OpenUCT is the open access institutional repository of the University of Cape Town (UCT). It preserves and makes UCT scholarly outputs digitally and freely available, including theses and dissertations, journal articles, book chapters, technical and research reports, as well as open educational resources.
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In-Silico design and verification of an extracorporeal normothermic cardiac perfusion system for use during heart transplantation procedures
(2025) Van Den Berg, Ronald; Sivarasu, Sudesh
Heart transplantation relies on effective donor organ preservation to ensure successful graft viability. Since the first human heart transplant in 1967 by Christiaan Barnard, organ preservation techniques have evolved from static cold storage with cardioplegic arrest to continuous blood perfusion, which enhances metabolic support and extends viable ischemic time. This study explores the development of a system for continuous myocardial perfusion to improve donor heart preservation during transplantation. Using in-silico modelling and simulation, the study defines functional requirements for a proof-of-concept system capable of achieving physiologically relevant pressure and flow waveforms necessary for sustained coronary perfusion. A cardiovascular hemodynamic simulation environment was established by adapting lumped parameter models and integrating computed tomography angiograms, facilitating both in-silico and coupled in-vitro validation analyses. This enabled the development of a bench testing model that replicated physiologically relevant coronary perfusion dynamics. The bench testing model provided critical insights for refining in-silico simulations and optimising design parameters for improved myocardial perfusion. Validation was performed through vessel-specific flow rate comparisons with computational fluid dynamics simulations. Experimental results identified a time delay in relation to the identified set of functional and control parameters when achieving target physiological pressures, informing future system optimisation. Further findings allowed for the identification of relative flow proportion exiting through the Left Circumflex and Right Major Coronary arteries and was shown to behave as a second order time derivative with respect to the inflow waveform applied to a fabricated flow phantom during testing. Similarly, the proportion of flow exiting through the Left Anterior Descending and Ramus Intermedius arteries exhibited first order time derivative behaviour in relation to the inflow signal. The resultant outcomes of testing and analysis allowed for the tuning of an embedded pump control system yielding the optimised parameter control values for proportional, integral and derivative gain of 147.74, 2.57 and -4974.96 respectively. The findings of this study establish a framework for the development of an automated continuous myocardial perfusion system, contributing to enhanced donor heart preservation strategies for clinical transplantation. .
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Open Access
Gangs and youth at risk in the Western Cape a review of the literature
(2007) Choritz, Sharon Lisa; Van Der Spuy, Eirena
Gangs affect countries the world-over. The formation and consolidation of criminal gangs remains entwined with political, economic and social factors. In this minor dissertation criminological debates relating to the phenomenon of gangs are explored within the South African context, with a particular focus upon marginalised youth in the Western Cape. By drawing on a range of scholarly material, documentary material and legislative reports, a number of thematic issues relevant to the development and regulation (control) of gangs in South Africa are considered. South African history played a significant role in gang formation and development, especially amongst marginalised youth. In the case of South Africa, a number of political and socio economic factors provided a fertile breeding ground for the formation of gangs. The range of factors is discussed in this paper. Furthermore, legislation designed to stifle gang activity will be reviewed and intervention strategies identified and assessed. In the final instance I argue that gangsterism needs to be addressed holistically. A holistic approach will have to involve socio-economic development, community involvement and law enforcement. A truly holistic approach requires the co-ordination of the various relevant stakeholders as well as the growth of human development so as to address the psychological needs of marginalised youth, an important tool for youth identity and transformation.
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Open Access
Capital gains tax in South Africa
(2006) Calson, Mark Kenneth; Emslie, Trevor
Albert Einstein once said that the "hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax"'. It is thus most appropriate that Capital Gains Tax ("CGT") has not been introduced into South African law as a separate tax but has rather been added to the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962 ("the Act") by means of an Eighth Schedule ("the Schedule"), with the effect that the levying, collection and administration of CGT al I take place in terms of the Act
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Open Access
Principled approach to the computation of damages under section 8 of the promotion of administrative justice act 3 of 2000 for losses suffered as a result of the non-performance of social welfare administrators.
(2006) Burnell, Matthew Grant; Corder, Hugh
Social Welfare Departments, particularly in the Eastern Cape, are in disarray. Welfare grant applications are taking many months to be processed and paid. Consequently, those most in need of support are bringing actions against the Department requesting that their applications be considered and where necessary paid out. Applicants have also asked for damages for the losses that they have suffered as a result of tardy administrative payments. Such actions can be brought in the law of delict. However, this paper suggests that actions for damages in the social welfare context may be better suited to administrative law because it is more far reaching than delictual damages. It is suggested, however, that the manner in which delictual damages are quantified forms the basis for administrative law damages. Constitutional and administrative law principles will expand upon these delictual foundations to fashion damages that are better suited to the public law context. An analysis of the relevant case law has crystallized certain principles that the courts have adopted. These principles can be used to formulate appropriate compensation in each contextual scenario that presents itself before the courts. It must be recognized, however, that damages or compensation is only an element of remedial actions that can be adopted by the court. Any award of damages must complement these other approaches with the ultimate goal of administrative efficiency, provision of services and fairness in the Social Welfare Department.
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Open Access
The role of women in the formalisation of housing and placemaking: the case of the Victoria Mxenge housing project
(2023) Howard, Ashley Jean; Winkler, Tanja
The formal housing system in Cape Town presents a daunting challenge, with a significant backlog and a growing demand for housing opportunities. Policy challenges persist, including the perception that informal settlements are temporary. Thus, there is a need for a more nuanced approach to housing provision. Furthermore, gender disparities in urban spaces compound issues of well-being, safety, and community-building. Women face obstacles in accessing employment, education, and basic services, limiting their economic independence and social agency. A gendered lens reveals intricate layers of complexity, where disparities in resource access perpetuate the marginalisation of women. Despite constitutional and legislative provisions, women still face obstacles in land ownership and housing access. Thus, there is a need to explore women's inclusion in the formalisation of housing and placemaking to redress the historical and systemic failings of the state. This dissertation examines the multifaceted challenges within informal settlements in Cape Town, South Africa. It delves into three key issues: gender inequalities, the formalisation process of housing, and the need for community-focused placemaking principles. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of a women-led organisation on the formalisation of housing in informal settlements and how this organisation enables a sense of community through placemaking principles. To these ends, a black feminist lens, radical planning theories and placemaking principles are employed as theoretical frameworks for this study, while the case under study is the Victoria Mxenge Housing Project in Philippi. Methodologically, qualitative research methods (case study method and discourse analysis) are utilised to answer the main and subsidiary research questions. The tools that are used for data collection are interviews and mapping. The results of this study show that women-led organisations have a positive impact on the formalisation of housing and the community in informal settlements. Going forward, knowledge from this research recommends planning interventions and policy changes that emphasise the importance of empowering women through the adoption of gender-sensitive approaches in community initiatives for meaningful, inclusive place-making.