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Access to social grants information by the Balfour Village elderly population in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

  • Authors: Faku, Andile
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Information services Information resources
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc. Sci (Library and Information Science)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18096 , vital:42231
  • Description: This study sought to investigate the access to information about social grants by the elderly population of Balfour village in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in SA’s Eastern Cape Province. A study on access to information is quite relevant in the knowledge-based economies. People act when they have information and similarly elderly people require information in order to access their grants. This study is quite relevant in the Library and Information Science field. The targeted population for the study were the elderly people of the Balfour village. The qualitative research approach was used in this study. The researcher selected a sample for the study using snowballsampling procedure. Both in-depth interviews and questionnaires were employed as methods of gathering data and thematic analysis of data was used. Results showed that there is a lack of information dissemination and access to information about social grants for elderly people living in Balfour. The study found out that elderly people in Balfour complained that, in most cases, they were not sure about the documents they were supposed to bring with them when they visited the South African Social Security Agency offices. This indicates the need for SASSA to train their staff members to be customer orientated and encourage staff to empower themselves with formal educational qualifications. In addition, the distance to and from SASSA offices is of great concern because elderly people spend significant amounts of money for travelling these distances. Therefore, there must be an office that is situated in a favourable distance to the elderly so that they do not struggle when they want to reach SASSA offices. Another option would be to avail a mobile office that may serve the area two or three times a week.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Laypersons’ perceptions and livelihood uses of invasive alien species (Opuntia ficus-indica) in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

  • Authors: Mdweshu, Luleka
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Opuntia ficus-indica
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Botany)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18720 , vital:42727
  • Description: Opuntia ficus-indica is a succulent plant species that originated from Mexico and parts of neighbouring middle-America and introduced in South Africa by white settlers in the eighteenth century. The species is now categorized as invasive in South Africa but has both commercial and non-market uses. This study evaluated the livelihood uses and local perceptions of O. ficus-indica of rural residents in Makana, Ngqushwa and Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipalities in the Eastern Cape province in South Africa. Data on the livelihood uses and local perceptions on the species in the study area were gathered through community focus group discussions and household surveys using semi-structured questionnaires between June 2018 and August 2019. A sample of 150 participants selected via snowball-sampling technique provided detailed accounts on utilization of O. ficus-indica in the study area. The importance of O. ficus-indica as a useful plant species was ubiquitously perceived, with all respondents reporting its contribution towards their livelihood needs and more than three quarters (88.0%) using the species on a regular basis. Majority of the respondents (41.0%) regarded O. ficus-indica as an important source of cash income while about a third (33.0%) regarded the species as an important source of food products and nutrition. Interviews with respondents revealed that O. ficusindica is currently being harvested from the wild with 73.3% of the respondents reporting that the abundance of the species was decreasing. The positive socioeconomic contributions of O. ficus-indica need to be taken into account when assessing the costs resulting from invasions caused by alien plant species. This study is a crucial starting point in trying to understand and initiate the management of alien invasive species such as O. ficus-indica. Results of this study are also important for understanding local peoples’ perceptions of new introductions and management of existing alien plants in the province.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

‘The Perceptions of Marginalization by the Ndebele people and its Impact on the Socio-Political Economy of Zimbabwe. A Case of Bulawayo

  • Authors: Ndlovu, Bekithemba
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: International organization
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Political Science)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18233 , vital:42244
  • Description: The study set out to investigate the perceptions of marginalisation by the Ndebele people and its impact on the socio-political economy of Bulawayo. The study is based on both primary and secondary sources of data. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions and questionnaires formed the main sources of primary data. A review of journal articles and books were the main sources of secondary data. The study found out that perceptions of marginalisation among the study group were attributed to lack of employment, poor services, and history of violence, among others. The findings also reveal that the impact of perceived marginalisation of the Ndebele people include rise in levels of crime, abandonment of language, emigration and radicalism. The study recommends the decentralization of the Zimbabwean government and a national dialogue on the Gukurahundi
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Evaluation of some Eastern beach bacteria for high activity laccase production

  • Authors: Ntlatywa, Nonkolisi
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Laccase
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:40025
  • Description: Laccases are multi-copper oxidases endowed with huge applicability and versatility. They are found in nature, fungi, insects, archaea and bacteria; however, there is a dearth of information regarding bacterial laccases. Thus, the search for novel bacterial laccases becomes crucial. Therefore, the broad aim of the study was the assessment of some bacteria on marine water isolated from Eastern beach for the production of high activity laccases. In this study, marine water samples obtained from the Eastern beach in East London were investigated for bacterial laccase-producing isolates. The samples were analysed using different microbiological media and varied substrates via qualitative methods. The isolates were tested for laccase activity using ABTS (2, 2’- azinobis 3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulphonate), as a substrate. The present study also dealt with the optimization of culture conditions for laccase production and characterization of laccase. A total of forty-eight (48) bacterial isolates were obtained, which were identified based on their morphological and cultural characteristics. Many of the isolates (42) were categorized as Gram positive and a few (6) as Gram negative upon subjecting to microscopic examination. Result showed that on average, laccase activity ranged from 5.33 – 6.5 U/L as demonstrated by three bacterial isolates (Bacillus sp. NFN1, Bacillus sp. NLN and Escherichia coli LO). Laccase production was highly enhanced by the supplementation with vanillic acid by Bacillus sp. strain NLN with yield of 15.83 ± 0.7 U/L, Bacillus sp. strain NFN1, 12.72 ± 0.21 U/L. However, Escherichia coli LO demonstrated enhanced laccase production with guaiacol (12.84 ± 1.12 U/L) followed by ferrulic acid (12.8 ± 0.36 U/L). While optimization results revealed that the laccase yield was enhanced under the following conditions: 72 h of incubation, pH 5, 0.5mg/L lactose as a carbon source, 1. 5 mg/L yeast extract as a nitrogen source as well as in the presence of corn stover and mandarin peels as lignocellulosic substrates depending on the bacteria.The time course and stability of laccase against temperature, pH, metal ions and organic solvents were investigated using previously described methods. In the findings obtained for the time course, the laccase activity ranged from 22.2- 23.98 U/L. In general, the optimum parameters for the optimum laccase activities depended on the bacterial isolates and the time of incubation and included 80 °C and 70 °C, pH 3 and 9 while, the thermal stability was over 100%. Overall, NaCl, ZnSO4, NiCl and 20% acetone demonstrated positive effect on the residual activity of the laccases of all the bacterial isolates (Bacillus sp. NFN1, Bacillus v sp. NLN and Escherichia coli LO). In conclusion the findings of the study, suggest that marine water of the Eastern beach is a rich source for laccase producing bacteria with potential of high activity.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

Re-imagining the Animal in J.M. Coetzee’s The Lives of Animals

  • Authors: Wattam, Mcleod Amy
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Animal rights -- Philosophy , Animal welfare -- Moral and ethical aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45781 , vital:38963
  • Description: .M. Coetzee’s The Lives of Animals (1999) is a literary representation of, and intervention into, human-animal relations. It is an experimental literary destabilisation of the generic boundaries that underlie the systematic (mis)representation and (mis)treatment of nonhuman animals, specifically their mass commodification in contemporary societies. The text provides a critique and negotiation of anthropocentric reason and its ramifications for nonhuman animals. This study focuses on how Coetzee’s narrative problematises dominant discourses through questioning their authority and offering alternatives to anthropocentric conceptions of the animal that are based upon reason-centred and dualistic thought. The duality of human versus animal is explored alongside other dualities deconstructed in the text, such as fiction versus nonfiction, and philosophy versus literature. Coetzee’s representation of these constructs and their interconnectedness is investigated, specifically with regards to positively developing human-animal relations. Through exploring what Coetzee calls the ‘sympathetic imagination’, his alternative contribution to the field of human-animal relations will be considered. This study focuses on the space for re-imagination that Coetzee has provided with The Lives of Animals. It highlights the role literature can and ought to play in this re-imagination, and why this re-imagination is necessary for the development of human-animal relations. Posthumanism will be used as a theoretical lens throughout, as it appears to resonate closely with Coetzee’s project. Both the form and the content of the text will be analysed, highlighting their interconnected significance in Coetzee’s project and the continued relevance of interventions such as this.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

The experiences of student nurses regarding the negotiation of condom use at a Nursing College in the Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Rumbu , Nosiphiwo Matshele
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Condom use -- South Africa College students -- Sexual behavior
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Cur
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11396 , vital:39068
  • Description: The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the experiences of student nurses regarding negotiation of condom use at Lilitha College of Nursing, East London Campus. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is still one of the severe global public health problems and a considerable number of people are living with HIV and millions of these people die of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It has been found that women have difficulty in negotiating condom use. The study that was conducted in Tanzania revealed that when women lack selfconfidence to negotiate condom use with their sexual companions, they may be exposed to unprotected sex, thus being at danger of contracting STIs as well as HIV/AIDS and therefore being more susceptible to adverse sexual and reproductive health results (Exavery, Kanté, Jackson, Noronha, Sikustahili, Tani, Mushi, Baynes, Ramsey, Hingora and Phillips, 2012:9). A qualitative, descriptive, explorative, contextual design was used to describe the experiences of student nurses regarding negotiation of condom use and a purposive sampling method was used to select fourth year students. Eleven students participated in the study. Data was collected by means of individual face-to-face interviews with fourth year students. The interviews continued until data saturation was reached. Data analysis was done using Tesch‟s approach to open coding in qualitative research. Themes, categories and sub-categories emerged from the data analysis and were fully discussed. The results of the study indicated that students experienced difficulties in negotiation of condom use, although some participants felt that they were comfortable to negotiate. Health education and awareness campaigns were recommended as fundamental tools that could be used as strategies to enhance successful negotiation of condom use.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

The extent of urban Green Collar employment, its contribution to poverty alleviation and potential for growth in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

An evaluation of industrial action in selected agro-based infant industries in the Msasa Industrial Area of Harare (Zimbabwe)

  • Authors: Kapunura, Gift
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Strikes and lockouts--Zimbabwe Zimbabwe--Economic conditions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Sociology
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15452 , vital:40409
  • Description: Agro based-infant industries played a greater role in the development of Zimbabwe since 1980 when the country gained its independence. However, its success has been hindered by industrial action in the country. The continuous increase in the number of industrial action is the major motives of this study. Conversely, with the increasing levels of industrial action in the country, it was noted that the main causes of industrial action were low wages, poor communication between employers and employees, disparities in pay structures, lack of consultation in the process of decision-making and poor working conditions. The study adopted a qualitative approach in data collection and analysis. Thirty in-depth interviews were undertaken with selected participants who are the workers and managers of agro-based infant industries using purposive sampling technique in Msasa industrial area. Findings of the study show that main forms of industrial action were industrial strike, sit in, absenteeism, go slow, work to rule and overtime ban. Major findings of the study point to the fact that industrial action affects the solidarity of workers negatively since some of the workers will not stand for others when they are dismissed after industrial action. In general, industrial action therefore weakens worker solidarity. Secondly, industrial action affects the economic welfare of workers and their families negatively. This is because during the period of industrial action there could be pay cut and the families will not be able to afford basic commodities, thereby affecting their general welfare as well as bringing tension and conflicts within the families. Thirdly, it is also acknowledged in the study that industrial action affects employer-employee relations.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

Social media and participatory water conservation education in rural areas : a case study of Amathole District's Local Municipalities

  • Authors: Hove, Charity
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Internet in public administration Political participation Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10073 , vital:35326
  • Description: This study conducted an explanatory sequential research on local municipalities in Amathole District‘s social media use for participatory water conservation education in South Africa. Social media is regarded as a powerful tool for information dissemination, because of its incredible speed, storage capacity, and communicative ability. However, it was worth finding out if social media platforms were being utilised fully to educate communities about water conservation by these municipalities. The South African government invests in water conservation interests through legislation and prescribes that municipalities, as local governance at the grassroots level, supply water and sanitation according to national norms and standards. With reference to this, municipalities have to educate about water conservation. The prevailing water scarcity in South Africa calls for increased education and awareness creation about water conservation to communities and municipalities have to use this opportunity by using social media. Therefore, the research aimed to know if social media platforms were being used as a tool for participatory water conservation education in Amathole District‘s local municipalities. This study used purposive sampling for data collection. The first data set was collected from the local municipalities‘ social media platforms and qualitative content analysis was used for analysis to find out if the municipalities used social media for water conservation education. The second data set aimed at getting residents‘ perception towards social media use for participatory water conservation education by their municipality was collected from 383 respondents in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality using a questionnaire. The data from the questionnaire was analysed quantitatively using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study found out that Amathole District local municipalities were not using social media for water conservation education. Most respondents from Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality indicated lack of knowledge of their municipality‘s social media presence, while the few who were aware of the social media platforms rarely communicated with the municipality. Hence, the study recommends that municipalities should advertise their social media platforms and use them for developmental and beneficial purposes such as water conservation education.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The impact of mineral resources production on economic growth in South Africa

  • Authors: Kholwane, Noluthando
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa South Africa -- Economic conditions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13502 , vital:39674
  • Description: South Africa is widely known in the world as a country rich in mineral resources mainly due to its large mineral reserves of gold and diamonds. Such wealth in mineral resources in the country raises the expectations of advanced economic growth. How the production of mineral resources influences economic growth in a country is an interesting area of investigation. Therefore, this study examined the impact of mineral resources production on economic growth using the standard econometric techniques, such as stationarity tests, Johansen co-integration test and the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) estimation technique, using quarterly data between 1995 and 2016. In addition, diagnostic tests and impulse response analysis were conducted. In the model estimation, real gross domestic product (GDP) was regressed against mineral resource production as a percentage of GDP (MRP/GDP), Final Consumption Expenditure by Households (FCE_by Houselds), gross fixed capital formation as a percentage of GDP (excluding mining investment) (GFCF/GDP), labour productivity (LP) and Rand/ Dollar exchange rate (ER). The results from this study show that the explanatory variables without mineral resource governance positively influence GDP in the long run. On the other hand, the diagnostic test results indicate that the model is well specified and fitted since residuals are homoscedastic, normally distributed without autocorrelation. Likewise, the impulse response of real GDP is positive for mineral resource production, fixed capital formation and final consumption by household. Moreover, real GDP reacts negatively from shocks of labour productivity and exchange rate. Based on the outcomes of the study, from a policy perspective, intensified productive activities other than mineral resources production and re-investment of mineral rents could guarantee a sustainable increase in the real gross domestic product of a country in the long run. Furthermore, raw material processing should also be a consideration to foster economic growth in South Africa.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

The use of electronic information resources in the university of Fort Hare Library Services

  • Authors: Maya, Zukiswa
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Acquisition of electronic information resources , Electronic information resources , Collection management (Libraries)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MLIS
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6303 , vital:29557
  • Description: The study seeks to explore the use of electronic information resource in the University of Fort Hare (UFH) Library. The objectives of the study are to determine factors that influence acquisitions of electronic information resources at UFH library, to find out the user’s responses to electronic information resources in the library and identify the challenges faced by UFH library regarding the usage of electronic information resources. The literature review was conducted through an acquisition of electronic information resources in academic libraries, collection development policies of academic libraries in South Africa and application of electronic information resources within South Africa and globally. The study is based on Diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory. The study adopted qualitative and quantitative approaches, and the non-probability sampling-Quota sampling was used for students and purposive sampling technique for librarians and academics. The data was collected with self-administered questionnaires and document analysis. The study found that academics were not fully involved in the acquisition of the library electronic information resources; therefore, there is a lack of communication about the acquisition of electronic resources. The study further reveals that there is usage of electronic information resources; however, there are library users who prefers to use search engines such as google, yahoo etc. It was also identified that there are two important barriers that hinder the use of electronic information resources, i.e. physical and personal barriers. The study recommends that University of Fort Hare library should consider including e resources in the collection development policy. It is also recommended that the library online training/tutorials must be installed on the library website to increase the usage of e-resources. In order to stay relevant and visible, librarians should embrace new opportunities and go beyond the comfort zone of traditional librarian principles.
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  • Date Issued: 2018

A strategic analysis on the meaning of work: a focus on the fashion retail industry

  • Authors: Van Heerden, Lisle
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Retail trade -- South Africa Job satisfaction -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13936 , vital:27360
  • Description: The primary objective of this research study was to strategically analyse the meaning of work for fashion retail industry employees with the aim of developing a calling orientation to work.A sample of 84 fashion retail industry employees from Port Elizabeth, South Africa indicated their perception of callings in work; the pathways to callings in work and job satisfaction. Furthermore, fashion retail industry employees also indicated their use of job crafting techniques as a tool to foster meaningful work. This is one of the first studies conducted on callings in work in the fashion retail industry.Findings of the study indicated that although on average fashion retail industry employees are neutral about having a calling orientation to work, 24-27% indicated to having a calling orientation to work. Furthermore the study showed that there is a positive correlation between 1) transcendent guiding force; 2) value-driven behaviour and sense and meaning; 3) identification with one’s work and person-environment fit and a calling orientation to work. The study also indicated that the presence of a transcendent guiding force and job satisfaction are the two independent variables that are influential in achieving calling orientation to work for fashion retail industry employees of Port Elizabeth. Implications and recommendations from this study are outlined.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

An exploration of the use of the transformational leadership style in enhancing public service delivery : the case of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality

  • Authors: Dlamkile, Phumlani
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Leadership Organizational change Organizational effectiveness
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MAdmin
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8245 , vital:32095
  • Description: A clear vision and understanding of the leadership roles by the leaders of the municipality under study are questionable, the low rate of the public service delivery and the lack of accountability by municipality officials also rises some concerns. The aim of this research is therefore to establish a level of understanding of the transformational leadership style in enhancing public service delivery. The study used a qualitative research design that involves a desktop research. Data was collected through the review of available published or existing documents. Data analysis included using documents analysis which consist of the existing information reviewed from literature or document containing information about various municipalities issues, journals and books as well as reviewed of various data analysis done in relation to an exploration of the use of transformational leadership style in enhancing public service delivery with the aim of analysing the organisation structure of the municipality. The findings from previous literature revealed that there are constraints faced in delivering services. The study confirmed some of the municipal leaders’ lack skills, competencies and a lack of clear understand of transformational leadership style as well as training. The findings also identified the search for solutions to the hurdles or challenges faced by the municipal leadership both political and administrative in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality by providing an insight for further research regarding the institutional weakness and policy issues in this part of the world. The implications of the findings are that unless the challenges are resolved, municipalities will continue to experience poor service delivery, poor economic growth and development. Recommendations to overcome these are suggested.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Improved singlet oxygen generation by a novel bodipy dye and a study of upconverison nanoparticles mixed with a functionalized bodipy compound

  • Authors: Wildervanck, Martijn Johannes
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3718 , vital:20538
  • Description: This research explores the use of the versatile 4,4-difluoro-4-boro-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY) dyes and the modification of their spectroscopic properties. The synthesis of a tetramethyl-BODIPY bearing a sterically hindered meso-phenyl ring with an ethynyl functional group at the para-position was compared to that of its freely rotating counterpart with no methyl substituents on the BODIPY core, with the fluorescence properties in particular proving to be markedly different. These phenyl-ethynyl-substituted BODIPYs were used as the starting materials for the synthesis of novel BODIPY dyes for sensor applications via Sonogashira coupling reactions at the ethynyl position, but this resulted instead in the serendipitous synthesis of a novel BODIPY dimer in which the para-positions of the meso-phenyl rings are linked by a diethynyl bridge. Following iodination at the 2, 6-positions, the dimer was found to have a singlet oxygen quantum yield of 0.88, compared to the value of 0.86 that was obtained for the analogous monomer. Since the εmax values for the main spectral bands of the dimers are significantly higher, the compounds may be of interest for singlet oxygen generation applications. A second study was carried out on the interaction between methyl ester functionalized BODIPY dyes and upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) to explore the possible use of BODIPY-UCNP conjugates in biomedical applications. The singlet oxygen generation properties of the BODIPY were tested following iodination at the 2, 6-positions, a singlet oxygen quantum yield value of 0.86 was obtained. Three sets of oleate capped UCNPs were synthesized with different diameters and were rendered water dispersible with the addition of a silica shell. The necessary scaffolding for conjugation to the BODIPY was provided by amine groups following functionalization of this shell. All of the sets of oleate capped and silica coated UCNPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and their emission properties were studied upon excitation at 978 nm with a diode laser with a Picoquant Fluotime 300 spectrophotometer that enables the measurement of anti-Stokes emission. The potential utility of UCNP-BODIPY conjugates for singlet oxygen applications, such as PDT, was then assessed.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Investigating soil microbial interactions of Portulacaria afra

  • Authors: Fulmaka, Aviwe
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54598 , vital:26592
  • Description: Portulacaria afra commonly known as Spekboom contributes significantly to carbon sequestration and has been widely planted in degraded areas of the Eastern Cape. Approximately 50% of planted cuttings do not survive although the cause of this decline is unknown. Like many indigenous plants, Spekboom forms a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi and the interaction with rhizobacteria may enhance and improve plant growth and establishment. This study aims to investigate these relationships which will include a survey of the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal populations associated with Spekboom, determination of the causal agent of Spekboom decline, isolation and identification of the associated rhizobacteria and investigation of their plant growth promotion properties and assessing the ability of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and selected rhizobacteria to enhance establishment and growth of Spekboom. Soil and root samples from selected trial sites were used to assess AM fungal spore abundance and colonisation; isolation, characterization, and identification of rhizobacteria and determine the interaction of the microbes on Spekboom growth and tolerance to Fusarium. AM spore abundance and percentage root colonisation did not differ between the three Spekboom plots. Molecular analyses of the SSU region from the plots showed 4 families of AM fungi and were identified as Ambisporaceae, Glomeraceae, Claroideoglomeraceae and Paraglomeraceae. A suspected Fusarium pathogen was isolated and molecularly identified. Pathogenicity tests indicated reduced Spekboom growth with poor root development. Thirty four rhizobacterial isolates were tested for various plant growth promoting abilities. Of these, 6 were able to produce IAA which may promote plant root growth, 27 siderophores and 23 were phosphate solubilisers. Bacterial isolates were molecularly identified to be from various species of Bacillus, with some Arthrobacter, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas and Microbacterium. Inoculation of Spekboom cuttings with mycorrhizal fungi and selected rhizobacterial isolates significantly improved shoot height. Spekboom cuttings challenged with Fusarium and inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi and two rhizobacterial isolates significantly improved growth. The inoculation of cuttings in the nursery with mycorrhizal fungi and selected rhizobacteria is recommended prior to establishing Spekboom in the field.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Isolation, characterization and biomimetic oxidation of selected marine natural products and their analogues

  • Authors: Mutsvairo, Tafadzwa
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64685 , vital:28592
  • Description: Marine brown algae produce a variety of terpenes with a wide range of biological activities. However, very few phytochemical studies of brown algae have been conducted in South Africa. Therefore, in our continued search for biologically active natural products, we examined the South African brown alga Brassicophycus brassicaeformis. The dichloromethane-methanol extract of B.brassicaeformis was fractionated by silica gel column chromatography followed by normal phase HPLC to give pure four pure compounds which were identified by spectroscopic methods as; fucosterol, fucoxanthin and two monogalactosyldiacylglycerol lipids. Many potential drug molecules such as natural products have failed to reach the market due to poor pharmacokinetic and metabolic profiles despite having potent biological activity. Therefore the importance of early drug metabolism studies in the drug development process is clear. A biomimetic oxidation model was used for in vitro drug metabolism studies to predict any possible metabolites that could be produced by these natural products. Two biomimetic oxidation models catalyzed by two water soluble metalloporphyrins as biomimics of cytochrome P450, in the presence of two terminal oxidants either hydrogen peroxide or iodobenzene diacetete were successfully developed. The models were applied to a range of natural products. The oxidation of the quinone natural products, sargahydroquinoic acid, and lapachol was most easily achieved by metalloporphyrins employed in this study.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Moringa oleifera leaf powder as a functional antioxidant additive in pork droewors

  • Authors: Mukumbo, Felicitas Esnart
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Antioxidants , Moringa oleifera , Pork -- Quality
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15354 , vital:40400
  • Description: The study investigated the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLP) on physico-chemical characteristics, antioxidant activity, antioxidant compound content and lipid oxidation in pork droëwors. Firstly, the physico-chemical properties (proximate composition, salt content, water activity (aw), pH) of commercially produced droëwors from different types of meat (beef, game, ostrich) were determined. In the second experiment beef and pork droëwors with similar fat content were produced. Physico-chemical properties and lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS)) during processing and 26 days of storage at 25 °C and 50percent relative humidity (RH) were measured. In the third experiment, antioxidant compounds (Total Phenolic Compounds (TPC), α-tocopherol, β-carotene) in MLP were quantified. Thereafter, 4 treatments of pork droëwors were produced, with MLP included at 0, 0.5, 1 and 2 g/ 100 g. Physico-chemical properties and TBARS were measured at intervals during drying (0, 1.5, 5.75, 27.25, 72 h) and after 7 days of storage under ambient conditions. Antioxidant activity (ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)), TBARS, α- and γ-tocopherol, and β-carotene contents were measured. In the fourth experiment, three batches of droëwors were produced (C: no antioxidant, M0.75: 0.75 g/ 100 g MLP, VE: 15 mg/ kg α-tocopherol oil) and stored at 25 °C and 50percent relative humidity for 112 days. Drying kinetics and α-tocopherol contents of pork droëwors after drying were measured and the physico-chemical properties and TBARS were followed during storage. Results showed no differences (P > 0.05) in the physico-chemical characteristics of beef, game meat and ostrich droëwors; containing on average 25.8 ± 1.25 g/100 g moisture, 42.0 ± 0.10 g/100 g protein, 32.0 ± 1.68 g/100 g fat, 6.2 ± 0.13 g/100 g ash and 4.2 ± 0.10 g/100 g salt; with aw and pH of 0.79 ± 0.015 and 5.3 ± 0.05, respectively. During processing and storage, TBARS were higher (P < 0.05) in pork droëwors (maximum 3.83 mg MDA/kg DM) than in beef (maximum 0.99 mg MDA/kg DM). Moringa oleifera leaf powder contained high levels of TPC (7.5 ± 0.2 mg gallic acid eq/g) and substantial levels of α-tocopherol (76.7 ± 1.9 mg/100 g) and β-carotene (23.2 ± 2.8 mg/100 g). The FRAP, α-tocopherol and β-carotene content of pork droëwors increased (P < 0.05) proportionally with increasing levels of MLP inclusion. Lipid oxidation occurred more rapidly (P < 0.05) when MLP was not added and was similar (P > 0.05) for all MLP treatments. There was no significant effect of the inclusion of 0.75 g/100 g MLP on the drying curves and physico-chemical characteristics of the droëwors. The α-tocopherol content was higher (P < 0.05) and TBARS during storage were lower (P > 0.05) with MLP addition. The results of the current study give an overview of the composition of commercial droëwors and showed higher susceptibility to lipid oxidation in pork droëwors. Moringa oleifera leaf powder exhibited antioxidant activity in pork droëwors, inhibited lipid oxidation and increased the content of α-tocopherol in the product. It can be concluded that MLP could be used as a functional antioxidant additive in pork droëwors.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2016

Teacher's views on the implementation of HIV/AIDS policies in schools: a case study of four high schools in Fort Beaufort Education District

The design of an affroestation plant for Tsitsikamma forest reserve, province of the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Maybery, Keegan Lyle
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Architecture -- Environmental aspects Architecture, Modern -- 21st century , Forest conservation -- South Africa -- Tsitsikamma Forests and forestry -- South Africa -- Tsitsikamma
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18875 , vital:28742
  • Description: Environmental degeneration along the south coast of South Africa’s Garden route, particularly the Tsitsikamma region, has reached dire straits. The commercial alien tree plantations have taken over national reserves resulting in wildlife habitat and movement restrictions, high risk fire zones, the choking of crucial mountain water catchments as well as depleted the sense of place of the area (Cowling et al., 2009). Poor management of these reserves and commercial plantation supervision are primary contributors to this, which has lead to the ecological immanent disaster we now face. The result of this is a complete depletion of fresh water feeding the local community and tourists, the local agriculture which supply food to much of the coastal region and ultimately the destruction of indigenous natural biomes with devastating effect on the species of flora and fauna in the area. The aim of this treatise is to introduce a flexible metabolic building within the sensitive natural environment in order to catalyse the afforestation of indigenous flora in the Tsitsikamma region. This is to be achieved through a design process that involves the development of an adaptable architecture that responds to the delicacy of the site and the interwoven nature of the ecology with which it must interact, taking cognisance of the significance of flexibility, place and trace in the approach. The design implementation is envisoned to possess two stages, namely the implemention of a sawmill (Phase 1) as a temporary unit which will permanently eradicate the alien forestry and re-purpose the trees into fertilizer, biofuel and building materials. Once the sawmill has fulfilled its purpose, the temporary structure will take on a new form through a tranformation into a Honeybush tea processing plant. Phase 2 of the practical implementation involves the re-use of the processed timber, which will be incorporated as the building material for the construction of a management, exhibition and research facility. Ultimately “filling in the gaps” of the fragmented coastal forest ecosystem reconnecting Tsitsikamma to the Wilderness nature reserve. The infill will be in the form of Honeybush, an indigenous plant which exhibits lush flowers and other indigenous forest flora. The Honeybush yields Vitamin C, potassium, calcium and magnesium. It’s natural materials contain bioactive compounds called polyphenols that are known to possess antioxidants, antiatherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antitumor, and antiviral activities.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2016

The effectiveness of the concrete / semi-concrete / abstract (CSA) appoach and drill- practice on grade 10 learners' ability to simplify addition and subtraction algebraic fractions

  • Authors: Awuah, Bernard Prince
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Algebra, Abstract
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5105 , vital:29076
  • Description: This study was conducted in one of the education districts in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The purpose was to analyse the effectiveness of the concrete/semi-concrete/abstract (CSA) approach and drill-practice instructional strategies on Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. The following two objectives were set. First, to identify the learners’ challenges in studying addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions in grade 10; and second to analyse the effectiveness of the CSA approach and drill-practice instructional strategies on Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. Both threshold concepts and troublesome knowledge, Polya’s problem-solving techniques, CSA Approach theory and Drill-practice theory were all pertinent as a theoretical framework for the study. Positivism research paradigm was adopted for the study and it afforded the researcher opportunity to employ quantitative research approach. Based on the research question of this study, an experimental design was chosen as a suitable descriptive design. Purposive sampling method was used to select three schools which involved 135 grade 10 mathematics learners. Stratified random sampling method was thereafter employed to select 45 learners from each school for the study. The learners were grouped in each school as top, average and weak based on their performance in Algebra in term one. Pre-questionnaire and post-questionnaire were used to obtain data regarding challenges learners experience in simplifying addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. Ethical clearance from the relevant school and university authorities were obtained. On the first two days, the researcher briefed the school authorities and learners and explained to them the purpose and details of the study. Day three was used to administer the pre-questionnaire test, thereafter, the next ten days were used to teach addition and subtraction of both numeric and algebraic fractions with same and different numerators and denominators. The next two days were used for revision and the last day was used to administer the postquestionnaire test out 25 marks. The respondent rate was 98.5%. The data collected were analysed by using SPSS version 16.10. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The pre-questionnaire scores revealed that majority of the learners’ perceived fractions as two separate entities and as a result add or subtract numerator to numerator and denominator to denominator. It was also discovered that learners had a challenge in finding LCM of algebraic fractions. A t-Test for independent means was used to test the following hypotheses at 𝛼 = 0.05: 𝐇𝟎: The CSA approach and drill-practice intervention has no significant effect on Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions; 𝐇𝟏: The CSA approach and drill-practice will significantly enhance Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify addition and subtraction of algebraic fractions. The t-Test revealed a p-value of 0.139 which was statistically significant at 𝛼 = 0.05. Therefore, the researcher rejected the null hypothesis and concluded that the CSA approach and drill-practice have significantly enhanced the Grade 10 learners’ ability to simplify algebraic fractions.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2016
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