The biology of the sand shark Rhinobatos Annulatus, in Algoa Bay with notes on other elasmobranchs
- Authors: Rossouw, Gideon Johannes
- Date: 1983
- Subjects: Sand sharks , Guitarfishes
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52802 , vital:44061
- Description: The biology of the lesser sand shark, Rhinobatos annulatus, was studied off sandy beaches in Algoa Bay over a period of two years. Tagging studies, due to low numbers tagged, did not reveal major movements. However, comparison of numbers of sand sharks caught off the beach and deep water during summer and winter months suggested that migration occurred during these seasons with the animals being inshore in summer. Annual rings on the vertebral centra were used to determine age. Both sexes can reach a maximum age of seven years. Conventional growth curves could not be fitted and empirical curves were used to illustrate growth. The reproductive cycle was investigated and indicated that both sexes matured after three years of age. The breeding season was during late summer when the shallow water was utilized as a nursery area. The sand shark is an aplacental viviparous species with a gestation period of 10 months. Breeding occurred every year and fecundity increased with total body length to a maximum litter size of 10 young. The most important prey items taken inshore were the mysid Gastrosaccus psammodytes, the prawn Macropetasma africanum, the crab Ovalipes punctatus and the sand mussels Donax spp. Differential predation by different length classes of sand shark resulted from a dynamic zonation of these different size classes in the surf zone. Smallest individuals fed closest inshore. Seasonal variation recorded in the hepatosomatic index was primarily due to the accumulation of hepatic lipids. This variation showed significant correlations with the breeding cycle in adult sand sharks. The contribution of liver lipids to the formation of egg yolk was estimated and found to be secondary to lipid reserves for maintenance. Liver colour varied depended on the amount of liver lipids. Ancillary observations were made of other elasmobranchs in the surf zone. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Science, 1983
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1983
- Authors: Rossouw, Gideon Johannes
- Date: 1983
- Subjects: Sand sharks , Guitarfishes
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52802 , vital:44061
- Description: The biology of the lesser sand shark, Rhinobatos annulatus, was studied off sandy beaches in Algoa Bay over a period of two years. Tagging studies, due to low numbers tagged, did not reveal major movements. However, comparison of numbers of sand sharks caught off the beach and deep water during summer and winter months suggested that migration occurred during these seasons with the animals being inshore in summer. Annual rings on the vertebral centra were used to determine age. Both sexes can reach a maximum age of seven years. Conventional growth curves could not be fitted and empirical curves were used to illustrate growth. The reproductive cycle was investigated and indicated that both sexes matured after three years of age. The breeding season was during late summer when the shallow water was utilized as a nursery area. The sand shark is an aplacental viviparous species with a gestation period of 10 months. Breeding occurred every year and fecundity increased with total body length to a maximum litter size of 10 young. The most important prey items taken inshore were the mysid Gastrosaccus psammodytes, the prawn Macropetasma africanum, the crab Ovalipes punctatus and the sand mussels Donax spp. Differential predation by different length classes of sand shark resulted from a dynamic zonation of these different size classes in the surf zone. Smallest individuals fed closest inshore. Seasonal variation recorded in the hepatosomatic index was primarily due to the accumulation of hepatic lipids. This variation showed significant correlations with the breeding cycle in adult sand sharks. The contribution of liver lipids to the formation of egg yolk was estimated and found to be secondary to lipid reserves for maintenance. Liver colour varied depended on the amount of liver lipids. Ancillary observations were made of other elasmobranchs in the surf zone. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Science, 1983
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1983
Population structure, production, growth, reproduction and the ecology of Atherina breviceps Valenciennes, 1935 (Pisces : Atherinidae) and Gilchristella aestuaria (Gilchrist, 1914) (Pisces : Clupeidae), from two southern Cape coastal lakes
- Authors: Ratte, Theodore Wilhlelm
- Date: 1989-01
- Subjects: Silversides , Clupeidae -- South Africa -- Cape of Good Hope
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50878 , vital:43029
- Description: Over the period October 1978 to January 1981, a total of 147 853 Atherina breviceps with a total biomass of 55 2B0,7 g and 107 046 Gilchristella aestuaria with a total biomass of 33 708,9 g were collected in the Swartvlei System and 151 531 A. breviceps with a total biomass of 727 795,0 g and 51 258 G. aestuaria with a total biomass of 12 231,5 g were collected in Groenvlei, to determine their population structure, production, growth, reproduction and ecology in both systems. A. breviceps and G. aestuaria were collected from nine and eleven estuaries respectively, including Groenvlei, along the Cape coast to determine the degree of genetic divergence of both these two species in Groenvlei. It was found that the mature 0-year-old A. breviceps and the 2-year-old G. aestuaria dominated the catches in the Swartvlei System, whereas the juvenile 0-year-olds and 1-year-olds of both species respectively, dominated the catches in Groenvlei. The Swartvlei System and Groenvlei produced respectively between 10-12 metric tons of A. breviceps and between 5-3 metric tons of G. aestuaria annually. A. breviceps and G. aestuana in the Swartvlei System and Groenvlei attain observed ages of between 3 years and 7-8 years respectively. The main spawning period for both species is between spring-autumn in Groenvlei and for A. breviceps in the Swartvlei System. G. aestuaria has a continuous winter-summer spawning in the Swartvlei System. A. breviceps and G. aestuaria in Groenvlei have diverged to such an extent from these two species' populations in other systems, that A. breviceps and G. aestuaria in Groenvlei should receive a priority conservation status. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, 1989
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989-01
- Authors: Ratte, Theodore Wilhlelm
- Date: 1989-01
- Subjects: Silversides , Clupeidae -- South Africa -- Cape of Good Hope
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50878 , vital:43029
- Description: Over the period October 1978 to January 1981, a total of 147 853 Atherina breviceps with a total biomass of 55 2B0,7 g and 107 046 Gilchristella aestuaria with a total biomass of 33 708,9 g were collected in the Swartvlei System and 151 531 A. breviceps with a total biomass of 727 795,0 g and 51 258 G. aestuaria with a total biomass of 12 231,5 g were collected in Groenvlei, to determine their population structure, production, growth, reproduction and ecology in both systems. A. breviceps and G. aestuaria were collected from nine and eleven estuaries respectively, including Groenvlei, along the Cape coast to determine the degree of genetic divergence of both these two species in Groenvlei. It was found that the mature 0-year-old A. breviceps and the 2-year-old G. aestuaria dominated the catches in the Swartvlei System, whereas the juvenile 0-year-olds and 1-year-olds of both species respectively, dominated the catches in Groenvlei. The Swartvlei System and Groenvlei produced respectively between 10-12 metric tons of A. breviceps and between 5-3 metric tons of G. aestuaria annually. A. breviceps and G. aestuana in the Swartvlei System and Groenvlei attain observed ages of between 3 years and 7-8 years respectively. The main spawning period for both species is between spring-autumn in Groenvlei and for A. breviceps in the Swartvlei System. G. aestuaria has a continuous winter-summer spawning in the Swartvlei System. A. breviceps and G. aestuaria in Groenvlei have diverged to such an extent from these two species' populations in other systems, that A. breviceps and G. aestuaria in Groenvlei should receive a priority conservation status. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, 1989
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989-01
Morphodynamics of headland bypass dunefields, with special reference to the Cape St Francis headland, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Burkinshaw, Jennifer Ruth
- Date: 1998-01
- Subjects: Sand dunes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Cape St Francis
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52814 , vital:44206
- Description: The temperate Cape south coast, South Africa, is characterised by a series of log-spiral bays bound by low-relief rocky headlands. In South Africa corridors of transverse dunes crossing the headlands are referred to as headland bypass dunefields (HBDs). Sand blown off upwind beaches is transported across the headlands towards the downwind bays, bypassing the littoral route around the headlands. The key to the development of the HBDs is the presence of sandy beaches upwind of the headlands which lie athwart the prevailing winds. The low relief of the headlands and their shoreline configuration, coupled with their exposure to the marine wind regime, are such that the predominant high energy, westerly winds blow directly onshore. The local longshore drift system plays a critical role in replenishing beach sand deflated by the wind. The "type" HBDs occur in the Eastern Cape on the prominent Cape St Francis and Cape Recife headlands where HBDs have been active since at least the Mid to Late Pleistocene. The dunefields have length/width ratios ranging from 3 to over 10. Sand coverage within HBDs is metasaturated, i.e., the transverse dunes are separated by well-defined interdune areas. Average dune height in the larger dunefields in the Eastern Cape is 9-10 m. The HBDs are commonly bound by sidewalls that develop along the interface between the dunefields and vegetation. The stabilised sidewalls provide the most prominent record of former HBD activity and can influence subsequent HBD morphology. The Oyster Bay dunefield on the Cape St Francis headland was chosen for a study of the aeolian morphodynamic processes that operate within these systems. The dunefield currently operates over a distance of about 14 km and a width of 500 - 1200 m; it is at present cut off from its sand source. Shallow lakes develop in the interdune areas after periods of high rainfall. A 2 week airflow study recorded wind speed along the prevailing wind axis of the Oyster Bay dunefield during spring 1990. Wind speed increased significantly downstream until at least the mid-dunefield area during both the prevailing westerly and seasonal easterly winds. The downwind wind speed increase can be partially attributed to topographic acceleration of airflow as it is compressed over the low cape. The extent of the wind speed increase can vary depending on the land/sea temperature contrasts and the temperature structure of the lower atmosphere. Wind speed recorded across the width of the dunefield was slowed down along the margins by vegetation, while a faster core moved down the centre of the dunefield. Rates of dune movement along the prevailing wind axis show a general correspondence between the volume of sand transported eastwards in different areas of the dunefield and the airflow pattern down the length of the dunefield. Sand is transported most efficiently in the centre of the dunefield where westerly flow is at its maximum. Sand transport calculated from dune migration rates is about 50% of potential sand transport calculated from wind data, as flow is metasaturated. Flow off sandy beaches may be naturally below saturation owing to the effect of intertidal moisture and salts binding the sand. In the Eastern Cape metasaturation can be further enhanced by the downwind entrapment of sand by vegetation along the dunefield margins and within wet interdune areas. The 2-dimensional model for bedform development within HBDs focuses on the downwind extension of the dunefields and transmission of sand through the systems. The combination of the high transport capacity of the wind downwind and metasaturated flow maintains the transport of sand across headlands. HBDs operate aerodynamically as erosional or sediment bypassing systems although deflation of the wet interdune areas is limited. Fully functional short HBDs are the most likely to operate with neutral sediment budgets. Long systems are more susceptible to spatial and temporal effects that modify the sandflux through the systems and hence the outflux from the systems. The Oyster Bay dunefield operates with a mildly positive sediment budget because of sediment entrapment downwind. The morphology and morphodynamic behaviour of HBDs is in contrast to that of the tabular transgressive dunefields that form parallel to the shores of the large log-spiral bays of Algoa Bay and St Francis Bay. The existing morphological classification of transgressive dunefields needs to be revised to include headland bypass dunefields. Keywords: headland bypass dunefields, transgressive coastal dunefields, aeolian morphodynamics, Cape St Francis, Cape south coast. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, 1998
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998-01
- Authors: Burkinshaw, Jennifer Ruth
- Date: 1998-01
- Subjects: Sand dunes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Cape St Francis
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52814 , vital:44206
- Description: The temperate Cape south coast, South Africa, is characterised by a series of log-spiral bays bound by low-relief rocky headlands. In South Africa corridors of transverse dunes crossing the headlands are referred to as headland bypass dunefields (HBDs). Sand blown off upwind beaches is transported across the headlands towards the downwind bays, bypassing the littoral route around the headlands. The key to the development of the HBDs is the presence of sandy beaches upwind of the headlands which lie athwart the prevailing winds. The low relief of the headlands and their shoreline configuration, coupled with their exposure to the marine wind regime, are such that the predominant high energy, westerly winds blow directly onshore. The local longshore drift system plays a critical role in replenishing beach sand deflated by the wind. The "type" HBDs occur in the Eastern Cape on the prominent Cape St Francis and Cape Recife headlands where HBDs have been active since at least the Mid to Late Pleistocene. The dunefields have length/width ratios ranging from 3 to over 10. Sand coverage within HBDs is metasaturated, i.e., the transverse dunes are separated by well-defined interdune areas. Average dune height in the larger dunefields in the Eastern Cape is 9-10 m. The HBDs are commonly bound by sidewalls that develop along the interface between the dunefields and vegetation. The stabilised sidewalls provide the most prominent record of former HBD activity and can influence subsequent HBD morphology. The Oyster Bay dunefield on the Cape St Francis headland was chosen for a study of the aeolian morphodynamic processes that operate within these systems. The dunefield currently operates over a distance of about 14 km and a width of 500 - 1200 m; it is at present cut off from its sand source. Shallow lakes develop in the interdune areas after periods of high rainfall. A 2 week airflow study recorded wind speed along the prevailing wind axis of the Oyster Bay dunefield during spring 1990. Wind speed increased significantly downstream until at least the mid-dunefield area during both the prevailing westerly and seasonal easterly winds. The downwind wind speed increase can be partially attributed to topographic acceleration of airflow as it is compressed over the low cape. The extent of the wind speed increase can vary depending on the land/sea temperature contrasts and the temperature structure of the lower atmosphere. Wind speed recorded across the width of the dunefield was slowed down along the margins by vegetation, while a faster core moved down the centre of the dunefield. Rates of dune movement along the prevailing wind axis show a general correspondence between the volume of sand transported eastwards in different areas of the dunefield and the airflow pattern down the length of the dunefield. Sand is transported most efficiently in the centre of the dunefield where westerly flow is at its maximum. Sand transport calculated from dune migration rates is about 50% of potential sand transport calculated from wind data, as flow is metasaturated. Flow off sandy beaches may be naturally below saturation owing to the effect of intertidal moisture and salts binding the sand. In the Eastern Cape metasaturation can be further enhanced by the downwind entrapment of sand by vegetation along the dunefield margins and within wet interdune areas. The 2-dimensional model for bedform development within HBDs focuses on the downwind extension of the dunefields and transmission of sand through the systems. The combination of the high transport capacity of the wind downwind and metasaturated flow maintains the transport of sand across headlands. HBDs operate aerodynamically as erosional or sediment bypassing systems although deflation of the wet interdune areas is limited. Fully functional short HBDs are the most likely to operate with neutral sediment budgets. Long systems are more susceptible to spatial and temporal effects that modify the sandflux through the systems and hence the outflux from the systems. The Oyster Bay dunefield operates with a mildly positive sediment budget because of sediment entrapment downwind. The morphology and morphodynamic behaviour of HBDs is in contrast to that of the tabular transgressive dunefields that form parallel to the shores of the large log-spiral bays of Algoa Bay and St Francis Bay. The existing morphological classification of transgressive dunefields needs to be revised to include headland bypass dunefields. Keywords: headland bypass dunefields, transgressive coastal dunefields, aeolian morphodynamics, Cape St Francis, Cape south coast. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, 1998
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998-01
The role and function of traditional healing in families living in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa: an afrocentric understanding.
- Sandlana, Nonkululeko Sheilla
- Authors: Sandlana, Nonkululeko Sheilla
- Date: 2019-06
- Subjects: Traditional medicine--South Africa , Healing , Family psychotherapy
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21267 , vital:47453
- Description: Traditional healing, alternately called traditional medicine or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), has been in existence for a long time and sometimes used alongside popular western healing methods (Kirmayer, 2004). The focus of the current study was on the role and function of traditional healing infamilies living in the Eastern Cape Province. Through an Afrocentric lens, the study sought to explore the manner in which traditional healers helped family members deal with difficult life situations. The researcher used an explorative, descriptive, qualitative design, through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and observations. Selection of participants was done through purposive sampling. The participants were heterogeneous in terms of age, gender, level of education, occupation and religion. Data analysis was employed through Interpretive Phenomenological Approach using Afrocentric theory as a metatheory and Ubuntu and sociocultural theory as complementary theories to understand the participants’ perceptions and experiences of the role played by traditional healing in building family resilience. Ethical principles were adhered to, for example voluntary participation and informed consent. Research findings revealed a variety of traditional ritual performances which embraced principles of Afrocentricity and Ubuntu – interconnectedness, interdependence and collectivism, spirituality, good communication and social support – as key elements in traditional family relationships. The traditional healers played a significant role in mentoring family members and mending broken families and alleviating suffering. They do this in line with the convictions of the ethical principles concerning respect cultural beliefs and values of consumers of psychological servises. Since the study was conducted in a rural area with isiXhosa speaking family members, there is a need for inclusion of other racial groups and family members living in urban areas. , Thesis (PhD) (Psychology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019-06
- Authors: Sandlana, Nonkululeko Sheilla
- Date: 2019-06
- Subjects: Traditional medicine--South Africa , Healing , Family psychotherapy
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21267 , vital:47453
- Description: Traditional healing, alternately called traditional medicine or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), has been in existence for a long time and sometimes used alongside popular western healing methods (Kirmayer, 2004). The focus of the current study was on the role and function of traditional healing infamilies living in the Eastern Cape Province. Through an Afrocentric lens, the study sought to explore the manner in which traditional healers helped family members deal with difficult life situations. The researcher used an explorative, descriptive, qualitative design, through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and observations. Selection of participants was done through purposive sampling. The participants were heterogeneous in terms of age, gender, level of education, occupation and religion. Data analysis was employed through Interpretive Phenomenological Approach using Afrocentric theory as a metatheory and Ubuntu and sociocultural theory as complementary theories to understand the participants’ perceptions and experiences of the role played by traditional healing in building family resilience. Ethical principles were adhered to, for example voluntary participation and informed consent. Research findings revealed a variety of traditional ritual performances which embraced principles of Afrocentricity and Ubuntu – interconnectedness, interdependence and collectivism, spirituality, good communication and social support – as key elements in traditional family relationships. The traditional healers played a significant role in mentoring family members and mending broken families and alleviating suffering. They do this in line with the convictions of the ethical principles concerning respect cultural beliefs and values of consumers of psychological servises. Since the study was conducted in a rural area with isiXhosa speaking family members, there is a need for inclusion of other racial groups and family members living in urban areas. , Thesis (PhD) (Psychology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019-06
Chemical evaluation, in vitro ruminal dry matter (DM) degradability and ruminal biological activity of common browse tree fruits of Alice
- Authors: Sondzaba, Bavuyise
- Date: 2020-01
- Subjects: Ruminants
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20882 , vital:46695
- Description: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of species variations on chemical composition and in vitro ruminal degradability of Vachellia karroo, Grewia Occidentalis, Diospyros Lycioides and Ziziphus Mucronata fruits harvested from communally grazed lands in Alice, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The browse fruits were collected between February and May and analysed for crude protein (CP), dry matter (DM), ash, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), organic matter (OM) and acid detergent lignin (ADL), condensed tannins (CT), macro minerals (Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na) and Phosphorus(P)) and micro minerals (Ion (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn) and Copper (Cu)). There was significant variation (P<0.05) in chemical composition between browse fruits. The CP content differed significantly amongst the browse fruits, but all contained enough to meet the maintenance requirements of ruminants. Fruits from V. Karroo had higher (P<0.05) CP (182.26 g/kg DM), DM (896.50 g/kg DM) and ash (55.60 g/kg DM) contents compared to other browse species, while D. Lycioides fruits had higher (P<0.05) OM (951.60 g/kg DM) content than other browse fruits. Fruits harvested from G. Occidentalis had higher (P<0.05) ADF (513.27 g/kg DM), NDF (577.22 g/kg DM) and ADL (223.20 g/kg DM) content compared to other browse fruits. Fruits from V. Karroo had higher (P<0.05) CT (269.33 g/kg DM) content followed by Z. Mucronata (187.46 g/kg DM), while D. Lycioide (54.22 g/kg DM) and G. Occidentali (66.65 g/kg DM) had the same CT contents (P>0.05). There was a significant variation between browse species in macro and micro mineral contents. Fruits from G. Occindelis (43.93 g/kg DM) and V. Karroo (43.44 g/kg DM) had higher (P<0.05) Ca content compared to Z. Mucronata (24.06 g/kg DM) and D. Lycioides (20.06 g/kg DM). Ziziphus Muronata had higher (P<0.05) P (1.96 g/kg DM) content than other browse fruits. Fruits form V.karroo had higher Mg (4.75 g/kg DM), K (11.50 g/kg DM) and Na 3888 g/kg DM) content compared to other browse species. Fruits from V. Karroo showed significantly higher micro mineral content compared to other species. In terms of dry matter degradability (DMD), incubation time had an apparent effect on degradability of browse fruits except at 4 hours. The DM degradability increased with the increase of time and after 48 hours DMD was found to be satisfactory since it was above the prescribed 40 to 50 percent. However, the presence of condensed tannins had an effect on ruminal degradability of browse fruits. It was concluded that browse fruits have the potential to be used as protein supplements during the dry season since they contain moderate levels of crude protein. However, caution should be taken when feeding these browse fruits since they contain condensed tannins that affect rumen degradability. , Thesis (MSc) (Chemistry) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-01
- Authors: Sondzaba, Bavuyise
- Date: 2020-01
- Subjects: Ruminants
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20882 , vital:46695
- Description: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of species variations on chemical composition and in vitro ruminal degradability of Vachellia karroo, Grewia Occidentalis, Diospyros Lycioides and Ziziphus Mucronata fruits harvested from communally grazed lands in Alice, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The browse fruits were collected between February and May and analysed for crude protein (CP), dry matter (DM), ash, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), organic matter (OM) and acid detergent lignin (ADL), condensed tannins (CT), macro minerals (Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na) and Phosphorus(P)) and micro minerals (Ion (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn) and Copper (Cu)). There was significant variation (P<0.05) in chemical composition between browse fruits. The CP content differed significantly amongst the browse fruits, but all contained enough to meet the maintenance requirements of ruminants. Fruits from V. Karroo had higher (P<0.05) CP (182.26 g/kg DM), DM (896.50 g/kg DM) and ash (55.60 g/kg DM) contents compared to other browse species, while D. Lycioides fruits had higher (P<0.05) OM (951.60 g/kg DM) content than other browse fruits. Fruits harvested from G. Occidentalis had higher (P<0.05) ADF (513.27 g/kg DM), NDF (577.22 g/kg DM) and ADL (223.20 g/kg DM) content compared to other browse fruits. Fruits from V. Karroo had higher (P<0.05) CT (269.33 g/kg DM) content followed by Z. Mucronata (187.46 g/kg DM), while D. Lycioide (54.22 g/kg DM) and G. Occidentali (66.65 g/kg DM) had the same CT contents (P>0.05). There was a significant variation between browse species in macro and micro mineral contents. Fruits from G. Occindelis (43.93 g/kg DM) and V. Karroo (43.44 g/kg DM) had higher (P<0.05) Ca content compared to Z. Mucronata (24.06 g/kg DM) and D. Lycioides (20.06 g/kg DM). Ziziphus Muronata had higher (P<0.05) P (1.96 g/kg DM) content than other browse fruits. Fruits form V.karroo had higher Mg (4.75 g/kg DM), K (11.50 g/kg DM) and Na 3888 g/kg DM) content compared to other browse species. Fruits from V. Karroo showed significantly higher micro mineral content compared to other species. In terms of dry matter degradability (DMD), incubation time had an apparent effect on degradability of browse fruits except at 4 hours. The DM degradability increased with the increase of time and after 48 hours DMD was found to be satisfactory since it was above the prescribed 40 to 50 percent. However, the presence of condensed tannins had an effect on ruminal degradability of browse fruits. It was concluded that browse fruits have the potential to be used as protein supplements during the dry season since they contain moderate levels of crude protein. However, caution should be taken when feeding these browse fruits since they contain condensed tannins that affect rumen degradability. , Thesis (MSc) (Chemistry) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-01
A review of factors influencing poor performance in matric examinations in Libode District, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Tsama, Vuyani
- Date: 2020-02
- Subjects: High school students , School improvement programs , Education--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20506 , vital:46029
- Description: The researcher reviewed the factors that influence poor performance in matriculation examinations in the Libode District, also referred to as the OR Tambo Coastal District. Okoye (1982) defines poor academic performance of the individual or candidate in the learning situation as one in which a candidate fails to attain a set standard of performance in a given evaluation exercise such as a test, an examination or a series of continuous assessment. The research used a mixed method approach in an explanatory and case study research design. A purposive sampling of sixty (60) participants, who were the principals in the schools selected, was used. The researcher distributed forty-five (45) questionnaires and fifteen (15) interviews were conducted. The data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel for the quantitative data and thematic analysis for the qualitative data. Furthermore, inferential statistics were done, validating some statements in the research, and approving or disproving statements in the findings of the research. The perceptions of the causes of poor performance showed that forty percent (40 percent) of respondents disagreed that good planning was being done by the Department of Basic Education. Thirty-eight (38 percent ) percent of the participants also disagreed that low motivation on the part of the children was a factor in the poor results, followed by thirty-five percent (35 percent ) who slightly agreed that matric learners are failing because of socio-economic factors. Furthermore, on the challenges affecting the Department of Education, eight-seven percent (87 percent ) of the respondents supported the impact of drugs on poor performance, sixty-nine percent (69 percent) cited the issue of shortages of Learner Teaching and Support Material (LTSM) and sixty-five percent (65 percent) of respondents attributed the erratic and unfair progression of learners at grade eight (8), nine (9) and ten (10) level, which ultimately affected the grade twelve (12) results. The interview findings showed that the average pass rate was fifty percent (50 percent) in most schools, and the administration and leadership issues of the schools had been poorly managed. This, coupled with a shortage of LTSM and societal issues, such as drugs, negatively affected the matriculates. The research findings pointed to the challenge of drugs as being the biggest societal contributor to poor performance in matriculation results in OR Tambo Coastal District. The inferential statistics showed that gender could not affect the principal’s role as administrators and leader. However, gender did impact on leadership style. Women’s leadership style, which was more participative and consultative, was found to produce lower results; while male principals, who used a more bureaucratic, authoritative style, tended to produce higher results. Among other issues, the task-oriented, emotional nature of the principal’s job showed effects on school performance overall and the education level of the grade twelves (12), but educators alone could not affect the matric results. Furthermore, alone, the department’s efforts to improve results were not found to be productive; rather a number of factors could be combined to produce results. Lastly, the researcher recommended that the OR Tambo Coastal District should train teachers through development programmes, adjust the leadership style to one that is situational and transformational, and improve dialogue with school principals through regular school visits. Again, underperforming schools should be provided with LTSM, and teachers should be recruited and deployed on time. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-02
- Authors: Tsama, Vuyani
- Date: 2020-02
- Subjects: High school students , School improvement programs , Education--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20506 , vital:46029
- Description: The researcher reviewed the factors that influence poor performance in matriculation examinations in the Libode District, also referred to as the OR Tambo Coastal District. Okoye (1982) defines poor academic performance of the individual or candidate in the learning situation as one in which a candidate fails to attain a set standard of performance in a given evaluation exercise such as a test, an examination or a series of continuous assessment. The research used a mixed method approach in an explanatory and case study research design. A purposive sampling of sixty (60) participants, who were the principals in the schools selected, was used. The researcher distributed forty-five (45) questionnaires and fifteen (15) interviews were conducted. The data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel for the quantitative data and thematic analysis for the qualitative data. Furthermore, inferential statistics were done, validating some statements in the research, and approving or disproving statements in the findings of the research. The perceptions of the causes of poor performance showed that forty percent (40 percent) of respondents disagreed that good planning was being done by the Department of Basic Education. Thirty-eight (38 percent ) percent of the participants also disagreed that low motivation on the part of the children was a factor in the poor results, followed by thirty-five percent (35 percent ) who slightly agreed that matric learners are failing because of socio-economic factors. Furthermore, on the challenges affecting the Department of Education, eight-seven percent (87 percent ) of the respondents supported the impact of drugs on poor performance, sixty-nine percent (69 percent) cited the issue of shortages of Learner Teaching and Support Material (LTSM) and sixty-five percent (65 percent) of respondents attributed the erratic and unfair progression of learners at grade eight (8), nine (9) and ten (10) level, which ultimately affected the grade twelve (12) results. The interview findings showed that the average pass rate was fifty percent (50 percent) in most schools, and the administration and leadership issues of the schools had been poorly managed. This, coupled with a shortage of LTSM and societal issues, such as drugs, negatively affected the matriculates. The research findings pointed to the challenge of drugs as being the biggest societal contributor to poor performance in matriculation results in OR Tambo Coastal District. The inferential statistics showed that gender could not affect the principal’s role as administrators and leader. However, gender did impact on leadership style. Women’s leadership style, which was more participative and consultative, was found to produce lower results; while male principals, who used a more bureaucratic, authoritative style, tended to produce higher results. Among other issues, the task-oriented, emotional nature of the principal’s job showed effects on school performance overall and the education level of the grade twelves (12), but educators alone could not affect the matric results. Furthermore, alone, the department’s efforts to improve results were not found to be productive; rather a number of factors could be combined to produce results. Lastly, the researcher recommended that the OR Tambo Coastal District should train teachers through development programmes, adjust the leadership style to one that is situational and transformational, and improve dialogue with school principals through regular school visits. Again, underperforming schools should be provided with LTSM, and teachers should be recruited and deployed on time. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-02
Thermal studies on three common mangrove-associated ectotherms in Mngazana Estuary, with emphasis on the survival of the salt marsh crab, Parasesarma catenatum (Ortman 1897
- Nonyukela, Asandiswa Simamkele
- Authors: Nonyukela, Asandiswa Simamkele
- Date: 2020-02
- Subjects: Mangrove forests
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20838 , vital:46627
- Description: Ecological data on the development and distribution of mangroves over time suggest that mangroves were strictly tropical in nature but have extended to higher latitudes during warmer periods. Species distribution models show that the mangrove range may have since 1963 expand by 17 km in 2020 and by as much as 68 km southwards by 2050. More climate data obtained, and modelling of future climate have increased interest in the thermal tolerance or organisms. Critical thermal maxima (CTMax) and thermal tolerance were employed to determine the thermal limits of common estuarine species associated with the mangrove forests at Mngazana Estuary. Three species were selected, each representing a medium within the mangrove environment: for water, i) Palaemon peringueyi; ii) for air, Cerithidea decollata; and iii) Parasesarma catenatum on the substratum. Animals were acclimated for 48 hrs following the thermal history of the environment. Each individual was exposed to constant rate of water temperature increase of 1°C.h-1. Different size classes (adult, sub-adult, juveniles) of crabs were used to determine the CTMax performance. Parasesarma catenatum showed intraspecific variability in CTMax in both air and water. Palaemon Peringueyi had a CTMax value of 33.8°C±1.96 while C. decollata had a CTMax of 39.6°C±2.76 and P. catenatum had a CTMax of 36,38 ±1,57 in water and 34,1 ±1,67 in air. Different size classes (Adult, Sub-adult, Juveniles) of crabs were used to further determine their CTMax performance. Parasesarma catenatum showed of intraspecific variability in CTMax in both air and water. Juvenile crabs showed higher CTMax in water than in air, while adult and sub-adults showed a higher CTMax in air. The size classes of P. catenatum (Adult, Sub-adult, Juveniles) were exposed to a range of salinity treatments from 5-65 for both shock and acclimated exposures. For acclimated exposures, crabs were acclimated down/up at change of 5-10 untill the test salinity was reached, at which point the crabs were exposed. For the shock exposure, the crabs were directly exposed to the test salinity from the holding salinity of 35. This study shows P. catenatum is euryhaline, tolerating salinities been 10 and 50. Survival was highest across all cohorts for the short-term (shock) exposure, suggesting prolonged exposure to hypo/hypersaline conditions may be detrimental for this keystone Mngazana Estuary species. Juven.ile populations showed the highest survival rate for both shock and acclimated exposure. This study highlights the importance of microhabitat variability and its effect on the tolerance of different species to abiotic factors and so may be useful in modelling the effects of climate change in these systems. , Thesis (MSc) (Zoology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-02
- Authors: Nonyukela, Asandiswa Simamkele
- Date: 2020-02
- Subjects: Mangrove forests
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20838 , vital:46627
- Description: Ecological data on the development and distribution of mangroves over time suggest that mangroves were strictly tropical in nature but have extended to higher latitudes during warmer periods. Species distribution models show that the mangrove range may have since 1963 expand by 17 km in 2020 and by as much as 68 km southwards by 2050. More climate data obtained, and modelling of future climate have increased interest in the thermal tolerance or organisms. Critical thermal maxima (CTMax) and thermal tolerance were employed to determine the thermal limits of common estuarine species associated with the mangrove forests at Mngazana Estuary. Three species were selected, each representing a medium within the mangrove environment: for water, i) Palaemon peringueyi; ii) for air, Cerithidea decollata; and iii) Parasesarma catenatum on the substratum. Animals were acclimated for 48 hrs following the thermal history of the environment. Each individual was exposed to constant rate of water temperature increase of 1°C.h-1. Different size classes (adult, sub-adult, juveniles) of crabs were used to determine the CTMax performance. Parasesarma catenatum showed intraspecific variability in CTMax in both air and water. Palaemon Peringueyi had a CTMax value of 33.8°C±1.96 while C. decollata had a CTMax of 39.6°C±2.76 and P. catenatum had a CTMax of 36,38 ±1,57 in water and 34,1 ±1,67 in air. Different size classes (Adult, Sub-adult, Juveniles) of crabs were used to further determine their CTMax performance. Parasesarma catenatum showed of intraspecific variability in CTMax in both air and water. Juvenile crabs showed higher CTMax in water than in air, while adult and sub-adults showed a higher CTMax in air. The size classes of P. catenatum (Adult, Sub-adult, Juveniles) were exposed to a range of salinity treatments from 5-65 for both shock and acclimated exposures. For acclimated exposures, crabs were acclimated down/up at change of 5-10 untill the test salinity was reached, at which point the crabs were exposed. For the shock exposure, the crabs were directly exposed to the test salinity from the holding salinity of 35. This study shows P. catenatum is euryhaline, tolerating salinities been 10 and 50. Survival was highest across all cohorts for the short-term (shock) exposure, suggesting prolonged exposure to hypo/hypersaline conditions may be detrimental for this keystone Mngazana Estuary species. Juven.ile populations showed the highest survival rate for both shock and acclimated exposure. This study highlights the importance of microhabitat variability and its effect on the tolerance of different species to abiotic factors and so may be useful in modelling the effects of climate change in these systems. , Thesis (MSc) (Zoology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-02
Investigations into tolerance of quality protein maize germplasm to low soil pH.
- Authors: Mathiso, Ncebakazi
- Date: 2020-06
- Subjects: Proteins in human nutrition , Crops--Drought tolerance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20804 , vital:46580
- Description: Quality protein maize (QPM) has double the amount of two crucial amino acids (tryptophan and lysine) compared to normal maize. These amino acids make QPM very nutritious and strategically important to overcoming malnutrition in communities that use maize as a staple food. However, QPM production is affected by many abiotic stress factors such as drought, salinity and low soil pH. Screening for tolerance to low soil pH was conducted in this study due to limited focus on this stress in previous QPM breeding efforts. The main objective of this study was to determine the response of QPM germplasm to low soil pH. The specific objectives were to: (i) screen QPM germplasm for tolerance to low soil pH at seedling stage; (ii) determine the combining ability and type of gene action controlling various traits of QPM inbred lines under low soil pH at seedling stage (iii) select QPM hybrids that are high yielding under limed and unlimed conditions, as well as across environments. This study was conducted in South Africa, at the University of Fort Hare and at Dohne Agricultural Development Institute. Screening of 21 QPM inbred lines and two testers under glasshouse conditions was conducted using a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. In this experiment, maize germplasm were screened for tolerance to low soil pH at the early seedling stage. The soil had a pH of 4, and it was sourced from Hogsback, in the Eastern Cape. The control was obtained by liming this soil so as to increase the pH to 5.5. Seedling traits such as chlorophyll content, stem diameter, plant height, root to shoot ratio, total biomass as well number of leaves were recorded in both experiments. JMP statistical software, version 14, was used for analysis of variance (ANOVA) and generating descriptive statistics on the traits that were measured. All measured traits showed highly significant variation (p<0,0001) except for number of leaves in the glasshouse experiment. Two indices, namely Dickson quality index and acidic soil adaptation index, revealed that tolerant inbred lines were QSW 20, IBL 7, IBL 1, IBL 14 and NC. The same 21 inbred lines were evaluated in the laboratory using the haematoxylin assay. A RCBD with three replicates was used to screen the inbred lines for tolerance to Al toxicity. The genotypes were exposed to a nutrient solution that had 440 uM of Al3+ at a pH of 4 while the control used a nutrient solution without Al toxicity at a pH of 5.8. Net root growth, relative root growth, total biomass and haematoxylin scoring were measured. All these parameters showed significant differences (p< 0,0001). The haematoxylin scoring and other measured traits were used to effectively assess the tolerance of inbred lines to Al toxicity. Inbred lines QSW 32, QSW 20, QSW 1, QSW 6 and IBL 1 were tolerant to Al toxicity. Combining ability of parental inbred lines and testers was evaluated for various traits under limed, unlimed as well as across (both limed and unlimed) environments in a glasshouse experiment. Line x tester hybrids and parental lines were evaluated in a RCBD with three replicates. The results showed that both additive and non-additive gene action influenced the expression of measured traits in all the environments. However, total dry weight was controlled by additive gene action in all the environments. There were no parents that showed good GCA for total dry weight under limed environments whereas inbred lines 17,15, 14, 1 and 20 had high GCA values for TDW under unlimed conditions. Moreover, across the environments, lines 21 and 14 showed good GCA for total dry weight. On the other hand, among the tescross hybrids evaluated under limed environment, seven hybrids had very high SCA values, while hybrids 10 x 20 and 6 x 20 showed best SCA for TDW under unlimed conditions. Under both limed and unlimed environments, hybrids with good SCA for TDW were 11 x 21 and 12 x 21. Forty testcross hybrids were assessed for yield potential under limed and unlimed conditions in the field using a RCBD with three replicates. The SAS version 9.2 was used for analysis of variance. Standard morphological traits measured showed significant differences under unlimed and limed conditions. Genotype OBT x IBL 2 had high grain yields, low yield reduction, a short anthesis-siking interval under low soil pH, and it was tolerant. On the other hand, genotypes NC, NC x IBL 6 and OBT x QSW 6 exhibited the best yield stability across across environments. These genotypes are recommended for further evaluation to ascertain their yield potential and stability of performance in multi-locational soil acidity hot spots. , Thesis (MSc) (Crop Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-06
- Authors: Mathiso, Ncebakazi
- Date: 2020-06
- Subjects: Proteins in human nutrition , Crops--Drought tolerance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20804 , vital:46580
- Description: Quality protein maize (QPM) has double the amount of two crucial amino acids (tryptophan and lysine) compared to normal maize. These amino acids make QPM very nutritious and strategically important to overcoming malnutrition in communities that use maize as a staple food. However, QPM production is affected by many abiotic stress factors such as drought, salinity and low soil pH. Screening for tolerance to low soil pH was conducted in this study due to limited focus on this stress in previous QPM breeding efforts. The main objective of this study was to determine the response of QPM germplasm to low soil pH. The specific objectives were to: (i) screen QPM germplasm for tolerance to low soil pH at seedling stage; (ii) determine the combining ability and type of gene action controlling various traits of QPM inbred lines under low soil pH at seedling stage (iii) select QPM hybrids that are high yielding under limed and unlimed conditions, as well as across environments. This study was conducted in South Africa, at the University of Fort Hare and at Dohne Agricultural Development Institute. Screening of 21 QPM inbred lines and two testers under glasshouse conditions was conducted using a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. In this experiment, maize germplasm were screened for tolerance to low soil pH at the early seedling stage. The soil had a pH of 4, and it was sourced from Hogsback, in the Eastern Cape. The control was obtained by liming this soil so as to increase the pH to 5.5. Seedling traits such as chlorophyll content, stem diameter, plant height, root to shoot ratio, total biomass as well number of leaves were recorded in both experiments. JMP statistical software, version 14, was used for analysis of variance (ANOVA) and generating descriptive statistics on the traits that were measured. All measured traits showed highly significant variation (p<0,0001) except for number of leaves in the glasshouse experiment. Two indices, namely Dickson quality index and acidic soil adaptation index, revealed that tolerant inbred lines were QSW 20, IBL 7, IBL 1, IBL 14 and NC. The same 21 inbred lines were evaluated in the laboratory using the haematoxylin assay. A RCBD with three replicates was used to screen the inbred lines for tolerance to Al toxicity. The genotypes were exposed to a nutrient solution that had 440 uM of Al3+ at a pH of 4 while the control used a nutrient solution without Al toxicity at a pH of 5.8. Net root growth, relative root growth, total biomass and haematoxylin scoring were measured. All these parameters showed significant differences (p< 0,0001). The haematoxylin scoring and other measured traits were used to effectively assess the tolerance of inbred lines to Al toxicity. Inbred lines QSW 32, QSW 20, QSW 1, QSW 6 and IBL 1 were tolerant to Al toxicity. Combining ability of parental inbred lines and testers was evaluated for various traits under limed, unlimed as well as across (both limed and unlimed) environments in a glasshouse experiment. Line x tester hybrids and parental lines were evaluated in a RCBD with three replicates. The results showed that both additive and non-additive gene action influenced the expression of measured traits in all the environments. However, total dry weight was controlled by additive gene action in all the environments. There were no parents that showed good GCA for total dry weight under limed environments whereas inbred lines 17,15, 14, 1 and 20 had high GCA values for TDW under unlimed conditions. Moreover, across the environments, lines 21 and 14 showed good GCA for total dry weight. On the other hand, among the tescross hybrids evaluated under limed environment, seven hybrids had very high SCA values, while hybrids 10 x 20 and 6 x 20 showed best SCA for TDW under unlimed conditions. Under both limed and unlimed environments, hybrids with good SCA for TDW were 11 x 21 and 12 x 21. Forty testcross hybrids were assessed for yield potential under limed and unlimed conditions in the field using a RCBD with three replicates. The SAS version 9.2 was used for analysis of variance. Standard morphological traits measured showed significant differences under unlimed and limed conditions. Genotype OBT x IBL 2 had high grain yields, low yield reduction, a short anthesis-siking interval under low soil pH, and it was tolerant. On the other hand, genotypes NC, NC x IBL 6 and OBT x QSW 6 exhibited the best yield stability across across environments. These genotypes are recommended for further evaluation to ascertain their yield potential and stability of performance in multi-locational soil acidity hot spots. , Thesis (MSc) (Crop Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-06
Effect of Mucuna pruriens based-diets on fatty acids composition and sensory attributes of meat from broiler chickens
- Authors: Makhamba, Nasiphi
- Date: 2020-11
- Subjects: Fatty acids , Broilers (Chickens)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20771 , vital:46554
- Description: The current study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding different inclusion levels of processed Mucuna pruriens on fatty acid composition and sensory attributes of broiler chickens. 120 Cob500 broilers were used in the experiment. The experiment was divided into 4 treatment (0, 10, 15 and 20 percent of Mucuna pruriens) groups, each treatment with 6 replicates (5 birds per replicate) in a completely randomized design. The first treatment (0 percent) was used as control against the three different levels of Mucuna pruriens. The birds were reared in a deep litter system until they reached slaughter weight of 2kg. At day 42 a total of 80 birds were slaughtered and breast muscles were sampled for the evaluation of sensory attributes and fatty acid composition. For sensory evaluation meat samples were prepared and boiled at 80°C until the internal temperature reached 82°C, 40 consumers were used to assess the meat samples and give scores according to 9-point hedonic scale. The fatty acid content was determined and recorded using the gas chromatography. Total saturated fatty acid (SFA), total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), and total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) of the breast meat were not affected by diets. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid were also not influenced by treatment diets. However, breast muscle from broilers fed 20 percent Mucuna pruriens seed meal inclusion had lower Myristic acid. The sensory attributes; aroma, colour, flavour, juiciness, tenderness and acceptability were assessed, dietary treatments affected the juiciness, tenderness and acceptability of meat, the treatments showed no significant difference on colour, aroma and flavour. Different age groups accepted the meat differently, the respondents that were between 18 and 22 years old gave the highest scores to the acceptability of meat than the other age groups, and different age groups also gave different scores in the aroma of meat. Females and males accepted the meat differently, the female respondents gave higher scores on the flavour of meat than males. Different inclusion levels of Mucuna pruriens positively affected fatty acid composition and sensory attributes of broiler chickens without causing any detrimental effects. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-11
- Authors: Makhamba, Nasiphi
- Date: 2020-11
- Subjects: Fatty acids , Broilers (Chickens)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20771 , vital:46554
- Description: The current study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding different inclusion levels of processed Mucuna pruriens on fatty acid composition and sensory attributes of broiler chickens. 120 Cob500 broilers were used in the experiment. The experiment was divided into 4 treatment (0, 10, 15 and 20 percent of Mucuna pruriens) groups, each treatment with 6 replicates (5 birds per replicate) in a completely randomized design. The first treatment (0 percent) was used as control against the three different levels of Mucuna pruriens. The birds were reared in a deep litter system until they reached slaughter weight of 2kg. At day 42 a total of 80 birds were slaughtered and breast muscles were sampled for the evaluation of sensory attributes and fatty acid composition. For sensory evaluation meat samples were prepared and boiled at 80°C until the internal temperature reached 82°C, 40 consumers were used to assess the meat samples and give scores according to 9-point hedonic scale. The fatty acid content was determined and recorded using the gas chromatography. Total saturated fatty acid (SFA), total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), and total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) of the breast meat were not affected by diets. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid were also not influenced by treatment diets. However, breast muscle from broilers fed 20 percent Mucuna pruriens seed meal inclusion had lower Myristic acid. The sensory attributes; aroma, colour, flavour, juiciness, tenderness and acceptability were assessed, dietary treatments affected the juiciness, tenderness and acceptability of meat, the treatments showed no significant difference on colour, aroma and flavour. Different age groups accepted the meat differently, the respondents that were between 18 and 22 years old gave the highest scores to the acceptability of meat than the other age groups, and different age groups also gave different scores in the aroma of meat. Females and males accepted the meat differently, the female respondents gave higher scores on the flavour of meat than males. Different inclusion levels of Mucuna pruriens positively affected fatty acid composition and sensory attributes of broiler chickens without causing any detrimental effects. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-11
An enquiry on gender, religion and sport: the case of Muslim women residing in Malabar, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Sait, Shaabiera
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55196 , vital:49588
- Description: Modern sports have made many claims, one of which is to give surety of equality within sporting codes. They also specifically focus on providing equal rights to allow individuals to compete in sports. The political history of South Africa is particularly important as it is essentially linked to the capacity to participate in sport in South Africa. Therefore, it is safe to say that politics and sports are intrinsically entwined in the country. Sport played a vibrant role in the struggle against the system of apartheid and has a vigorous role to play in the transformation and nation-building of South Africa. Islam has been open to growth and development, adaptation, and even change. Since its revelation, Islam has been filtered through a succession of cultural growth, reflecting the complex ways in which religious beliefs and social reality accommodate one another. Islam possesses a unifying framework which is provided by the Quran (Islam’s primary source regarded by Muslims as God’s revealed word) as the quintessential source along with the Hadith (the statements and deeds of Prophet Muhammad [Peace be unto him]) and language of the religion of Islam. This unity is accompanied by a multitude of diversities that must be considered in any discussion regarding Islam and its practice by Muslims. The Muslim women presented in this thesis were specifically from the Malabar area in Port Elizabeth, where different interpretations or perspectives of Islam exist. Malabar was created in 1961 under the Group Areas Act of 1950 in terms of which the Apartheid government forced people of different race categories to live separately. In a variety of societies and communities where legislation, customs, and traditions are affected or inspired by interpretations of the Quran and Sunnah, they combine to define the roles and status of men and women. Within a specific Muslim society, however, these may vary from one class or generation to another. Muslim women’s lives and the choices they face are influenced as much by patriarchal social arrangements as they are by religious ideology. The research is centred around the interpretations of Islam and what these interpretations mean for Muslim women and their participation in sports, while also considering the interconnectedness of personal choice and the rules and regulations of Islam. The objective of this study was to critically analyse the effect that the different interpretations of Islam have on Muslim women’s participation in sporting activities, as iii well as the barriers that Muslim women face during their involvement in sports. The research adopted a qualitative research method in which 20 Muslim women were interviewed, with the use of semi-structured interview schedules, as well as participant observation to collect the necessary data. A case study method was used to share the data collected from interviews. Furthermore, an auto-ethnographic method is also utilized for self-reflection and to explore personal experience relevant to this research. This thesis also draws on the Marxist feminist theoretical approach, focusing on investigating and explaining how women are oppressed through systems of capitalism and private property. Marxism and feminism are theories of power, which is distributed unequally in society. In researching gender, religion, and sport, I found that the relationship between Muslim women and sport is understood in different ways because of different interpretations of Islam and its teachings, often between one generation to the next and amongst various Muslim communities. Thus, individuals who are passionate about their sport will go the extra mile to ensure participation. In some cases, this would be regardless of the rules and regulations of Islam. Muslim women across the world have made many strides and overcome many barriers in sport. Over the years, although not favourably portrayed in the media, participation by women has increased drastically over time. This thesis explores gender, religion, and sport as well as the ‘lived body’ experiences of veiled Muslim women in sport and physical activity. I attempt to explain the relationship between religious requirements and participation in sport and physical activity. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
- Authors: Sait, Shaabiera
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55196 , vital:49588
- Description: Modern sports have made many claims, one of which is to give surety of equality within sporting codes. They also specifically focus on providing equal rights to allow individuals to compete in sports. The political history of South Africa is particularly important as it is essentially linked to the capacity to participate in sport in South Africa. Therefore, it is safe to say that politics and sports are intrinsically entwined in the country. Sport played a vibrant role in the struggle against the system of apartheid and has a vigorous role to play in the transformation and nation-building of South Africa. Islam has been open to growth and development, adaptation, and even change. Since its revelation, Islam has been filtered through a succession of cultural growth, reflecting the complex ways in which religious beliefs and social reality accommodate one another. Islam possesses a unifying framework which is provided by the Quran (Islam’s primary source regarded by Muslims as God’s revealed word) as the quintessential source along with the Hadith (the statements and deeds of Prophet Muhammad [Peace be unto him]) and language of the religion of Islam. This unity is accompanied by a multitude of diversities that must be considered in any discussion regarding Islam and its practice by Muslims. The Muslim women presented in this thesis were specifically from the Malabar area in Port Elizabeth, where different interpretations or perspectives of Islam exist. Malabar was created in 1961 under the Group Areas Act of 1950 in terms of which the Apartheid government forced people of different race categories to live separately. In a variety of societies and communities where legislation, customs, and traditions are affected or inspired by interpretations of the Quran and Sunnah, they combine to define the roles and status of men and women. Within a specific Muslim society, however, these may vary from one class or generation to another. Muslim women’s lives and the choices they face are influenced as much by patriarchal social arrangements as they are by religious ideology. The research is centred around the interpretations of Islam and what these interpretations mean for Muslim women and their participation in sports, while also considering the interconnectedness of personal choice and the rules and regulations of Islam. The objective of this study was to critically analyse the effect that the different interpretations of Islam have on Muslim women’s participation in sporting activities, as iii well as the barriers that Muslim women face during their involvement in sports. The research adopted a qualitative research method in which 20 Muslim women were interviewed, with the use of semi-structured interview schedules, as well as participant observation to collect the necessary data. A case study method was used to share the data collected from interviews. Furthermore, an auto-ethnographic method is also utilized for self-reflection and to explore personal experience relevant to this research. This thesis also draws on the Marxist feminist theoretical approach, focusing on investigating and explaining how women are oppressed through systems of capitalism and private property. Marxism and feminism are theories of power, which is distributed unequally in society. In researching gender, religion, and sport, I found that the relationship between Muslim women and sport is understood in different ways because of different interpretations of Islam and its teachings, often between one generation to the next and amongst various Muslim communities. Thus, individuals who are passionate about their sport will go the extra mile to ensure participation. In some cases, this would be regardless of the rules and regulations of Islam. Muslim women across the world have made many strides and overcome many barriers in sport. Over the years, although not favourably portrayed in the media, participation by women has increased drastically over time. This thesis explores gender, religion, and sport as well as the ‘lived body’ experiences of veiled Muslim women in sport and physical activity. I attempt to explain the relationship between religious requirements and participation in sport and physical activity. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2020
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
Monitoring the impact of deforestation on an aquatic ecosystem using remote sensing: a case study of the Mngazana mangrove forest in the eastern cape province.
- Authors: Madasa, Akhona
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Remote sensing , Mangrove forests , Climatic changes
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20815 , vital:46598
- Description: Coastal mangrove vegetation at Mngazana continues to be threatened and reduced periodically due to unmonitored harvesting. Covering an area of 148ha, the Mngazana mangrove forest remains unreserved, thus, research on the Mngazana mangroves is essential in order to monitor their state and sustainable management. Since in-situ monitoring of mangrove areas is both challenging and time-consuming, remote sensing technologies have been used to monitor these ecosystems. This study was carried out to monitor the impact of deforestation using ASTER satellite images over ten years: from 2008 - 2018. Validation was carried out by comparing classification results with the ground-referenced data, which yielded satisfactory agreement, with an overall accuracy of 94.64 percent and Kappa coefficient of 0.93 for 2008; and in 2009, the overall accuracy was 88.62 percent and a Kappa coefficient of 0.85. While the overall accuracy of 95.08 percent and a Kappa coefficient of 0.92 for 2016 and 2018 were observed, the overall accuracy of 93.58 percent and a Kappa coefficient of 0.91 was yielded. NDVI and SAVI indices were used as monitoring indicators. The results obtained in the study indicated that the canopy density of the mangrove forest remained unchanged in the years under investigation. However, insignificant changes in canopy density were identified between 2009 and 2016. , Thesis (MSc) (Applied Remote Sensing & GIS) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
- Authors: Madasa, Akhona
- Date: 2020-12
- Subjects: Remote sensing , Mangrove forests , Climatic changes
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20815 , vital:46598
- Description: Coastal mangrove vegetation at Mngazana continues to be threatened and reduced periodically due to unmonitored harvesting. Covering an area of 148ha, the Mngazana mangrove forest remains unreserved, thus, research on the Mngazana mangroves is essential in order to monitor their state and sustainable management. Since in-situ monitoring of mangrove areas is both challenging and time-consuming, remote sensing technologies have been used to monitor these ecosystems. This study was carried out to monitor the impact of deforestation using ASTER satellite images over ten years: from 2008 - 2018. Validation was carried out by comparing classification results with the ground-referenced data, which yielded satisfactory agreement, with an overall accuracy of 94.64 percent and Kappa coefficient of 0.93 for 2008; and in 2009, the overall accuracy was 88.62 percent and a Kappa coefficient of 0.85. While the overall accuracy of 95.08 percent and a Kappa coefficient of 0.92 for 2016 and 2018 were observed, the overall accuracy of 93.58 percent and a Kappa coefficient of 0.91 was yielded. NDVI and SAVI indices were used as monitoring indicators. The results obtained in the study indicated that the canopy density of the mangrove forest remained unchanged in the years under investigation. However, insignificant changes in canopy density were identified between 2009 and 2016. , Thesis (MSc) (Applied Remote Sensing & GIS) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020-12
A trust framework to improve adoption of mobile banking by university students in South Africa
- Authors: van Heerden, Robyn
- Date: 2021-01
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems in education , Banks and banking, mobile , Education, Higher--Effect of technological innovations on
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20517 , vital:46073
- Description: Mobile banking, hereinafter referred to as m-banking, is a platform that allows individuals to conduct financial transactions using a mobile device at any given time. In today’s fast paced society, technologies have evolved to provide services that are convenient and benefit both the customer and service provider; these include m-banking. M-banking further encourages financial inclusion and economic growth, which are both crucial in South Africa. The aim of this research was to develop a trust framework to improve adoption of mobile banking by university students. This is an agency issue in the financial services industry as university students are a big segment of the future income earners and adopters of technology. Getting them to adopt and become regular m-banking users would significantly impact the revenue of banking institutions. The E-Commerce Acceptance Model and the Integrative Model of Organisational Trust were the two theoretical frameworks used as underlying theories to this study. A quantitative survey tool was employed to gather data at the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape. After an extensive literature review, a questionnaire was formulated and distributed to students at the University of Fort Hare, of whom 471 responded. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data collected. Cronbach’s Alpha was employed to demonstrate the reliability of constructs used in the study and Pearson’s Product Moment. Correlation Coefficient r tested the strength of the relationships between these constructs. The study found that there are several factors that are significant, such as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived risk when investigating trust and its influences on m-banking adoption amongst university students. As a result, the study recommends that banks should consider the above-mentioned factors in order to improve trust and increase m-banking adoption among university students in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-01
- Authors: van Heerden, Robyn
- Date: 2021-01
- Subjects: Mobile communication systems in education , Banks and banking, mobile , Education, Higher--Effect of technological innovations on
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20517 , vital:46073
- Description: Mobile banking, hereinafter referred to as m-banking, is a platform that allows individuals to conduct financial transactions using a mobile device at any given time. In today’s fast paced society, technologies have evolved to provide services that are convenient and benefit both the customer and service provider; these include m-banking. M-banking further encourages financial inclusion and economic growth, which are both crucial in South Africa. The aim of this research was to develop a trust framework to improve adoption of mobile banking by university students. This is an agency issue in the financial services industry as university students are a big segment of the future income earners and adopters of technology. Getting them to adopt and become regular m-banking users would significantly impact the revenue of banking institutions. The E-Commerce Acceptance Model and the Integrative Model of Organisational Trust were the two theoretical frameworks used as underlying theories to this study. A quantitative survey tool was employed to gather data at the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape. After an extensive literature review, a questionnaire was formulated and distributed to students at the University of Fort Hare, of whom 471 responded. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data collected. Cronbach’s Alpha was employed to demonstrate the reliability of constructs used in the study and Pearson’s Product Moment. Correlation Coefficient r tested the strength of the relationships between these constructs. The study found that there are several factors that are significant, such as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, perceived risk when investigating trust and its influences on m-banking adoption amongst university students. As a result, the study recommends that banks should consider the above-mentioned factors in order to improve trust and increase m-banking adoption among university students in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-01
A framework to improve social media as a communication tool in technical vocational education and training colleges in South Africa: a case of twitter.
- Nyamanhare, Sangudzayi Innocent
- Authors: Nyamanhare, Sangudzayi Innocent
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Social media , Education, Higher , Universities and colleges
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20495 , vital:46008
- Description: South Africa uses social media as a communication tool. The use of Twitter as a communication tool in Technical Vocational Education and Training Colleges (TVET) in South Africa is a crucial factor for efficient and effective communication between TVET College administration and stakeholders such as prospective students, students, prospective employers, prospective employees and the Twitter community which follow various Twitter accounts. Literature has found that TVET Colleges use Twitter in a monologic manner which promotes one-way information flow. Twitter is also used in a limited fashion and within silos within TVET Colleges that have incorporated this social media platform into their communication strategy. The main purpose of this research study was to develop a framework to improve social media as a communication tool in TVET Colleges in South Africa. The Social Media-Integration- Theory-Model was used as the theoretical framework to evaluate the use of Twitter in TVET Colleges in South Africa, thus enabling the development of critical success factors to improve the use of social media as a communication tool. The Interpretivist paradigm and qualitative research approach was chosen for this study. Netnography was used to collect the online data from Twitter that was analysed in the study. Data was collected from 36 TVET Colleges in South Africa that have a Twitter account over a one-year period (April 2019 – March 2020). After the data collection, content and thematic analysis were used to analyse the date. The study developed a framework from the analyses of tweets which incorporated the four constructs from the Social-Media-Integration-Theory-Model. The study also developed five critical success factors, namely, procuring and maintaining of ICT infrastructure; implementing a policy that guide the use of social networks for communication purposes in TVET Colleges; raising awareness on the use of Twitter as a tool for communication; intensive training to manage administration of Twitter accounts and appointing champions to promote Twitter as a communication tool in TVET Colleges. , Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems)-- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-02
- Authors: Nyamanhare, Sangudzayi Innocent
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Social media , Education, Higher , Universities and colleges
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20495 , vital:46008
- Description: South Africa uses social media as a communication tool. The use of Twitter as a communication tool in Technical Vocational Education and Training Colleges (TVET) in South Africa is a crucial factor for efficient and effective communication between TVET College administration and stakeholders such as prospective students, students, prospective employers, prospective employees and the Twitter community which follow various Twitter accounts. Literature has found that TVET Colleges use Twitter in a monologic manner which promotes one-way information flow. Twitter is also used in a limited fashion and within silos within TVET Colleges that have incorporated this social media platform into their communication strategy. The main purpose of this research study was to develop a framework to improve social media as a communication tool in TVET Colleges in South Africa. The Social Media-Integration- Theory-Model was used as the theoretical framework to evaluate the use of Twitter in TVET Colleges in South Africa, thus enabling the development of critical success factors to improve the use of social media as a communication tool. The Interpretivist paradigm and qualitative research approach was chosen for this study. Netnography was used to collect the online data from Twitter that was analysed in the study. Data was collected from 36 TVET Colleges in South Africa that have a Twitter account over a one-year period (April 2019 – March 2020). After the data collection, content and thematic analysis were used to analyse the date. The study developed a framework from the analyses of tweets which incorporated the four constructs from the Social-Media-Integration-Theory-Model. The study also developed five critical success factors, namely, procuring and maintaining of ICT infrastructure; implementing a policy that guide the use of social networks for communication purposes in TVET Colleges; raising awareness on the use of Twitter as a tool for communication; intensive training to manage administration of Twitter accounts and appointing champions to promote Twitter as a communication tool in TVET Colleges. , Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems)-- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-02
Bio-utilization of keratinous waste biomass for the production of keratinolytic proteases by Chryseobactreium aquifrigidense isolated from poultry waste dumpsite
- Authors: Bokveld, Amahle
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Keratin
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20550 , vital:46120
- Description: Keratin is an insoluble and a fibrous protein that is mostly found in feathers, animal wool, and hair, making them mechanically stable. Avian feathers are the most ubiquitously generated keratinous waste biomass from the poultry processing plants. Keratinous waste biomass valorization could produce amino acids and bioactive peptides. Hence, the bio-recycling of keratin-rich wastes bears an advantage over the chemical and thermal means. In recent times, the microbial keratinases continues to gain traction due to the litany of their potential significance in green technology. Consequently, this study assessed chicken feather degrading and keratinase production potentials of bacteria isolated from a local poultry dumpsite. Soil samples were collected from the poultry dumpsite. Bacteria were isolated using basal salt medium and screened for keratinolytic activity. The identification of potent chicken feather degrading bacterial isolates was through 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Keratinase production efficiency of isolates on chicken feather constituted medium was optimized. Hydrolysate's amino acid compositions were quantified, and the keratinases produced was characterized. Out of 22 bacteria isolated from the soil samples, 12 showed a varying degree of proteolytic activity on skimmed milk agar. Four (4) isolates, coded as FPS-01, FPS-07, FPS-09, WDS-06, out of the 12 proteolytic strains further displayed remarkable degradation of the intact chicken feather; percentage degradation ranged from 69 percent for FPS-01 to 88 percent for FPS-09. The extracellular keratinase activity ranged from 610.91 ± 56.57 U/mL for WDS-06 and 834.55 ± 66.86 U/mL for FPS-07. Additionally, the sulfhydryl group concentration quantified from the fermentation broth was 2.22 ± 0.37 (mM), 0.22 ± 0.08 (mM), 2.27 ± 0.09 (mM), and 2.76 ± 0.79 (mM) for FPS-01, FPS-07, FPS-09 and WDS-06, respectively. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, the isolates FPS-07 and FPS-09 were identified as Chryseobacterium aquifrigidense FANN1 and Chryseobacterium aquifrigidense FANN2. Following the optimization process, the improved fermentation conditions were pH 6, inoculum side (4 percent, v/v), temperature (30 oC), and chicken feather (0.5-1.5 percent, w/v) for FANN1. FANN2 optimal fermentation conditions were pH 6, inoculum (5 percent, v/v), temperature (30 oC), and chicken feather (1.5 percent, w/v). Both bacterial isolates showed the highest extracellular keratinase production after 72 h of the fermentation time. Analysis of the hydrolysates generated from the bacteria fermentation showed a high concentration of arginine, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, proline, valine, and leucine at a respective concentration of 1.13, 1.02, 0.83, 0.94, 0.85, 0.84, and 0.86 (g/100g sample) against FANN1. Similarly, FANN2 generated hydrolysate showed high concentrations of glutamic acid, arginine, serine, aspartic acid, and glycine at this respective abundance 2.52, 1.92, 2.12, 2.25 and 1.9 (g/100g sample). Keratinases from FANN1 and FANN2 showed optimal catalytic efficiency at pH 8 and temperature between 40-50 oC. The enzyme was considerably thermostable at 40 oC and 50 oC after 120 min of preheating. Both FANN1 and FANN2 showed variable residual activity in the presence of the different metal ions. Keratinase from FANN1 recorded the following residual activity of Fe3+ (120 ± 5.06 percent), Ca2+ (100 ± 10.33 percent), Na+ (122 ± 2.95 percent), Al3+ (106 ± 10.33 percent). Likewise, FANN2 keratinase showed remarkable stability against Na+ (108 ± 13.71 percent), Ba2+ (102 ± 0.86 percent), Al3+ (105 ± 2.57 percent), and Ca2+ (96 ± 2.99 percent). Keratinase from FANN1 was catalytically activated after 60 min of pre-treatment with the following detergents, Sunlight (129 percent), Ariel (116 percent), MAQ (151 percent), and Surf (143 percent) compared to the control. FANN2 keratinase showed less stability with laundry detergents after 60 min of preincubation. FANN1 keratinase showed remarkable stability in the presence of chemical agents tested, with residual activity of 90 ± 0.18 percent, 105 ± 7.55 percent, 108 ± 4.31 percent, 123 ± 1.44 percent, 132 ± 1.26 percent, 96 ± 7.19 percent, and 101 ± 3.06 percent for DTT, hydrogen peroxide, DMSO, acetonitrile, triton X-100, tween-80, and SDS, respectively. The enzyme activity was also considerably inhibited by PMSF and EDTA, which suggested a mixed type of protease. Furthermore, keratinase from FANN2 was inhibited by EDTA, and such inhibition pattern grouped it as a metallo-type of protease. The enzyme was also stable in the presence of other chemical agents tested. Therefore, the findings suggest the isolates and their enzymes' relevance to sustainable recycling of recalcitrant keratinous wastes into high-value products with immense application potentials. The remarkable stability shown by keratinases from FANN1 and FANN2, post detergent and chemical agents pre-treatment, indicates promise for the biotechnology and industrial sector. , Thesis(MSc) (Microbiology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-02
- Authors: Bokveld, Amahle
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Keratin
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20550 , vital:46120
- Description: Keratin is an insoluble and a fibrous protein that is mostly found in feathers, animal wool, and hair, making them mechanically stable. Avian feathers are the most ubiquitously generated keratinous waste biomass from the poultry processing plants. Keratinous waste biomass valorization could produce amino acids and bioactive peptides. Hence, the bio-recycling of keratin-rich wastes bears an advantage over the chemical and thermal means. In recent times, the microbial keratinases continues to gain traction due to the litany of their potential significance in green technology. Consequently, this study assessed chicken feather degrading and keratinase production potentials of bacteria isolated from a local poultry dumpsite. Soil samples were collected from the poultry dumpsite. Bacteria were isolated using basal salt medium and screened for keratinolytic activity. The identification of potent chicken feather degrading bacterial isolates was through 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Keratinase production efficiency of isolates on chicken feather constituted medium was optimized. Hydrolysate's amino acid compositions were quantified, and the keratinases produced was characterized. Out of 22 bacteria isolated from the soil samples, 12 showed a varying degree of proteolytic activity on skimmed milk agar. Four (4) isolates, coded as FPS-01, FPS-07, FPS-09, WDS-06, out of the 12 proteolytic strains further displayed remarkable degradation of the intact chicken feather; percentage degradation ranged from 69 percent for FPS-01 to 88 percent for FPS-09. The extracellular keratinase activity ranged from 610.91 ± 56.57 U/mL for WDS-06 and 834.55 ± 66.86 U/mL for FPS-07. Additionally, the sulfhydryl group concentration quantified from the fermentation broth was 2.22 ± 0.37 (mM), 0.22 ± 0.08 (mM), 2.27 ± 0.09 (mM), and 2.76 ± 0.79 (mM) for FPS-01, FPS-07, FPS-09 and WDS-06, respectively. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, the isolates FPS-07 and FPS-09 were identified as Chryseobacterium aquifrigidense FANN1 and Chryseobacterium aquifrigidense FANN2. Following the optimization process, the improved fermentation conditions were pH 6, inoculum side (4 percent, v/v), temperature (30 oC), and chicken feather (0.5-1.5 percent, w/v) for FANN1. FANN2 optimal fermentation conditions were pH 6, inoculum (5 percent, v/v), temperature (30 oC), and chicken feather (1.5 percent, w/v). Both bacterial isolates showed the highest extracellular keratinase production after 72 h of the fermentation time. Analysis of the hydrolysates generated from the bacteria fermentation showed a high concentration of arginine, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, proline, valine, and leucine at a respective concentration of 1.13, 1.02, 0.83, 0.94, 0.85, 0.84, and 0.86 (g/100g sample) against FANN1. Similarly, FANN2 generated hydrolysate showed high concentrations of glutamic acid, arginine, serine, aspartic acid, and glycine at this respective abundance 2.52, 1.92, 2.12, 2.25 and 1.9 (g/100g sample). Keratinases from FANN1 and FANN2 showed optimal catalytic efficiency at pH 8 and temperature between 40-50 oC. The enzyme was considerably thermostable at 40 oC and 50 oC after 120 min of preheating. Both FANN1 and FANN2 showed variable residual activity in the presence of the different metal ions. Keratinase from FANN1 recorded the following residual activity of Fe3+ (120 ± 5.06 percent), Ca2+ (100 ± 10.33 percent), Na+ (122 ± 2.95 percent), Al3+ (106 ± 10.33 percent). Likewise, FANN2 keratinase showed remarkable stability against Na+ (108 ± 13.71 percent), Ba2+ (102 ± 0.86 percent), Al3+ (105 ± 2.57 percent), and Ca2+ (96 ± 2.99 percent). Keratinase from FANN1 was catalytically activated after 60 min of pre-treatment with the following detergents, Sunlight (129 percent), Ariel (116 percent), MAQ (151 percent), and Surf (143 percent) compared to the control. FANN2 keratinase showed less stability with laundry detergents after 60 min of preincubation. FANN1 keratinase showed remarkable stability in the presence of chemical agents tested, with residual activity of 90 ± 0.18 percent, 105 ± 7.55 percent, 108 ± 4.31 percent, 123 ± 1.44 percent, 132 ± 1.26 percent, 96 ± 7.19 percent, and 101 ± 3.06 percent for DTT, hydrogen peroxide, DMSO, acetonitrile, triton X-100, tween-80, and SDS, respectively. The enzyme activity was also considerably inhibited by PMSF and EDTA, which suggested a mixed type of protease. Furthermore, keratinase from FANN2 was inhibited by EDTA, and such inhibition pattern grouped it as a metallo-type of protease. The enzyme was also stable in the presence of other chemical agents tested. Therefore, the findings suggest the isolates and their enzymes' relevance to sustainable recycling of recalcitrant keratinous wastes into high-value products with immense application potentials. The remarkable stability shown by keratinases from FANN1 and FANN2, post detergent and chemical agents pre-treatment, indicates promise for the biotechnology and industrial sector. , Thesis(MSc) (Microbiology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-02
Investigations of water deficit interactions with heat and elevated carbon dioxide in wheat
- Authors: Mavindidze, Peter
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Plants--Effect of heat on , Growth (Plants)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20664 , vital:46422
- Description: Future climate is predicted to be characterised by elevated carbon dioxide (eCO2), as well as more incidences of heat and water deficit. eCO2 has been widely reported as enhancing growth, biomass and grain yield. To investigate the interactive effects of abiotic stresses on genotypic performance, an experiment was established in open-top chambers at the University of Rhodes eCO2 facility in Grahamstown, South Africa. The specific objectives of the study were: i) to evaluate the effects of eCO2 on wheat grain yield, yield components and grain quality under heat and terminal water deficit conditions; ii) to identify cultivar sources of tolerance to combined water deficit and heat stress under eCO2; iii) to identify appropriate stress indices that can be used as screening tools for tolerance to combined effects of water deficit and heat stress under eCO2. A total of 19 wheat genotypes were evaluated in three environments varying in CO2, temperature and water deficit during the 2019 winter season. The experiment was laid out in a split-split plot design arranged in blocks inside the chambers. The parameters recorded were: leaf water potential (LWP), biomass content (TB), number of productive tillers (NPT), days to flowering (DTA), days to maturity (DTM), plant height (PH), thousand kernel weight (TKW), number of kernels per spike (KPS), kernel weight per spike (KWS) and total grain weight (TGW). The following stress indices were determined: tolerance index, stress tolerance, yield susceptibility index, mean productivity, geometric mean productivity, stress intensity index and yield index. Elevated atmospheric CO2 ameliorated the negative effects of combined heat and water deficit stress by enhancing LWP, NPT, KPS, TB and TGW. Wheat genotypes responded the same way to CO2 with respect to grain yield. Furthermore, adequate water supply mitigated the adverse effects of heat stress. In addition, the combined effects of eCO2, heat and water deficit are confounding and hypo-additive in nature. The separation of environmental effects revealed that significant genotypic responses on grain yield and biomass were caused by heat and water deficit stress, while eCO2 mitigated their negative effects, promoting growth and reproduction. Both Principal component analysis (PCA) biplot analysis and cultivar superiority measure proved to be reliable statistical tools since they managed to identify 13-5HTSBWYT-H18, Ncema and SST8135 as having both specific adaptations to future climates as well as wide adaption to multiple environments. The genotypes may be used as sources (parents for crosses) for wide adaptation in breeding programmes in the wake of predicted future climate environments. PCA biplot analysis identified mean productivity (MP) and geometric mean productivity (GMP) as the best indices; hence can also be as secondary traits complimenting traditional agronomic and physiological traits in wheat breeding under environments varying in water availability, CO2 and temperature. The interactive effects of eCO2 with heat and water deficit stress did not significantly compromise the grain physical characteristics, flour extraction, protein content, falling number and flour ash. eCO2 ameliorated the negative effects of heat and water deficit by increasing protein content by 4.75 percent , Thesis (MSc) (Crop Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-02
- Authors: Mavindidze, Peter
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Plants--Effect of heat on , Growth (Plants)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20664 , vital:46422
- Description: Future climate is predicted to be characterised by elevated carbon dioxide (eCO2), as well as more incidences of heat and water deficit. eCO2 has been widely reported as enhancing growth, biomass and grain yield. To investigate the interactive effects of abiotic stresses on genotypic performance, an experiment was established in open-top chambers at the University of Rhodes eCO2 facility in Grahamstown, South Africa. The specific objectives of the study were: i) to evaluate the effects of eCO2 on wheat grain yield, yield components and grain quality under heat and terminal water deficit conditions; ii) to identify cultivar sources of tolerance to combined water deficit and heat stress under eCO2; iii) to identify appropriate stress indices that can be used as screening tools for tolerance to combined effects of water deficit and heat stress under eCO2. A total of 19 wheat genotypes were evaluated in three environments varying in CO2, temperature and water deficit during the 2019 winter season. The experiment was laid out in a split-split plot design arranged in blocks inside the chambers. The parameters recorded were: leaf water potential (LWP), biomass content (TB), number of productive tillers (NPT), days to flowering (DTA), days to maturity (DTM), plant height (PH), thousand kernel weight (TKW), number of kernels per spike (KPS), kernel weight per spike (KWS) and total grain weight (TGW). The following stress indices were determined: tolerance index, stress tolerance, yield susceptibility index, mean productivity, geometric mean productivity, stress intensity index and yield index. Elevated atmospheric CO2 ameliorated the negative effects of combined heat and water deficit stress by enhancing LWP, NPT, KPS, TB and TGW. Wheat genotypes responded the same way to CO2 with respect to grain yield. Furthermore, adequate water supply mitigated the adverse effects of heat stress. In addition, the combined effects of eCO2, heat and water deficit are confounding and hypo-additive in nature. The separation of environmental effects revealed that significant genotypic responses on grain yield and biomass were caused by heat and water deficit stress, while eCO2 mitigated their negative effects, promoting growth and reproduction. Both Principal component analysis (PCA) biplot analysis and cultivar superiority measure proved to be reliable statistical tools since they managed to identify 13-5HTSBWYT-H18, Ncema and SST8135 as having both specific adaptations to future climates as well as wide adaption to multiple environments. The genotypes may be used as sources (parents for crosses) for wide adaptation in breeding programmes in the wake of predicted future climate environments. PCA biplot analysis identified mean productivity (MP) and geometric mean productivity (GMP) as the best indices; hence can also be as secondary traits complimenting traditional agronomic and physiological traits in wheat breeding under environments varying in water availability, CO2 and temperature. The interactive effects of eCO2 with heat and water deficit stress did not significantly compromise the grain physical characteristics, flour extraction, protein content, falling number and flour ash. eCO2 ameliorated the negative effects of heat and water deficit by increasing protein content by 4.75 percent , Thesis (MSc) (Crop Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-02
Reinforcing the protection of stakeholders’ interests under the South African takeover regulation regime: a comparative assessment from a complementary regulatory perspective.
- Authors: Mudzamiri, Justice
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business , Stockholder wealth , Corporate governance--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20350 , vital:45658
- Description: The dominant view in company law (especially; corporate governance and finance law) is that the regulation of company takeovers (takeovers) and-/ or mergers must carefully balance two opposing notions. On one hand, the regime must be designed to enable or facilitate the initiation and successful implementation of takeovers and mergers in the interests of inter alia economic growth and technological advancement. On the other hand, such a regulatory framework ought to be sensitive to stakeholders’ interests. Various policy rationales are put forward in supporting the incidence of takeover transactions. These motivations include the need for companies to access business synergy, diversification, competitiveness, technological advancement, and broader economic development. However, takeovers may have negative implications for stakeholders. For feasibility sake, this study’s focus is limited to three stakeholder groups, namely, the target company shareholders, the target company directors, and the local communities. For the target shareholders, the takeover-related mischiefs include the possibility that the target directors may be tainted by conflicts of interest in the context of an offer, thereby making recommendations that disadvantage the shareholders. Or the possibility that the minority shareholders may be treated unfairly and unequally by the acquiring company through making a subsequent offer that is inferior to the one received by the majority holders of securities of the same class. For the board of directors, there are twin negative effects that the directors may face. On the one hand, is litigation from disgruntled stakeholders during and after takeovers and, on the other hand, is the possibility that directors often lose their offices and jobs after successful takeovers. This study also examines the possible exposure of local communities to the negative repercussions of takeovers, and these include loss of employment by locals, loss of beneficial community development, loss of community development monies due to losses in corporate taxes, loss of corporate social responsibility benefits where the merged company decides to relocate. Still, the introduction of a new company into a community after a takeover may negatively impact the environment, public health as well as expose the community to severe national security threats especially where the takeovers involve personal data storage, the internet and technology. Against the backdrop of the conceivable benefits and adverse effects surrounding takeovers this study introduces a ‘novel’ complementary regulatory perspective, as a yardstick for undertaking a comparative evaluation of the existing takeover regulation regimes of the United States of America (US) especially the state of Delaware, the United Kingdom (UK) and South Africa to answer this study’s main research question. The primary question sought to be answered is: To what extent are the provisions of the South African takeover regulation framework appropriate and adequate in protecting the stakeholders’ interests? The said complementary regulatory perspective has twin-legs designed to carefully balance two opposing philosophies: that is, on one hand, vigilant optimisation of takeover activity and on the other hand, ensuring the appropriate and adequate protection of stakeholders’ interests by pursuing stakeholder inclusivity through the concept of subordination. Notably, there are several protections under the US, the UK and South African takeover regulation regimes that are available and accessible to the three stakeholder groups identified, discussed and evaluated in this study. And through the evaluations, the related merits and weaknesses of such protections were established. Then, ultimately, several suggestions for law reform are recommended in accordance with the ethos of the complementary regulatory perspective as deliberated. , Thesis (PhD) (Law)-- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-02
- Authors: Mudzamiri, Justice
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business , Stockholder wealth , Corporate governance--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20350 , vital:45658
- Description: The dominant view in company law (especially; corporate governance and finance law) is that the regulation of company takeovers (takeovers) and-/ or mergers must carefully balance two opposing notions. On one hand, the regime must be designed to enable or facilitate the initiation and successful implementation of takeovers and mergers in the interests of inter alia economic growth and technological advancement. On the other hand, such a regulatory framework ought to be sensitive to stakeholders’ interests. Various policy rationales are put forward in supporting the incidence of takeover transactions. These motivations include the need for companies to access business synergy, diversification, competitiveness, technological advancement, and broader economic development. However, takeovers may have negative implications for stakeholders. For feasibility sake, this study’s focus is limited to three stakeholder groups, namely, the target company shareholders, the target company directors, and the local communities. For the target shareholders, the takeover-related mischiefs include the possibility that the target directors may be tainted by conflicts of interest in the context of an offer, thereby making recommendations that disadvantage the shareholders. Or the possibility that the minority shareholders may be treated unfairly and unequally by the acquiring company through making a subsequent offer that is inferior to the one received by the majority holders of securities of the same class. For the board of directors, there are twin negative effects that the directors may face. On the one hand, is litigation from disgruntled stakeholders during and after takeovers and, on the other hand, is the possibility that directors often lose their offices and jobs after successful takeovers. This study also examines the possible exposure of local communities to the negative repercussions of takeovers, and these include loss of employment by locals, loss of beneficial community development, loss of community development monies due to losses in corporate taxes, loss of corporate social responsibility benefits where the merged company decides to relocate. Still, the introduction of a new company into a community after a takeover may negatively impact the environment, public health as well as expose the community to severe national security threats especially where the takeovers involve personal data storage, the internet and technology. Against the backdrop of the conceivable benefits and adverse effects surrounding takeovers this study introduces a ‘novel’ complementary regulatory perspective, as a yardstick for undertaking a comparative evaluation of the existing takeover regulation regimes of the United States of America (US) especially the state of Delaware, the United Kingdom (UK) and South Africa to answer this study’s main research question. The primary question sought to be answered is: To what extent are the provisions of the South African takeover regulation framework appropriate and adequate in protecting the stakeholders’ interests? The said complementary regulatory perspective has twin-legs designed to carefully balance two opposing philosophies: that is, on one hand, vigilant optimisation of takeover activity and on the other hand, ensuring the appropriate and adequate protection of stakeholders’ interests by pursuing stakeholder inclusivity through the concept of subordination. Notably, there are several protections under the US, the UK and South African takeover regulation regimes that are available and accessible to the three stakeholder groups identified, discussed and evaluated in this study. And through the evaluations, the related merits and weaknesses of such protections were established. Then, ultimately, several suggestions for law reform are recommended in accordance with the ethos of the complementary regulatory perspective as deliberated. , Thesis (PhD) (Law)-- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-02
Synthesis and characterization of molybdenum dichalcogenides nanoparticles via solution-processed technique for photovoltaic applications
- Authors: Shelter, Chikukwa Evernice
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Nanoparticles , Colloids
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20653 , vital:46417
- Description: Energy generated from non-renewable energy sources has a drawback of prompted outflow of ozone harming substances. These drawbacks of the non-renewable energy have quickened innovative work of renewable power sources, since they have an advantage of the provision of a better, preserved, decent environment that is free from natural contamination and commotion. Photovoltaic devices are prevalent in improving the green energy utilization and defeating the natural concerns yielded from the current most overwhelming energy sources. Herein, the synthesis, characterization, and application of Molybdenum chalcogenide nanoparticles (NP) as alternative sources in the absorber layer of quantum dot solar sensitized cells (QDSSCs) is discussed. The MoS2 NPs were synthesized from the aliphatic and aromatic dithiocarbamate (DTC) ligands and complexes as precursors. The successful synthesis of the DTC ligands and MoDTC complexes was confirmed through characterization with a variety of techniques including 1H and 13C-NMR, Raman Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) analysis. The synthesized MoDTC complexes (precursors) were further used in the synthesis of MoS2 nanoparticles. A bottom -up colloidal approach was employed for the synthesis of the MoX2 NPs. The successful synthesis of the NP was confirmed as the results from the diffractive peaks obtained from XRD which were positive and agreed in comparison with the standard. The diffractive peaks were shown in the planes (100), (002), (100) and (105) for MoS2 nanoparticles; (002), (100), (103) and (110) for MoSe2 and (0002), (0004), (103) as well as (0006) for the MoTe2 nanoparticles. The MoSe2 nanoparticles showed the least size of the nanoparticles followed by MoTe2 and lastly MoS2. These results agreed with the results obtained using SEM analysis. For the optical properties of the nanoparticles, UV-VIS and PL were used, the shift of the peaks from the red shift (600 nm) to the blue shift 270-5 nm and 287-9 nm (UV-VIS) confirmed that the nanoparticles were quantum confined. The application of the MoX2 NPs in QDSSCs was done with MoSe2 showing the greatest PCE of 7.86 percent followed by MoTe2 6.93 percent and lastly MoS2 with a PCE of 6.05 percent and 5.47 percent. , Thesis (MSc) (Chemistry) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-02
- Authors: Shelter, Chikukwa Evernice
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Nanoparticles , Colloids
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20653 , vital:46417
- Description: Energy generated from non-renewable energy sources has a drawback of prompted outflow of ozone harming substances. These drawbacks of the non-renewable energy have quickened innovative work of renewable power sources, since they have an advantage of the provision of a better, preserved, decent environment that is free from natural contamination and commotion. Photovoltaic devices are prevalent in improving the green energy utilization and defeating the natural concerns yielded from the current most overwhelming energy sources. Herein, the synthesis, characterization, and application of Molybdenum chalcogenide nanoparticles (NP) as alternative sources in the absorber layer of quantum dot solar sensitized cells (QDSSCs) is discussed. The MoS2 NPs were synthesized from the aliphatic and aromatic dithiocarbamate (DTC) ligands and complexes as precursors. The successful synthesis of the DTC ligands and MoDTC complexes was confirmed through characterization with a variety of techniques including 1H and 13C-NMR, Raman Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) analysis. The synthesized MoDTC complexes (precursors) were further used in the synthesis of MoS2 nanoparticles. A bottom -up colloidal approach was employed for the synthesis of the MoX2 NPs. The successful synthesis of the NP was confirmed as the results from the diffractive peaks obtained from XRD which were positive and agreed in comparison with the standard. The diffractive peaks were shown in the planes (100), (002), (100) and (105) for MoS2 nanoparticles; (002), (100), (103) and (110) for MoSe2 and (0002), (0004), (103) as well as (0006) for the MoTe2 nanoparticles. The MoSe2 nanoparticles showed the least size of the nanoparticles followed by MoTe2 and lastly MoS2. These results agreed with the results obtained using SEM analysis. For the optical properties of the nanoparticles, UV-VIS and PL were used, the shift of the peaks from the red shift (600 nm) to the blue shift 270-5 nm and 287-9 nm (UV-VIS) confirmed that the nanoparticles were quantum confined. The application of the MoX2 NPs in QDSSCs was done with MoSe2 showing the greatest PCE of 7.86 percent followed by MoTe2 6.93 percent and lastly MoS2 with a PCE of 6.05 percent and 5.47 percent. , Thesis (MSc) (Chemistry) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-02
The optimisation of transportation methods for abalone (Haliotis midae Linnaeus, 1758 (Mollusca: Gastropoda)) larvae
- Authors: Bajaba, Sharone
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Abalone fisheries , Haliotis midae , Abalone culture
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20561 , vital:46124
- Description: Sea ranching has been identified as a viable method for enhancing the natural stock of overexploited abalone (Haliotis midae). Currently, this process involves transporting live juvenile H. midae to the seeding site where they are released onto the reef however this is both costly and logistically problematic. Transportation of abalone larvae is another cost-effective option, as they are cheaper to produce and can be transported at high densities. A suitable larval transport method is required to minimise larval mortalities and stresses that might compromise settlement. A series of simulated experiments were conducted to optimise transportation systems of abalone (Haliotis midae) larvae. First, two potential transportation modes (Wet (W) and Dry (D) transportation) conducted at a cooler (14˚C) and average ambient (18˚C) temperatures with six replicates of each were compared with control treatments (six replicates) that were not subjected to transport, kept in water at 18˚C. Eighty hours post-initial settlement, the 14W treatment had significantly lower settlement (p=0.03) than the other three treatments (14D, 18W, 18D) and the Control. The Dry method was the prefered method to transport larvae as it is logistically simpler to employ. The second experiment investigated the effect of different stocking densities (200, 400 and 800 larvae cm-2) for the Dry method 18˚C over two transit periods (six and twelve hours) on post-transport settlement and post-settlement survival of H. midae larvae. Compared to the control, there was no difference in the number of settled larvae (p=0.368) and larvae still swimming (p=0.835) across all treatments. This suggested that H. midae larvae can be transported for twelve hours at 800 larvae cm-2 without compromising post-transport settlement or survival. This study’s results and recommendations can be used by abalone farms when there is a need to move abalone H. midae larvae between farms or to seeding sites for sea ranching. Furthermore, other researchers can use these results as a benchmark for larval transportation studies of H. midae and other abalone species. , Thesis (MSc) (Zoology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-02
- Authors: Bajaba, Sharone
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Abalone fisheries , Haliotis midae , Abalone culture
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20561 , vital:46124
- Description: Sea ranching has been identified as a viable method for enhancing the natural stock of overexploited abalone (Haliotis midae). Currently, this process involves transporting live juvenile H. midae to the seeding site where they are released onto the reef however this is both costly and logistically problematic. Transportation of abalone larvae is another cost-effective option, as they are cheaper to produce and can be transported at high densities. A suitable larval transport method is required to minimise larval mortalities and stresses that might compromise settlement. A series of simulated experiments were conducted to optimise transportation systems of abalone (Haliotis midae) larvae. First, two potential transportation modes (Wet (W) and Dry (D) transportation) conducted at a cooler (14˚C) and average ambient (18˚C) temperatures with six replicates of each were compared with control treatments (six replicates) that were not subjected to transport, kept in water at 18˚C. Eighty hours post-initial settlement, the 14W treatment had significantly lower settlement (p=0.03) than the other three treatments (14D, 18W, 18D) and the Control. The Dry method was the prefered method to transport larvae as it is logistically simpler to employ. The second experiment investigated the effect of different stocking densities (200, 400 and 800 larvae cm-2) for the Dry method 18˚C over two transit periods (six and twelve hours) on post-transport settlement and post-settlement survival of H. midae larvae. Compared to the control, there was no difference in the number of settled larvae (p=0.368) and larvae still swimming (p=0.835) across all treatments. This suggested that H. midae larvae can be transported for twelve hours at 800 larvae cm-2 without compromising post-transport settlement or survival. This study’s results and recommendations can be used by abalone farms when there is a need to move abalone H. midae larvae between farms or to seeding sites for sea ranching. Furthermore, other researchers can use these results as a benchmark for larval transportation studies of H. midae and other abalone species. , Thesis (MSc) (Zoology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-02
An Updated Catalogue and Review of Afrotherian (Afroplacentalia) Mammals in the Amathole Museum Collection, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mahala, Buyiswa
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Mammals
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20741 , vital:46513
- Description: The Mammalogy Collection of the Amathole Museum is one of the most comprehensive mammal collections in Africa, with a specialisation in southern African fauna. It was accumulated over almost 100 years, in some instances from areas that no longer support sustainable populations of wildlife. The collection, therefore, is irreplaceable. A museum collection is only as good as its accessibility to students and researchers for it to perform its functions as a biodiversity archive. Accessibility, in turn, depends on up-to-date taxonomy and classification; good curation practices; public awareness of the collection; and electronic access to the details of the collection’s composition. The higher-level taxonomy of the Class Mammalia has undergone extensive changes since the adoption of molecular systematic techniques. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on large DNA sequence databases consistently group placental mammals into four superorders: Laurasiatheria (carnivores, bats, ungulates, whales); Euarchontoglires, a super-clade that includes primates (apes, monkeys and allies), rodents (mouse, rat and guinea pig), lagomorphs, (rabbit and hares), dermopterans (flying lemurs or colugos) and scandentians (tree shrew); Xenarthra (armadillos, anteaters, sloths), and Afrotheria (elephants, sea cows, tenrecs, aardvarks, sengis, golden moles, hyraxes). New relationships have been recognised that have required the erection of new taxonomic groups. Most of the Amathole Museum mammal collection was assembled and accessioned long before this new system was devised, and I undertook this project to begin the re-organisation of the collection according to the new information. I conducted and audit and inventory of all specimens of Afrotheria, or the mammals of African origin, housed in the Amathole Museum collection. I photographed the specimens and corrected and updated their taxonomic details. As we now live in an age of digital information, natural history collections need to be available online to extend public access. Specimen details were entered into Excel files, and their localities were mapped. This kind of information has the possibility of transforming biological curricula to include more authentic and inquiry-driven educational experiences. My future goals are to acquire Malagasy tenrecs for the Amathole Afrotheria collection, and to investigate the taxonomic validity of the Amathole hyrax collection, as many specimens were found with confusing and out-of-date classifications. , Thesis (MSc) (Zoology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03
- Authors: Mahala, Buyiswa
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Mammals
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20741 , vital:46513
- Description: The Mammalogy Collection of the Amathole Museum is one of the most comprehensive mammal collections in Africa, with a specialisation in southern African fauna. It was accumulated over almost 100 years, in some instances from areas that no longer support sustainable populations of wildlife. The collection, therefore, is irreplaceable. A museum collection is only as good as its accessibility to students and researchers for it to perform its functions as a biodiversity archive. Accessibility, in turn, depends on up-to-date taxonomy and classification; good curation practices; public awareness of the collection; and electronic access to the details of the collection’s composition. The higher-level taxonomy of the Class Mammalia has undergone extensive changes since the adoption of molecular systematic techniques. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on large DNA sequence databases consistently group placental mammals into four superorders: Laurasiatheria (carnivores, bats, ungulates, whales); Euarchontoglires, a super-clade that includes primates (apes, monkeys and allies), rodents (mouse, rat and guinea pig), lagomorphs, (rabbit and hares), dermopterans (flying lemurs or colugos) and scandentians (tree shrew); Xenarthra (armadillos, anteaters, sloths), and Afrotheria (elephants, sea cows, tenrecs, aardvarks, sengis, golden moles, hyraxes). New relationships have been recognised that have required the erection of new taxonomic groups. Most of the Amathole Museum mammal collection was assembled and accessioned long before this new system was devised, and I undertook this project to begin the re-organisation of the collection according to the new information. I conducted and audit and inventory of all specimens of Afrotheria, or the mammals of African origin, housed in the Amathole Museum collection. I photographed the specimens and corrected and updated their taxonomic details. As we now live in an age of digital information, natural history collections need to be available online to extend public access. Specimen details were entered into Excel files, and their localities were mapped. This kind of information has the possibility of transforming biological curricula to include more authentic and inquiry-driven educational experiences. My future goals are to acquire Malagasy tenrecs for the Amathole Afrotheria collection, and to investigate the taxonomic validity of the Amathole hyrax collection, as many specimens were found with confusing and out-of-date classifications. , Thesis (MSc) (Zoology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03
Synthesis, characterization and in vitro biological studies of cholesterol-based carriers as potential therapeutic agents
- Authors: Ruwizhi, Ngonidzashe
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Drug delivery systems , Cholesterol
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20708 , vital:46443
- Description: Malaria, cancer and bacterial infections are numbered among the highest causes of fatalities. Most of the drugs used to combat these diseases suffer from resistance, poor absorption and bioavailability and high toxicity. Therefore, delivering a drug requires an excellent drug delivery system that must provide the medication at the site of action in the minimum time possible. Cholesterol is a sterol that is abundantly found in the human body and forms a part in the structure and organization of cell membranes. Many researchers have used cholesterol, especially in organic synthesis, because of its ready availability, low cost and functional groups that can be readily derivatized. In this research, different therapeutic agents (anticancer, antimalarial and antibacterial) were conjugated to cholesterol, and the synthesized compounds were characterized using FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR, Mass Spectroscopy, 2D 1H-13C, HSQC NMR and tested for in vitro biological activity. Thirteen compounds were successfully synthesized. CHS-Cur was the most effective against all Gram-positive bacterial strains, while CHS-Cur, CHS-ZD and C-CAC-ZD were effective against all the bacterial strains. C-CAC-Pyr showed good antiplasmodial activity with 97.75 and 97.83% inhibition at 20 and 10 μg/ml concentrations, respectively. The biological activity of some of the compounds was increased by the conjugation of cholesterol, while others displayed reduced biological activity. In vitro cytotoxicity of the synthesized compounds on HeLa (cervical cancer) cells showed that compounds 2 (7.559 μg/mL), 3 (5.840 μg/mL), 5 (1.44 mg/mL), 7 (4.308 μg/mL) and 11 (3.295 μg/mL) exhibited some good anticancer activity with IC50 values of less than 10 μg/mL. Treating T3T fibroblast cells with compounds 2, 4, 5, 6, and 10 did not reveal a cytotoxic effect on the normal cells when compared to the control, cisplatin. , Thesis (MSc) (Chemistry) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03
- Authors: Ruwizhi, Ngonidzashe
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Drug delivery systems , Cholesterol
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20708 , vital:46443
- Description: Malaria, cancer and bacterial infections are numbered among the highest causes of fatalities. Most of the drugs used to combat these diseases suffer from resistance, poor absorption and bioavailability and high toxicity. Therefore, delivering a drug requires an excellent drug delivery system that must provide the medication at the site of action in the minimum time possible. Cholesterol is a sterol that is abundantly found in the human body and forms a part in the structure and organization of cell membranes. Many researchers have used cholesterol, especially in organic synthesis, because of its ready availability, low cost and functional groups that can be readily derivatized. In this research, different therapeutic agents (anticancer, antimalarial and antibacterial) were conjugated to cholesterol, and the synthesized compounds were characterized using FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR, Mass Spectroscopy, 2D 1H-13C, HSQC NMR and tested for in vitro biological activity. Thirteen compounds were successfully synthesized. CHS-Cur was the most effective against all Gram-positive bacterial strains, while CHS-Cur, CHS-ZD and C-CAC-ZD were effective against all the bacterial strains. C-CAC-Pyr showed good antiplasmodial activity with 97.75 and 97.83% inhibition at 20 and 10 μg/ml concentrations, respectively. The biological activity of some of the compounds was increased by the conjugation of cholesterol, while others displayed reduced biological activity. In vitro cytotoxicity of the synthesized compounds on HeLa (cervical cancer) cells showed that compounds 2 (7.559 μg/mL), 3 (5.840 μg/mL), 5 (1.44 mg/mL), 7 (4.308 μg/mL) and 11 (3.295 μg/mL) exhibited some good anticancer activity with IC50 values of less than 10 μg/mL. Treating T3T fibroblast cells with compounds 2, 4, 5, 6, and 10 did not reveal a cytotoxic effect on the normal cells when compared to the control, cisplatin. , Thesis (MSc) (Chemistry) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03