Exploring the diverse racialised responses to the ‘Ashwin Willemse incident’ through theories of race and coloniality of being
- Authors: Accom, Abner
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Willemse, Ashwin, 1981- , Ethnic attitudes South Africa , Race awareness South Africa , Postcolonialism South Africa , South Africa Race relations , Decolonization South Africa , Racism in sports South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/405908 , vital:70218
- Description: On 19 May 2018 Ashwin Willemse, a coloured Springbok rugby player walked off the SuperSport set, a DSTV sports program, during a live broadcast. He accused his white co-hosts Nick Mallet and Naas Botha (two white apartheid-era Springboks) of patronising him (SABC News, 2018; Eyewitness News, 2018). Responses to the Willemse incident reflected racial divisions in the country. It appeared that many white South Africans criticised Willemse’s behaviour, while many black South Africans stated that they could identify with his response to the subtle racisms experienced in everyday life, and which he claimed to have experienced on the SuperSport program (SABC News, 2018; Eyewitness News, 2018). The racialised media outcry led Professor Jonathan Jansen, to ask: “why do two groups of people, staring at the same event ‘see’ two different realities” (Maleka, 2018: 4)? This thesis probes possible answers to Jonathan Jansen’s question regarding the Ashwin Willemse walkout. The thesis explores and analyses the diverse racialised responses to the ‘Willemse walkout’ through race theories and ‘coloniality of being’. Qualitative research methods were used in the form of a reception analysis involving two racially homogenous (black and white) focus group interviews, two in-depth individual interviews with black research participants, three in-depth individual interviews with white research participants, and a sample of tweets from black and white commentators who had opinions about the ‘Willemse walkout’. The thesis concludes that most black research participants supported Willemse’s actions and most of the white people in the group disagreed with Willemse’s behaviour. Their various opinions were largely due to their different lived experiences which were a consequence of South Africa’s colonial history, apartheid, and racial discrimination. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Journalism and Media Studies, 2022
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- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
A biological assessment of the Cape knifejaw (Oplegnathus conwayi) an endemic South African teleost
- Authors: Foster, Ryan Matthew
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Perciformes South Africa , Osteichthyes South Africa , Fisheries South Africa , Perciformes Growth , Perciformes Age , Perciformes Reproduction , Sampling Citizen participation , Cape knifejaw (Oplegnathus conwayi)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191057 , vital:45054
- Description: The South African spearfishery forms a small component of South Africa’s complex coastal fishery. Although the smallest, this fishery sector has the largest proportion of data deficient species, and as a consequence is poorly managed. Oplegnathus conwayi (Cape knifejaw) is an example of one of these species for which there is very little and outdated biological and ecological data. This species is among the top target species by recreational spearfishers in South Africa. This thesis aimed to improve our socio-ecological knowledge of the South African spearfishery through the collection of biological and Fishers’ Ecological Knowledge (FEK) information on Oplegnathus conwayi, and human dimension information on the South African spearfishery. Monthly biological samples were collected through routine sampling (spearfishing) and augmented by recreational spearfishers. A total of 254 fish were collected from the warm-temperate coastal zone (East London – Cape Agulhas), 28 from the sub-tropical zone (Durban – East London) and 23 from the cool-temperate zone (Cape Agulhas – Cape Point). The results indicated that Oplegnathus conwayi is a slow-growing species, with a maximum recorded age of 27 years. The population sex ratio was skewed, with males dominant in the population (1M:0.6F). The length- and age-frequency distributions were, however, similar for both sexes. No significant differences were observed between male and female growth (LRT, p > 0.05), with the overall population growth curve being best described as L(t) = 697.15(1-e-0.06(t-6.30)). Males matured at a slightly larger size than females, however, no significant differences were observed (LRT, p > 0.05). The length- and age- at-50% maturity was 330 mm (FL) and 5.73 years for the full population, respectively. Histological analyses showed that Oplegnathus conwayi are asynchronous spawners with a gonochoristic reproductive style. Macroscopic staging and gonadosomatic index results indicated a protracted spawning season for Oplegnathus conwayi, with a peak in spring. A survey was designed and disseminated to collect FEK on the biology and population status of Oplegnathus conwayi and human dimension information on South Africa’s spearfishery. A total of 103 survey responses were received, of which 94 were regarded as specialised (spearfishers who had greater experience, skill and avidity, and maintained spearfishing as an important component of their lifestyle) spearfishers. Based on the responses of the specialist spearfishers, the top four main species caught by spearfishers from this survey were Seriola lalandi (13.9%), Pachymetopon grande (11.7%), Oplegnathus conwayi (11.4%) and Sparodon durbanensis (11%), and the majority of respondents indicated that there had been no changes in abundance, size and catches of these species in the years that they had been spearfishing. Respondents indicated that Oplegnathus conwayi are most commonly targeted in the Eastern Cape and are found at depths of up to 40 m. Respondents also indicated that there may be a seasonal onshore (Summer/Winter) and offshore (Summer/Winter) migration with year-round spawning and a peak in November, December and January. The incorporation of spearfishers into the data collection, both through the collection of specimens and their FEK, was beneficial to this study. Besides providing samples from a broader geographical range than the primary collection area, the collaboration with spearfishers has promoted the inclusion of this group into the management system. The findings of this study also suggest that FEK data can be more reliable if the concept of recreational specialisation is incorporated into data collection. While the FEK suggested that the population was stable, a stock assessment is necessary to fully understand the population status and implement management strategies. Nevertheless, the key life history characteristics (slow growth and late maturation) observed in this study are characteristic of species that is vulnerable to overexploitation, and thus the precautionary approach should be applied. The reproductive information collected in this study has provided information for the implementation of an appropriate size limit regulation for Oplegnathus conwayi. Here, a minimum size limit of 400 mm TL, which corresponds approximately with the length-at-50% maturity of 330 mm FL, would be appropriate to allow fish to mature and spawn, and reduce the likelihood of recruitment overfishing. Reduction in the bag limit from five to two fish per person per day may also be appropriate as a precautionary measure until a stock assessment has been completed. Finally, the incorporation of stakeholder into biological collection and the use of FEK may be a useful approach for other data deficient species and in countries with limited resources for ecological research. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Identification of potential inhibitors of the folate biosynthesis enzymes HPPK of Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli and pteridine reductase of Trypanosoma brucei through molecular docking and enzyme assays
- Authors: Gerwel, Tiaan Marc
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192419 , vital:45224
- Description: Thesis (MSc (Pharm)) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
L’analyse du Panafricanisme dans la littérature africaine d’expression française: étude de Les Soleils des Indépendances d’Ahmadou Kourouma
- Authors: Batubenga David-Roger, Ndaye
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: African literature (French) History and criticism , Kourouma, Ahmadou. Soleils des indépendances , Pan-Africanism in literature , Postcolonialism in literature , Africans in literature , Identity (Philosophical concept) in literature , Ethnicity in literature
- Language: French
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:45204
- Description: Analysis of pan-Africanism in French African literature: case study of The Suns of independences by Ahmadou Kourouma. (L’analyse du Panafricanisme dans la littérature africaine d’expression française : étude des Soleils des Indépendances d’Ahmadou Kourouma) This study seeks to analyse the concept of pan-Africanism in French African Literature as depicted in The Suns of independences by Ahmadou Kourouma. The theme as well as the plot of the novel are both part of the post-colonial era, when African states acceded to the so-called national sovereignty. Theoretically, this was the end of colonization. Indeed, the advent of independence in Africa was, among other things, the fulfilment of one of the objectives of the pan-Africanism movement. Those objectives, according to Estanilas Ngodi (2003:6), were to promote the well-being as well as the unity of African people and those of African descendants around the world; to ensure equal civic rights for African people; to ensure the total abolition of all forms of racial discrimination; and to demand a self-determination and genuine independence of and for African’s people and states. To understand this challenging concept of pan-Africanism, we will draw inspiration from the studies of Edward Wilmot Blyden (1832-1912) who defined it as emerging a distinctive African personality: It is accepted in this study that the manner in and the extent to which the concept of pan-Africanism will be analysed should not be confused with other concepts such as Negroism or Negritude. The concern of asserting African history and identity by African people is justified by the fact that for centuries the philosophical and anthropological Eurocentric trend that Africans and their cultures and knowledge had no value. For this purpose, Trevor Roper (1963:871) asserted: “Perhaps in the future, there will be some African history, but at present, there is none; only the history of Europeans in Africa. The rest is darkness…and darkness is not a subject of history…” This denial of African history and civilization was, according to Europeans, the reason for the slave trade and colonization, and the development of pan-Africanism was the reaction or resistance against these views. That is the reason why, in the novel (The Suns of 4 independences), Kourouma depicts the concept of pan-Africanism and reveals the need for African people to assert themselves in humanity as being equal to all other races. Indeed, the advent of independence in Africa was an opportunity for Africans to regain their pre-colonial roots. Because it raised hopes and expectations to see Africa being led by its own sons. Unfortunately, independences have become a missed rendezvous or a disappointment for Africans. This argument is confirmed by the metaphor of Fama, a traditional king in the post-independence Africa: find himself “dried and undressed by colonization and Independences” (p.116). Broadly speaking, Kourouma interrogates the evolution of African societies in the light of pan-Africanism and denounces political, economic, and social issues that are affecting Africa in the post-colonial era. These issues include dictatorship, mismanagement, corruption, poverty, and the challenge of regaining African personality from colonial influence. What differentiates my study from the previous research is that I seek to investigate to which extent Kourouma portrays the failure of African society in the light of pan-Africanism before and after the colonialist era, and the impact of this failure upon the establishment of the pan-Africanist vision in Africa. Little attention has been given to the analysis of this novel (The Suns of independences) in this perspective. Kourouma is an Ivorian writer. In 1970, he published his first novel (The Suns of Independences) which is considered as a masterpiece in French African Literature and which many critics have classified it as one of the founding works in African Literature. In this study, in accordance with the novel above-mentioned I have considered three different aspects of pan-Africanism. Firstly, I described pan-Africanism as the search for the dignity of black people. Secondly, I examined it as the desire of regaining or rebuilding the African unity (African states without colonial borders). Thirdly, I analysed it as the return of African people to their history, their origin, and their cultural identity, in short, the return of Africa to its original state before the slave trade and colonization. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Perceptions and experience of school violence among teachers and learners within a black township in the Sarah Baartman District, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Ndemka, Sibulela
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: School violence South Africa Eastern Cape , Teachers South Africa Eastern Cape Attitudes , High school students South Africa Eastern Cape Attitudes , High school students Conduct of life , High school students Economic conditions , High school students Social conditions , Social constructionism South Africa Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190760 , vital:45025
- Description: In exploring the knowledge/awarness of school violence within the teacher and student school relationship. The principal objective of the study was to investigate the perceptions and experiences of school violence among teachers and learners by reference to a public high school in a historically black African, working class township in the Sarah Baartman District Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The high school was chosen for its geographical location within the community and relative nature of shared stories of violence within the surrounding vicinity. The conceptual, theoretical, and analytical frameworks underpinning this study is social constructionism theory, expanding from the theoretical claim that violence is socially constructed through the process of socialisation and institutionalization. The study reviewed relavant literature on violence in South African schools highlighting the relationship of school violence to current social and educational challenges and crises and the impact that school violence has on learners, teachers, and communities. The research methodology employed is qualitative and evidence was derived through semi-structured in-depth interviews. A sample male and female teachers and learners were recruited through networking. The researcher recruited participants outside the school and through participant referrals to uncover intricacies of school violence drawing on relevant literature in relation to the dynamics of this social and institutional problem. Data was analysed and thematically presented in line with the research objectives. The study findings imply that school violence is complex and gendered. Arguing that cultural, socio-economic, family, community, and social interpersonal factors account for school violence in South Africa. Male teachers and students mostly bieng the victims and perpetrators, implicating this behaviour to a culture of toxic masculinity and shared complicities as contributing factors to school violence. In addition, the study found that the change in status and expectations of boys who return from initiation sometimes provoked violence between initiated learners and adults who did not accord them the respect expected post-initiation. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Tronkvoël: An exploration of the intersection of personal experiences and identities, concerning depression
- Authors: Kramer, Brunn David
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Mental illness in art , Art, South African 21st century , Metaphor in art , Depression, Mental , Prisons in art , Identity (Philosophical concept) in art , Gender identity in art , Intersectionality (Sociology)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/191647 , vital:45129
- Description: My diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder in 2018 led to my experience of a terrible loneliness and a peculiar isolation that triggered a feeling of imprisonment. The work thus engages with the idea of prison as a metaphor for depression, and is influenced by earlier work that centred around prisons and ex-prisoners. I explore the intersection of gender-based issues, homophobia, racism and religious prejudice that is based on my experiences and identities, in an attempt to understand the depression and communicate the complex prejudices I face in my daily life. The work is based on my lived experience, through which depression can feel like a self-constructed prison. Thus, by visually communicating my lived experiences with depression as a coloured, queer body, I also aim to encourage dialogue and open up conversations around mental illness, as it is all too is often seen as taboo, particularly in communities of colour. I harness old family photographs as a departure point to investigate personal memory, as well as recently captured selfies to explore my narrative of self-imprisonment. I also integrate objects from childhood games such as glass marbles, with prison objects like paper mache dice and shivs all presented in the form of an installation. My invisible prison is visually communicated further through incorporating visual language of the prison – including tattoos, prison slang, and ‘shifts and shanks’ (makeshift weapons). I use a variety of mediums, including charcoal, photographic transfers, paint and linocuts, with a combination of burning and smoking techniques, made by using candle soot, as a primary feature throughout my work. In this mini-thesis I reflect on memories from my childhood and the way they have informed my experience of depression as a self-constructed prison. I position my practice in relation to the work of South African artist Tsoku Maela who navigates similar concerns in his own artworks. , Thesis (MFA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Fine Art, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Ukubamba Umphefumlo Kukuphila: Ingqokelela Yamabali Amafutshane
- Authors: Zono, Cebisa
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Creative writing (Higher education) South Africa , Xhosa fiction 21st century , Short stories, Xhosa 21st century , Homosexuality in literature , Diaries -- Authorship , Xhosa fiction History and criticism , American fiction History and criticism , Brazilian poetry History and criticism
- Language: Xhosa
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192375 , vital:45220
- Description: Le thisisi inamabali amafutshane angabantu abathandana besisini esinye. Uncwadi lwesiXhosa luvame ukulufihla uthando oluphakathi kwabo bathandana besisini sinye. Isikrweqe endisisebenzisileyo kule thisisi kukunonga isimbo sokubhala ndibalisa ngomntu wokuqala ngokungathi ndibhala imbali yobomi okanye amavo. UJordan (1940) kwiNgqumbo Yeminyanya undifundise ukubumba abalinganiswa abakhaliphileyo, nabakrelekrele ngokufanayo ukuze izinto eziza kwenzeka zingalindeleki. UYuknavitch (2017) kwincwadi yembali yakhe ethi The Chronology of Water undifundise esi simbo sokushicilela izimbo zomntu ophilayo phantsi komthamo omnye. Ibali elifutshane likaProulx (1997) elithi Brokeback Mountain nalo libe nefuthe kakhulu kule thisisi kuba lidandalazisa elubala intlalo yabantu abathandana besisini esinye kwiindawo zasemaphandleni. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Languages and Literatures, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Who are you? Online practices of self-representation of black gay men at Rhodes University on the geosocial networking application Grindr
- Authors: Olivier, Jason Eben
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Grindr (Computer program) , Gay men, Black South Africa Makhanda , Gay men Identity , Internet and gay men South Africa Makhanda , Social media and college students South Africa Makhanda , Masculinity South Africa Makhanda , Racism in the sexual minority community South Africa Makhanda , Sexism South Africa Makhanda , Rhodes University
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294851 , vital:57262
- Description: The study investigates how young black gay men at Rhodes University use technology to explore their sexual identity and focuses specifically on their self-representation choices. Incorporating qualitative semi-structured interviews and a walkthrough of Grindr, the research asked participants to share their experiences of using Grindr, a geo-social networking application, and how their self-representation practices on the site contributed to their conception of what it means to be a young black gay man online. Using a thematic analysis of the data collected from five self-identified black gay Rhodes University students, findings indicate that self-representation choices of black gay men on Grindr become a complex experience influenced by overt sexist and racist micro-aggressions in an environment where masculinities operate in a hierarchy of desire, preference, and attractiveness with race operating as an important signifier of these even in a post-Apartheid South Africa that is celebrated for its world-class Constitution. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Journalism and Media Studies, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Working inside Bank 4.0: analysing the impact of the 4IR on the organization of work in the banking sector of South Africa
- Authors: Moshime, Kabelo Katlego
- Date: 2021-10-29
- Subjects: Industry 4.0 South Africa , Banks and banking South Africa , Banks and banking Technological innovations South Africa , Organizational change South Africa , Bank employees South Africa , Job security , Labour process theory
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192386 , vital:45221
- Description: The main objective of the study is to analyse the impact of the 4IR on the organization of work processes in the banking sector of Pretoria, South Africa. The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is an extension of the digital revolution based on the interconnectedness of machinery and cyber- physical systems that intelligently produce and control production. The South African banking sector has not been immune to the changes brought on by the 4IR in other sectors, as many financial institutions in the country have digitized the bulk of their services, in order to make banking quicker and more efficient. Additionally, the latest COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the emergence of digital solutions and e-commerce across different sectors worldwide, thus showing that 4IR is here to stay. On the surface, the adoption of various technological innovations within the banking sector seems like a logical step towards building a more efficient banking system, with minimal deficiencies and upskilling opportunities for banking employees, thus providing an improved and convenient banking experience for customers. On the other side, however, one can see general trends that may not be in the best interest for people employed within the banking sector. For example: the introduction of new technologies has reduced the number of employees in banks; the skills upgrade that some bankers have experienced as a result of new technologies, have come at the cost of the many job losses in the sector; also, the control methods in the banks have become more centralised, thus ensuring extreme monitoring of staff. Additionally, new technologies have eliminated the spaces for deficiencies, and have given consumers a greater role in their banking experiences, instead of being assisted from a-z in their local branches. In light of these changes, one has to question the real impact of these changes on the people that have chosen banking as a career, as ‘machines’ have taken over their banking institutions. Using the Labour Process Theory (LPT), this study examined the impact of the 4IR processes on the organization of work and the general employment experiences of employees in the banking sector of Tshwane, in the Gauteng province, of South Africa. This study found the following outcomes: technologies facilitate greater monitoring of the workplace, enable flexible specialisation for workers, reduces foot-flow in bank branches, and shifts the bankers’ work into the hands of the customers. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Sociology, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-10-29
Agro-morphological characterization and investigations into the response of yellow Quality Protein Maize (QPM) genotypes to low soil pH
- Authors: Bobotyana, Simthandile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Corn as food , Plants--Drought tolerance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20528 , vital:46087
- Description: Maize (Zea mays L) is an essential food grain crop in South Africa and is mainly grown under rainfed conditions by small-scale farmers. Quality Protein Maize (QPM) contains a higher level of two essential amino acids, tryptophan, and lysine when equated to normal maize. Therefore, the QPM in communities is a vital cereal where maize is a staple crop. Among the significant abiotic stresses that adversely affect maize productivity, such as soil fertility. Low soil pH or soil acidity results in nutrient deficiencies, as well as the toxicity of minerals such as manganese (Mn), aluminium (Al), and iron (Fe). The objectives of the study were to: (1) Characterize yellow QPM inbred lines and testcross hybrids for agro-morphological variability under optimum conditions, (2) Determine the response of QPM inbred lines and testcross hybrids to Al toxicity, and (3) Estimate the combining ability of QPM genotypes for the tolerance to Al toxicity. The laboratory assessment for tolerance to Al toxicity revealed a negative relationship between relative root growth RRG and hematoxylin staining; among the inbred lines, the genotype 8Y, 17Y, and 7Y had the highest RRG and net root growth (NRG) values and exhibited the highest tolerance to Al tolerance with the least hematoxylin staining. Inbred lines 12Y, 16Y, 19Y, 2Y, 20Y, 24Y, 30Y, 27Y, 34Y, 4Y, and 11Y were moderately tolerant. On the other hand, inbred lines 13Y, 18Y, and QSY5 had the least RRG were susceptible. Forty-four testcross hybrids were generated by crossing 22 QPM inbred lines with two open-pollinated variety (OPV) testers. These hybrids were evaluated together with five checks for different agronomic traits. The hybrids were planted in the summer season of 2017/18 and 2018/19 under rain-fed conditions 7 x 7 alpha lattice design was used. The significant variations among the genotypes for grain yield and most other agronomic traits under optimum, acidic conditions and across environments on combined analysis of variance. The hybrid was 14Y x NC (3.22 t/ha), followed by QSY5 x NC (3.02 t/ha) showed the highest yielding. The mean plant height was 226.23 cm, with ranges 197.60 to 254.85cm. The number of kernels per ear was 35, with a range from 29.45 to 40.25. Conversely, the mean ear length was 19.30 cm with a range of 17.65 to 20.95 cm, and the mean ear diameter ranged from 13,50 to 16,05 cm. The highest yielding hybrid, according to ranking, was 14Y x NC (2,93t/ha), which was ranked number 3, followed by 3Y x NC (2,83 t/ha), which was ranked number 4. Twenty-two yellow QPM inbred lines were evaluated for agro-morphological characteristics. A randomized complete block design with three replicates was used under acidic and normal soil conditions at two locations. The mean performance of inbred lines for grain yield ranged from 1.6 t/ha to 3.1 t/ha under optimum conditions, whereas it ranged from 1.1.t/ha to 1.7 t/ha under an acidic environment. The highest grain yielding genotypes under the optimum environment were 14Y, 7Y, and QSY5, while, in the acidic environment, the highest yielders were 3Y, QSY5, and 17Y. The lowest grain yielder under the optimum environment was 16Y at 1.5 t/ha, whereas 6Y, 7Y, 8Y, and 29Y were the most moderate yielders under the acidic environment. Grain yield displayed positive and significant (p<0,05) correlation with ear height (0.59), plant height (0.55), leaf length (0.18), number of leaves (0.37), number of ears per plot (0,54), number of kernels per row, number of rows per ear and thousand kernel weight. Combined ANOVA revealed that the environment effect was significant for all traits except the number of rows per ear and the number of ears in both environments. A total of 71 genotypes (22 inbred lines, forty-four single crosses, and five checks) were evaluated using a 7 x 7 alpha lattice design with two replications in combining ability. Across environments, the analysis showed a mean grain yield record of hybrids that ranged from 1.78 t/ha to 3.42 t/ha. Combined analysis showed only about 4 percent of the 44 hybrids had better grain yield than hybrid checks, whereas about 11 percent of the 44 hybrids had higher grain yield than two of the five hybrid checks. The highest yielding hybrid was 14Y x NC followed by QSY5 x NC. The Mid-parent heterosis (MPH) for grain yield ranged from -32.70 for 11YxObat to 16.50 percent for 14YxNC among the top-yielding genotypes. The highest positive mid-parent heterosis (MPH) for grain yield was observed in hybrid 14YxNC followed by QSY9xNC, QSY5xOBAT, 3YxNC, 13YxNC and 4YxOBAT, while the remaining hybrids exhibited negative estimates. Inbred lines' proportional contributions to the total variances were much higher than the testers for all traits. Whereas the inbred lines' proportional contribution was lower than the interaction of line x tester except on the number of ears which displayed the highest estimates of variances due to SCA effects, significant variation was observed. The GCA effects on grain yield in both environments generally showed no significant difference among inbred lines except for inbred lines such as QSY5 and 34Y but were positive. The selected crosses showed significant SCA effects in a few agronomic yield-related traits in the combined analysis. Among the hybrids, the only crosses that showed significant and positive SCA effects for grain yield were 25YxNC under optimum and 34YxObat under acidic environment. The inbred lines were assessed for tolerance to Al toxicity under laboratory conditions. Overall, the study identified soil acidity tolerant QPM inbred lines with an excellent combining ability for high-yielding QPM test hybrids, grain yield, and related traits. , Thesis (MSc) (Agriculture, Crop Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
: 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
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- Date Issued: 2021-02
A framework to improve social media as a communication tool in technical vocational education and training colleges in South Africa: a case of twitter.
- Authors: Nyamanhare, Sangudzayi Innocent
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Social media , Education, Higher , Universities and colleges
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20495 , vital:46008
- Description: South Africa uses social media as a communication tool. The use of Twitter as a communication tool in Technical Vocational Education and Training Colleges (TVET) in South Africa is a crucial factor for efficient and effective communication between TVET College administration and stakeholders such as prospective students, students, prospective employers, prospective employees and the Twitter community which follow various Twitter accounts. Literature has found that TVET Colleges use Twitter in a monologic manner which promotes one-way information flow. Twitter is also used in a limited fashion and within silos within TVET Colleges that have incorporated this social media platform into their communication strategy. The main purpose of this research study was to develop a framework to improve social media as a communication tool in TVET Colleges in South Africa. The Social Media-Integration- Theory-Model was used as the theoretical framework to evaluate the use of Twitter in TVET Colleges in South Africa, thus enabling the development of critical success factors to improve the use of social media as a communication tool. The Interpretivist paradigm and qualitative research approach was chosen for this study. Netnography was used to collect the online data from Twitter that was analysed in the study. Data was collected from 36 TVET Colleges in South Africa that have a Twitter account over a one-year period (April 2019 – March 2020). After the data collection, content and thematic analysis were used to analyse the date. The study developed a framework from the analyses of tweets which incorporated the four constructs from the Social-Media-Integration-Theory-Model. The study also developed five critical success factors, namely, procuring and maintaining of ICT infrastructure; implementing a policy that guide the use of social networks for communication purposes in TVET Colleges; raising awareness on the use of Twitter as a tool for communication; intensive training to manage administration of Twitter accounts and appointing champions to promote Twitter as a communication tool in TVET Colleges. , Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems)-- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-02
Adolescent sexual reproductive health and rights in the Alice area, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Moko, Zukhanye
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Reproductive health , Right to health , HIV infections
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20676 , vital:46423
- Description: Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) is a significant aspect of adolescent’s growth. Adolescents particularly girls face the risk of exposure to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), child marriages, high rates of unwanted pregnancy and the risk of those pregnancies can lead to unsafe abortion. In South Africa, considerable progress has been made in achieving improved access to Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) among the general population, however, some factors influencing SRHR of adolescents and young people have been slow to achieve. The study aims to investigate factors influencing Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights of adolescents in Alice, which is located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The Social-Ecological Model was considered appropriate for this study as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the multiple and interacting determinants of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights. A qualitative methodology was adopted, involving focus groups with high school learners, in-depth interviews with institutional actors (Department of Health, Basic Education and Social Development), and participant observations. The study reveals that adolescents’ have access to Sexual Reproductive Health services from healthcare centres but only a few utilize or access them due to barriers such as the geographical location, denial and judgement about young people's sexuality limits their access to comprehensive knowledge to protect and promote their Sexual and Reproductive Health. The findings show that the adolescents who were most affected by Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights challenges were those from deep rural areas. They had minimal information/education compared to those residing in areas close to the town of Alice and major roads. Multi-sectoral interventions empowering adolescents and young people to exercise their rights to optimize SRHR service yield better results. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science & Agriculture, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-02
An analysis of students’ constructions of the ‘fees must Fall’ movement at an historically black university
- Authors: Chandler, Kelly Jean
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Student movements , College students--Political activity , Student protesters
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21058 , vital:46939
- Description: The ‘Fees Must Fall’ movement which occured in 2015 and 2016 was a major national event which affected most higher education institutions in South Africa. This research considers the constructions of the ‘Fees Must Fall’ movement at an historically black university, namely, the University of Fort Hare. Furthermore, the research analyzes how students are positioned in their constructions in relation to the movement. The study aims to contribute to the understanding of the lived experiences of student activists in the 2015 and 2016 ‘Fees Must Fall’ movement at the University of Fort Hare. The data collection method used was a convenience sampling method with seven participants interviewed. Making use of the guidelines of a Foucauldian Discourse Analysis, four primary discourses were identified from the data collected: coercion discourses; fear discourses; financial discourses; and meritocracy discourses. The positions of students were varied and consisted of both agentic and submissive positions, with the student representative council frequently being positioned dominantly. The theoretical framework also included Michel Foucault’s theories of governmentality and biopower which contributed significantly to the understandings of institutional power in the university context. The research is conducted against ethical backdrop of the philosophies and guidelines of postcolonial psychology. The broader context of South Africa is observed and discussed, specifically recognizing the legacy of apartheid and other historical antecedents such as colonization. The issues of transformation, institutional racism, and decolonization are placed at the forefront of this research endeavour. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) (Psychology) - - University of Fort Hare, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-02
Bio-utilization of keratinous waste biomass for the production of keratinolytic proteases by Chryseobactreium aquifrigidense isolated from poultry waste dumpsite
- Authors: Bokveld, Amahle
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Keratin
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20550 , vital:46120
- Description: Keratin is an insoluble and a fibrous protein that is mostly found in feathers, animal wool, and hair, making them mechanically stable. Avian feathers are the most ubiquitously generated keratinous waste biomass from the poultry processing plants. Keratinous waste biomass valorization could produce amino acids and bioactive peptides. Hence, the bio-recycling of keratin-rich wastes bears an advantage over the chemical and thermal means. In recent times, the microbial keratinases continues to gain traction due to the litany of their potential significance in green technology. Consequently, this study assessed chicken feather degrading and keratinase production potentials of bacteria isolated from a local poultry dumpsite. Soil samples were collected from the poultry dumpsite. Bacteria were isolated using basal salt medium and screened for keratinolytic activity. The identification of potent chicken feather degrading bacterial isolates was through 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Keratinase production efficiency of isolates on chicken feather constituted medium was optimized. Hydrolysate's amino acid compositions were quantified, and the keratinases produced was characterized. Out of 22 bacteria isolated from the soil samples, 12 showed a varying degree of proteolytic activity on skimmed milk agar. Four (4) isolates, coded as FPS-01, FPS-07, FPS-09, WDS-06, out of the 12 proteolytic strains further displayed remarkable degradation of the intact chicken feather; percentage degradation ranged from 69 percent for FPS-01 to 88 percent for FPS-09. The extracellular keratinase activity ranged from 610.91 ± 56.57 U/mL for WDS-06 and 834.55 ± 66.86 U/mL for FPS-07. Additionally, the sulfhydryl group concentration quantified from the fermentation broth was 2.22 ± 0.37 (mM), 0.22 ± 0.08 (mM), 2.27 ± 0.09 (mM), and 2.76 ± 0.79 (mM) for FPS-01, FPS-07, FPS-09 and WDS-06, respectively. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, the isolates FPS-07 and FPS-09 were identified as Chryseobacterium aquifrigidense FANN1 and Chryseobacterium aquifrigidense FANN2. Following the optimization process, the improved fermentation conditions were pH 6, inoculum side (4 percent, v/v), temperature (30 oC), and chicken feather (0.5-1.5 percent, w/v) for FANN1. FANN2 optimal fermentation conditions were pH 6, inoculum (5 percent, v/v), temperature (30 oC), and chicken feather (1.5 percent, w/v). Both bacterial isolates showed the highest extracellular keratinase production after 72 h of the fermentation time. Analysis of the hydrolysates generated from the bacteria fermentation showed a high concentration of arginine, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, proline, valine, and leucine at a respective concentration of 1.13, 1.02, 0.83, 0.94, 0.85, 0.84, and 0.86 (g/100g sample) against FANN1. Similarly, FANN2 generated hydrolysate showed high concentrations of glutamic acid, arginine, serine, aspartic acid, and glycine at this respective abundance 2.52, 1.92, 2.12, 2.25 and 1.9 (g/100g sample). Keratinases from FANN1 and FANN2 showed optimal catalytic efficiency at pH 8 and temperature between 40-50 oC. The enzyme was considerably thermostable at 40 oC and 50 oC after 120 min of preheating. Both FANN1 and FANN2 showed variable residual activity in the presence of the different metal ions. Keratinase from FANN1 recorded the following residual activity of Fe3+ (120 ± 5.06 percent), Ca2+ (100 ± 10.33 percent), Na+ (122 ± 2.95 percent), Al3+ (106 ± 10.33 percent). Likewise, FANN2 keratinase showed remarkable stability against Na+ (108 ± 13.71 percent), Ba2+ (102 ± 0.86 percent), Al3+ (105 ± 2.57 percent), and Ca2+ (96 ± 2.99 percent). Keratinase from FANN1 was catalytically activated after 60 min of pre-treatment with the following detergents, Sunlight (129 percent), Ariel (116 percent), MAQ (151 percent), and Surf (143 percent) compared to the control. FANN2 keratinase showed less stability with laundry detergents after 60 min of preincubation. FANN1 keratinase showed remarkable stability in the presence of chemical agents tested, with residual activity of 90 ± 0.18 percent, 105 ± 7.55 percent, 108 ± 4.31 percent, 123 ± 1.44 percent, 132 ± 1.26 percent, 96 ± 7.19 percent, and 101 ± 3.06 percent for DTT, hydrogen peroxide, DMSO, acetonitrile, triton X-100, tween-80, and SDS, respectively. The enzyme activity was also considerably inhibited by PMSF and EDTA, which suggested a mixed type of protease. Furthermore, keratinase from FANN2 was inhibited by EDTA, and such inhibition pattern grouped it as a metallo-type of protease. The enzyme was also stable in the presence of other chemical agents tested. Therefore, the findings suggest the isolates and their enzymes' relevance to sustainable recycling of recalcitrant keratinous wastes into high-value products with immense application potentials. The remarkable stability shown by keratinases from FANN1 and FANN2, post detergent and chemical agents pre-treatment, indicates promise for the biotechnology and industrial sector. , Thesis(MSc) (Microbiology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-02
Bioconversion of chicken feather into amino acids and keratinase production by mesophilic Chryseobacterium proteolyticum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from municipal waste dumpsites
- Authors: Giwu, Nonkonzo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9416-7896
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Poultry -- Processing , Proteolytic enzymes
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22732 , vital:52720
- Description: Chicken feathers are by-products of poultry processing which are generated in large amount because of the global growing demand for poultry meats. They have high contents of crude proteins in the form of keratin which could be valorized into digestible products. Keratinases are classified as a specific collection of proteolytic enzymes that have the ability for the degradation of recalcitrant keratinous substrates. Isolation and characterization of these enzymes from various microbial producers are gaining prominence in recent years due to their industrial and biotechnological application potentials. For this research, the collection of soil samples was done as well as the isolation of bacteria and the screening for keratinolytic activity. 16S rDNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were used to identify the isolates with efficient chicken feathers degrading capacity. Optimum conditions for the fermentation prcocess was enhanced for the production of keratinase. The fermentation broth was also analysed for various amino acids of protein, and the biochemical properties of the enzymes were likewise determined. Twenty two (22) bacteria were isolated from the soil samples, and 18 out of the 22 isolates showed proteolytic activity on solid media with diameters of halo zone that ranged from 5 ± 0.71 mm for isolate coded as PSS-03 to 25 ± 1.41 mm for isolate coded as PSS-06. Intact chicken feathers were degraded by proteolytic bacterial isolates in variable degree that ranged from 24percent for PSS-10 and 81percent for DSS-02. Extracellular keratinase production recorded for the isolates ranged from 63.63 ± 4.14 U/mL for PSS-10 to 693.63 ± 62.99 U/mL for DSS-02. Based on 16S rDNA sequence and phylogenetic analysis, the 2 isolates with remarkable keratinolytic activity coded as DSS-02 and PSS-14 were identified as Chryseobacterium proteolyticum FGNn and Pseudomonas aeruginosa GNFx. C. proteolyticum showed the maximum keratinase production of 756.36 U/mL after 72 h of incubation at optimized fermentation conditions which involved initial medium pH (4), incubation temperature (30 oC), inoculum size (2percent; v/v), and chicken feathers (1.5percent; w/v). Similarly, P. aeruginosa optimally produced keratinase (1055.45 U/mL) after 96 h of incubation at optimized fermentation conditions that involved initial medium pH (7-8), incubation temperature (30 oC), inoculum size (5percent; v/v), and chicken feathers (2.5percent; w/v). Furthermore, feather hydrolysate from C. proteolyticum FGNn had relatively higher abundance (>1.5g/100g sample) of arginine (1.85), serine (1.63), glycine (1.9) and lysine (1.62); while P. aeruginosa GNFx feather hydrolysate showed high abundance of arginine, serine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, alanine, valine, and leucine with respective concentration of 2.06, 1.67, 2.39, 3.05, 1.87, 1.73, 1.56 and 1.65 (g/100g sample). The results showed that keratinases from the two bacterial isolates were optimally active at pH 8, and temperature of 50 oC for FGNn keratinase and 50-60 oC for GNFx keratinase. The enzymes displayed remarkable pH stability. Keratinase from C. proteolyticum was catalytically inhibited by EDTA and 1,10-phenanthroline but not affected by PMSF; while P. aeruginosa keratinase was not significantly affected by those class of protease inhibitors. Adiitionally, FGNn keratinase demonstrated high residual activity of 90percent, 103percent, 101percent, 110percent, 130, and 105percent in the presence of DTT, hydrogen peroxides, acetonitrile, triton X-100, tween-80 and SDS, respectively. Similarly, catalytic efficiency of GNFx keratinase was promoted in the presence of hydrogen peroxides (119percent), triton X-100 (140percent), tween-80 (150percent) and SDS (147percent) compared to the control. Furthermore, the keratinases from the both bacterial isolates exhibited catalytic efficiency enhancement and remarkable structural stability in the presence of laundry detergents tested. The findings from the study suggest the application potentials of the isolates for the bioconversion of recalcitrant keratinous wastes into digestible and quality protein hydrolysates. The properties of these microbial keratinases indicate that they may be exploited for various biotechnological and industrial processes especially in the formulation of detergents. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-02
Chicken feather delipidation by lipolytic bacteria isolated from an aquatic environment
- Authors: Shiri, Tariro https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0290-9854
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Keratin
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21479 , vital:48693
- Description: Keratinous biomass contributes a significant proportion of agro-based wastes in the ecosystem with minimal potentials for valuable product recovery. The generation of huge quantities of chicken feather from poultry processing farms prompts the valorization attempt via diverse avenues. Chicken feathers are a rich source of valuable keratin, yet the overall value chain is rudimentary based on unsustainable recovery techniques involving corrosive chemicals and high energy input processes. Although attempts have been made to extract keratin using microbial techniques successfully, the pre-treatment stage remains dominated by chemical use. Chicken feathers are composed of approximately 91percent keratin, 1percent lipids, and 8percent water. Therefore, lipid removal is a critical step in the valorization process as they contribute to access hindrance of the keratinases and other sulfitolytic systems to keratin. Consequently, the study undertook to explore the environment for lipolytic bacteria capable of degrading chicken feathers' lipid components. Sediment samples were collected for bacteria isolation. The bacteria were evaluated for lipolytic activity, and the potent isolates were identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The fermentation conditions for the production of extracellular lipases were optimized, and the produced lipases were characterized. Lastly, chicken feather lipids were hydrolysed with lipolytic bacteria. Out of twenty bacteria isolated from the sediment samples, six isolates coded as ACT003, ACT004, ACT010, ACT013, ACT016, and ACT019 showed lipolytic activity on solid media with a respective diameter of 12 mm, 66 mm, 29 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, and 10 mm. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, the isolates coded as ACT004 and ACT010 were identified as Bacillus sp. TTs1 and Bacillus sp. TTs2; and the nucleotide sequences were submitted to GenBank (NCBI) with the accession numbers MW556206 and MW556207, respectively. Bacillus sp. TTs1 showed the maximum lipase production of 641.25 U/mL at 72 h, under optimized conditions that included initial pH (5), inoculum size (2percent, v/v), incubation temperature (45 oC), agitation speed (140 rpm), CaCl2 (0.01percent, w/v), yeast extract (1percent, w/v), and tween-80 (10percent, v/v). Similarly, the lipase production by Bacillus sp. TTs2 peaked at 96 h with enzyme activity of 618.8 U/mL in improved fermentation conditions consisting of initial pH (5), inoculum size (2-8percent, v/v), incubation temperature (25 oC), agitation speed (180 rpm), CaCl2 (0.01percent, w/v), yeast extract and peptone (1percent, w/v), and tween-80 (10percent, v/v). The evaluation of chicken feather concentrations on free fatty acid liberation showed that 6-8percent (w/v) chicken feather was adequate with free fatty acids contents of 0.58percent and 0.86percent for Bacillus sp. TTs1 and Bacillus sp. TTs2, respectively. Both isolates' lipases showed remarkable catalytic efficiency at pH and temperature of 7 and 40oC, respectively. The comparative analysis of residual lipids between pre-and post-fermentation indicated a 39.9 ± 7.8percent and 51.2 ± 20.2percent hydrolysis efficiency for Bacillus sp. TTs1 and Bacillus sp. TTs2, respectively. This study's findings indicated the lipolytic potentials of Bacillus spp. and suggest the possibility of a full bio-based approach for chicken feather lipid removal in the valorization of chicken feathers. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-02
Electrochemical sensing based on functionalised carbon dots prepared by bottom-up approach
- Authors: Madikizela, Ziyanda https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0405-8464
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Electrochemical analysis , Electrodes, Carbon
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22545 , vital:52424
- Description: This research was aimed at preparing carbon dots using the microwave method as a bottomup synthetic approach. The prepared carbon dots were them to be used as an electrode modifier in electrochemical detection of metal ion. The structure of the carbon dots prepared were characterized using different techniques including the FTIR, TEM, UV-Vis, PL, XRD and Raman Spectroscopy. It was observed that the nanoparticles consisted of carboxylic acid, amine and alcohol functional groups at their core and surface. UV-Vis and PL revealed that the carbon dots absorb more light in the visible and ultraviolet region, and the sizes of the carbon dots prepared were less than 10 nm. The carbon dots were then utilized for electrochemical sensing of Cd2+ ion, which is considered as one of harmful heavy metal ion when not controlled. Glassy carbon electrode modified with the carbon dots was utilized for the detection of Cd2+ through square wave voltammetry. Effect of different experimental parameters was studied which include electrode preparation, frequency, and amplitude. The electrochemical characterization of the electrode was done using the cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), the modified electrode was found conductive with much improved electrochemical performances. The obtained detection limit for Cd2+ sensing was 9.39 ppb, the developed C-dots modified GCE electrode was also tested with tap water Cd2+ spiked solution to demonstrate its implementation in real sample analysis. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-02
Investigations of water deficit interactions with heat and elevated carbon dioxide in wheat
- Authors: Mavindidze, Peter
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Plants--Effect of heat on , Growth (Plants)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20664 , vital:46422
- Description: Future climate is predicted to be characterised by elevated carbon dioxide (eCO2), as well as more incidences of heat and water deficit. eCO2 has been widely reported as enhancing growth, biomass and grain yield. To investigate the interactive effects of abiotic stresses on genotypic performance, an experiment was established in open-top chambers at the University of Rhodes eCO2 facility in Grahamstown, South Africa. The specific objectives of the study were: i) to evaluate the effects of eCO2 on wheat grain yield, yield components and grain quality under heat and terminal water deficit conditions; ii) to identify cultivar sources of tolerance to combined water deficit and heat stress under eCO2; iii) to identify appropriate stress indices that can be used as screening tools for tolerance to combined effects of water deficit and heat stress under eCO2. A total of 19 wheat genotypes were evaluated in three environments varying in CO2, temperature and water deficit during the 2019 winter season. The experiment was laid out in a split-split plot design arranged in blocks inside the chambers. The parameters recorded were: leaf water potential (LWP), biomass content (TB), number of productive tillers (NPT), days to flowering (DTA), days to maturity (DTM), plant height (PH), thousand kernel weight (TKW), number of kernels per spike (KPS), kernel weight per spike (KWS) and total grain weight (TGW). The following stress indices were determined: tolerance index, stress tolerance, yield susceptibility index, mean productivity, geometric mean productivity, stress intensity index and yield index. Elevated atmospheric CO2 ameliorated the negative effects of combined heat and water deficit stress by enhancing LWP, NPT, KPS, TB and TGW. Wheat genotypes responded the same way to CO2 with respect to grain yield. Furthermore, adequate water supply mitigated the adverse effects of heat stress. In addition, the combined effects of eCO2, heat and water deficit are confounding and hypo-additive in nature. The separation of environmental effects revealed that significant genotypic responses on grain yield and biomass were caused by heat and water deficit stress, while eCO2 mitigated their negative effects, promoting growth and reproduction. Both Principal component analysis (PCA) biplot analysis and cultivar superiority measure proved to be reliable statistical tools since they managed to identify 13-5HTSBWYT-H18, Ncema and SST8135 as having both specific adaptations to future climates as well as wide adaption to multiple environments. The genotypes may be used as sources (parents for crosses) for wide adaptation in breeding programmes in the wake of predicted future climate environments. PCA biplot analysis identified mean productivity (MP) and geometric mean productivity (GMP) as the best indices; hence can also be as secondary traits complimenting traditional agronomic and physiological traits in wheat breeding under environments varying in water availability, CO2 and temperature. The interactive effects of eCO2 with heat and water deficit stress did not significantly compromise the grain physical characteristics, flour extraction, protein content, falling number and flour ash. eCO2 ameliorated the negative effects of heat and water deficit by increasing protein content by 4.75 percent , Thesis (MSc) (Crop Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-02
Keratinous poultry waste valorization through novel keratinases of C. cucumeris and S. multivorium isolated from poultry sludge
- Authors: Qaphela, Hendrick
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Food--Biotechnology , Poultry , Poultry industry
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20860 , vital:46640
- Description: Annually, about 55 percent of keratinous wastes are generated from various agro-industrial processing farms in South Africa. These wastes are difficult to handle due to structural integrity; hence, they constitute environmental issues due to the disposal means. Degradation of keratinous wastes using microbial-based technology has been deemed advantageous as it generates products with high-end values. Therefore, in this study, chicken feather and soil samples were collected from a local poultry farm, and bacteria were isolated using basal salt media supplemented with chicken feathers. The isolates were evaluated for proteolytic and keratinolytic potentials. The potent isolates were identified through 16S rDNA sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Fermentation media were optimized for enhanced keratinase production, and the amino acids liberated in the media during feather biodegradation were quantified. The biochemical properties of the keratinases produced were likewise determined. Ten (10) proteolytic bacteria were obtained from 20 isolates recovered from the samples with a diameter of halo on skimmed milk agar plate ranging from 15.5 ± 0.71 (mm) for isolate coded as PSW-15 to 28 ± 1.41 (mm) for isolate coded as PSW-08. The proteolytic bacteria showed variable keratinolytic potentials with percentage feather degradation that ranged from 29 percent for PSW-11 to 84 percent for PSW-14, and keratinase activity ranging from 99.99 U/mL for PSW-15 to 761.82 U/mL for PSW-14. The most potent isolates coded as PSW-14 and PSW-16 were identified as Chryseobacterium cucumeris FHN1 and Sphingobacterium multivorum HNFx. Their nucleotide sequences were submitted to the GenBank as MW16587 and MK82939, respectively. The optimization of fermentation conditions; C. cucumeris FHN1 showed improved activity at pH 5 - 6, inoculum size (4 percent, v/v), chicken feather concentration (1 percent, w/v), fermentation temperature (25o C). Similarly, S. multivorum HNFx showed optimal activity at pH 4.0, inoculum size (5 percent, v/v), chicken feather concentration (2.5 percent, w/v), and fermentation temperature (25-30 oC). C. cucumeris FHN1 and S. multivorum HNFx showed maximum keratinase production of 485.54 U/mL and 526.36 U/mL at 96 h and 72 h of incubation period respectively. Serine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and proline were the most abundant amino acids in the degraded chicken feathers, and upon quantitation, the following concentration was respectively obtained; 3.71, 3.4, 4.19 and 4.35 (g/100g sample) against C. cucumeris FHN1. While S. multivorum HNFx yielded aspartic acid (2.04 g/100g sample) and glutamic acid (2.0 g/100g sample) in high concentration. The keratinases showed optimal catalytic efficiency at pH and temperature of 8.0 and 90 oC, respectively. C. cucumeris FHN1 keratinase was inhibited by metal ion chelating agents; EDTA and 1,10-phenanthroline, suggesting a metallo-type of protease. The enzyme showed remarkable stability after pre-treatment with DTT, Fe2+, Fe3+ and Cu2+, with respective residual activity of 108 percent, 102 percent, 114 percent, and 104 percent. The S. multivorum HNFx keratinase; activity was not inhibited by serine- and metallo-protease inhibitors. It maintained the following residual activity against the following chemical agents; DTT (124 percent), hydrogen peroxide (152 percent), DMSO (161 percent), triton X-100 (152 percent), tween-80 (101 percent), and metal ions; Fe2+ (128 percent), Fe3+ (104 percent), K+ (117 percent), Ca2+ (104 percent), Na+ (103 percent), Ba2+ (115 percent), Al3+ (126 percent). The enzyme showed a substantial loss of catalytic efficiency after pre-incubation with various laundry detergents. The keratinases' remarkable stability in the presence of various chemical agents and metal ions tested suggests biotechnological and industrial application potentials. Consequently, the isolates portend industrial relevance for keratinous waste valorization and an excellent source of keratinases of industrial relevance. , Thesis (MSc) (Microbiology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-02