Identifying the factors that influence parents and caregivers to commit child maltreatment: systematic review
- Authors: Dipholo, Mamdlalose Emily
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435421 , vital:73156
- Description: Child maltreatment, encompassing various forms of abuse and neglect, poses a significant global public health concern. This study provides a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted dimensions of child maltreatment, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. The impact of maltreatment on the developing child is profound, resulting in a range of adverse physical and mental health outcomes, developmental delays, behavioural challenges, and social difficulties. The aim of this study was to comprehensively review and synthesise peer-reviewed research on the factors influencing parents and caregivers in committing child maltreatment. This systematic review identified the multifaceted factors influencing parents and caregivers to engage in child maltreatment. Using a social ecological framework, ten key themes emerged, namely poverty and lack of access to services, intergenerational transmission of abuse, childhood trauma, substance abuse, domestic violence, neighbourhood violence, cultural practices, social factors, children’s individual factors, and caregivers' mental health concerns. Personal history, caregiver’s mental health, substance abuse, poor awareness of self-protection, and gender emerged as significant individual-level contributors. Non biological caregivers and domestic violence were identified as relationship-level factors. At the community level, poverty, lack of access to services, unemployment, and neighbourhood violence were found to impact child maltreatment. Cultural values and the intergenerational transmission of abuse were reported as influential societal-level factors. The study underscores the complex interplay of personal, environmental, and cultural influences in child maltreatment, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to address this critical issue. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
- Authors: Dipholo, Mamdlalose Emily
- Date: 2024-04-04
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435421 , vital:73156
- Description: Child maltreatment, encompassing various forms of abuse and neglect, poses a significant global public health concern. This study provides a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted dimensions of child maltreatment, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. The impact of maltreatment on the developing child is profound, resulting in a range of adverse physical and mental health outcomes, developmental delays, behavioural challenges, and social difficulties. The aim of this study was to comprehensively review and synthesise peer-reviewed research on the factors influencing parents and caregivers in committing child maltreatment. This systematic review identified the multifaceted factors influencing parents and caregivers to engage in child maltreatment. Using a social ecological framework, ten key themes emerged, namely poverty and lack of access to services, intergenerational transmission of abuse, childhood trauma, substance abuse, domestic violence, neighbourhood violence, cultural practices, social factors, children’s individual factors, and caregivers' mental health concerns. Personal history, caregiver’s mental health, substance abuse, poor awareness of self-protection, and gender emerged as significant individual-level contributors. Non biological caregivers and domestic violence were identified as relationship-level factors. At the community level, poverty, lack of access to services, unemployment, and neighbourhood violence were found to impact child maltreatment. Cultural values and the intergenerational transmission of abuse were reported as influential societal-level factors. The study underscores the complex interplay of personal, environmental, and cultural influences in child maltreatment, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to address this critical issue. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04-04
Minimum sentencing disparities in the criminal justice system
- Authors: Minnaar, Evolia Geraldine
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Sentences (Criminal procedure) , Sentencing disparities , Criminal Law Amendment Act
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66229 , vital:74444
- Description: In South Africa, judicial officers have wide discretionary authority with regard to both the type of and the severity of the sentence. Sentencing is a particularly challenging part of the criminal justice process. It is challenging, because South Africa's sentencing system does not have uniform sentencing guidelines that can assist presiding officers in exercising their judicial discretion in the sentencing process. Nor does South Africa have a Sentencing Council to establish sentencing guidelines. Parliament adopted the Criminal Law Amendment Act, which provides for mandatory minimum sentences for certain serious and violent offences. One of the legislation's intended objectives was to advance consistency and avoid disparities in sentencing. The legislation has limited, but not eliminated the court's discretion. A deviation or an escape clause is provided to sentencing courts to depart from the prescribed minimum sentence. If a sentencing court is satisfied that substantial and compelling circumstances exist, departure is justified and a lesser sentence should be imposed. Legislature does not define the phrase "substantial and compelling circumstances". Nor does legislature provide guidance, regarding what the phrase constitutes and does not constitute. Thus, courts have to exercise their judicial discretion when imposing sentences. When interpreting the phrase substantial and compelling circumstances, the courts generally consider that the legislature prescribed minimum sentences as the sentences that should ordinarily be imposed for serious offences. The courts further consider that the legislature aimed to ensure a severe, standardised and consistent response from the courts. Thus, courts should not depart from the prescribed minimum sentence for lightly and flimsy reasons. Further, the traditional mitigating and aggravating factors should still be considered in sentencing. Additionally, if the court considers that the prescribed sentence will be unjust, the court has to depart from the prescribed sentence and impose a lesser sentence. The courts, however, interpret the abovementioned principles inconsistently. This is attributed to the legislature's failure to provide clear, uniform and adequate guidelines to the courts. Disparities in sentencing still permeate South Africa's sentencing system, which creates a challenge to achieve consistency in sentencing. The conclusion of this research is that there is still dissatisfaction with sentencing among the public and sentenced prisoners. Another conclusion of this research is that the legislation has exacerbated prison overcrowding. A further conclusion in this research is that the legislation has not achieved one of its fundamental objectives, namely advancing consistency and avoiding disparities in sentencing. Comparative research is also done in order to see how South Africa's system can be developed and/or improved. , Thesis (LMM) -- Faculty of Law, Department of Criminal and Procedural Law, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Minnaar, Evolia Geraldine
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Sentences (Criminal procedure) , Sentencing disparities , Criminal Law Amendment Act
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66229 , vital:74444
- Description: In South Africa, judicial officers have wide discretionary authority with regard to both the type of and the severity of the sentence. Sentencing is a particularly challenging part of the criminal justice process. It is challenging, because South Africa's sentencing system does not have uniform sentencing guidelines that can assist presiding officers in exercising their judicial discretion in the sentencing process. Nor does South Africa have a Sentencing Council to establish sentencing guidelines. Parliament adopted the Criminal Law Amendment Act, which provides for mandatory minimum sentences for certain serious and violent offences. One of the legislation's intended objectives was to advance consistency and avoid disparities in sentencing. The legislation has limited, but not eliminated the court's discretion. A deviation or an escape clause is provided to sentencing courts to depart from the prescribed minimum sentence. If a sentencing court is satisfied that substantial and compelling circumstances exist, departure is justified and a lesser sentence should be imposed. Legislature does not define the phrase "substantial and compelling circumstances". Nor does legislature provide guidance, regarding what the phrase constitutes and does not constitute. Thus, courts have to exercise their judicial discretion when imposing sentences. When interpreting the phrase substantial and compelling circumstances, the courts generally consider that the legislature prescribed minimum sentences as the sentences that should ordinarily be imposed for serious offences. The courts further consider that the legislature aimed to ensure a severe, standardised and consistent response from the courts. Thus, courts should not depart from the prescribed minimum sentence for lightly and flimsy reasons. Further, the traditional mitigating and aggravating factors should still be considered in sentencing. Additionally, if the court considers that the prescribed sentence will be unjust, the court has to depart from the prescribed sentence and impose a lesser sentence. The courts, however, interpret the abovementioned principles inconsistently. This is attributed to the legislature's failure to provide clear, uniform and adequate guidelines to the courts. Disparities in sentencing still permeate South Africa's sentencing system, which creates a challenge to achieve consistency in sentencing. The conclusion of this research is that there is still dissatisfaction with sentencing among the public and sentenced prisoners. Another conclusion of this research is that the legislation has exacerbated prison overcrowding. A further conclusion in this research is that the legislation has not achieved one of its fundamental objectives, namely advancing consistency and avoiding disparities in sentencing. Comparative research is also done in order to see how South Africa's system can be developed and/or improved. , Thesis (LMM) -- Faculty of Law, Department of Criminal and Procedural Law, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
A Combined Experimental and Computational Study of Hydridospirophosphorane Ligand Systems Featuring Halogenated Mandelic Acids
- Authors: Maritz, Marius Johann
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Organic compounds -- Synthesis , Heterocyclic compounds , catalysis -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62096 , vital:71911
- Description: The search for new stereoselective catalysts remains important for the isolation of enantiomeric products from racemic mixtures. The need exists for these catalysts to be more efficient, to be more cost effective as well as be stable over time without undergoing changes in molecular structure and selectivity. The purpose of this research project was to experimentally synthesise and characterise asymmetric catalysts for the use in enantioselective synthesis. The catalysts consisted of the main group element phosphorous as central atom, with the phenyl rings of mandelic acid ligands monosubstituted with halogen atoms fluorine, chlorine and bromine in different configurations. Ligand binding resulted in the formation of hydridospirophosphorane structures, from which the molecular properties and binding geometry of these molecules could be explained by the theory of apicophilicity. Characterization was performed by NMR and IR spectroscopy as well as diffraction studies that provided the experimental crystal structures. The structural, energetic and spectroscopy results were compared to the theoretically obtained molecular properties using DFT analysis. Various interand intramolecular interactions that existed between molecules found in crystal packing environments were discussed. Additional properties that were investigated included modelling solvation effects, molecular orbital analysis, Hirshfeld surfaces, orbital and atomic energy and population analysis as well as ESP energy calculations with the optimized crystal structures as input. Molecular overlay comparisons were also performed between the experimental and optimized structures where the effectiveness of various DFT functionals and basis sets could be determined. The method with the best overall cost-to-accuracy ratio was found to be the triple-zeta def2-tzvp basis set with B3LYP functional theory and the addition of Grimme’s dispersion correction. Results indicated differences in crystal packing depending largely on the given halogen atoms present in the substituted phenyl rings, with differences observed in electronegativity and steric effects. One of the crystal systems showed additional interactions with solvent molecules, giving the impression that obtaining crystal void formation was possible. Alterations in the transition state activation energies between the isomers of each molecule were found to be present and supported the theory behind the mechanism of stereochemical induction. The studied compounds were therefore effective in isolating different enantiomeric ligands by means of energy differences between conformers and displayed unique catalytic properties resulting from the phosphorous main group element. The hydridospirophosphoranes conformers responsible for the lowest theoretically calculated activation energy induced crystallization as was seen by diffraction results for all compounds. Even as an intriguing observation, crystallization will largely depend on solubility rather than a specific conformer’s amount in solution. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Maritz, Marius Johann
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Organic compounds -- Synthesis , Heterocyclic compounds , catalysis -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/62096 , vital:71911
- Description: The search for new stereoselective catalysts remains important for the isolation of enantiomeric products from racemic mixtures. The need exists for these catalysts to be more efficient, to be more cost effective as well as be stable over time without undergoing changes in molecular structure and selectivity. The purpose of this research project was to experimentally synthesise and characterise asymmetric catalysts for the use in enantioselective synthesis. The catalysts consisted of the main group element phosphorous as central atom, with the phenyl rings of mandelic acid ligands monosubstituted with halogen atoms fluorine, chlorine and bromine in different configurations. Ligand binding resulted in the formation of hydridospirophosphorane structures, from which the molecular properties and binding geometry of these molecules could be explained by the theory of apicophilicity. Characterization was performed by NMR and IR spectroscopy as well as diffraction studies that provided the experimental crystal structures. The structural, energetic and spectroscopy results were compared to the theoretically obtained molecular properties using DFT analysis. Various interand intramolecular interactions that existed between molecules found in crystal packing environments were discussed. Additional properties that were investigated included modelling solvation effects, molecular orbital analysis, Hirshfeld surfaces, orbital and atomic energy and population analysis as well as ESP energy calculations with the optimized crystal structures as input. Molecular overlay comparisons were also performed between the experimental and optimized structures where the effectiveness of various DFT functionals and basis sets could be determined. The method with the best overall cost-to-accuracy ratio was found to be the triple-zeta def2-tzvp basis set with B3LYP functional theory and the addition of Grimme’s dispersion correction. Results indicated differences in crystal packing depending largely on the given halogen atoms present in the substituted phenyl rings, with differences observed in electronegativity and steric effects. One of the crystal systems showed additional interactions with solvent molecules, giving the impression that obtaining crystal void formation was possible. Alterations in the transition state activation energies between the isomers of each molecule were found to be present and supported the theory behind the mechanism of stereochemical induction. The studied compounds were therefore effective in isolating different enantiomeric ligands by means of energy differences between conformers and displayed unique catalytic properties resulting from the phosphorous main group element. The hydridospirophosphoranes conformers responsible for the lowest theoretically calculated activation energy induced crystallization as was seen by diffraction results for all compounds. Even as an intriguing observation, crystallization will largely depend on solubility rather than a specific conformer’s amount in solution. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
In vitro evaluation of vernonia amygdalina gold nanoparticles to stimulate apoptosis in breast cancer lines
- Authors: Pali, Zenande
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Breast--Cancer--Treatment--Technological innovations , Apoptosis -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59933 , vital:62696
- Description: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive breast cancer subtypes. Current breast cancer therapies are associated with several side effects and less effective treatment. Therefore, the development of new approaches to improve cancer treatment are needed. The use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for anti-cancer effects is one of the most promising research areas in the field of nanotechnology, because nanoparticles are readily functionalized and can passively accumulate at the tumor site without affecting healthy tissues. The green synthesis of AuNPs is an eco-friendly, costeffective, fast, and non-toxic method that is associated with fewer side effects.The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and apoptotic activity exhibted by Vernonia amygdalina gold nanoparticles (VA-AuNPs) in triple negative breast cancer cell lines. The aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina was used to reduce gold salts to form VA-AuNPs. The VA-AuNPs were synthesised at a temperature of 100 °C and pH 7. The synthesised green AuNPs were charactised using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Spherical VA-AuNPs were succesfully synthesized with average size of 17.11 ± 2.82 nm and a zeta potential of -36.55 ± 1.15 mV. The MTT assay revealed that VA-AuNPs significantly reduced (p cell viability for both mouse (E0771) and human (MDA-MB231) TNBC cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. The PrestoBlue assay showed a consistent decrease in cell numbers over time, suggesting either a decrease in proliferation or increase in apoptosis. The apoptotic effects of VAAuNPs were assessed using the CaspGLOW Fluorescein active caspase-8 staining kit. It indicated that caspase 8 was activated when cells were treated with VA-AuNPs. E0771 and MDA-MB231 cells were compared when treated with VA-AuNP and a similar trend was established. The HRTEM image showed VA-AuNPs in an vesiclelike structure inside the cell. It can be concluded that the VA-AuNPs showed anticancer activities against TNBC cells. Caspase 8 is activated by VA-AuNPs, confirming the induction of apoptosis, but does not exclude the activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway or inhibition of proliferation activity. E0771 and MDA-MB231 cells showed similar cytotoxic activity and thus expected that the mechanism of action in these cell lines should also be similar. Future in vivo research, using the mouse model inoculated with E0771 TNBC cells, should be justified and comparable with human TNBC cells. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Pali, Zenande
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Breast--Cancer--Treatment--Technological innovations , Apoptosis -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59933 , vital:62696
- Description: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive breast cancer subtypes. Current breast cancer therapies are associated with several side effects and less effective treatment. Therefore, the development of new approaches to improve cancer treatment are needed. The use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for anti-cancer effects is one of the most promising research areas in the field of nanotechnology, because nanoparticles are readily functionalized and can passively accumulate at the tumor site without affecting healthy tissues. The green synthesis of AuNPs is an eco-friendly, costeffective, fast, and non-toxic method that is associated with fewer side effects.The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and apoptotic activity exhibted by Vernonia amygdalina gold nanoparticles (VA-AuNPs) in triple negative breast cancer cell lines. The aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina was used to reduce gold salts to form VA-AuNPs. The VA-AuNPs were synthesised at a temperature of 100 °C and pH 7. The synthesised green AuNPs were charactised using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Spherical VA-AuNPs were succesfully synthesized with average size of 17.11 ± 2.82 nm and a zeta potential of -36.55 ± 1.15 mV. The MTT assay revealed that VA-AuNPs significantly reduced (p cell viability for both mouse (E0771) and human (MDA-MB231) TNBC cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. The PrestoBlue assay showed a consistent decrease in cell numbers over time, suggesting either a decrease in proliferation or increase in apoptosis. The apoptotic effects of VAAuNPs were assessed using the CaspGLOW Fluorescein active caspase-8 staining kit. It indicated that caspase 8 was activated when cells were treated with VA-AuNPs. E0771 and MDA-MB231 cells were compared when treated with VA-AuNP and a similar trend was established. The HRTEM image showed VA-AuNPs in an vesiclelike structure inside the cell. It can be concluded that the VA-AuNPs showed anticancer activities against TNBC cells. Caspase 8 is activated by VA-AuNPs, confirming the induction of apoptosis, but does not exclude the activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway or inhibition of proliferation activity. E0771 and MDA-MB231 cells showed similar cytotoxic activity and thus expected that the mechanism of action in these cell lines should also be similar. Future in vivo research, using the mouse model inoculated with E0771 TNBC cells, should be justified and comparable with human TNBC cells. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Cyborg bodies and the search for self: an ethnographic exploration of supportive technologies as tools to mitigate daily distresses
- Authors: Kibane, Lebogang Zandile
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Posthuman , Posthumanism , Anthropology , m-health , Wireless communication systems in medical care , Cyber-ethnography , Distress (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408625 , vital:70510
- Description: This dissertation explores the ways in which individuals embody cyborg realities through engaging with technological aids. It examines how these interactions have the potential to bring to light new ways of thinking about and experiencing daily distresses. Pertinent human technology interaction was observed through an overarching cyborg lens, embedded in posthumanist thought. The study began with a “human as cyborg” ontology that sought to impress upon readers the intimacy with which technology is entangled in our lives. It aimed to call to attention the use of the cyborg myth as it is concerned with “transgressed boundaries, potent fusions, and dangerous possibilities” (Haraway, 1985:7). The study followed a cyber ethnographic strategy, where cyber ethnography refers to a virtual research method that observes social and cultural phenomena that are mediated by online interactions. Data was collected over a period of eight months, beginning in December 2020 and ending in July 2021. It was collected through the following means: a short self-administered online questionnaire, computer mediated in-depth interviews, and group interviews. I also kept a journal on reflections of my own use of these supportive technologies. After analysing the results of in-depth interviews with nine primary participants and twenty-six online questionnaires, the following key themes were brought to light: Firstly, the tethered self, or cyborg self, engages in evolved acts of ‘care of the self’ mitigated through supportive technology use. Secondly, access to new technologies brings about new ways of performing the self. Thirdly, engagement with supportive technologies provides opportunity for aiding distress in the way of encouraging self-reflective and self-interrogation behaviours as seen in mobile health app use. This constant self-interrogation behaviour in turn develops a kind of technological dependency, characterized by escapism and evolved methods of self- soothing. Lastly, exploring the use of technology to aid distress revealed that technologies generate equal opportunities for improved well-being, as they do for a decreased sense of connectedness and security. The research demonstrates that supportive technology use is entangled in the fabric of our everyday lives. Through it we fashion our identities, alleviate distress, evade distress, and discover new causes of distress. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Anthropology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Kibane, Lebogang Zandile
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Posthuman , Posthumanism , Anthropology , m-health , Wireless communication systems in medical care , Cyber-ethnography , Distress (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/408625 , vital:70510
- Description: This dissertation explores the ways in which individuals embody cyborg realities through engaging with technological aids. It examines how these interactions have the potential to bring to light new ways of thinking about and experiencing daily distresses. Pertinent human technology interaction was observed through an overarching cyborg lens, embedded in posthumanist thought. The study began with a “human as cyborg” ontology that sought to impress upon readers the intimacy with which technology is entangled in our lives. It aimed to call to attention the use of the cyborg myth as it is concerned with “transgressed boundaries, potent fusions, and dangerous possibilities” (Haraway, 1985:7). The study followed a cyber ethnographic strategy, where cyber ethnography refers to a virtual research method that observes social and cultural phenomena that are mediated by online interactions. Data was collected over a period of eight months, beginning in December 2020 and ending in July 2021. It was collected through the following means: a short self-administered online questionnaire, computer mediated in-depth interviews, and group interviews. I also kept a journal on reflections of my own use of these supportive technologies. After analysing the results of in-depth interviews with nine primary participants and twenty-six online questionnaires, the following key themes were brought to light: Firstly, the tethered self, or cyborg self, engages in evolved acts of ‘care of the self’ mitigated through supportive technology use. Secondly, access to new technologies brings about new ways of performing the self. Thirdly, engagement with supportive technologies provides opportunity for aiding distress in the way of encouraging self-reflective and self-interrogation behaviours as seen in mobile health app use. This constant self-interrogation behaviour in turn develops a kind of technological dependency, characterized by escapism and evolved methods of self- soothing. Lastly, exploring the use of technology to aid distress revealed that technologies generate equal opportunities for improved well-being, as they do for a decreased sense of connectedness and security. The research demonstrates that supportive technology use is entangled in the fabric of our everyday lives. Through it we fashion our identities, alleviate distress, evade distress, and discover new causes of distress. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Anthropology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
The effects of elevated CO2 on feeding guild responses of biological control agents of Pontederia crassipes Mart. (Pontederiaceae)
- Authors: Paper, Matthew Keenan
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Carbon dioxide , Pontederia crassipes , Biological pest control agents , Invasive plants Biological control , Pontederiaceae Climatic factors
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/455338 , vital:75422
- Description: Elevated CO2 (eCO2) and rising global temperatures have the potential to alter plant-insect interactions with important implications for plant community structure and function. Previous studies on plant-insect interactions have shown that eCO2 will affect insect feeding guilds differently, impacting negatively, positively or having very little effect. The implications of this on the global invasive plant biological control programme is largely unknown. This study investigates the response of one of the world’s most invasive aquatic plants, Pontederia ( = Eichhornia) crassipes Mart. (Pontederiaceae), to predicted eCO2 conditions of 800 ppm and how this may affect the feeding response of two biological control agents representing different feeding guilds; the leaf chewing Cornops aquaticum Brüner (Orthoptera: Acrididae) and the phloem-feeding Megamelus scutellaris Berg (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). A factorial eCO2 x feeding impact study was conducted at the Rhodes University Elevated CO2 Facility in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa over 13 weeks in the growing season of 2019. The effect of insect herbivory by C. aquaticum and M. scutellaris at two atmospheric CO2 concentrations, representing current and future predicted concentrations (400 ppm and 800 ppm) on P. crassipes was examined through both biomass and ecophysiological measures. Assimilation rates, C:N ratio, total dry weight and relative growth rate of P. crassipes were unaffected by eCO2 conditions, and plants experienced no CO2 fertilization in eutrophic water conditions representative of South African waterways. Effects of eCO2 on insect herbivory varied depending on the feeding guild. Pontederia crassipes showed compensatory growth responses when exposed to C. aquaticum herbivory regardless of CO2 treatment, but chewing herbivory damage remained constant, and the agent maintained efficacy. Pontederia crassipes showed down-regulation of photosynthesis when exposed to M. scutellaris due to eCO2-related feeding responses by M. scutellaris increasing substantially through a significant (30%) increase in adult population density under eCO2 conditions. These results indicate that the plant-insect interactions that underpin biological control programmes for P. crassipes should remain successful under future CO2 conditions. Phloem-feeding insect damage (M. scutellaris) was significantly greater than chewing damage in this study, suggesting that invasive plant biological control programmes will need to shift focus away from the charismatic chewing insect herbivores and onto the often-neglected phloem-feeding biological control agents due to their overwhelmingly positive response to eCO2. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
- Authors: Paper, Matthew Keenan
- Date: 2022-04-06
- Subjects: Carbon dioxide , Pontederia crassipes , Biological pest control agents , Invasive plants Biological control , Pontederiaceae Climatic factors
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/455338 , vital:75422
- Description: Elevated CO2 (eCO2) and rising global temperatures have the potential to alter plant-insect interactions with important implications for plant community structure and function. Previous studies on plant-insect interactions have shown that eCO2 will affect insect feeding guilds differently, impacting negatively, positively or having very little effect. The implications of this on the global invasive plant biological control programme is largely unknown. This study investigates the response of one of the world’s most invasive aquatic plants, Pontederia ( = Eichhornia) crassipes Mart. (Pontederiaceae), to predicted eCO2 conditions of 800 ppm and how this may affect the feeding response of two biological control agents representing different feeding guilds; the leaf chewing Cornops aquaticum Brüner (Orthoptera: Acrididae) and the phloem-feeding Megamelus scutellaris Berg (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). A factorial eCO2 x feeding impact study was conducted at the Rhodes University Elevated CO2 Facility in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa over 13 weeks in the growing season of 2019. The effect of insect herbivory by C. aquaticum and M. scutellaris at two atmospheric CO2 concentrations, representing current and future predicted concentrations (400 ppm and 800 ppm) on P. crassipes was examined through both biomass and ecophysiological measures. Assimilation rates, C:N ratio, total dry weight and relative growth rate of P. crassipes were unaffected by eCO2 conditions, and plants experienced no CO2 fertilization in eutrophic water conditions representative of South African waterways. Effects of eCO2 on insect herbivory varied depending on the feeding guild. Pontederia crassipes showed compensatory growth responses when exposed to C. aquaticum herbivory regardless of CO2 treatment, but chewing herbivory damage remained constant, and the agent maintained efficacy. Pontederia crassipes showed down-regulation of photosynthesis when exposed to M. scutellaris due to eCO2-related feeding responses by M. scutellaris increasing substantially through a significant (30%) increase in adult population density under eCO2 conditions. These results indicate that the plant-insect interactions that underpin biological control programmes for P. crassipes should remain successful under future CO2 conditions. Phloem-feeding insect damage (M. scutellaris) was significantly greater than chewing damage in this study, suggesting that invasive plant biological control programmes will need to shift focus away from the charismatic chewing insect herbivores and onto the often-neglected phloem-feeding biological control agents due to their overwhelmingly positive response to eCO2. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04-06
Design, synthesis, characterization and evaluation of Chitosan-based hydrogel for controlled drug delivery system
- Authors: Safari, Justin Bazibuhe
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Chitosan , Drug delivery systems , Drugs Controlled release , Tenofovir , Colloids , Hepatitis B Chemotherapy , Hydrogel
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232182 , vital:49969
- Description: Hepatitis B infection is a deadly infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus and is responsible for many deaths every year worldwide. Despite medication and vaccines against hepatitis B infection, it still presents high morbidity and mortality among populations. This is partly due to factors such as a long medication period of the existing treatments, resulting in poor patient compliance and leading to treatment failure. In addition, this situation can be responsible for the observed emerging drug resistance. Hence, novel drugs and drug delivery systems are needed to tackle this matter. Many strategies have been used to develop long-acting drug delivery systems treatment for several infectious diseases. Hydrogel drug delivery systems have shown interesting results as controlled drug delivery systems for several drugs. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop chitosan grafted poly (acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogel and apply it as a pH-sensitive controlled delivery system of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). TDF is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used as first-line treatment of hepatitis B chronic infection and in the treatment of other viral infections. The free-radical polymerization method was utilized to modify chitosan by grafting acrylamide and acrylic acid and using N, N’-methylene bisacrylamide as the crosslinking agent to prepare the hydrogel, followed by an optimization of parameters that could affect the swelling capacity. The prepared chitosan-g-poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogel was characterized using Fourier Transmission Infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and was evaluated for cytotoxicity using a HeLa cell assay. TDF was used as a drug model, it was loaded by the swelling equilibrium method, following by the investigation of the release profile of TDF-loaded hydrogel at pH 1.2 and 7.4. A successful synthesis of chitosan grafted poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogel was confirmed by Fourier Transmission Infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction Spectroscopy (XRD), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Optimization results showed that the ratio of monomers impacted the swelling ratio of the hydrogel and both the concentration of the crosslinking agent, and the reaction initiator also affected the swelling ratio. The synthesized hydrogels were sensitive to pH and ionic strength. Hydrogel swelling was lower in acidic solutions and higher in neutral and basic solutions and decreased with the increasing ionic strength. Furthermore, SEM results revealed that hydrogel have a rough and fibrous surface structure with numerous pores. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that the hydrogel was non-cytotoxic at 50 μg/ml against HeLa cells which suggested a good biocompatibility of the material. TDF was loaded and released from the hydrogels and showed an encapsulation efficiency and drug loading percentage ranging from 81-96% and 8-10%, respectively. TDF release profile was found to be low in buffer solution of pH 1.2 (in the range of 5-10%) and much higher (38-53%) at pH 7.4 within 96 hours. TDF maintained its chemical integrity after release and the hydrogels can therefore be proposed as a new controlled-release drug delivery system for hepatitis B treatment. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Safari, Justin Bazibuhe
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Chitosan , Drug delivery systems , Drugs Controlled release , Tenofovir , Colloids , Hepatitis B Chemotherapy , Hydrogel
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/232182 , vital:49969
- Description: Hepatitis B infection is a deadly infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus and is responsible for many deaths every year worldwide. Despite medication and vaccines against hepatitis B infection, it still presents high morbidity and mortality among populations. This is partly due to factors such as a long medication period of the existing treatments, resulting in poor patient compliance and leading to treatment failure. In addition, this situation can be responsible for the observed emerging drug resistance. Hence, novel drugs and drug delivery systems are needed to tackle this matter. Many strategies have been used to develop long-acting drug delivery systems treatment for several infectious diseases. Hydrogel drug delivery systems have shown interesting results as controlled drug delivery systems for several drugs. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop chitosan grafted poly (acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogel and apply it as a pH-sensitive controlled delivery system of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). TDF is a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used as first-line treatment of hepatitis B chronic infection and in the treatment of other viral infections. The free-radical polymerization method was utilized to modify chitosan by grafting acrylamide and acrylic acid and using N, N’-methylene bisacrylamide as the crosslinking agent to prepare the hydrogel, followed by an optimization of parameters that could affect the swelling capacity. The prepared chitosan-g-poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogel was characterized using Fourier Transmission Infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and was evaluated for cytotoxicity using a HeLa cell assay. TDF was used as a drug model, it was loaded by the swelling equilibrium method, following by the investigation of the release profile of TDF-loaded hydrogel at pH 1.2 and 7.4. A successful synthesis of chitosan grafted poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogel was confirmed by Fourier Transmission Infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction Spectroscopy (XRD), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Optimization results showed that the ratio of monomers impacted the swelling ratio of the hydrogel and both the concentration of the crosslinking agent, and the reaction initiator also affected the swelling ratio. The synthesized hydrogels were sensitive to pH and ionic strength. Hydrogel swelling was lower in acidic solutions and higher in neutral and basic solutions and decreased with the increasing ionic strength. Furthermore, SEM results revealed that hydrogel have a rough and fibrous surface structure with numerous pores. Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that the hydrogel was non-cytotoxic at 50 μg/ml against HeLa cells which suggested a good biocompatibility of the material. TDF was loaded and released from the hydrogels and showed an encapsulation efficiency and drug loading percentage ranging from 81-96% and 8-10%, respectively. TDF release profile was found to be low in buffer solution of pH 1.2 (in the range of 5-10%) and much higher (38-53%) at pH 7.4 within 96 hours. TDF maintained its chemical integrity after release and the hydrogels can therefore be proposed as a new controlled-release drug delivery system for hepatitis B treatment. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Chemistry, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
On the Wiener index of bicyclic graphs and graphs with fixed segment sequence
- Authors: Xhanti, Sinoxolo
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Graph theory , Chemistry Mathematics , Chemistry Graphic methods , Wiener index , Bicyclic graphs , Fixed segment sequence , Degree sequence , Circumference , Core
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190700 , vital:45019
- Description: Wiener index is defined as the sum of the distances between all unordered pairs of vertices in a graph. The study of the Wiener index is motivated by its application in chemistry. This thesis focuses on finding extremal bicyclic graphs relative to Wiener index under various conditions such as fixed circumference (length of the longest cycle) or fixed size of the core (maximal subgraph with no degree less than 2). A segment of a graph G is either a path whose end vertices have degree 1 or at least 3 in G and all the internal vertices have degree 2 in G, or a cycle where all the vertices have degree 2 in G except possibly one. The lengths of all the segments of G form it segment sequence. We also discuss extremal graphs with given segment sequence. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Mathematics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Xhanti, Sinoxolo
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Graph theory , Chemistry Mathematics , Chemistry Graphic methods , Wiener index , Bicyclic graphs , Fixed segment sequence , Degree sequence , Circumference , Core
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190700 , vital:45019
- Description: Wiener index is defined as the sum of the distances between all unordered pairs of vertices in a graph. The study of the Wiener index is motivated by its application in chemistry. This thesis focuses on finding extremal bicyclic graphs relative to Wiener index under various conditions such as fixed circumference (length of the longest cycle) or fixed size of the core (maximal subgraph with no degree less than 2). A segment of a graph G is either a path whose end vertices have degree 1 or at least 3 in G and all the internal vertices have degree 2 in G, or a cycle where all the vertices have degree 2 in G except possibly one. The lengths of all the segments of G form it segment sequence. We also discuss extremal graphs with given segment sequence. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Mathematics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Opportunities for the inclusion of Environmental Education in the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate, Geography, Grade 11-12: a case study from Namibia
- Authors: Ashipala, Helena Taakondjo
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Environmental education Namibia , Geography Study and teaching (Secondary) , Teacher participation in curriculum planning Namibia , Geography teachers Training of Namibia , Student-centered learning Namibia , Action competence
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/245725 , vital:51399
- Description: Geography is widely recognised in Namibia as a subject within the curriculum that has been framed for understanding and resolving environment issues and sustainable development. It is in this light that this study examined the inclusion of opportunities for environmental education (EE)1 embedded in the Grade 11-12 Geography curriculum in the Namibian context. This study is undertaken as a case study of two schools in the Omusati region in northern Namibia. It investigated opportunities for EE that are embedded in the Geography curriculum using action competence as a lens to review the curriculum and how teachers are working with it in two rural school contexts. This study employed qualitative methods, specifically semi-structured interviews, an analysis of curriculum documents, classroom observations and focus group interviews. Ethical issues were taken into consideration throughout the study. The key findings from the study are: 1. The specification of EE has mainly emerged as a series of concerns that present as topics to be taught and compared with similar concerns in other parts of the world; 2. Teachers have little experience of what and how to teach and inform environmental education within their classrooms; 3. Learners are not actively involved in seeking and probing environmental concerns or in seeking solutions to these. These findings have been used to make recommendations that teachers: 1. Revisit and review the curriculum documents to carry theory into classroom practice; 2. Encourage learners’ participation to enhance their interest and emotional responsibility in environmental education. The study concludes by calling for further research into EE in Geography. This can be used to improve EE in the region where this study was conducted and beyond. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Ashipala, Helena Taakondjo
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Environmental education Namibia , Geography Study and teaching (Secondary) , Teacher participation in curriculum planning Namibia , Geography teachers Training of Namibia , Student-centered learning Namibia , Action competence
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/245725 , vital:51399
- Description: Geography is widely recognised in Namibia as a subject within the curriculum that has been framed for understanding and resolving environment issues and sustainable development. It is in this light that this study examined the inclusion of opportunities for environmental education (EE)1 embedded in the Grade 11-12 Geography curriculum in the Namibian context. This study is undertaken as a case study of two schools in the Omusati region in northern Namibia. It investigated opportunities for EE that are embedded in the Geography curriculum using action competence as a lens to review the curriculum and how teachers are working with it in two rural school contexts. This study employed qualitative methods, specifically semi-structured interviews, an analysis of curriculum documents, classroom observations and focus group interviews. Ethical issues were taken into consideration throughout the study. The key findings from the study are: 1. The specification of EE has mainly emerged as a series of concerns that present as topics to be taught and compared with similar concerns in other parts of the world; 2. Teachers have little experience of what and how to teach and inform environmental education within their classrooms; 3. Learners are not actively involved in seeking and probing environmental concerns or in seeking solutions to these. These findings have been used to make recommendations that teachers: 1. Revisit and review the curriculum documents to carry theory into classroom practice; 2. Encourage learners’ participation to enhance their interest and emotional responsibility in environmental education. The study concludes by calling for further research into EE in Geography. This can be used to improve EE in the region where this study was conducted and beyond. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Education, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
The Effects of Monaural Beat Technology on Learners' Experiences of Music Performance Anxiety (MPA)
- Authors: Flanagan, Jayson Edward
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Performance anxiety Alternative treatment , School music South Africa Makhanda , Music students South Africa Makhanda Examinations , Beats (Acoustics) Psychological aspects , Monaural Beat Technology
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188419 , vital:44752
- Description: Music performance anxiety (MPA) is related to the experience of persisting, distressful, apprehensions about and/or actual impairment of performance skills in a public context, to a degree unwarranted given the individual’s musical aptitude, training and level of preparation (Salmon 1990). This research project set out to investigate learners’ subjective experiences of the effects of monaural beat (MB) vibrational frequencies on their experiences of MPA. The research project was a qualitative study based on a phenomenological research paradigm, which fundamentally aims to explore an experience in its own terms (Smith et al. 2009). The research participants consisted of four subject music pupils at St Andrew’s College and The Diocesan School for Girls and were interviewed through in-depth, semi-structured interviews over two practical examinations. The results suggested that various factors contribute to the experience of music performance anxiety, such as the performers’ perceptions of audience reactions, as well as the context of the performance. Self-esteem and the performer’s fragile sense of self-worth and self-confidence also play an important role in influencing their music performance anxiety. However, listening to monaural beats during a performance has the ability to lower levels of music performance anxiety by eliciting the following effects: an improved sense of confidence within the listeners; a sense of calm; the monaural beats working on a passive awareness level that allows the beat to operate at a sub-conscious level; the ability to focus better on the task at hand as well as benefit the listener in non-musical contexts such as studying; general concentration or ordinary tasks such as gardening or going for a run. The research suggests that listening to monaural beats during a musical performance can benefit the performer by lowering levels of MPA. As a result, the performer will experience an improved sense of confidence, calmness and the ability to focus better on the task at hand. Monaural beats have also shown to be a useful method of dealing with MPA instead of resorting to pharmaceutical drugs or other methods of coping such as playing games for distraction. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
- Authors: Flanagan, Jayson Edward
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Performance anxiety Alternative treatment , School music South Africa Makhanda , Music students South Africa Makhanda Examinations , Beats (Acoustics) Psychological aspects , Monaural Beat Technology
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188419 , vital:44752
- Description: Music performance anxiety (MPA) is related to the experience of persisting, distressful, apprehensions about and/or actual impairment of performance skills in a public context, to a degree unwarranted given the individual’s musical aptitude, training and level of preparation (Salmon 1990). This research project set out to investigate learners’ subjective experiences of the effects of monaural beat (MB) vibrational frequencies on their experiences of MPA. The research project was a qualitative study based on a phenomenological research paradigm, which fundamentally aims to explore an experience in its own terms (Smith et al. 2009). The research participants consisted of four subject music pupils at St Andrew’s College and The Diocesan School for Girls and were interviewed through in-depth, semi-structured interviews over two practical examinations. The results suggested that various factors contribute to the experience of music performance anxiety, such as the performers’ perceptions of audience reactions, as well as the context of the performance. Self-esteem and the performer’s fragile sense of self-worth and self-confidence also play an important role in influencing their music performance anxiety. However, listening to monaural beats during a performance has the ability to lower levels of music performance anxiety by eliciting the following effects: an improved sense of confidence within the listeners; a sense of calm; the monaural beats working on a passive awareness level that allows the beat to operate at a sub-conscious level; the ability to focus better on the task at hand as well as benefit the listener in non-musical contexts such as studying; general concentration or ordinary tasks such as gardening or going for a run. The research suggests that listening to monaural beats during a musical performance can benefit the performer by lowering levels of MPA. As a result, the performer will experience an improved sense of confidence, calmness and the ability to focus better on the task at hand. Monaural beats have also shown to be a useful method of dealing with MPA instead of resorting to pharmaceutical drugs or other methods of coping such as playing games for distraction. , Thesis (MMus) -- Faculty of Humanities, Music and Musicology, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Evaluation of medicinal potential of Boophone disticha (L.f.) Herb. used by the indigenous people in the Raymond Mhlaba Municipality Eastern Cape
- Authors: Gwayi, Yamkela
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Bulbs (Plants) , Bulbs (Plant anatomy)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20612 , vital:46375
- Description: Boophone disticha (L.f.) Herb. is a bulbous plant native to southern African areas of the continent and spreads to tropical Africa. The plant has been noted in literature for its high toxicity and has a long lineage of its use in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Due to high demand in the conventional trade market, the plant's conservation status has been shown to be declining. The plant has been reported to cause human poisoning, which can lead to death, but the plant is still administered by an indigenous community to treat various diseases. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of B. disticha used by the people of Raymond Mhlaba municipality to show and verify its use in traditional medicine and how it can be used as a possible drug ingredient. This study was also set out to investigate the anti-mycobacterial activity of the plant for the first time for the B. disticha growing in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. The phytochemical analysis of B. disticha was carried out on four different plant parts (i.e., roots, leaves, bulb inner and outer scales) and the plant was extracted using methanol and distilled water. The qualitative phytochemical analysis displayed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, phenols and alkaloids in all plant parts for both extraction solvents. Anthraquinones were absent in all the plant extracts. The detected phytochemicals (tannins, flavonoids, phenols and alkaloids) were quantified. The roots had the highest phytochemical content for methanol extract for each phytochemical tested [439.67±1.53 mg/g (QE) flavonoids, 2414.67±1.53 mg/g (GAE) phenols and 527.33±2.08 mg/g (GAE) alkaloids] compared to all the plant parts. Methanol extracts from B. disticha revealed highest phenolic contents (2414.67±1.53 mg/g GAE) for the roots, 1395.33±2.52 mg/g (GAE) for the bulb inner scales, 1560±1 mg/g (GAE) for the leaves and 1550.7±18.9 mg/g (GAE) for the bulb outer scales). The total flavonoid content of the bulb outer scales aqueous extract was not detected. The presence of significant amounts of phytochemical compounds indicates that B. disticha has a higher medicinal value and can be extensively investigated to extract bioactive ingredients that are useful to the society, and that could be sold for higher production than using synthetic drugs with side effects. The antimicrobial activity of B. disticha extracts (methanol and distilled water) was evaluated using micro-dilution bioassay in 96-well micro-plates against nine disease-causing bacterial strains (5 Gram-negative and 4 Gram-positive) and three fungal isolates. The results revealed that methanol and aqueous extract of B. disticha demonstrated very good activity, with Gram-positive strains being more sensitive than Gram-negative ones. Boophone disticha aqueous extracts displayed the best activity against Staphylococcus aureus with MIC and MBC values ranging from 0.39 to 0.78 mg/ml. The methanolic extract of B. disticha leaves and outer scales of bulb displayed good activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae at MIC 0.78 mg/ml. The methanolic extract of B. disticha bulb outer scales also displayed good inhibition against Proteus vulgaris at MIC 0.78 mg/ml, with the root extract exhibiting activity against Shigella flexineri (MIC value of 0.078 mg/ml). Concerning antifungal activity, B. disticha extracts showed very poor inhibition properties against the fungal isolates. Anti-mycobacterium potential of B. disticha extracts (methanol and distilled water) was evaluated using micro-dilution bioassay in 96-well microtiter plates. The plant parts tested were the roots, bulb inner scales, leaves and the bulb outer scales. The highest activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis was observed with the root methanol extract at MIC 0.78 mg/ml. The anti-inflammatory properties of B. disticha were investigated using the 5-lypoxygenase (5- LOX) assay. The overall anti-inflammatory activity results for the B. disticha extracts were poor; at low concentrations, the plant displayed negative results. The leaves methanol extracts did show little activity at 0.4 mg/ml. , Thesis (MSc) (Botany) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Gwayi, Yamkela
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Bulbs (Plants) , Bulbs (Plant anatomy)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20612 , vital:46375
- Description: Boophone disticha (L.f.) Herb. is a bulbous plant native to southern African areas of the continent and spreads to tropical Africa. The plant has been noted in literature for its high toxicity and has a long lineage of its use in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Due to high demand in the conventional trade market, the plant's conservation status has been shown to be declining. The plant has been reported to cause human poisoning, which can lead to death, but the plant is still administered by an indigenous community to treat various diseases. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of B. disticha used by the people of Raymond Mhlaba municipality to show and verify its use in traditional medicine and how it can be used as a possible drug ingredient. This study was also set out to investigate the anti-mycobacterial activity of the plant for the first time for the B. disticha growing in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. The phytochemical analysis of B. disticha was carried out on four different plant parts (i.e., roots, leaves, bulb inner and outer scales) and the plant was extracted using methanol and distilled water. The qualitative phytochemical analysis displayed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, phenols and alkaloids in all plant parts for both extraction solvents. Anthraquinones were absent in all the plant extracts. The detected phytochemicals (tannins, flavonoids, phenols and alkaloids) were quantified. The roots had the highest phytochemical content for methanol extract for each phytochemical tested [439.67±1.53 mg/g (QE) flavonoids, 2414.67±1.53 mg/g (GAE) phenols and 527.33±2.08 mg/g (GAE) alkaloids] compared to all the plant parts. Methanol extracts from B. disticha revealed highest phenolic contents (2414.67±1.53 mg/g GAE) for the roots, 1395.33±2.52 mg/g (GAE) for the bulb inner scales, 1560±1 mg/g (GAE) for the leaves and 1550.7±18.9 mg/g (GAE) for the bulb outer scales). The total flavonoid content of the bulb outer scales aqueous extract was not detected. The presence of significant amounts of phytochemical compounds indicates that B. disticha has a higher medicinal value and can be extensively investigated to extract bioactive ingredients that are useful to the society, and that could be sold for higher production than using synthetic drugs with side effects. The antimicrobial activity of B. disticha extracts (methanol and distilled water) was evaluated using micro-dilution bioassay in 96-well micro-plates against nine disease-causing bacterial strains (5 Gram-negative and 4 Gram-positive) and three fungal isolates. The results revealed that methanol and aqueous extract of B. disticha demonstrated very good activity, with Gram-positive strains being more sensitive than Gram-negative ones. Boophone disticha aqueous extracts displayed the best activity against Staphylococcus aureus with MIC and MBC values ranging from 0.39 to 0.78 mg/ml. The methanolic extract of B. disticha leaves and outer scales of bulb displayed good activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae at MIC 0.78 mg/ml. The methanolic extract of B. disticha bulb outer scales also displayed good inhibition against Proteus vulgaris at MIC 0.78 mg/ml, with the root extract exhibiting activity against Shigella flexineri (MIC value of 0.078 mg/ml). Concerning antifungal activity, B. disticha extracts showed very poor inhibition properties against the fungal isolates. Anti-mycobacterium potential of B. disticha extracts (methanol and distilled water) was evaluated using micro-dilution bioassay in 96-well microtiter plates. The plant parts tested were the roots, bulb inner scales, leaves and the bulb outer scales. The highest activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis was observed with the root methanol extract at MIC 0.78 mg/ml. The anti-inflammatory properties of B. disticha were investigated using the 5-lypoxygenase (5- LOX) assay. The overall anti-inflammatory activity results for the B. disticha extracts were poor; at low concentrations, the plant displayed negative results. The leaves methanol extracts did show little activity at 0.4 mg/ml. , Thesis (MSc) (Botany) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
: the representation of rape in Lewis Nkosi’s Mating Birds and Arthur Maimane’s Hate No More
- Authors: Yawa, Sibulele Yola
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: South Africa--Politics and government--1994 , Post-apartheid era--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21134 , vital:47131
- Description: The main aim of this thesis is to provide a literary study through a comparative analysis of how sexual politics are played out in the texts Mating Birds by Lewis Nkosi and Hate No More by Arthur Maimane. It seeks to determine the modalities of representation of rape in each text and also to investigate the extent to which the novels are similar or different in the way in which they represent sexual politics or the politics of rape during the apartheid era. This investigation was done using Frantz Fanon‟s postcolonial theory and, particularly, his seminal work, Black Skin, White Masks. Most importantly, for the purpose of this study, is Fanon‟s chapter on the love/sexual relationships between the man of colour and the white woman. This is helpful as Fanon touches on what he believes the attraction of the man of colour to the white woman stems from. Using Fanon‟s theory, one discovers that the motivation for Ndi Sibiya to allegedly rape Veronica stems from his anger at the system of apartheid and its oppression of black people. This is similar to Philip Mokone‟s case; the novel explicitly states that he was motivated by anger and his rape of Jean Ryan was a form of communication to the white people and the apartheid system. , Thesis (MA) (English) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-02
- Authors: Yawa, Sibulele Yola
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: South Africa--Politics and government--1994 , Post-apartheid era--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21134 , vital:47131
- Description: The main aim of this thesis is to provide a literary study through a comparative analysis of how sexual politics are played out in the texts Mating Birds by Lewis Nkosi and Hate No More by Arthur Maimane. It seeks to determine the modalities of representation of rape in each text and also to investigate the extent to which the novels are similar or different in the way in which they represent sexual politics or the politics of rape during the apartheid era. This investigation was done using Frantz Fanon‟s postcolonial theory and, particularly, his seminal work, Black Skin, White Masks. Most importantly, for the purpose of this study, is Fanon‟s chapter on the love/sexual relationships between the man of colour and the white woman. This is helpful as Fanon touches on what he believes the attraction of the man of colour to the white woman stems from. Using Fanon‟s theory, one discovers that the motivation for Ndi Sibiya to allegedly rape Veronica stems from his anger at the system of apartheid and its oppression of black people. This is similar to Philip Mokone‟s case; the novel explicitly states that he was motivated by anger and his rape of Jean Ryan was a form of communication to the white people and the apartheid system. , Thesis (MA) (English) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-02
An appraisal of selected support services rendered by social workers to older persons in De Aar service area, Northern Cape Province
- Authors: Feni, Manezi
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Community health services for older people , Social work with older people , Older people--Services for
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21047 , vital:46925
- Description: This study was an appraisal of selected support services rendered by social workers to older persons in De Aar Service Area, Northern Cape Province in South Africa. The study endeavoured to achieve the following specific objectives: i) to appraise the nature and extent of the existing support services rendered by social workers to older persons; ii) to explore challenges experienced by older persons receiving support services from social workers; iii) to establish strategies that can be adopted by the Department of Social Development to restructure its interventions to enhance the services rendered to older persons; iv) and to assess measures that can be adopted by the service beneficiaries to ensure that they receive quality services. The study was premised on the theoretical lenses of sociology of weak ties (SWT) theory, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs model, and Social Exchange theory. The study was prompted by the growing number of elderly people who need the support services rendered by social workers as well as community based care. Methodologically, the study used a qualitative paradigm and was thus guided by the research design which was a case study complemented by explorative and descriptive study design types. The data was collected through in-depth one-on-one interviews, focus group discussions and key informants to strengthen the qualitative aspect of the study. This current study used a probability sampling method, specifically a purposive sampling technique, to purposefully select a study sample that has all the characteristics needed to contribute immensely to the phenomenon under study. Using this techniques, thirty-eight (38) participants were selected comprising sixteen (16) elderly persons who were 65 years and above, sixteen (16) Old-age Centre Caregivers, three (3) Generic Social Workers, and three Service Managers. Data was analysed qualitatively through thematic analysis, and revealed among other findings, that the social workers render extensive support to the older persons in De Aar Service Area, they do monthly assessments, conduct research, liaise with various stakeholders such as the DSD, Department of Health, SASSA, Caregivers, Older Persons (as service beneficiaries) and Municipalities in a bid to empower and improve the welfare of older persons. However, the study also showed that older persons receiving support from the Social Workers are experiencing various problems such as chronic illnesses and stress due to old age. Most importantly, the study gaps in the services rendered to older persons by Social Workers are identified and as a result, strategies to cover the gaps are suggested therefrom. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) (Social Work) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
- Authors: Feni, Manezi
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Community health services for older people , Social work with older people , Older people--Services for
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21047 , vital:46925
- Description: This study was an appraisal of selected support services rendered by social workers to older persons in De Aar Service Area, Northern Cape Province in South Africa. The study endeavoured to achieve the following specific objectives: i) to appraise the nature and extent of the existing support services rendered by social workers to older persons; ii) to explore challenges experienced by older persons receiving support services from social workers; iii) to establish strategies that can be adopted by the Department of Social Development to restructure its interventions to enhance the services rendered to older persons; iv) and to assess measures that can be adopted by the service beneficiaries to ensure that they receive quality services. The study was premised on the theoretical lenses of sociology of weak ties (SWT) theory, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs model, and Social Exchange theory. The study was prompted by the growing number of elderly people who need the support services rendered by social workers as well as community based care. Methodologically, the study used a qualitative paradigm and was thus guided by the research design which was a case study complemented by explorative and descriptive study design types. The data was collected through in-depth one-on-one interviews, focus group discussions and key informants to strengthen the qualitative aspect of the study. This current study used a probability sampling method, specifically a purposive sampling technique, to purposefully select a study sample that has all the characteristics needed to contribute immensely to the phenomenon under study. Using this techniques, thirty-eight (38) participants were selected comprising sixteen (16) elderly persons who were 65 years and above, sixteen (16) Old-age Centre Caregivers, three (3) Generic Social Workers, and three Service Managers. Data was analysed qualitatively through thematic analysis, and revealed among other findings, that the social workers render extensive support to the older persons in De Aar Service Area, they do monthly assessments, conduct research, liaise with various stakeholders such as the DSD, Department of Health, SASSA, Caregivers, Older Persons (as service beneficiaries) and Municipalities in a bid to empower and improve the welfare of older persons. However, the study also showed that older persons receiving support from the Social Workers are experiencing various problems such as chronic illnesses and stress due to old age. Most importantly, the study gaps in the services rendered to older persons by Social Workers are identified and as a result, strategies to cover the gaps are suggested therefrom. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) (Social Work) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
An evaluation on the impact of child support grant as a means of poverty alliviation: the case of the Eastern Cape Adelaide Social Development Centre - 2007-2010
- Authors: Lombo, Ntombizandile Gail
- Date: 2015-04
- Subjects: Child support--Government policy--South Africa , Economic assistance, Domestic--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24890 , vital:63668
- Description: The purpose of the study was to examine the perceptions of families receiving the Child Support Grant in the area of Adelaide, Eastern Cape and to establish whether or not the Child Support Grant contributes to poverty alleviation. The investigation also went further to find whether people who receive the Child Support Grant are able to meet the needs of their children and the recipients believe that the quality of their lives have improved after receiving the Child Support Grant. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of research were used. Interview schedules that were used were the questionnaires. The findings of the study revealed that the majority of the respondents experienced hardships in terms of employment, education, training and skills development, emotional and financial support. This is a challenge for government and the community at large. Lack of basic facilities such as health care and early child development programmes and social development programmes designed to supplement the grant are all social necessities that they have rights to, according to the Bill of Rights enshrined in the Constitution of 1996. The study also hold a strong view that the government should make an effort on job creation and the community should also make and effort on partaking on self-development projects in order to supplement the Child Support Grant. Teenagers must be encouraged to get educated so that they can get decent jobs and be able to look after their families. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-04
- Authors: Lombo, Ntombizandile Gail
- Date: 2015-04
- Subjects: Child support--Government policy--South Africa , Economic assistance, Domestic--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24890 , vital:63668
- Description: The purpose of the study was to examine the perceptions of families receiving the Child Support Grant in the area of Adelaide, Eastern Cape and to establish whether or not the Child Support Grant contributes to poverty alleviation. The investigation also went further to find whether people who receive the Child Support Grant are able to meet the needs of their children and the recipients believe that the quality of their lives have improved after receiving the Child Support Grant. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of research were used. Interview schedules that were used were the questionnaires. The findings of the study revealed that the majority of the respondents experienced hardships in terms of employment, education, training and skills development, emotional and financial support. This is a challenge for government and the community at large. Lack of basic facilities such as health care and early child development programmes and social development programmes designed to supplement the grant are all social necessities that they have rights to, according to the Bill of Rights enshrined in the Constitution of 1996. The study also hold a strong view that the government should make an effort on job creation and the community should also make and effort on partaking on self-development projects in order to supplement the Child Support Grant. Teenagers must be encouraged to get educated so that they can get decent jobs and be able to look after their families. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-04
The silent patient: a consideration of Gendlin's recommendations in the treatment of a silent adolescent
- Authors: Le Roux, J D
- Date: 1990
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193054 , vital:45294
- Description: This study comprises a dialogue between Gendlin's recommendations on the treatment of the silent patient and case-material taken from 39 sessions of psychodynamic psychotherapy with a 16 year old adolescent. The most characteristic feature of the therapy with this young person, was her pattern of silence and unresponsiveness. The aim of this study is to ascertain the usefulness of Gendlin's recommendations in the therapy of this category of patient. The dialogue between the suggested recommendations and the case- material served to illustrate the point that Gendlin's recommendations are of great value in the treatment of the silent adolescent. The value of these recommendations lie in their ability to comment meaningfully on the process of therapy with the silent patient by providing not only skills and techniques, but also a conceptual framework within which to contextualize the therapy. The recommendations were also found to be sensitive to some of the key issues of relevance to adolescence as a developmental phase. The case-study method was deemed an appropriate structure within which to conduct this examination. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 1990
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1990
- Authors: Le Roux, J D
- Date: 1990
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/193054 , vital:45294
- Description: This study comprises a dialogue between Gendlin's recommendations on the treatment of the silent patient and case-material taken from 39 sessions of psychodynamic psychotherapy with a 16 year old adolescent. The most characteristic feature of the therapy with this young person, was her pattern of silence and unresponsiveness. The aim of this study is to ascertain the usefulness of Gendlin's recommendations in the therapy of this category of patient. The dialogue between the suggested recommendations and the case- material served to illustrate the point that Gendlin's recommendations are of great value in the treatment of the silent adolescent. The value of these recommendations lie in their ability to comment meaningfully on the process of therapy with the silent patient by providing not only skills and techniques, but also a conceptual framework within which to contextualize the therapy. The recommendations were also found to be sensitive to some of the key issues of relevance to adolescence as a developmental phase. The case-study method was deemed an appropriate structure within which to conduct this examination. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 1990
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1990
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