From Above the Sky to Below the Earth: Crop type classification using satellite imagery and deep learning

Researcher:  Yusuf Mansoor, University of the Witwatersrand, JohannesburgSupervisor: Prof Adam Elhadi, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg Crop type mapping and classification is necessary for optimal cropland management. Remote sensing with satellite imagery has gained popularity due to the ease of accessibility and availability.  For this study deep learning neural

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Solving electricity crisis in SA

Researcher:  Kgothatso Makubyane, University of LimpopoSupervisor: Dr Caston Sigauke, University of Venda According to Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa is experiencing the worse year of load shedding. However, the is a solution to this obstacle Renewable energy resources (Wind, Sun and Water). The primary subject

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Automatic Karyotyping using Image Semantic Segmentation to Separate Overlapping Chromosomes

Researcher:  Boineelo Sekori, Sol Plaatje UniversitySupervisors:  Dr Albert Whata, Sol Plaatje University This study aims to automate karyotyping to successfully separate the overlapping human chromosomes.  The objectives are as follows:1. Automate semantic segmentation task for separating overlapping chromosomes.2. Perform human karyotype chromosome segmentation using deep learning algorithms.3. Assessing

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An Investigation into the Design of Bee-inspired Swarm Intelligence Ontology

Researcher:  Mukhethwa Mulangaphuma, Sol Plaatje UniversitySupervisor: Dr Colin Chibaya, Sol Plaatje University Swarm robotics is an AI field focused on applying swarm intelligence paradigms and methodologies to groups of homogeneous robots to perform difficult tasks that individuals cannot.  Social insects and other living creatures inspire swarm robotics. This research

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Shutting it down: The Relationship between Regime Types and Internet Shutdowns during Elections

Researcher:  Nerissa Muthayan, University of the Witwatersrand, JohannesburgSupervisor:  Prof. Rod Alence, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg The principles of democracy are crumbling, as the internet is becoming more censored.  Internet shutdowns during elections are detrimental to democracy and indicate a dangerous disregard for human rights and effective governance.  This

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Parallel Algorithm for Genotype Data

Researcher:  Taryn Michael, Sol Plaatje UniversitySupervisor:  Prof. Scott Hazelhurst, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg Genotype data helps understand how genetic variations lead to genetic diseases This data is extremely large to store and analyze efficiently Thus, the PLINK format was introduced to save storage space.  This research implemented

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Does Entrepreneurial support influence entrepreneurial intentions in South Africa?

Researcher:  Tshegofatso Kgomo, University of the Witwatersrand, JohannesburgSupervisor: Prof. Rod Alence, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg High youth unemployment and low economic growth are challenges in South Africa (SA).  Entrepreneurship is considered an essential catalyst for this challenge. For entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial intentions (EIs) are pivotal because they are the

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The Impact of Road Transport Infrastructure on Residential Real Estate Prices in the City of Johannesburg

Researcher:  Kola Ijasan, University of the Witwatersrand, JohannesburgSupervisor: Dr Babatunde Oluwayomi, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg Increase in Land Value – conventional urban land economics theories argue that transportation costs are a major element in land value.  The availability of transportation infrastructure such as motorways or train lines

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Does poverty cause terrorism?

Researcher:  Lulamile Mtebeni, University of the Witwatersrand, JohannesburgSupervisor: Prof. Rod Alence, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg This research analyses the assumption that the root cause of terrorism is poverty and other forms of socioeconomic deprivation. By analyzing all terrorist incidents between 1997 to 2020, this research sought to contribute

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Determinants of Age at First Marriage Among Women in South Africa

Researcher: Malahlane Komane, University of LimpopoSupervisor: Dr Alphonce Bere, University of Venda The study uses a recursive partitioning approach. To investigate the age at first marriage for women living in South Africa. There are well known methods of recursive partitioning which includes CART and random forest. The aim of

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