issue becomes extreme that the drug addicts finally quit drugs. Even after quitting drugs, there needs to be some sort of activities to make them busy and stay away from drugs. The study suggest that environmental influence is one of the biggest reasons in the first place for drug users to start using and continue using drugs. It is therefore imperative that the drug users be supported to access other things to make them busy which enable them to maintain their dignity and remain outside using drugs.

“Whenever we irrigate our crops with the scheme water, even the previously well-established crops starts wilting,” Farmers at Agoro irrigation scheme claimed. The main objective was to investigate the quality of water and soil at the scheme. Laboratory method of analysis was used and data were obtained based on experiments. For the first and second sets of the experiment, the average values for the parameters for samples at source were; Electrical Conductivity- 0.855dS/m, Nitrates- 4.22mg/l, Chlorides- 2.945mg/l, Boron- 0.52mg/l, Sodium- 0.31me/l and SAR- 0.546. For samples at reservoir; Electrical Conductivity- 2.43dS/m, Nitrates- 4.14mg/l, Chlorides- 1.64mg/l, Boron- 0.63mg/l, Sodium- 0.314me/l and SAR- 0.529. For samples taken from three points along the canal, the results were; Electrical Conductivity- 2.285dS/m, Nitrates-3.85mg/l, Chlorides-2.21mg/l, Boron-0.58mg/l, Sodium-0.313me/l and SAR-0.511. The soil samples taken from 19 plots were investigated for pH and electrical conductivity before and after applying water into it and averaged. The pH values for plots were grouped in ranges of acceptance as; 6-8.5 for plots M, L, T, R, N, A, J, P, O, G, H, Q, B, C and F. pH in the range of non-acceptance as >8.6 for plots D, K and S. The Electrical Conductivity values were grouped in a range of 0.8-3 dS/m which restricts growth of some crops and all plots were within that range. Salinity problem maybe originating from the reservoir as the EC values showed. The water from canal which comes from the reservoir has an effect on the soil since both the pH and the EC values increased when water was applied.

In this dissertation, I examine the secondary schools‟ preparedness to receive teenage mothers back following child birth in Ruhaama County, Ntungamo district. I studied Nyakyera secondary school, Kitwe secondary school, Rukoni secondary school and Ruhaama secondary school. The focus of the study was; to examine how schools have prepared the teachers and learners to receive teenage mothers back in school; assess the role of head teachers in complying with the school re-entry guidelines, and; explore the challenges faced by schools in preparation to receive teenage mothers in Ruhaama County, Ntungamo district. The study utilized a largely qualitative research approach. Data was collected from head teachers, teachers, current students and teenage mothers. I interviewed a total of 4 headteachers, 15 teachers, 4 students/learners in Nyakyera secondary school, Rukoni Secondary School, Ruhaama secondary school and Kitwe secondary school. I conducted in-depth interviews with the head teachers and teachers, Key Informant interviews with the headteachers and also reviewed relevant documents. The study adopted a case study design. The target population was 4 secondary schools, 4 head teachers, 15 teachers and 4 learners. Data collected were organized in thematic categories according to the study objectives and then analyzed thematically. During interviews, teachers and head teachers revealed that they allowed teenage mothers to rejoin at the level they left at, provide letters of transfer, support to teenage mothers such as providing counseling services, extra classes during weekends have been put in place by schools to ensure that teenage mothers get the best academic environment on their readmission to their respective schools. The study revealed that schools face some challenges such as high cost of maintaining teenage mothers at school, low parental involvement in the readmission of teenage mothers, lack of awareness of reentry guidelines by some schools and no child care facilities. In conclusion, interactions with school head teachers, teachers and teenage mothers suggest that despite several challenges of maintaining the welfare of these students in school, schools are ready to receive and maintain teenage mothers in school. Incidentally some of the challenges are largely specific issues such as high cost of maintaining teenage mothers at school, low parental involvement in the readmission of teenage mothers, lack of awareness of reentry guidelines by some schools and no child care facilities. Despite the general preparedness, it is important that to address some of the critical challenges, schools should strengthen the counselling program in the formal school system. The Ministry of Education should ensure that annual training in counselling skills is provided for all counselling staff in schools.

Introduction: In Uganda where Nakapiripirit district is situated, malaria is highly endemic and its burden is persistently high accounting for 34% of outpatient visits and 28% of hospital admissions in the country. Almost all the age groups in Uganda are affected by the disease, but greatest focus in control is being pointed at pregnant women and the children under the age of 5 for these are said to be the most vulnerable. However, little concern is been shown regarding knowledge, attitudes and practices of residents regarding indoor residual spraying. This study therefore aims at assessing knowledge, attitudes and practices of households regarding indoor residual spraying in Kakomongole sub-county, Nakapiripirit district. Methods: This was a cross sectional study employing quantitative methods of data collection. Simple random sampling technique was used to collect data from 97 study respondents using semi structured questionnaires. Data was entered in epi-data and exported to stata version 14 for analysis. Results were presented in form of tables, bar graphs and pie charts. Results: Majority of the study respondents 55.7% (54/97) were female, 39.2% (38/97) were aged 26-30 years, 34.0% (33/97) were Catholics and 48.5% (47/97) were peasants. About 51.5% (50/97) reported to have heard about indoor residual spraying, 55.7% (54/97) had been sensitized about indoor residual spraying and 48.5% (47/97) reported that IRS benefited them. About 34.0% (33/97) strongly agreed that malaria is a serious disease, 40.2% (39/97) strongly agreed that IRS is effective in malaria control and 34.0% (33/97) strongly disagreed with the statement that it is useless to apply IRS because you can suffer from Malaria anyway. Furthermore, 70.1% (68/97) reported to have ever used indoor residual spraying and 51.5% (50/97) reported not to be currently using IRS. Conclusions: There were generally low levels of knowledge of study respondents regarding indoor residual spraying as only about half of the study respondents reported to have heard about IRS. The attitudes of study respondents were generally positive as majority strongly agreed that it is an effective intervention in addressing the public health burden of malaria. Regarding practices about use of indoor residual respraying, study respondents generally had good practices as over 70% reported to have utilized indoor residual spraying. However, the level of utilization was observed to be reducing as only half were still using at the time of the study.

Children less than 5 years worldwide are known to be vulnerable and susceptible in many aspects of life. Malnutrition among children remains one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. In Uganda, malnutrition is one of the most serious public health problem and the biggest in the world. The objective of this study was to assess household food security and nutrition situation and associated factors in Apoi subcounty Apac district. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 120 households with the index child aged 6-59 months. Data was collected through qualitative and quantitative approaches using pretested semi-structured questionnaires and focused group discussion guides. Random sampling was used to sample households. Nutritional status was analyzed using weight-for-age, weight-for-height and height-forage z-scores of WHO (2006) and mid-upper arm circumference. Food coping strategies and socio-economic status were analyzed using the ideas discussed from the focused group discussions SPSS Nutrisurvey, ENA for SMART software were used for data analysis. The mean household size was with Male-headed households were 30% and women headed were 70. The main source of household income was casual labor and 75% of that income was spent on food. About 90% of households lived below one dollar per capita income per day. The mean household dietary diversity score was 6.2(SD=0.9) with 98% of households consuming more than 4 food groups. Global and severe acute malnutrition prevalence were 5.1 % and 0.5% respectively. Underweight and stunting prevalence were 14.2% and 30% respectively. Majority of the households used unsafe water. Morbidity experiences were high with acute respiratory infections being most prevalent followed by febrile illness and diarrhea. Increase in income was associated with increase in household dietary diversity (p<0.05). Larger households were more food insecure than smaller households (p<0.01). No individual measure captured all dimensions of food security and a suite of indicators are used to cover the different dimensions of food security. Although the dietary diversity in Apoi is high, it does not translate into adequate nutrient intake in the households probably because the amounts are inadequate. Using the food record, majority of the households are food insecure while acute and chronic malnutrition is at alert and serious levels respectively. Furthermore, food security and economic growth do not necessarily translate to improved nutrition. Therefore, a multispectral approach that will address household dynamics, health and sanitation is necessary to improve nutritional status in Apac district Conclusion. This study indicated that child malnutrition was high among children below 5 years of age. Large family size had inadequate meals compared to smaller families.

The study aimed at assessing the role of community driven development (CDD) on the empowering the youth. The study sought to find out the different CDD sub-projects; the approaches and methods in implementing CDD; the knowledge and skills utilization; Impact of CDD on youth‟s attitudes and behaviors change towards development and how it addressed youth challenges; and challenges faced during the CDD implementation for youth empowerment. The research methods used included among others descriptive cross-sectional study with a combination of qualitative and quantitative data methods. The area of the study was Akwang Sub-County, Kitgum District. The respondents of the study were the youth, local and the district leaders. The data collection techniques included the key informant interviews and/or in-depth interviews, questionnaires, FDGs, and documentary reviews covering two villages in each of the three parishes. The study findings revealed that the different CDD sub-projects carried out were brick making, training and teaching, football clubs, carpentry, agriculture, VSLA, poultry keeping and goats rearing. The study revealed that the approaches community uses were top down, bottom up, empowerment, and right based approaches respectively. The method identified were directive, non-directive, and integrated methods as mentioned by the youth. The skills utilization were mixed with the different CDD sub-projects. The study found out that the impact were creativity and innovation, sense of independence, self awareness, demands for further skills, carpentry works, and the challenges revealed by the study are poor education and training, inequality and exclusion, the cost of implementation, weak infrastructure, political interference, and land conflict. Evidently, with the different literature and the gaps cited in them, the most important contributions made by the study in fulfilling the gaps was that the development assistance should work for the benefit of youth (as target beneficiaries); with youth as partners; and be shaped by youth as leaders. The study showed that CDD does not cater to problems that are beyond the capacity of youth, because CDD is demand-driven, it tends to select communities that already have in kind commitments and planning capacity, this means that, in the absence of careful selection criteria, the poorest communities with limited capacity are crowded out. The process of CDD project sub-projects to reach approval or financial closure and receipts of funds lengthy and laborious. The District should provide practical vocational training to our youth to help reduce on the money oriented issues given as the CDD grants provisions by the District. There is need to improve and clarify the facilitation and funds released to local governments for CDD project implementation as well as improvement on the lack of adequate facilities to enable project implementation at the local government level.

Lactase deficiency is present in up to 15 % of persons of northern European descent, up to 80 % of blacks and Latinos, and up to 100 % of American Indians and Asians. About 78% of Africans have lactose Intolerance and 58% in Ugandans. Probiotic yogurt, comprised of a Fiti sachet containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Streptococcus thermophilus C106, has been used in the developing world, notably Africa, to alleviate malnutrition and disease. In sub-Saharan African countries, fermentation of cereals such as millet, is culturally significant. The aim of this study was to investigate milk fermentation capability of fermented finger millet extract when compared to commercially available yoghurt starter cultures. The objectives were: (i) to determine the time taken by the different yoghurt cultures to attain a pH of 4.5; (ii) to compare the efficiency of lactose fermentation of the locally made-culture and the commercial yoghurt cultures and (iii) to determine the shelf-life of yoghurt made by the different yoghurt cultures. The local culture was prepared from finger millet and the yoghurt samples were then made from the cultures. These yoghurt samples were the evaluated for shelf life tests, organoleptic tests and time taken for the attainment of a pH 4.5 in each of the cultures. Lactose content evaluation was carried out after a period of 24 hours for three days. Lactose reduced in all fermented products. After three days of observation, lactose content in yogurt made from fermented finger millet extract reduced to 1.4g/20mls compared to <0.5g/20mls in Danisco Yo-Mix and Hansen Yoflex commercial yoghurt starter cultures. Yoghurt produced from commercial starter cultures had the longest shelf life of up to three days compared to that from the fermented finger millet extract that lasted for only two days.