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Could enemy release explain invasion success of Sagittaria platyphylla in Australia and South Africa?

  • Authors: Kwong, Raelene M , Sagliocco, Jean L , Harms, Nathan E , Butler, Kym L , Martin, Grant D , Green, Peter T
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/419298 , vital:71632 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquabot.2018.11.011"
  • Description: Sagittaria platyphylla (delta arrowhead) is an emergent aquatic macrophyte native to southeastern United States of America that has been introduced into Australia and South Africa as an ornamental pond and aquarium plant. Compared to plants in the native range, S. platyphylla in the introduced range have greater reproductive capacity and form extensive infestations that dominate shallow waterbodies. One explanation for the invasive success of S. platyphylla in introduced countries is that plants are devoid of biotic pressures that would regulate population abundance in their native range (the enemy release hypothesis). We previously reported on field surveys that documented the number of pathogens and insect herbivores associated with S. platyphylla in native and introduced ranges. Here, we quantify the damage caused by these natural enemies to S. platyphylla in the two ranges. As predicted, damage to plants caused by pathogens and insect herbivores was much greater in the native than the introduced range at both the plant and population level. In introduced regions herbivory was low (less than 10%) in every plant part, while in North America insect damage to fruiting heads was 46% (of fruiting heads attacked), damage to leaves was between 33 to 57%, and internal herbivore damage to petioles and the inflorescence scapes was 56% and 43% respectively. Pathogen damage to leaves was between 39 to 57% of leaves per plant affected, compared to 9% in Australia and 8% in South Africa. This lack of biotic resistance from herbivores and disease may have facilitated S. platyphylla invasion in Australia and South Africa.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

Critical assessment of the quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation as an analytical tool for biosensor development and fundamental studies

  • Authors: Fogel, Ronen , Mashazi, Philani N , Nyokong, Tebello , Limson, Janice
  • Date: 2007
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/271204 , vital:54521 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2007.03.012"
  • Description: One of the challenges in electrochemical biosensor design is gaining a fundamental knowledge of the processes underlying immobilisation of the molecules onto the electrode surface. This is of particular importance in biocomposite sensors where concerns have arisen as to the nature of the interaction between the biological and synthetic molecules immobilised. We examined the use of the Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D) as a tool for fundamental analyses of a model sensor constructed by the immobilisation of cobalt(II) phthalocyanine (TCACoPc) and glucose oxidase (GOx) onto a gold-quartz electrode (electrode surface) for the enhanced detection of glucose. The model sensor was constructed in aqueous phase and covalently linked the gold surface to the TCACoPc, and the TCACoPc to the GOx, using the QCM-D. The aqueous metallophthalocyanine (MPc) formed a multi-layer over the surface of the electrode, which could be removed to leave a monolayer with a mass loading that compared favourably to the theoretical value expected. Analysis of frequency and dissipation plots indicated covalent attachment of glucose oxidase onto the metallophthalocyanine layer. The amount of GOx bound using the model system compared favourably to calculations derived from the maximal amperometric functioning of the electrochemical sensor (examined in previously-published literature, Mashazi, P.N., Ozoemena, K.I., Nyokong, T., 2006. Electrochim. Acta 52, 177–186), but not to theoretical values derived from dimensions of GOx as established by crystallography. The strength of the binding of the GOx film with the TCACoPc layer was tested by using 2% SDS as a denaturant/surfactant, and the GOx film was not found to be significantly affected by exposure to this. This paper thus showed that QCM-D can be used in order to model essential processes and interactions that dictate the functional parameters of a biosensor.
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  • Date Issued: 2007

Current and potential carbon stocks of trees in urban parking lots in towns of the Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: O'Donoghue, Alexandra , Shackleton, Charlie M
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/181037 , vital:43689 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2013.07.001"
  • Description: Greening of shopping centre parking lots is a potentially important strategy that can contribute to urban carbon mitigation efforts, improve aesthetics and the shopping experience of consumers, whilst adding to urban biodiversity. Twenty-eight shopping centre parking lots in six Eastern Cape urban centres, South Africa, were sampled to determine tree species composition, density and annual carbon sequestration potential. The best case parking lot found during the study was used as a benchmark to display the difference between current tree density and above-ground carbon stocks relative to the potential optimum. The highest tree density was 66 trees ha−1, whereas the average density across all sampled parking lots was less than half that (27.2 ± 22.6 trees ha−1). The average annual carbon sequestration potential per parking lot was 1390 ± 2503 kg ha−1. Planting density was positively related to annual sequestration rates, whilst parking lot age and the mean annual rainfall of the town had no influence. Mean tree species richness per parking lot was 2.3 ± 1.8 species, with a positive relationship to parking lot size, but not to mean annual rainfall of the site. The majority of trees (62.5%) in parking lots were alien species, although newer parking lots had significantly greater proportions of indigenous species. There was no difference in mean annual carbon sequestration rate per tree between indigenous and alien trees species. Low tree densities and small parking lot areas constrained the potential for earning carbon credits from trees in parking lots. Nonetheless, planners and designers need to be more aware of the potential contribution of trees towards urban sustainability.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Cyclic voltammetry and photooxidation of molybdenum (V) phthalocyanine

  • Authors: Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 1994
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295475 , vital:57344 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0277-5387(00)86594-8"
  • Description: Cyclic voltammetry of OMoV(OH)Pc in chloronaphthalene shows two quasi-reversible oxidation couples at 0.38 and 1.22 V and three quasi-reversible reduction couples at −0.74, −1.15 and −1.85 V vs S.C.E. Bulk electrolysis of OMoV(OH)Pc (Pc2 = phthalocyanine dianion) shows that the first oxidation couple is due to the oxidation of the central MoV metal to MoVI and the first reduction couple due to reduction to OMoIVPc. Cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry in DMSO also showed redox activity at the metal. Further reductions or oxidations in OMoVPc complexes occur at the phthalocyanine ring. OMoV(OH)Pc is readily photooxidized at the metal in the presence dichloromethane or dichlorobenzene, with the formation of OMoVIPc species.
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  • Date Issued: 1994

Cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry of a novel manganese phthalocyanine substituted with hexynyl groups

  • Authors: Quinton, Damien , Antunes, Edith M , Griveau, Sophie , Nyokong, Tebello , Bedioui, Fethi
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/248450 , vital:51687 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inoche.2010.11.029"
  • Description: We report here on the synthesis of a new manganese phthalocyanine complex, namely Mn tetrakis(5-hexyn-oxy) phthalocyanine (3), specifically designed to possess an alkyne moiety for its potential use in controlled immobilization on electrodes via the so called “click” chemistry reaction. The electrochemical activity of complex 3 was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and the nature of the observed redox couples was elucidated by spectroelectrochemistry. This work has also shown that the reduction of Mn(III)Pc complex to Mn(II)Pc is accompanied by the formation of MnPc μ-oxo species. Further reduction results in the formation of Mn(II)Pc(− 3) rather than Mn(I)Pc(− 2).
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  • Date Issued: 2011

Cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry of osmium phthalocyanines in aqueous and non-aqueous solvents

  • Authors: Sekota, Mantoa , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 1996
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/293358 , vital:57078 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/0277-5387(95)00581-1"
  • Description: Cyclic voltammetry of osmium phthalocyanine complexes, [(CN)2OsIIPc]2− and (py)2OSIIPc (PC = phthalocyanine dianion), show two oxidation couples and two reduction couples in acetonitrile and dimethy1formamide. Oxidation and reduction in these complexes occur at the ring to form cation and anion radical species, respectively. The [(CN)2OsIIPC]2− complexes show a remarkable ease of ring oxidation with oxidation potentials that are much lower than is typical for metallophthalocyanines. Half-wave potentials of 0.25 and 0.67 V (versus saturated calomel electrode, SCE) were obtained for the first and second ring oxidations, respectively. The [(CN)2OSIIPc]2− complex is soluble in water at pHs greater than 4. This complex shows one oxidation couple in pH 9 buffer at −0.11 V versus SCE.
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  • Date Issued: 1996

Deactivation of field cultivation in communal areas of South Africa: Patterns, drivers and socio-economic and ecological consequences

  • Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M , Mograbi, Penelope , Drimie, Scott , Fay, Derick , Hebinck, Paul , Hoffman, Michael T , Maciejewski, Kristine , Twine, Wayne
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/398210 , vital:69384 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2019.01.009"
  • Description: Smallholder production is a significant contributor to rural livelihoods and rural economies in much of the developing world. Yet, there is evidence of increasing disengagement in some regions, including southern Africa. However, there has been little consideration of the rates and the livelihood, ecological and policy implications of such. In this paper we examine previous studies on rates of deactivation of crop fields by smallholders in the communal areas of South Africa, supported by repeat photo images and case study material. Together these various methods show that it is a widespread phenomenon occurring at variable rates. Over short periods deactivation of crop fields can be balanced through some reactivation or intensification of homegardens. But over longer periods there is a net decline in the area of fields cultivated in many areas, with corresponding increases in the area of fallow land which, through time, may undergo changes towards more natural vegetation. We review the drivers of this deactivation of field cropping, and then contemplate the possible socio-economic and ecological implications at local and national scales. We show that there are numerous and profound implications that require greater understanding and policy responses.
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  • Date Issued: 2019

Decorated titania fibers as photocatalysts for hydrogen generation and organic matter degradation

  • Authors: Mapukata, Sivuyisiwe , Hainer, Andrew S , Lanterna, Anabel E , Scaiano, Juan C , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186573 , vital:44513 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2019.112185"
  • Description: Heterogenous photocatalysts based on electrospun fibers composed of polyvinylpyrrolidone and titanium propoxide were prepared and heated at 500, 750 and 950 °C to obtain anatase and rutile fibers. The fibers were then decorated with Pd and Co nanoparticles as well as a symmetrical zinc phthalocyanine (Pc). The fibrous materials obtained have a paper-like macroscopic appearance allowing for easy handling and separation. The photocatalytic activities of the new materials were evaluated for the generation of H2 upon UV (368 nm) or visible (630 nm) light excitation. Depending on the heat treatment or the post-synthetic decoration method, the materials show higher, or similar, activity compared to P25-TiO2, with superior ease of separation. The catalysts showed ability to degrade organic matter, with MeOH used as a model compound. This is of considerable importance for potential water treatment applications that will require flow-compatible materials.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Decoration of glass wool with zinc (II) phthalocyanine for the photocatalytic transformation of methyl orange

  • Authors: Sindelo, Azole , Britton, Jonathan , Lanterna, Anabel E , Scaiano, Juan C , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2022
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295742 , vital:57374 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2022.114127"
  • Description: Zinc phthalocyanines containing one (mono carboxy phenoxy, ZnMCPPc), four (tetra carboxy phenoxy, ZnTCPPc), and eight (tetra isophthalic acid, ZnTIPAPc) carboxyl groups were covalently conjugated to amine-functionalized glass wool (GW). The GW-Pcs were characterized and evaluated for singlet oxygen generation. The photocatalytic efficiencies of the GW-Pcs were assessed using methyl orange. Glass wool alone and the modified conjugates exhibited low to no degradation of methyl orange in the dark. The improved catalytic rate was observed for GW-ZnMCPPc and GW-ZnTCPPc compared to GW-ZnTIPAPc due to the latter's lower singlet oxygen quantum yield generation. In addition, the modified glass wool was recyclable, making it suitable candidates for future environmental applications.
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  • Date Issued: 2022

Design and evaluation of an electrochemical immunosensor for measles serodiagnosis using measles-specific Immunoglobulin G antibodies

  • Authors: Mashazi, Philani N , Vilakazi, Sibulelo , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241705 , vital:50962 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2013.06.036"
  • Description: The design of electrochemical immunosensors for the detection of measles-specific antibodies is reported. The measles-antigen modified surface was used as an antibody capture surface. The detection of measles-specific IgG antibodies was accomplished using the voltammetric method and horse-radish peroxidase (HRP) labeled secondary antibody (anti-IgG) as a detecting antibody. The potential applications of the designed immunosensor were evaluated in buffer and serum solutions. The immunosensor exhibited good linearity at concentrations less than 100 ng mL−1 with R2=0.997 and the limit of detection of 6.60 ng mL−1 at 3σ. The potential application of the immunosensor was evaluated in the deliberately infected human and newborn calf serum samples with measles-IgG antibody mimicking real-life samples. The designed electrochemical immunosensor could differentiate between infected and un-infected serum samples as higher catalytic currents were obtained for infected serum samples.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Detecting change in local ecological knowledge: An application of an index of taxonomic distinctness to an ethnoichthyological classification in the Solomon Islands

  • Authors: Aswani, Shankar , Ferse, Sebastien C , Stäbler, Moritz , Chong-Montenegro, Carolina
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/406521 , vital:70282 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2020.106865"
  • Description: The global accelerating loss of biodiversity is having immediate repercussions for ecosystems and human wellbeing, particularly in areas where people depend intimately on their natural environment for their livelihoods. Dovetailing this loss is the demise of local/traditional knowledge systems resulting from factors such as changing lifestyle and the transformation of local belief systems. While the importance of local ecological knowledge (LEK) for documentation of biodiversity and environmental change and development of management responses is well established, quantitative tools to analyze and systematically compare LEK are scarce. In this research, we analyze the complexity of local ecological knowledge used by respondents to classify locally-recognized marine species. We do so by applying a modified index of taxonomic distinctness to an ethnoichthyological classification in coastal communities in the Solomon Islands. In addition, we assess simple taxonomic diversity (richness in locally-recognized species names) by comparing taxonomies collected in 1992–1995 and 2014–2015. Results indicate that both endogenous (gender, age) and exogenous (proximity to market) factors have discernible effects on folk taxonomic knowledge in the region, with younger respondents and communities closer to a regional market center displaying a significantly lower richness of local species names. Folk taxonomic distinctness was significantly reduced closer to the regional market. The modified index of taxonomic distinctness applied in this research provides a useful tool to explore facets of local ecological knowledge in addition to simple richness of terms, and to compare across different regions and cultural backgrounds. Understanding changes in LEK is important because such knowledge enables communities who are highly dependent on living natural resources to harvest and manage resources more efficiently and also to detect and react to environmental change.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Detonation nanodiamonds-phthalocyanine photosensitizers with enhanced photophysicochemical properties and effective photoantibacterial activity

  • Authors: Openda, Yolande I , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186012 , vital:44455 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2020.102072"
  • Description: The nanophotosensitizers based on acetophenoxy tetrasubstituted metallophthalocyanines (MPc) and detonation nanodiamonds (DNDs) were successfully formed and their photophysicochemical properties were determined. The zinc(II)Pc and indium(III)Pc complexes along with their nanoconjugates were found to have high singlet oxygen quantum yields (0.72 − 0.84) associated with the heavy central metal effect. The ability of the functional groups present on the DNDs to bind to the bacteria cell and the improved solubility of the nanoconjugates due to DNDs resulted in effective photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (PACT) activity against S. aureus planktonic cells, with the highest log reduction of 9.72 ± 0.02 for the conjugate of InPc conjugate with DNDs after 30 min irradiation. PACT studies were investigated at a dose of 10 μg/mL for each sample. The results suggest that the readily synthesized nanoconjugates can be used as appropriate PACT agents.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Development of nanocomposites of phosphorus-nitrogen co-doped graphene oxide nanosheets and nanosized cobalt phthalocyanines for electrocatalysis

  • Authors: Shumba, Munyaradzai , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188574 , vital:44766 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2016.07.079"
  • Description: Conjugates of reduced phosphorus-nitrogen co-doped graphene oxide nanosheets (rPNDGONS), reduced phosphorus doped graphene oxide nanosheets (rPDGONS), reduced nitrogen doped graphene oxide nanosheets (rNDGONS), reduced pyrolised graphene oxide nanosheets (rpyGONS) with nanosized cobalt (II) phthalocyanine (CoPcNP) or cobalt tetra amino phenoxy phthalocyanine (CoTAPhPcNP) were characterised and tested for their electrocatalytic behaviour towards the detection of hydrogen peroxide. Cyclic and linear scan voltammetries, and chronoamperometry were used to evaluate the electrocatalytic nature of the designed probes. For hydrogen peroxide detection, CoPcNP-rPNDGONS-GCE oxidation gave sensitivity of 12.00 mA/M, limit of detection of 4.48 nM, a rate constant of 2.66 × 105 M−1 s−1, adsorption equilibrium constant of 3.7 × 102 M−1 and Gibbs free energy −14.84 kJmol−1. The lowest detection limit was obtained for CoTAPhPcNP-rPNDGONS-GCE at 1.21 nM.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Diffraction efficiency and I–V characteristics of metal-free phthalocyanine doped nematic liquid crystals

  • Authors: Köysal, Oguz , Okutan, Mustafa , San, S Eren , Nyokong, Tebello , Durmus, Mahmut
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263511 , vital:53634 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matchemphys.2008.10.056"
  • Description: The synthesis and characterization of the tetra-4-benzyloxyphenoxy substituted metal-free phthalocyanine (H2Pc) is reported for the first time. Formation of the photoinduced gratings has been experienced in a metal-free phthalocyanine doped nematic liquid crystal (LC) system and its I–V properties are characterized by electrical measurements. Four samples are prepared at different doping percentages and in homogenously aligned sandwiched geometry. We report the results of two set of experiments on these samples. One of them is the grating diffraction experiment for the analysis of optically induced reorientation process which is a basis for possible holographic applications. Accessible diffraction efficiency is found to be linearly increasing as the amount of the phthalocyanine doping rises. In the scope of the other set of measurements I–V peculiarity of the system is also found to be enhanced and linearly dependent on doping.
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  • Date Issued: 2009

Direct nonlinear optical absorption measurements of asymmetrical zinc (II) phthalocyanine when covalently linked to semiconductor quantum dots

  • Authors: Mgidlana, Sithi , Sen, Pinar , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186056 , vital:44459 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2020.128729"
  • Description: We report on nonlinear optical properties of tris[(4-tert-butyl)-2-thio (phenyl)acetic acid (1) and tris(dimethyl-5-(3,4-phenoxy) isophthalate (2) phthalocyaninato zinc (II) complexes. The synthesized complexes were covalently conjugated to glutathione-capped CdTe/ZnSe/ZnO quantum dots. We observed an increase in triplet quantum yield with corresponding decrease in fluorescence quantum yield of conjugates compared to Pc complexes alone. Z-scan technique was employed to experimentally test the nonlinear optical response of complexes and nanoconjugates in solution at laser excitation wavelength of 532 nm with 7 ns pulse. Nonlinear absorption coefficient, third-order optical susceptibility and optical limiting threshold of the materials were obtained from the Z-scan data. The nonlinear absorption parameters improved in the presence of CdTe/ZnSe/ZnO, with 1 and 1-CdTe/ZnSe/ZnO, giving the best results due to the presence of electron donating substituents.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Direct-use value of smallholder crop production in a semi-arid rural South African village

  • Authors: Dovie, Delali B K , Witkowski, Ed T F , Shackleton, Charlie M
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/181595 , vital:43750 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0308-521X(02)00124-5"
  • Description: The monetary value of natural resources used by rural communities for subsistence is important when addressing issues affecting the livelihoods of impoverished rural households. There is therefore the need to attribute monetary values to non-marketed products from smallholder production systems in order to reliably account for resource availability and usage to further sound policy decisions. The objective of this paper is to present an empirical analysis of the direct-use and traded values of crop production by households, and to discuss the implications for policy development. The study was undertaken in combination with an evaluation of other livelihood sectors in Thorndale, a semi-arid rural village in the Limpopo province of South Africa. The net direct-use value of crops was estimated at $443.4 per household per annum across the village. Maize (Zea mays), watermelon (Citrullus, vulgaris), peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) and common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) contributed over 90% to the total direct-use value of crops. Maize alone contributed 40% of this value per household at an estimated $652/ha. Marketing of resources was not a common practice, limited to only maize and peanuts. Farming was basically a rain-fed–mixed cropping system with low production inputs. Farmer support services, human capital development and tenure security were major areas identified for policy development.
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  • Date Issued: 2003

Distribution and ecological assessment of heavy metals in irrigation channel sediments in a typical rural area of south China

  • Authors: Gu, Chiming , Liu, Yi , Li, Zhiguo , Mohamed, Ibrahim , Zhang, Ronghua , Brooks, Margot , Chen, Fang
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/66924 , vital:29000 , ISSN 0925-8574 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2016.01.054
  • Description: Publisher version , Elevated levels of heavy metals in sediments of irrigation channels can pose risks for crops and livestock, as well as for human health. In this study sediment samples were collected from the irrigation channel in a typical rural area of south China, and digested, in order to analyze their contents for the presence of heavy metals Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Cd, and Ni, as well as the non-metal As, to assess total concentrations and pollution levels. The pollution load index and potential ecological risk index of these elements were utilized to assess contamination levels and ecotoxicity. Our results showed that the concentrations of the 7 elements were in the order of Zn > Ni > Cr > Cu > As > Pb > Cd. With the exception of Cr and Pb, concentrations of elements were higher than their background in soil, especially for Cd (1.79 mg kg−1), As (99.61 mg kg−1) and Ni (142.62 mg kg−1), which were 18.49, 8.89 and 5.30 times their background concentrations, respectively. The whole sampled zone was characterized by medium pollution and had a very high potential ecological risk. The area of arable land presented a medium pollution risk, while areas near to the path or road showed high risk of pollution. The predominant contributors to elevated ecological risk for the whole zone were Cd and As.
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  • Date Issued: 2016

Docking of HIV protease to silver nanoparticles

  • Authors: Whiteley, Chris G , Shing, C-Y , Kuo, C-C , Lee, Duu-Jong
  • Date: 2016
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67105 , vital:29032 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtice.2015.10.029
  • Description: publisher version , This interaction of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) with human immune-deficiency virus aspartic protease (HIVPR) is examined by molecular dynamics simulation using the Colores (Situs) package and biophysical techniques using UV–vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy and circular dichroism. The ‘docking’ of AgNP with HIVPR creates a complex [AgNP–HIVPR] to initiate a hypochromic time-dependent red-shift for the surface plasmon resonance maximum. MD simulations reflect large perturbations to enzyme conformations by fluctuations of both rmsd and B-factors. Increase in changes to electrostatic potentials within the enzyme, especially, with chain B, suggest hydrophobic interactions for the binding of the AgNP. This is supported by changes to mainchain and sidechain dihedrals for many hydrophobic amino acid including Cys95, Trp6 and Trp42. Circular dichroism spectra reveal disappearance of α-helices and β-sheets and increase in random coil first from chain B then chain A. During initial stages of the interactive simulation the enzyme is conformational flexible to accommodate the AgNP, that docks with the enzyme under a cooperative mechanism, until a more stable structure is formed at convergence. There is a decrease in size of the HIVPR–AgNP complex measured by changes to the gyration radius supporting evidence that the AgNP associates, initially, with chain B.
  • Full Text: false
  • Date Issued: 2016

Double-and quintuple-decker phthalocyaninato chelates as optical limiters in solution and thin film

  • Authors: Sekhosana, Kutloano E , Nyokong, Tebello
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: To be catalogued
  • Language: English
  • Type: text , article
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186733 , vital:44529 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2019.107836"
  • Description: The rare-earth quintuple-decker phthalocyaninato chelates (3a and 3b) were synthesized from their parent rare-earth double-decker phthalocyaninato precursors (2b and 2a). After extensive structural elucidation, these complexes were subjected to various spectroscopic techniques to investigate their electronic behavior. It was found that complexes 3a and 3b existed as the oxidized forms. When investigating the optical limiting properties, all these complexes were found to exhibit reverse saturable absorption, with complex 2a showing a more enhanced open-aperture Z-Scan signature than complex 2b. Interestingly, complexes 3a and 3b (in solution) exhibited better open-aperture Z-Scan signatures than their parent rare-earth double-decker phthalocyaninato precursors (2b and 2a). However, thin films fabricated from these complexes did not show an improvement in the optical limiting properties when compared to 2a, 3a, 3b except for that which was prepared from 2b. This study shows the importance of extensive π-electron system in phthalocyaninato complexes for optical limiting applications.
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  • Date Issued: 2020

Drowning in data, thirsty for information and starved for understanding: A biodiversity information hub for cooperative environmental monitoring in South Africa

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