List of Titles

Quick View

Evaluating baculovirus mixtures against false codling moth Thaumatotibia leucotreta Meyrick. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

- Tole, Siviwe

Authors: Tole, Siviwe
Date: 2024-10-11
Subjects: False codling moth Biological control , Baculoviruses , Integrated pest management , Natural pesticides , Granulovirus
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/463996 , vital:76464
Description: False codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta, is an important pest of citrus, stone fruit, avocados, peppers, and other important agricultural crops in southern Africa. Baculovirus-based biopesticides are components in an integrated pest management (IPM) programme to manage the pest in the field. Cryptogran™ and Cryptex™ which are CrleGV-SA based-biopesticides have been effective in the control of T. leucotreta for the past 15 years. Recently, CrpeNPV-based Multimax™ and Codlmax™ have been commercialised to control T. leucotreta and other important agricultural pests. Despite these viruses being relatively host-specific and safe to humans and animals in comparison to chemical insecticides, their application is hindered by their slow speed of kill, sensitivity to UV light, and the potential for insect resistance. Research investigating the effects of mixed baculoviral interactions against target pests has been a growing field of interest due to their potential to overcome such shortcomings. Previous studies using a combination of CrleGV-SA and CrpeNPV against T. leucotreta observed a reduction in lethal concentration in laboratory bioassays, indicating that such mixtures may have the potential for application in the field. This has led to the motivation to investigate further interactions between CrleGV-SA in combination with CrpeNPV, CpGV-M, and HearNPV-Au to understand better how these viruses interact and to determine whether synergistic, additive, or antagonistic interactions can occur against T. leucotreta. The outcome of these interactions will inform researchers and farmers about best practices concerning these viruses should they be combined against T. leucotreta in the future. Prior to performing mixed baculovirus infections in laboratory bioassays, oligonucleotides targeting unique regions in the viral genomes of CrleGV-SA, CrpeNPV, CpGV-M, and HearNPV-Au were designed using Primer-BLAST. The specificity of these oligonucleotides was further tested in silico using Geneious R11 software (11.1.5). The stocks of CrpeNPV, CpGV-M, and HearNPV-Au were purified using crude OB extraction from diseased C. peltastica, C. pomonella, and H. armigera larval cadavers provided by River Bioscience (Pty) Ltd (Gqeberha, South Africa). The stock of CrleGV-SA was purified using crude OB extraction from infected T. leucotreta cadavers. Subsequently, the unique oligonucleotides were used in PCR assays to detect if the samples contained the baculoviruses of interest. Amplicons of the expected sizes were generated indicating the presence of CrleGV-SA, CrpeNPV, CpGV-M, and HearNPV-Au in each of the samples. The OBs were counted using darkfield microscopy and a counting chamber before the single and mixed infections were initiated against T. leucotreta neonate larvae. Surface-dose biological assays were used to evaluate the relative virulence in terms of lethal concentration of CrleGV-SA, CrpeNPV, and CpGV-M, alone against T. leucotreta. After 7 days, the dose mortality data was analysed using “drc” in R studio and the LC50 and LC90 were compared amongst each virus. The CrleGV-SA treatment was estimated to be the most virulent in comparison to CrpeNPV and CpGV-M. A dose discriminate assay confirmed that HearNPV does not cause mortality in T. leucotreta. Similarly, the relative virulence in terms of lethal concentration of CrleGV-SA in various ratios in combination with CrpeNPV, CpGV-M, and HearNPV-Au was determined using 7-day surface dose biological assays. The CrleGV/CrpeNPV was the most virulent mixture with lower LC50 and LC90 values measured in comparison to CrleGV/CpGV and CrleGV/HearNPV, respectively. The Tammes Bakuniak graphic method confirmed the CrleGV/CrpeNPV, CrleGV/CpGV, and CrleGV/HearNPV mixtures to be antagonistic against T. leucotreta neonate larvae in terms of lethal concentration. The last aspect of the study was to determine the probable cause of larval death. A modified CTAB protocol was used to extract genomic DNA from neonate-sized T. leucotreta cadavers collected in single and mixed infection assays. The gDNA served as templates in PCR assays using the unique oligonucleotides. In single infections, the presence of CrleGV-SA in CrpeNPV and HearNPV inoculated larvae was observed. The results suggest possible covert infections of CrleGV-SA in the T. leucotreta colony which may be caused by virus infection or an unknown stress factor. The results from the mixed infections showed the presence of each virus in all replicates except for the CrleGV/CpGV and CrleGV/HearNPV mixtures. In the CrleGV/CpGV mixture, only CrleGV-SA was present in the last replicate, suggesting a possible competition for host resources. In the CrleGV/HearNPV mixture, only CrleGV-SA was detected in all 3 replicates, suggesting that HearNPV did not have any effect and the larvae died of the CrleGV-SA infection. This is the first study to report mixtures of CrleGV-SA in combination with CpGV-M and HearNPV-Au against T. leucotreta neonate larvae. Despite the antagonistic interactions observed in the evaluated mixtures, this study has laid a foundation to further investigate how these viruses interact in dual infections for the improved control of T. leucotreta. This may be done by evaluating different ratios and combinations of baculoviruses to those used in this study. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology & Bioinformatics, 2024
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2024-10-11

Quick View

Aspects of the sustainability of the wild honeybush industry

- McGregor, Gillian Kathleen

Authors: McGregor, Gillian Kathleen
Date: 2024-10-11
Subjects: Cyclopia intermedia , Renewable natural resources South Africa , Sustainability , Local ecological knowledge , Harvesting
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/464266 , vital:76493 , DOI 10.21504/10962/464266
Description: Honeybush products are uniquely South African, derived from plants of the fynbos genus, Cyclopia. Cyclopia intermedia is the most widespread species, distributed across 11 496 km2 of the Cape Fold Mountains, and provided the bulk of supply for the industry until 2022. While the industry is small, it is a locally significant industry affecting the livelihoods of harvesters, farmers and processors in the greater Langkloof region of the Eastern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa. The industry has evolved from a cottage one, to a commercial scale, and concerns have been raised over the sustainability of the wild resource specifically, and the industry in general. The research aimed to improve our understanding of aspects of the sustainability of the wild honeybush industry. A mixed methods design was adopted, which allowed for the inclusion of data collection approaches and analysis which tell a richer story than one with a singular modus. Four objectives were identified, which entailed: (i) mapping the resource to establish the distribution range of C. intermedia; (ii) recording of local ecological knowledge (LEK) and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) around best practice harvesting; (iii) assessing the sustainability of harvest enterprise types through analysis of yield history and harvester loads; (iv) identifying differences between harvested and unharvested C. intermedia populations. Mapping of the resource drew on a variety of existing data sources, field mapping, GIS-based analysis, species distribution modelling and expert mapping to create a comprehensive and accurate map of the species distribution. The species is estimated to occupy a distribution range of 11 496 km2, 49% of which occurs in formally protected areas. Based on local scale mapping by experts, 100km2 is estimated to be in use for wild harvesting in the production area of the Langkloof. Information on best practice harvesting was collected through in-depth interviews with harvesters, harvest managers, processors and farmers (in the field at harvest events) and through questionnaire surveys and focus group discussions at a honeybush stakeholder workshop. In combination with harvest event surveys at which harvester practice was observed and recorded, and surveys were conducted of the harvest yield and of plants in the harvested population, the information was used to produce the first formal account of best practice for sustainable harvesting of wild honeybush. To assess the sustainability of harvest enterprises and associated harvester livelihoods, harvester managers were interviewed to create profiles of typical harvesting enterprises based on their practices and harvest yield histories. Of the three harvest enterprises considered, two showed sustained yields over time, while those of a large contract type enterprise were less sustainable with declining yields on three out of six farms. From a statistical analysis of the records it was found that the most effective team size was 10 or less harvesters in terms of livelihood sustainability. They could earn a fair livelihood (ZAR67 680.00) per annum, based on a 94 kg load per daily harvest event, sold to the processor at ZAR 5.00, for nine months of the year, working a four-day week. For a team to operate sustainably, it was found that it should consist of experienced harvesters harvesting conservatively, at intervals of at least four years, and be responsive to local environmental conditions. Detailed field surveys of C. intermedia plants at 38 sites representing harvested and unharvested populations were carried out to understand the impact of harvesting on the plants. A statistical analysis of the plant's dimensions related to the physical environment, fire and harvest history using generalised linear models revealed that while unharvested plants were slightly larger, only crown diameter and stem counts were significantly so. Seedlings were noticeably scarce at all sites, including recently burnt sites. A significant finding of the research was that in a fecundity survey, unharvested plants produced significantly more pods. The impact of this is unknown, but it has implications for management and the sustainable use of wild resources in the long term. Further understanding of the impact of harvesting came from surveys of cultivated stands of C. intermedia (different ages and harvest histories, but all harvested at three-year intervals) and surveys of a wild population, which was subjected to unregulated harvesting. For the cultivated stand: after 12 years, plants declined in all measured dimensions, while in the wild population, 45% of the plants died over a seven-year period. The surveys proved that a three-year interval or frequent, unregulated harvest is unsustainable. The research was used to produce the wild harvesting guidelines, which have become the accepted standard for the industry. It has demonstrated that under the right circumstances, harvesting of the wild C. intermedia resource is broadly sustainable. However, there needs to be informed management of the use of the resource in terms of harvest team types and their protocols, particularly with regard to harvest intervals and possible interventions to improve seed production to achieve sustainable use of the resource in social, economic and ecological terms. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Geography, 2024
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2024-10-11

Quick View

Promoting Grade 9 mathematics teachers’ TPACK development through planning algebra lessons that integrate technology in Oshakati education circuit

- Angula, Mechtilde

Authors: Angula, Mechtilde
Date: 2024-10-11
Subjects: Algebra Study and teaching (Secondary) Namibia Oshakati , Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge , Educational technology , Education Social aspects Namibia , Culturally relevant pedagogy Namibia
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/463669 , vital:76430
Description: The revised curriculum in Namibia highlights the integration of digital tools to help learners understand mathematics better. For this purpose, teachers need to possess Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) to utilize technology effectively. However, using technology by itself does not guarantee better learning rather, it requires an understanding of how to integrate technology in teaching mathematics. Therefore, this case study explored Grade 9 mathematics teachers’ TPACK development through planning algebra lessons that integrate technology. An interpretive paradigm, supported by a pragmatic paradigm, underpins the study, and a qualitative case study approach was employed. The study purposively engaged ten Grade 9 mathematics teachers from four schools in Namibia. Demographic questionnaires, Semi-structured interviews, Reflective journals, notes from discussions, focus group interviews and document analysis were used to gain teachers’ insights on TPACK development. The study was guided by two educational theories: Bernstein's Sociology of Education (1971) and Bloom's Taxonomy of the Cognitive Domain (1956). Also, Mishra and Koehler’s TPACK framework (2009) was used to analyze the data. The findings showed that mathematics teachers had a positive view of technology integration in mathematics lessons and TPACK development through technology-integrated lesson planning, but they lacked the knowledge for planning lessons that integrate technology. Taking part in the intervention improved the selected mathematics teachers' understanding of TPACK, making them more confident about using technology in their teaching. The study also found different strategies to help teachers incorporate technology into their lessons, along with having a strong grasp of the subject and effective teaching methods. Based on these findings, it is suggested that in-service mathematics teachers take part in interventions focused on integrating technology into lesson planning. These interventions should demonstrate how technology can improve mathematics education and how it fits with both content and teaching methods. It is also recommended that these interventions emphasize the importance of Bloom's Taxonomy in using technology for mathematics education. The study concludes by suggesting further research on how planned lessons can be implemented in actual mathematics classrooms. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2024
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2024-10-11

Quick View

Research-informed development of comprehensible isiXhosa teaching material: the Department of Basic Education Mental Starters doubling and halving unit

- Booi, Tabisa

Authors: Booi, Tabisa
Date: 2024-10-11
Subjects: Native language and education South Africa , Mathematics Translating South Africa , South Africa. Department of Basic Education , Translanguaging (Linguistics) , Mathematics Study and teaching (Elementary) South Africa
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/463680 , vital:76431
Description: One of the challenges faced by schools that teach in isiXhosa in the Foundation Phase is the impact of nature of language used in the early-grade mathematics classroom. This is the focus of this research study. Despite numerous programs addressing the poor performance in mathematics, a significant majority of interventions are presented in English, creating barriers for learners and teachers using their native languages. While the Language in Education Policy allows for home language instruction in isiXhosa, the translation of materials often contains distortion in meaning and unfamiliar terms, complicating comprehension for indigenous language learners. Motivated by concerns over low mathematics performance, as highlighted in TIMSS (2019), and my personal experiences in teaching Foundation Phase mathematics in isiXhosa at a rural primary school, this study explores the challenges arising from using translated materials. The use of mediating materials in isiXhosa can be hindered by unfamiliar terms and distortion in meaning. For this reason, I adopted a translanguaging approach, incorporating transliteration between English and isiXhosa, especially in mathematics teaching. Grounded in the pragmatism paradigm, this qualitative design research unfolds in an isiXhosa medium primary school in Makhanda. The investigation centers first on document analysis of the Doubling and Halving unit in the Mental Starters Assessment Programme (MSAP) Teacher Guide (in English and isiXhosa), and then focuses on the teaching of two grade 3 classes, in isiXhosa, using the MSAP Doubling and Halving teaching sequence. Two grade 3 teachers and their principal participate as critical friends. The key research questions are: (1) What are the enablers and constraints that are experienced by the teacher during the mediation of the doubling and halving calculating strategies in isiXhosa?; (2) What are the key terms and phrases (vocabulary) needed to teach doubling and halving in isiXhosa?; (3) What are the perspectives and pedagogical insights of the critical friends on the isiXhosa vocabulary that was developed? The research unfolds in multiple stages, beginning with a document analysis of the MSAP using Toury’s Descriptive Translation Studies. Subsequently, I adapt eight lesson starters for doubling and halving, implementing them across two grade 3 classes in a double action research cycle. Focus group discussions with critical friends, aided by video recordings for stimulated recall, provide valuable insights. Data collected throughout these stages are analyzed through the lens of Vygotsky’s Socio-Cultural theory, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and potential solutions in this educational context. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Primary and Early Childhood Education, 2024
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2024-10-11

Quick View

Immobilisation of an Aspergillus niger derived endo-1,4-β-mannanase, Man26A, for the production of prebiotic mannooligosaccharides from soybean meal

- Anderson, Amy Sage

Authors: Anderson, Amy Sage
Date: 2024-10-11
Subjects: Aspergillus niger , Soybean meal , Mannosidases , Oligosaccharides , Immobilized microorganisms
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/463897 , vital:76455
Description: This study investigated the potential for antibiotic alternatives in the form of prebiotics produced from the enzymatic breakdown of soybean meal (SBM). This study first investigated the immobilisation of an endo-1,4-β-mannanase derived from Aspergillus niger on glutaraldehyde-activated chitosan nanoparticles (CTS) and glutaraldehyde-activated chitosan-coated magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (MAGS-CTS) - which could be effectively used to hydrolyse the galactomannan contained in SBM in a recyclable manner. The mannooligosaccharides (MOS) produced from the enzymatic digestion of SBM were then analysed for their prebiotic and antimicrobial capabilities to determine whether the strategy employed was capable of promoting and inhibiting probiotic and pathogenic growth, respectively. An Aspergillus niger endo-1,4-β-mannanase, Man26A, was confirmed by FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) and XRD (X-ray powder diffraction) to be immobilised onto CTS and MAGS-CTS by covalent bonding. The immobilisation (%) and activity yields (%) were 81.14% and 35.45%, and 55.75% and 21.17%, respectively. The biochemical properties (pH and temperature optima, and temperature stability) of both the free CTS and MAGS-CTS immobilised Man26A enzymes were evaluated, with the pH optima shifting to a lower pH range after immobilisation (pH 2.0 – 3.0 vs. 5.0), while the temperature optima and stabilities remaining unchanged (at 60°C). CTS and free enzymes exhibited identical thermal stabilities, maintaining 100% activity for the first 6 hours at 55°C, while MAGS-CTS showed an immediate drop in relative activity after the first 30 minutes of incubation. Recyclability analysis revealed that CTS could be effectively reused for six reaction cycles, while the MAGS-CTS immobilised enzyme could only be used once. Both enzymes could be efficiently stored at 4ºC, showing a relative residual activity of 73% after 120 hours of storage. Substrate kinetic analysis showed that the free enzyme had the highest catalytic capabilities in hydrolysing locust bean gum (LBG), with the CTS immobilised enzyme was the most efficient in hydrolysing SBM, the insoluble, complex substrate. Sugar residues produced from the hydrolysis of LBG illustrated the effective breakdown of galactomannan to mannobiose (M2), mannotriose (M3), mannotetrose (M4), and mannohexose (M6). SBM-produced sugars analysed via TLC and HPLC indicated that the MOS residues were most probably glucose, galactose, and galactomannans (GM2 and GM3). The SBM-produced sugars were then evaluated for their prebiotic effect, illustrating their successful utilisation as a carbon source by probiotic bacteria; Streptococcus thermophilus, Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Evaluation of the antimicrobial activities of the SBM-produced sugars digested by probiotics suggested that their metabolites had the potential to be used as an antibiotic alternative. This study therefore illustrated that an endo-1,4-β-mannanase derived from Aspergillus niger could be immobilised successfully, for use in a recyclable reaction to produce MOS products. This study also described the successful use of SBM-sugars as a prebiotic, indicating a successful alternative to antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) by illustrating their positive effect on inhibiting growth of pathogenic bacterial species. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology & Bioinformatics, 2024
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2024-10-11

Quick View

Enhancing licence plate recognition for a robust vehicle re-identification system

- Boby, Alden Zachary

Authors: Boby, Alden Zachary
Date: 2024-10-11
Subjects: Automobile theft South Africa , Deep learning (Machine learning) , Object detection , YOLOv7 , YOLO , Pattern recognition systems , Image processing Digital techniques , Automobile license plates
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/464322 , vital:76501
Description: Vehicle security is a growing concern for citizens of South Africa. Law enforcement relies on reports and security camera footage for vehicle identification but struggles to match the increasing number of carjacking incidents and low vehicle recovery rates. Security camera footage offers an accessible means to identify stolen vehicles, yet it often poses hurdles like anamorphic plates and low resolution. Furthermore, depending on human operators proves inefficient, requiring faster processes to improve vehicle recovery rates and trust in law enforcement. The integration of deep learning has revolutionised object detection algorithms, increasing the popularity of vehicle tracking for security purposes. This thesis investigates advanced deep-learning methods for a comprehensive vehicle search and re-identification system. It enhances YOLOv7’s algorithmic capabilities and employs preprocessing techniques like super-resolution and perspective correction via the Improved Warped Planar Object Detection network for more effective licence plate optical character recognition. Key contributions include a specifically annotated dataset for training object detection models, an optical character recognition model based on YOLOv7, and a method for identifying vehicles in unrestricted data. The system detected rectangular and square licence plates without prior shape knowledge, achieving a 98.7% character recognition rate compared to 95.31% in related work. Moreover, it outperformed traditional optical character recognition by 28.25% and deep-learning EasyOCR by 14.18%. Its potential applications in law enforcement, traffic management, and parking systems can improve surveillance and security through automation. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Computer Science, 2024
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2024-10-11

Quick View

A scoping review on problematic Internet use and Substance Use Disorder among men

- Adolph, Miché Tania

Authors: Adolph, Miché Tania
Date: 2024-10-11
Subjects: Internet addiction , Substance abuse , Men Mental health , Scoping review protocol , Compulsive behavior Sex differences
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/465788 , vital:76653
Description: Problematic Internet Use (PIU) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) interact in complex ways that influence the current mental health landscape. Concurrently, the advent of the digital era has presented new difficulties, one of which is the emergence of problematic internet use as a significant issue that negatively impacts mental health. The increasing popularity of internet use has led to an increasing number of reports highlighting the potential negative consequences of overuse, such as substance use. Thus, the study aimed to synthesise literature on problematic internet use and substance use disorder, including the way in which they affect men, given that prior research has predominantly focused on women. The methods employed follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) which is largely based on a PRISMA statement and checklist, the JBI methodological guidance, and other approaches for undertaking scoping reviews. A total of 16 studies were eligible for final review, and the themes identified from the reviewed studies were obtained using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. An analysis of the articles showed a large focus on gender differences in addiction patterns, vulnerability to problematic internet use across age groups, associations between substance use and behavioural addictions, problematic internet use and mental health disorders, the psychological consequences of problematic internet use and substance use disorders, and the various risk factors associated with the development of problematic internet use and substance use disorder. A clear understanding and conceptualisation of this behavioural addiction is vital, including the development and utilisation of appropriate and validated diagnostic and screening tools to measure its presence and, in turn, address it as an emerging mental health disorder. Focus should be given to the assessment of problematic internet use by distinguishing the two different forms, namely the generalised and specific forms of problematic internet use. Additionally, given that there were very few to no qualitative studies conducted on the topic of problematic internet use, much less addressing the possible association with substance use disorder, an assessment of the individual’s experience, especially that of men, is lacking. Future research could therefore aim to incorporate more qualitative studies to address the above. Further research is also needed to clarify the nature of the relationship between problematic internet use and substance use disorder for the purpose of establishing possible causality, including the neurobiological substrates involved. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2024
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2024-10-11

Quick View

Analyzing Microsporidia sp. MB from sequence to biology: comprehensive exploration of the genome, protein structures, and functions through extensive bioinformatics analysis

- Ang'ang'o, Lilian Mbaisi

Authors: Ang'ang'o, Lilian Mbaisi
Date: 2024-10-11
Subjects: Microsporidia , Whole genome sequencing , Proteins Structure , Symbiont , Malaria Prevention , Vector control
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/466480 , vital:76734 , DOI https://doi.org/10.21504/10962/466480
Description: Microsporidia are spore-forming intracellular organisms classified as the earliest divergent group within the Fungi kingdom. Microsporidia have been found widely affecting different hosts, including both vertebrates and invertebrates. The pathogenicity of microsporidia depends on their species and the host species they infect. Due to their obligate intracellular nature, microsporidia have extensively evolved. This is illustrated by their highly variable genome sizes and gene content. Being minimalist eukaryotes, the microsporidia genome is often associated with extreme gene reduction and compaction. However, these interesting microorganisms retain particular genes that help them acquire specific host nutrients, thereby relying heavily on their host for survival and proliferation. The mode of sexual reproduction of microsporidia has not been well-studied. Harnessing microsporidia in the laboratory is often a challenge, however, the advances in computational tools have made it cheaper and quicker to accurately predict and annotate these organisms to understand their mechanism of infection. Understanding the protein structure and function of these unique organisms is the baseline for providing insights into their biology and survival in their respective hosts. Microsporidia genomes contain a large proportion of hypothetical proteins of which their functions are not described. Vittaforma corneae ATCC 50505 was used as a model to highlight the functions and structure of these otherwise unknown proteins. A systematic annotation pipeline employing exhaustive computational tools was devised to carefully annotate the hypothetical proteins of V. corneae, aiming to characterize their structure and function.The genome of the novel microsporidian, Microsporidia sp. MB, a Plasmodium-transmission-blocking symbiont isolated from Anopheles mosquitoes in Sub-Saharan Africa, was sequenced, assembled, and annotated. The genome was found to contain over 2000 putative genes spanning its 5.9 Mb size and contained minimal repeats. Comparative phylogenomic analysis of Microsporidia sp. MB grouped this symbiont within the Enterocytozoonida (clade IV) microsporidia, clustering with its closest relative – V. corneae. Using robust computational techniques, prediction and characterization of the putative proteins of Microsporidia sp. MB was conducted. The decay of several proteins in the glycolytic pathway is one unique characteristic associated with microsporidia. The proteins retained or lost often vary across the microsporidian taxon. This study highlights the retention of most of the proteins involved in the glycolytic pathway in Microsporidia sp. MB. The available genome dataset of Microsporidia sp. MB was further used to infer its mode of sexual reproduction. The symbiont appears to have several meiotic-related gene orthologs, suggesting that it is capable of sexual reproduction. These findings describe the basic biology of Microsporidia sp. MB and provide a basis for future Next-Generation Sequencing, RNA sequencing experiments ultimately informing the application of this microorganism as a biological malaria control tool. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bioinformatics, 2024
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2024-10-11

Quick View

IT business consulting competencies to address business intelligence and analytics challenges in South African organisations

- Chatapura, Ruvimbo Faith

Authors: Chatapura, Ruvimbo Faith
Date: 2024-10-11
Subjects: Business enterprises Information technology South Africa , Business intelligence , Business analytics , Business consultants , Dynamic capabilities , Knowledge management
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/462680 , vital:76325
Description: Background: In today's dynamic environment, the importance and popularity of business intelligence and analytics (BI&A) has increased due to the rise in big data being generated across the globe. BI&A is an essential emerging business competency area and dynamic capability that serves as an enabler for organisations to harvest value from their big data. When implemented correctly, BI&A is a powerful tool that leads to increased competitive advantage. However, organisations in South Africa are facing major challenges when it comes to adopting and harnessing it. As such, it is IT business consultants that South African organisations turn to for acquiring BI&A expertise. Objective: Using the Theory of Dynamic Capabilities as an underpinning lens, the purpose of this study is to investigate the relevant competencies IT business consultants need to address BI&A challenges in South African organisations. This study focuses on developing a BI&A competency framework based on these competencies that IT business consultants can consider when addressing the BI&A challenges in South African organisations. Methods: A qualitative research approach was utilised in this study by making use of an interpretive paradigm, abductive reasoning, qualitative description research strategy, as well as semi-structured interviews and questionnaires as data collection methods to elicit feedback on this study’s BI&A competency framework. Content analysis was conducted to categorise and code the interview data, and descriptive analysis was conducted to rank the competencies in order of relevance. Findings: It was found that the relevant business competencies to consider are business acumen, industry knowledge and strategic conceptual abilities. The relevant technical competencies are categorised into three categories: analytical skills (logical thinking, problem-solving, statistical analysis and what-if analysis), data engineering (data modelling skills, data warehousing, database management, data governance, data interpretation, data stewardship, data visualisation tools and data processing languages) and supplementary skills (project management, consulting skills and artificial intelligence). The relevant values and behavioural competencies to consider are integrity, communication, teamwork, resilience, commitment, creativity, emotional intelligence, humility, behavioural analysis, curiosity, leadership and social intelligence. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Information Systems, 2024
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2024-10-11

Quick View

The art of adaption: the National Arts Festival’s strategic response to the COVID-19 pandemic

- Brody, Blake Benjamin

Authors: Brody, Blake Benjamin
Date: 2024-10-11
Subjects: Standard Bank National Arts Festival , Strategic planning , Strategic thinking , Crisis management South Africa , Business model , Stakeholder management , COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020- Influence
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/461863 , vital:76246
Description: The National Arts Festival (NAF), an annual event held in South Africa, faced a significant challenge in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The traditional in-person format of the festival was no longer feasible due to government restrictions. In response, the NAF's CEO, Monica Newton, led her team in a rapid transition to a virtual platform. This decision-making process and the creation of the first virtual NAF (vNAF) occurred within a remarkably short period of 100 days. This teaching case study delves into the academic framework of crisis management, stakeholder theory, strategic thinking, strategic management, and business models, examining their application in the context of the NAF's transformation. To understand the decision-making process and challenges faced by the NAF, a qualitative research design was employed. Data collection involved two face-to-face interviews with Monica Newton, CEO of the NAF, and secondary sources. The teaching case is accompanied by a comprehensive note for educators, offering guidance on its classroom use. The note includes a case synopsis, intended audience, suggested learning outcomes, theoretical connections, teaching strategies, potential discussion questions, evaluation methods, and additional resources. It supports a multi-faceted analysis of the NAF's transformation and encourages vibrant class discussion. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2024
Full Text:
Date Issued: 2024-10-11

Showing items 1 - 20 of 214