Amphiphilic axially modified cationic indium-porphyrins linked to hydrophilic magnetic nanoparticles for photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy against gram-negative strain; Escherichia coli
- Makolla, Collen L, Mgidlana, Sithi, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Makolla, Collen L , Mgidlana, Sithi , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185024 , vital:44317 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2021.109262"
- Description: In this study, we report on the synthesis, characterization, and application of indium porphyrins linked to silver core-shell magnetic nanoparticles for in vitro photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) against gram-negative strain, E. coli. This work compares the photophysicochemical and PACT activities of InCl 5-p-carboxyphenyl-10-15-20-(tris-4-methylpyridinium)-triiodide porphyrin (1), InCl 5-p-carboxyphenyl-10-15-20-(tris-4-hexylpyridinium)-triiodide porphyrin (2), In (para-aminophenyl) 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-methylpyridinium)-tetraiodide porphyrin (3), and In (para-aminophenyl) 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-hexylpyridinium)-tetraiodide porphyrin (4). The comparisons were based on the structure and number of charges. Hydrophilic and hydrophobic characters of the amphiphilic porphyrins were studied by comparing the effect of the different alkyl halides (iodomethane and iodohexane) quaternizing agents. The porphyrin complexes were further linked to magnetic nanoparticles to facilitate antimicrobial synergy and recovery of the complexes after use. High Log reduction values ranging from 7.19 to 9.58 were obtained for the quaternized complexes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Makolla, Collen L , Mgidlana, Sithi , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185024 , vital:44317 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2021.109262"
- Description: In this study, we report on the synthesis, characterization, and application of indium porphyrins linked to silver core-shell magnetic nanoparticles for in vitro photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) against gram-negative strain, E. coli. This work compares the photophysicochemical and PACT activities of InCl 5-p-carboxyphenyl-10-15-20-(tris-4-methylpyridinium)-triiodide porphyrin (1), InCl 5-p-carboxyphenyl-10-15-20-(tris-4-hexylpyridinium)-triiodide porphyrin (2), In (para-aminophenyl) 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-methylpyridinium)-tetraiodide porphyrin (3), and In (para-aminophenyl) 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-hexylpyridinium)-tetraiodide porphyrin (4). The comparisons were based on the structure and number of charges. Hydrophilic and hydrophobic characters of the amphiphilic porphyrins were studied by comparing the effect of the different alkyl halides (iodomethane and iodohexane) quaternizing agents. The porphyrin complexes were further linked to magnetic nanoparticles to facilitate antimicrobial synergy and recovery of the complexes after use. High Log reduction values ranging from 7.19 to 9.58 were obtained for the quaternized complexes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Efforts towards engaging communities to promote the benefits of biological control research and implementation in South Africa
- Weaver, Kim N, Hill, Martin P, Byrne, Marcus J, Ivey, Philip J
- Authors: Weaver, Kim N , Hill, Martin P , Byrne, Marcus J , Ivey, Philip J
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/414428 , vital:71146 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-ento_v29_n3_a23"
- Description: In the last decade, biological control in South Africa has evolved from a classical applied science, allied to an extension service, to a more community engagement-based activity. Therefore, capacity building is important for the sustainability of biological control research and its implementation. In South Africa, a broad approach has been taken to build capacity in weed biological control, starting at grass-roots level with primary and secondary school learner programmes, through to developing research capacity at the tertiary level and enhancing technical capacity through adult education. Non-specialists are empowered through access to knowledge. The dissemination of accurate information through the most appropriate outlets has become increasingly important, including non-traditional science communication through the internet and, more importantly, social media, which has the potential to reach a far wider audience. Public understanding of biological control has the potential to contribute significantly to the green and knowledge economies of South Africa, but relies on government support for the sustainability of this discipline.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Weaver, Kim N , Hill, Martin P , Byrne, Marcus J , Ivey, Philip J
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/414428 , vital:71146 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-ento_v29_n3_a23"
- Description: In the last decade, biological control in South Africa has evolved from a classical applied science, allied to an extension service, to a more community engagement-based activity. Therefore, capacity building is important for the sustainability of biological control research and its implementation. In South Africa, a broad approach has been taken to build capacity in weed biological control, starting at grass-roots level with primary and secondary school learner programmes, through to developing research capacity at the tertiary level and enhancing technical capacity through adult education. Non-specialists are empowered through access to knowledge. The dissemination of accurate information through the most appropriate outlets has become increasingly important, including non-traditional science communication through the internet and, more importantly, social media, which has the potential to reach a far wider audience. Public understanding of biological control has the potential to contribute significantly to the green and knowledge economies of South Africa, but relies on government support for the sustainability of this discipline.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Evaluating and reflecting on coproduction of protected area management plans
- Roux, Dirk J, Nel, Jeanne L, Freitag, Stefanie, Novellie, Peter, Rosenberg, Eureta
- Authors: Roux, Dirk J , Nel, Jeanne L , Freitag, Stefanie , Novellie, Peter , Rosenberg, Eureta
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/370550 , vital:66353 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.542"
- Description: Protected areas are complex social-ecological systems, hence their management should be guided by engagement and co-learning with diverse stakeholders. The challenge of effective stakeholder participation has generated a body of literature on the design and facilitation of coproduction processes. In this study, we used this literature to develop a principle-based framework for assessing coproduction. We then applied this framework to evaluate how well “adaptive planning” (a sub-process of adaptive management used for visioning and objective setting with stakeholders), as applied to the Garden Route National Park in South Africa, aligned with the ideals of coproduction. Our analysis revealed shortcomings in the adaptive planning process, which could be improved through broadening the agenda beyond the mandate and control of national parks, empowering collective agency among a wider stakeholder network, and embedding co-learning with stakeholders as an ongoing journey. A significant finding was that adaptive management does not align well with the ideals of coproduction, which may be better supported by an adaptive comanagement approach. The latter is particularly necessary in complex national parks that are diverse in terms of both ecosystems and stakeholders, and where governance may be contested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Roux, Dirk J , Nel, Jeanne L , Freitag, Stefanie , Novellie, Peter , Rosenberg, Eureta
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/370550 , vital:66353 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.542"
- Description: Protected areas are complex social-ecological systems, hence their management should be guided by engagement and co-learning with diverse stakeholders. The challenge of effective stakeholder participation has generated a body of literature on the design and facilitation of coproduction processes. In this study, we used this literature to develop a principle-based framework for assessing coproduction. We then applied this framework to evaluate how well “adaptive planning” (a sub-process of adaptive management used for visioning and objective setting with stakeholders), as applied to the Garden Route National Park in South Africa, aligned with the ideals of coproduction. Our analysis revealed shortcomings in the adaptive planning process, which could be improved through broadening the agenda beyond the mandate and control of national parks, empowering collective agency among a wider stakeholder network, and embedding co-learning with stakeholders as an ongoing journey. A significant finding was that adaptive management does not align well with the ideals of coproduction, which may be better supported by an adaptive comanagement approach. The latter is particularly necessary in complex national parks that are diverse in terms of both ecosystems and stakeholders, and where governance may be contested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Happy without money: Minimally monetized societies can exhibit high subjective well-being
- Miñarro, Sara, Reyes-García V, Aswani, Shankar, Selim, Samiya, Barrington-Leigh, Christopher P, Galbraith, Eric D
- Authors: Miñarro, Sara , Reyes-García V , Aswani, Shankar , Selim, Samiya , Barrington-Leigh, Christopher P , Galbraith, Eric D
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403430 , vital:69960 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0244569"
- Description: Economic growth is often assumed to improve happiness for people in low income countries, although the association between monetary income and subjective well-being has been a subject of debate. We test this assumption by comparing three different measures of subjective well-being in very low-income communities with different levels of monetization. Contrary to expectations, all three measures of subjective well-being were very high in the least-monetized sites and comparable to those found among citizens of wealthy nations. The reported drivers of happiness shifted with increasing monetization: from enjoying experiential activities in contact with nature at the less monetized sites, to social and economic factors at the more monetized sites. Our results suggest that high levels of subjective well-being can be achieved with minimal monetization, challenging the perception that economic growth will raise life satisfaction among low income populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Miñarro, Sara , Reyes-García V , Aswani, Shankar , Selim, Samiya , Barrington-Leigh, Christopher P , Galbraith, Eric D
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403430 , vital:69960 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0244569"
- Description: Economic growth is often assumed to improve happiness for people in low income countries, although the association between monetary income and subjective well-being has been a subject of debate. We test this assumption by comparing three different measures of subjective well-being in very low-income communities with different levels of monetization. Contrary to expectations, all three measures of subjective well-being were very high in the least-monetized sites and comparable to those found among citizens of wealthy nations. The reported drivers of happiness shifted with increasing monetization: from enjoying experiential activities in contact with nature at the less monetized sites, to social and economic factors at the more monetized sites. Our results suggest that high levels of subjective well-being can be achieved with minimal monetization, challenging the perception that economic growth will raise life satisfaction among low income populations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Heavy metal profiles in limpets and algae on the Eastern Cape coast of South Africa
- N Mbandzi, N., Nakin, MDV., Saibu, GM, Oyedeji, AO
- Authors: N Mbandzi, N. , Nakin, MDV. , Saibu, GM , Oyedeji, AO
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Marine Pollution Bioaccumulation Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6936 , vital:52572 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.2989/1814232X.2021.1948918"
- Description: Heavy metal pollution is an increasing threat to the marine environment and is a major health concern. Both marine limpets and algae have been employed as biomonitors elsewhere in the world, but there are few or no data for these taxa along the South African coast. We investigated heavy metal concentrations in the tissues of selected limpet and algae species sampled at four sites on the southeast coast of South Africa (Silaka, Hluleka, Mthatha and Mbhashe), and determined whether there was any relationship between heavy metal concentrations in the limpets and their algae food sources as evidenced by the trophic transfer factor (TTF). Samples were collected in July 2019 and the tissues were digested following normal protocols. Heavy metals were detected using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Significant differences in metal concentrations were observed among the algae species. The soft tissues of limpets from Silaka had the highest heavy metal concentrations, and samples from Mthatha had the lowest, with only mercury (Hg) occurring in high concentrations. Metal concentrations in soft tissues were generally 10-times higher than in shell tissues and differed between lower- and upper-shore species. Cadmium (Cd) biomagnified (TTF > 1) in all limpet species at all sites. Cd, arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and Hg measured in our study were above the maximum limits set by the South African Department of Health. This study suggests that the use of limpet and algae species as bioindicators is feasible since they are widely distributed and can accumulate a wide range of heavy metals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: N Mbandzi, N. , Nakin, MDV. , Saibu, GM , Oyedeji, AO
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Marine Pollution Bioaccumulation Article
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/6936 , vital:52572 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.2989/1814232X.2021.1948918"
- Description: Heavy metal pollution is an increasing threat to the marine environment and is a major health concern. Both marine limpets and algae have been employed as biomonitors elsewhere in the world, but there are few or no data for these taxa along the South African coast. We investigated heavy metal concentrations in the tissues of selected limpet and algae species sampled at four sites on the southeast coast of South Africa (Silaka, Hluleka, Mthatha and Mbhashe), and determined whether there was any relationship between heavy metal concentrations in the limpets and their algae food sources as evidenced by the trophic transfer factor (TTF). Samples were collected in July 2019 and the tissues were digested following normal protocols. Heavy metals were detected using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Significant differences in metal concentrations were observed among the algae species. The soft tissues of limpets from Silaka had the highest heavy metal concentrations, and samples from Mthatha had the lowest, with only mercury (Hg) occurring in high concentrations. Metal concentrations in soft tissues were generally 10-times higher than in shell tissues and differed between lower- and upper-shore species. Cadmium (Cd) biomagnified (TTF > 1) in all limpet species at all sites. Cd, arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and Hg measured in our study were above the maximum limits set by the South African Department of Health. This study suggests that the use of limpet and algae species as bioindicators is feasible since they are widely distributed and can accumulate a wide range of heavy metals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Impact of axial ligation on photophysical and photodynamic antimicrobial properties of indium (III) methylsulfanylphenyl porphyrin complexes linked to silver-capped copper ferrite magnetic nanoparticles
- Makola, Collen L, Nyokong, Tebello, Amuhaya, Edith K
- Authors: Makola, Collen L , Nyokong, Tebello , Amuhaya, Edith K
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185942 , vital:44450 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2020.114882"
- Description: Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) is a well-known technique used against bacteria that have developed resistance towards antibiotics. We herein report the synthesis, photophysical properties, and PACT activity of 2-hydroxypyridine axial ligated indium 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-phenylmethylthio) porphyrin (3) and quaternized 2-hydroxypyridine axial ligated indium 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-phenylmethylthio) porphyrin (4). The porphyrin complexes (3 and 4) were further linked to oleyamine (OLM)/oleic acid (OLA) capped Ag/CuFe2O4 and also 6-mercapto-1-hexanol functionalized (MCH-Ag/CuFe2O4) nanoparticles through silver - sulphur (Ag-S) and silver-nitrogen (Ag-N); self-assembly. The PACT studies were carried out using Staphylococcus aureus. While all the synthesized porphyrins demonstrated PACT activity, the quaternized complex and its conjugate showed the highest PACT activity with 0% cell viability after irradiation for 25 min, resulting in a log reduction of 8.31.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Makola, Collen L , Nyokong, Tebello , Amuhaya, Edith K
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185942 , vital:44450 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2020.114882"
- Description: Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) is a well-known technique used against bacteria that have developed resistance towards antibiotics. We herein report the synthesis, photophysical properties, and PACT activity of 2-hydroxypyridine axial ligated indium 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-phenylmethylthio) porphyrin (3) and quaternized 2-hydroxypyridine axial ligated indium 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(4-phenylmethylthio) porphyrin (4). The porphyrin complexes (3 and 4) were further linked to oleyamine (OLM)/oleic acid (OLA) capped Ag/CuFe2O4 and also 6-mercapto-1-hexanol functionalized (MCH-Ag/CuFe2O4) nanoparticles through silver - sulphur (Ag-S) and silver-nitrogen (Ag-N); self-assembly. The PACT studies were carried out using Staphylococcus aureus. While all the synthesized porphyrins demonstrated PACT activity, the quaternized complex and its conjugate showed the highest PACT activity with 0% cell viability after irradiation for 25 min, resulting in a log reduction of 8.31.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Muco-adhesive clarithromycin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers for ocular delivery: Formulation, characterization, cytotoxicity and stability
- Makoni, Pedzisai A, Khamanga, Sandile M, Walker, Roderick B
- Authors: Makoni, Pedzisai A , Khamanga, Sandile M , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183150 , vital:43916 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jddst.2020.102171"
- Description: Topical ophthalmic formulations are the preferred approach to treat the anterior segment of the eye as it is a non-invasive therapeutic approach. The ocular bioavailability of drugs is generally limited, due to the presence of impervious anatomical barriers and low residence time and contact with the target tissue. Optimization of clarithromycin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers using Design of Experiments was undertaken. Manufacture of nanostructured lipid carriers was achieved using hot emulsification ultrasonication. Formulation and process parameters were successfully identified following screening and subsequently optimized using Tween® 20, as a stabilizer. Muco-adhesive properties that could potentially increase ocular residence time, in vitro clarithromycin release and cytotoxicity against HeLa cells were evaluated. Short term stability studies of the optimized lipidic formulations was assessed at 4 °C and 22 °C. The optimized formulation exhibited muco-adhesive properties under stationary conditions assessed using Laser Doppler Anemometry, sustained release of API over 24 h under in vitro conditions. In vitro cytotoxicity studies revealed that the NLC were less cytotoxic to HeLa cells in comparison to pure API. The results suggest that the optimized carriers may have the potential to enhance precorneal retention, increase ocular availability and permit dose reduction or permit use of a longer dosing frequency.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Makoni, Pedzisai A , Khamanga, Sandile M , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183150 , vital:43916 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jddst.2020.102171"
- Description: Topical ophthalmic formulations are the preferred approach to treat the anterior segment of the eye as it is a non-invasive therapeutic approach. The ocular bioavailability of drugs is generally limited, due to the presence of impervious anatomical barriers and low residence time and contact with the target tissue. Optimization of clarithromycin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers using Design of Experiments was undertaken. Manufacture of nanostructured lipid carriers was achieved using hot emulsification ultrasonication. Formulation and process parameters were successfully identified following screening and subsequently optimized using Tween® 20, as a stabilizer. Muco-adhesive properties that could potentially increase ocular residence time, in vitro clarithromycin release and cytotoxicity against HeLa cells were evaluated. Short term stability studies of the optimized lipidic formulations was assessed at 4 °C and 22 °C. The optimized formulation exhibited muco-adhesive properties under stationary conditions assessed using Laser Doppler Anemometry, sustained release of API over 24 h under in vitro conditions. In vitro cytotoxicity studies revealed that the NLC were less cytotoxic to HeLa cells in comparison to pure API. The results suggest that the optimized carriers may have the potential to enhance precorneal retention, increase ocular availability and permit dose reduction or permit use of a longer dosing frequency.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Solar Driven Photocatalytic Activity of Porphyrin Sensitized TiO2
- Otieno, Sebastien, Lanterna, Anabel E, Mack, John, Derese, Solomon, Amuhaya, Edith K, Nyokong, Tebello, Scaiano, Juan C
- Authors: Otieno, Sebastien , Lanterna, Anabel E , Mack, John , Derese, Solomon , Amuhaya, Edith K , Nyokong, Tebello , Scaiano, Juan C
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190612 , vital:45010 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26113131"
- Description: The absence of a secure long-term sustainable energy supply is recognized as a major worldwide technological challenge. The generation of H2 through photocatalysis is an environmentally friendly alternative that can help solve the energy problem. Thus, the development of semiconductor materials that can absorb solar light is an attractive approach. TiO2 has a wide bandgap that suffers from no activity in the visible spectrum, limiting its use of solar radiation. In this research, the semiconductor absorption profile was extended into the visible region of the solar spectrum by preparing porphyrin-TiO2 (P-TiO2 ) composites of meso-tetra(4-bromophenyl)porphyrin (PP1) and meso-tetra(5-bromo-2-thienyl)porphyrin (PP2) and their In(III), Zn(II) and Ga(III) metal complexes. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations were performed on the porphyrins to gain insight into their electron injection capability. The results demonstrate that P-TiO2 systems merit further in-depth study for applications that require efficient photocatalytic H2 generation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Otieno, Sebastien , Lanterna, Anabel E , Mack, John , Derese, Solomon , Amuhaya, Edith K , Nyokong, Tebello , Scaiano, Juan C
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190612 , vital:45010 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26113131"
- Description: The absence of a secure long-term sustainable energy supply is recognized as a major worldwide technological challenge. The generation of H2 through photocatalysis is an environmentally friendly alternative that can help solve the energy problem. Thus, the development of semiconductor materials that can absorb solar light is an attractive approach. TiO2 has a wide bandgap that suffers from no activity in the visible spectrum, limiting its use of solar radiation. In this research, the semiconductor absorption profile was extended into the visible region of the solar spectrum by preparing porphyrin-TiO2 (P-TiO2 ) composites of meso-tetra(4-bromophenyl)porphyrin (PP1) and meso-tetra(5-bromo-2-thienyl)porphyrin (PP2) and their In(III), Zn(II) and Ga(III) metal complexes. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations were performed on the porphyrins to gain insight into their electron injection capability. The results demonstrate that P-TiO2 systems merit further in-depth study for applications that require efficient photocatalytic H2 generation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
The hermeneutics of recovery
- Kong, Camillia, Campbell, Megan, Kpobi, Lily, Swartz, Leslie, Atuire, Caesar
- Authors: Kong, Camillia , Campbell, Megan , Kpobi, Lily , Swartz, Leslie , Atuire, Caesar
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/302554 , vital:58207 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1177/13634615211000549"
- Description: The widespread use of faith-based and traditional healing for mental disorders within African contexts is well known. However, normative responses tend to fall within two camps: on one hand, those oriented towards the biomedical model of psychiatry stress the abuses and superstition of such healing, whilst critics adopting a more ‘local’ perspective have fundamentally challenged the universalist claims of biomedical diagnostic categories and psychiatric treatments. What seemingly emerges is a dichotomy between those who endorse more ‘universalist’ or ‘relativist’ approaches as an analytical lens to the challenges of the diverse healing strands within African contexts. In this article, we draw upon the resources of philosophy and existing empirical work to challenge the notion that constructive dialogue cannot be had between seemingly incommensurable healing practices in global mental health. First, we suggest the need for much-needed conceptual clarity to explore the hermeneutics of meaning, practice, and understanding, in order to forge constructive normative pathways of dialogue between seemingly incommensurable values and conceptual schemas around mental disorder and healing. Second, we contextualise the complex motives to emphasise difference amongst health practitioners within a competitive healing economy. Finally, we appeal to the notion of recovery as discovery as a fruitful conceptual framework which incorporates dialogue, comparative evaluation, and cross-cultural enrichment across divergent conceptualisations of mental health.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Kong, Camillia , Campbell, Megan , Kpobi, Lily , Swartz, Leslie , Atuire, Caesar
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/302554 , vital:58207 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1177/13634615211000549"
- Description: The widespread use of faith-based and traditional healing for mental disorders within African contexts is well known. However, normative responses tend to fall within two camps: on one hand, those oriented towards the biomedical model of psychiatry stress the abuses and superstition of such healing, whilst critics adopting a more ‘local’ perspective have fundamentally challenged the universalist claims of biomedical diagnostic categories and psychiatric treatments. What seemingly emerges is a dichotomy between those who endorse more ‘universalist’ or ‘relativist’ approaches as an analytical lens to the challenges of the diverse healing strands within African contexts. In this article, we draw upon the resources of philosophy and existing empirical work to challenge the notion that constructive dialogue cannot be had between seemingly incommensurable healing practices in global mental health. First, we suggest the need for much-needed conceptual clarity to explore the hermeneutics of meaning, practice, and understanding, in order to forge constructive normative pathways of dialogue between seemingly incommensurable values and conceptual schemas around mental disorder and healing. Second, we contextualise the complex motives to emphasise difference amongst health practitioners within a competitive healing economy. Finally, we appeal to the notion of recovery as discovery as a fruitful conceptual framework which incorporates dialogue, comparative evaluation, and cross-cultural enrichment across divergent conceptualisations of mental health.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
The role of mass-rearing in weed biological control projects in South Africa
- Hill, Martin P, Conlong, Desmond, Zachariades, Costas, Coetzee, Julie A, Paterson, Iain D, Miller, Benjamin E, Foxcroft, Llewellyn, van der Westhuizen, L
- Authors: Hill, Martin P , Conlong, Desmond , Zachariades, Costas , Coetzee, Julie A , Paterson, Iain D , Miller, Benjamin E , Foxcroft, Llewellyn , van der Westhuizen, L
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/407094 , vital:70335 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-ento_v29_n3_a22"
- Description: It has been documented that the continual release of high numbers of biological control (biocontrol) agents for weeds increases the likelihood of agent establishment and has been shown to reduce the time between the first release and subsequent control of the target weed. Here we review the mass-rearing activities for weed biocontrol agents in South Africa between 2011 and 2020. Some 4.7 million individual insects from 40 species of biocontrol agent have been released on 31 weed species at over 2000 sites throughout South Africa during the last decade. These insects were produced at mass-rearing facilities at eight research institutions, five schools and 10 Non-Governmental Organizations. These mass-rearing activities have created employment for 41 fulltime, fixed contract staff, of which 11 are people living with physical disabilities. To improve the uptake of mass-rearing through community engagement, appropriate protocols are required to ensure that agents are produced in high numbers to suppress invasive alien plant populations in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Hill, Martin P , Conlong, Desmond , Zachariades, Costas , Coetzee, Julie A , Paterson, Iain D , Miller, Benjamin E , Foxcroft, Llewellyn , van der Westhuizen, L
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/407094 , vital:70335 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-ento_v29_n3_a22"
- Description: It has been documented that the continual release of high numbers of biological control (biocontrol) agents for weeds increases the likelihood of agent establishment and has been shown to reduce the time between the first release and subsequent control of the target weed. Here we review the mass-rearing activities for weed biocontrol agents in South Africa between 2011 and 2020. Some 4.7 million individual insects from 40 species of biocontrol agent have been released on 31 weed species at over 2000 sites throughout South Africa during the last decade. These insects were produced at mass-rearing facilities at eight research institutions, five schools and 10 Non-Governmental Organizations. These mass-rearing activities have created employment for 41 fulltime, fixed contract staff, of which 11 are people living with physical disabilities. To improve the uptake of mass-rearing through community engagement, appropriate protocols are required to ensure that agents are produced in high numbers to suppress invasive alien plant populations in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Visible light responsive TiO2-graphene oxide nanosheets-Zn phthalocyanine ternary heterojunction assisted photoelectrocatalytic degradation of Orange G
- Nwahara, Nnamdi, Adeniyi, Omotayo, Mashazi, Philani N, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Nwahara, Nnamdi , Adeniyi, Omotayo , Mashazi, Philani N , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185446 , vital:44387 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2021.113291"
- Description: Herein, we report on the successful fabrication of a visible light-responsive TiO2 - graphene oxide nanosheets – Zn phthalocyanine (TiO2@GONS@ZnPc) ternary structure for the photoelectrochemical degradation of Orange G azo dye. The characterization of TiO2@GONS@ZnPc composite was achieved using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. Our results show that the TiO2@GONS@ZnPc surface hybrid heterojunction promotes charge separation and electron migration, significantly improving the degradation efficiency with an applied potential. For the first time, we show the existence of a non-radical activation route for persulfate (PS) using such π electron-rich ZnPc-GONS catalysts. The degradation kinetics were found to follow pseudo first order kinetics. Electron spin resonance analyses suggested that neither hydroxyl radicals nor sulfate radicals were produced therein, and therefore were not responsible for the persulfate-driven oxidation of the OG dye. These findings suggest that both which GONS and ZnPc play a critical role in mediating the eventual charge transfer mediated PS activation. The results illustrate the remarkable capacity of the TiO2@GONS@ZnPc composite to rapidly degrade Orange G by a coupled TiO2@GONS@ZnPc-persulfate system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Nwahara, Nnamdi , Adeniyi, Omotayo , Mashazi, Philani N , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185446 , vital:44387 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2021.113291"
- Description: Herein, we report on the successful fabrication of a visible light-responsive TiO2 - graphene oxide nanosheets – Zn phthalocyanine (TiO2@GONS@ZnPc) ternary structure for the photoelectrochemical degradation of Orange G azo dye. The characterization of TiO2@GONS@ZnPc composite was achieved using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. Our results show that the TiO2@GONS@ZnPc surface hybrid heterojunction promotes charge separation and electron migration, significantly improving the degradation efficiency with an applied potential. For the first time, we show the existence of a non-radical activation route for persulfate (PS) using such π electron-rich ZnPc-GONS catalysts. The degradation kinetics were found to follow pseudo first order kinetics. Electron spin resonance analyses suggested that neither hydroxyl radicals nor sulfate radicals were produced therein, and therefore were not responsible for the persulfate-driven oxidation of the OG dye. These findings suggest that both which GONS and ZnPc play a critical role in mediating the eventual charge transfer mediated PS activation. The results illustrate the remarkable capacity of the TiO2@GONS@ZnPc composite to rapidly degrade Orange G by a coupled TiO2@GONS@ZnPc-persulfate system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
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