The effect of grain and soya bean-based diets on chicken production, some egg quality traits, and the potential for allergen carryover to eggs and meat
- Authors: Dokora, Adia-En-Michelle
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Chickens -- Nutrition Chickens --Feeding and feeds Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2946 , vital:28192
- Description: This study determined the effect of maize-, whole wheat-, soya bean-based-diets on the growth performance, egg quality and dressing percentage of chickens, as well as the potential for soy and gluten allergen carryover to eggs and meat from chickens. Twenty 36-week-old Lorham White (LW) hens were divided into two groups and kept in individual cages until they reached 39-weeks of age, with water and feed supplied ad libitum. Ten LW hens were fed a maize/soya bean-based diet (T1) and the other ten birds were fed a maize/soya bean-based diet with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion (T2) for a period of four weeks, with weekly individual hen weights and group feed consumption figures being recorded. After a two-week diet adaptation period, six eggs per treatment group were collected every second day from the LW hens’ to measure egg quality traits. Every third day, over a 29-day period, six eggs per treatment were collected and analysed for the presence of soy, gluten and gluten-derived peptides using allergen specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) kits. For the broiler trial, a total of 160 Ross 308 mixed sex day old chicks were used in a completely randomized design. Two dietary treatments were assigned to eight cages (replicate) per treatment, with ten birds per cage. The Ross 308 broiler feeding programme consisted of three phases, starter (day 1 to day 10), grower (day 11 to day 20) and finisher (day 21 to day 28). At the beginning of the trial all chicks were fed T1 which contained a maize/soya bean-based diet for a period of 10 days and then eight cages with 10 birds per cage were randomly selected and fed the T2 diet, which contained a maize/soya bean-based diet with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion, until they reached 28 days of age. Weekly live weights, feed intake, average daily gain and the average daily feed intake were recorded and calculated. At the end of the grower (day 21) and finisher phase (day 28), one broiler bird was selected per cage to have eight (8) birds per treatment and 16 birds per phase that were slaughtered and breast meat samples were analysed in duplicate for the presence of soy and gluten allergens using ELISA kits. The dressing percentage of hot carcasses was also determined at the end of the finisher phase on eight birds per treatment. For LW hens, live weight (LW) at 39 weeks of age, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and weekly feed intakes (FI) were significantly different (P < 0.05) between treatments with birds on T2 recording higher gains. As birds age in weeks increased, significant differences (P < 0.05) in live weight values were recorded. Egg quality traits measured (shell weight, yolk weight, albumen weight, albumen height and Haugh units) were significantly different (P < 0.05) between treatments, with eggs from hens receiving T1 recording higher mean values. As hens got older, the colour of egg yolk improved, producing eggs with higher b* (yellowness) values and lower L* (lightness) and a* (redness) mean values. The Haugh unit, significantly improved (P < 0.05) as the hens got older, signifying better quality of eggs. For the broiler birds, growth traits measured indicated that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in live weight (LW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), weekly feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), cumulative feed intake (CFI) and cumulative gain (CG) between treatments. No significant differences (P > 0.05) between dressing percentage of broilers from the two treatments were observed. As birds grew, significant differences (P < 0.05) in LW, FI, AFI, FCR, and CFI, over a four-week period were recorded. Results of the allergen analyses indicated that soy and gluten allergens were not carried over from feed into eggs and meat of chickens fed a maize/soya bean-based diet and a maize/soya bean-based with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion, respectively. In conclusion, a maize/soya bean-based diet and maize/soya bean-based diet with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion that contained soy and gluten allergens, are feed sources that promote and stimulate 36-week-old LW hen and Ross 308 chicken growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Dokora, Adia-En-Michelle
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Chickens -- Nutrition Chickens --Feeding and feeds Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2946 , vital:28192
- Description: This study determined the effect of maize-, whole wheat-, soya bean-based-diets on the growth performance, egg quality and dressing percentage of chickens, as well as the potential for soy and gluten allergen carryover to eggs and meat from chickens. Twenty 36-week-old Lorham White (LW) hens were divided into two groups and kept in individual cages until they reached 39-weeks of age, with water and feed supplied ad libitum. Ten LW hens were fed a maize/soya bean-based diet (T1) and the other ten birds were fed a maize/soya bean-based diet with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion (T2) for a period of four weeks, with weekly individual hen weights and group feed consumption figures being recorded. After a two-week diet adaptation period, six eggs per treatment group were collected every second day from the LW hens’ to measure egg quality traits. Every third day, over a 29-day period, six eggs per treatment were collected and analysed for the presence of soy, gluten and gluten-derived peptides using allergen specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) kits. For the broiler trial, a total of 160 Ross 308 mixed sex day old chicks were used in a completely randomized design. Two dietary treatments were assigned to eight cages (replicate) per treatment, with ten birds per cage. The Ross 308 broiler feeding programme consisted of three phases, starter (day 1 to day 10), grower (day 11 to day 20) and finisher (day 21 to day 28). At the beginning of the trial all chicks were fed T1 which contained a maize/soya bean-based diet for a period of 10 days and then eight cages with 10 birds per cage were randomly selected and fed the T2 diet, which contained a maize/soya bean-based diet with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion, until they reached 28 days of age. Weekly live weights, feed intake, average daily gain and the average daily feed intake were recorded and calculated. At the end of the grower (day 21) and finisher phase (day 28), one broiler bird was selected per cage to have eight (8) birds per treatment and 16 birds per phase that were slaughtered and breast meat samples were analysed in duplicate for the presence of soy and gluten allergens using ELISA kits. The dressing percentage of hot carcasses was also determined at the end of the finisher phase on eight birds per treatment. For LW hens, live weight (LW) at 39 weeks of age, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and weekly feed intakes (FI) were significantly different (P < 0.05) between treatments with birds on T2 recording higher gains. As birds age in weeks increased, significant differences (P < 0.05) in live weight values were recorded. Egg quality traits measured (shell weight, yolk weight, albumen weight, albumen height and Haugh units) were significantly different (P < 0.05) between treatments, with eggs from hens receiving T1 recording higher mean values. As hens got older, the colour of egg yolk improved, producing eggs with higher b* (yellowness) values and lower L* (lightness) and a* (redness) mean values. The Haugh unit, significantly improved (P < 0.05) as the hens got older, signifying better quality of eggs. For the broiler birds, growth traits measured indicated that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in live weight (LW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), weekly feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), cumulative feed intake (CFI) and cumulative gain (CG) between treatments. No significant differences (P > 0.05) between dressing percentage of broilers from the two treatments were observed. As birds grew, significant differences (P < 0.05) in LW, FI, AFI, FCR, and CFI, over a four-week period were recorded. Results of the allergen analyses indicated that soy and gluten allergens were not carried over from feed into eggs and meat of chickens fed a maize/soya bean-based diet and a maize/soya bean-based with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion, respectively. In conclusion, a maize/soya bean-based diet and maize/soya bean-based diet with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion that contained soy and gluten allergens, are feed sources that promote and stimulate 36-week-old LW hen and Ross 308 chicken growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Geological and geophysical investigation of the South Eastern Karoo Basin, South Africa
- Authors: Baiyegunhi, Christopher
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11532 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021280
- Description: Geological and geophysical methods were used to investigate the southeastern Karoo Basin of South Africa in an area extending from longitudes 24 o E to 29o E and latitudes 32o S to 35o S. This was undertaken in order to reveal geologic structures, isochore thicknesses of the geologic sequence and their variations across the study area, proffer the possible provenance of the sediments and assess the potential of oil and gas accumulation. The methodology used includes field investigation, rock sampling, preparation of thin sections, petrographic studies, X-ray diffraction analysis, density measurements, porosity calculations, extraction of elevation data from Google Earth, 2½ D gravity profile modelling, generating of isochore (true vertical) thicknesses and depositional surfaces maps from the models, PetroMod 1D modelling and qualitative interpretation of magnetic, gravity and radiometric maps.Petrographic study was carried out on twenty six thin sections of rocks from the eleven geologic formations that cover the study area. Petrographic studies on the diamictite of the Dwyka Group shows abundance of monocrystalline quartz, granite and quartzite components in the breccias which possibly indicate the existence of granitic and metamorphic rocks in the source areas. The sandstones of the Ecca and Beaufort Groups are immature, greywacke and the heavy mineral assemblages signify that the minerals are of granitic, volcanic and metamorphic origin. The magnetic maps show two main magnetic anomalies, a major one trending in a northeast to southwest direction which is part of the Beattie magnetic anomaly and another that is a “bean-shaped” anomaly. The radially averaged power spectrum shows two depths to magnetic sources. The first depth is about 0.6 km which is the average depth to the top of the shallow sources, while the average depth to the top of the deep sources is about 15 km. The shallow sources are connected to magnetic minerals within the Beaufort Group while deep magnetic sources were inferred to be in the basement. The gamma ray spectrometric map shows areas with relatively high gamma radiation count. The high radiation count is possibly due to the uranium and thorium in the detrital materials, as well as the enrichment of radioelements in the feldspars (k-feldspar), calcite, quartz, zircon and clay minerals in the fluvial channel sandstones of the Beaufort Group. A total of two hundred and fifty-eight (258) rock samples were collected in the field and densities (dry, wet and grain densities) and porosities were determined in the laboratory. The Karoo Supergroup density values range from 2.526 – 2.828 g/cm3. The average porosities range from 0. 49 – 3.31 %. The dry densities and porosities of all the formations are inversely correlated with correlation coefficient values (R) that range from 0.9491 - 0.9982. The density of the dolerite intrusions (mostly sill) ranges from 2.700 – 2.837 g/cm3 whilst the porosity range from 0.1118 – 0.3868 %. The Bouguer anomaly map shows an increase in gravity values from -140.7 mGal in inland to about 60.1 mGal in coastal areas. This dominant gravity variation is inferred to be due to a deeper basement and/or Moho that get shallower from inland towards the coast. The Moho is at about 45 km depth inland and shallows to about 42 km at the coast. The 2½ D gravity modelling was done for fourteen (14) profiles with each profile having three (3) models corresponding to minimum, average and maximum densities to obtain the thicknesses of the geologic sequence. The current isochore thicknesses extracted from the gravity models show that the Beaufort Group is the thickest of all the groups that make up the Karoo Supergroup with maximum vertical thickness of up to 634 m, followed by the Ecca and Dwyka Groups with maximum vertical thicknesses of about 3207 m and 727 m, respectively. The maximum elevation for the Dwyka, Ecca and Beaufort sediments are about 500 m, 400 m and 285 m, respectively, whilst the maximum depth below sea level are around 8500 m, 7000 m and 5500 m, respectively. The PetroMod1D model result yield average vitrinite reflectance and temperature values of about 6 % and 500 ℃ respectively for the lower Ecca Group which belong to the dry gas window based on classification by several authors. Thus the rocks of the lower Ecca Group are thermally matured for hydrocarbon (shale gas) generation that can merit gas exploration in the Karoo Basin.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Baiyegunhi, Christopher
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11532 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021280
- Description: Geological and geophysical methods were used to investigate the southeastern Karoo Basin of South Africa in an area extending from longitudes 24 o E to 29o E and latitudes 32o S to 35o S. This was undertaken in order to reveal geologic structures, isochore thicknesses of the geologic sequence and their variations across the study area, proffer the possible provenance of the sediments and assess the potential of oil and gas accumulation. The methodology used includes field investigation, rock sampling, preparation of thin sections, petrographic studies, X-ray diffraction analysis, density measurements, porosity calculations, extraction of elevation data from Google Earth, 2½ D gravity profile modelling, generating of isochore (true vertical) thicknesses and depositional surfaces maps from the models, PetroMod 1D modelling and qualitative interpretation of magnetic, gravity and radiometric maps.Petrographic study was carried out on twenty six thin sections of rocks from the eleven geologic formations that cover the study area. Petrographic studies on the diamictite of the Dwyka Group shows abundance of monocrystalline quartz, granite and quartzite components in the breccias which possibly indicate the existence of granitic and metamorphic rocks in the source areas. The sandstones of the Ecca and Beaufort Groups are immature, greywacke and the heavy mineral assemblages signify that the minerals are of granitic, volcanic and metamorphic origin. The magnetic maps show two main magnetic anomalies, a major one trending in a northeast to southwest direction which is part of the Beattie magnetic anomaly and another that is a “bean-shaped” anomaly. The radially averaged power spectrum shows two depths to magnetic sources. The first depth is about 0.6 km which is the average depth to the top of the shallow sources, while the average depth to the top of the deep sources is about 15 km. The shallow sources are connected to magnetic minerals within the Beaufort Group while deep magnetic sources were inferred to be in the basement. The gamma ray spectrometric map shows areas with relatively high gamma radiation count. The high radiation count is possibly due to the uranium and thorium in the detrital materials, as well as the enrichment of radioelements in the feldspars (k-feldspar), calcite, quartz, zircon and clay minerals in the fluvial channel sandstones of the Beaufort Group. A total of two hundred and fifty-eight (258) rock samples were collected in the field and densities (dry, wet and grain densities) and porosities were determined in the laboratory. The Karoo Supergroup density values range from 2.526 – 2.828 g/cm3. The average porosities range from 0. 49 – 3.31 %. The dry densities and porosities of all the formations are inversely correlated with correlation coefficient values (R) that range from 0.9491 - 0.9982. The density of the dolerite intrusions (mostly sill) ranges from 2.700 – 2.837 g/cm3 whilst the porosity range from 0.1118 – 0.3868 %. The Bouguer anomaly map shows an increase in gravity values from -140.7 mGal in inland to about 60.1 mGal in coastal areas. This dominant gravity variation is inferred to be due to a deeper basement and/or Moho that get shallower from inland towards the coast. The Moho is at about 45 km depth inland and shallows to about 42 km at the coast. The 2½ D gravity modelling was done for fourteen (14) profiles with each profile having three (3) models corresponding to minimum, average and maximum densities to obtain the thicknesses of the geologic sequence. The current isochore thicknesses extracted from the gravity models show that the Beaufort Group is the thickest of all the groups that make up the Karoo Supergroup with maximum vertical thickness of up to 634 m, followed by the Ecca and Dwyka Groups with maximum vertical thicknesses of about 3207 m and 727 m, respectively. The maximum elevation for the Dwyka, Ecca and Beaufort sediments are about 500 m, 400 m and 285 m, respectively, whilst the maximum depth below sea level are around 8500 m, 7000 m and 5500 m, respectively. The PetroMod1D model result yield average vitrinite reflectance and temperature values of about 6 % and 500 ℃ respectively for the lower Ecca Group which belong to the dry gas window based on classification by several authors. Thus the rocks of the lower Ecca Group are thermally matured for hydrocarbon (shale gas) generation that can merit gas exploration in the Karoo Basin.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Integrating natural sciences and indigenous knowledge systems for rural economic development: a model for rural enterprise development, health and nutrition initiatives in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Lupuwana, Pumezo
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Ethnobotany)
- Identifier: vital:11884 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/81 , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study demonstrated that the demographic profile of the Eastern Cape Province portrayed high levels of poverty and underdevelopment in the mostly rural population. This is despite the fact that the Eastern Cape is characterized by a rich endowment of natural resources, hosting a wide range of natural plant species, numerous rivers, water springs from mountains and no less than six biomes due to the variety of climatic conditions prevalent in the Province. In contrast, the natural resources found in the Province were regarded to have a high potential to grow and transform the economy of the Province. In this study, the integrated approach was conceptualized, developed and implemented in action within the rural communities selected with varying degrees of success, as a function of the material and objective socio-economic conditions prevailing in each community. A model for rural enterprise development based on agricultural production utilizing the principles of Community-Public-Private Partnerships was conceptualized and executed with the assistance of specialist professionals from various disciplines and organizations. Case studies structured on the basis of methodologies derived from the integration of natural sciences and indigenous knowledge systems were conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of the conceptual framework of the study as indicated by the following case studies. The first case study undertaken was the development of agricultural enterprises in the selected rural communities in joint ventures through the commercial production of food and vegetable crops for local markets and to provide nutrition for the rural communities as the first line of therapy against the HIV/AIDS infection and other diseases associated with malnutrition. The second case study was the establishment of an agricultural enterprise in partnership between rural communities, government agencies and agricultural specialist for the commercial production of grain crops, namely, Sorghum alternating with Wheat to satisfy the demand of local markets for these crops. The third case study was the establishment of a community-based enterprise through the commercial production of two Pelargonium plant species, namely, Pelargonium reniforme and P. sidoides. The two species had a high market demand in the pharmaceutical industry; hence, the plant species were V domestically cultivated to satisfy the industry demand and to ensure the survival of the plant species. The enterprise succeeded in sustaining the livelihoods of the rural communities and conserving the plant species. The fourth case study was the commercial production of essential oil-producing plants in six selected rural communities providing employment for some of the members of these communities even though the initial phase of the start-up enterprise was a trial cultivation to determine the suitability of the environmental and climatic conditions for the propagation of the selected essential-producing plants. The demand for essential oils in local and international markets was determined to relatively high. The incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems of the rural communities in the planning and implementation processes in the areas of Commercial Agricultural Production and Primary Health Care resulted in a gradual paradigm shift on the part of rural communities from a dependence mindset to one of self-reliance that is critical for sustainable rural economic development and the improvement of rural livelihoods. An integrated approach in the strategic planning and execution that involved the rural communities by government stakeholders, the academic community and other stakeholders from the Private Sector was piloted. The recognition of Indigenous Knowledge Systems by all the relevant stakeholders and their essential role in rural enterprise development, food production and primary health care as a pre-requisite for a successful transformation agenda was highlighted as never before. An all-inclusive approach that accorded the rural communities the status of equal partnership had a positive impact on most aspects of planning and implementing programmes for sustainable rural economic development and biodiversity conservation. Working in partnership with rural communities was found to be a challenge; hence, an understanding of the sub-cultures and the social dynamics that often manifested themselves in the form of internecine conflicts became necessary for successfully initiating the research programme in the rural communities. Furthermore, recognition of the rural communities as an integral part of the solution towards biodiversity conservation and the sustainable exploitation of natural resources was found to be a critical component for an effective strategy to ensure the continued survival of the endangered plant species. This attitude underpinned the co-operation of the rural communities and the overarching goals of rural transformation towards the consistent and sustainable improvement of rural livelihoods. Theapproach also marked a radical shift from all the preceeding practices in biodiversity conservation and the management of sustainable natural resource utilization. The study demonstrated that the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Natural Sciences for sustainable rural economic development with the ultimate strategic objective of contributing towards the reduction of poverty, the improvement of the quality and cost-effectiveness of primary health care and adequate food production is feasible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Lupuwana, Pumezo
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Ethnobotany)
- Identifier: vital:11884 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/81 , Natural resources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Nutrition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study demonstrated that the demographic profile of the Eastern Cape Province portrayed high levels of poverty and underdevelopment in the mostly rural population. This is despite the fact that the Eastern Cape is characterized by a rich endowment of natural resources, hosting a wide range of natural plant species, numerous rivers, water springs from mountains and no less than six biomes due to the variety of climatic conditions prevalent in the Province. In contrast, the natural resources found in the Province were regarded to have a high potential to grow and transform the economy of the Province. In this study, the integrated approach was conceptualized, developed and implemented in action within the rural communities selected with varying degrees of success, as a function of the material and objective socio-economic conditions prevailing in each community. A model for rural enterprise development based on agricultural production utilizing the principles of Community-Public-Private Partnerships was conceptualized and executed with the assistance of specialist professionals from various disciplines and organizations. Case studies structured on the basis of methodologies derived from the integration of natural sciences and indigenous knowledge systems were conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of the conceptual framework of the study as indicated by the following case studies. The first case study undertaken was the development of agricultural enterprises in the selected rural communities in joint ventures through the commercial production of food and vegetable crops for local markets and to provide nutrition for the rural communities as the first line of therapy against the HIV/AIDS infection and other diseases associated with malnutrition. The second case study was the establishment of an agricultural enterprise in partnership between rural communities, government agencies and agricultural specialist for the commercial production of grain crops, namely, Sorghum alternating with Wheat to satisfy the demand of local markets for these crops. The third case study was the establishment of a community-based enterprise through the commercial production of two Pelargonium plant species, namely, Pelargonium reniforme and P. sidoides. The two species had a high market demand in the pharmaceutical industry; hence, the plant species were V domestically cultivated to satisfy the industry demand and to ensure the survival of the plant species. The enterprise succeeded in sustaining the livelihoods of the rural communities and conserving the plant species. The fourth case study was the commercial production of essential oil-producing plants in six selected rural communities providing employment for some of the members of these communities even though the initial phase of the start-up enterprise was a trial cultivation to determine the suitability of the environmental and climatic conditions for the propagation of the selected essential-producing plants. The demand for essential oils in local and international markets was determined to relatively high. The incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems of the rural communities in the planning and implementation processes in the areas of Commercial Agricultural Production and Primary Health Care resulted in a gradual paradigm shift on the part of rural communities from a dependence mindset to one of self-reliance that is critical for sustainable rural economic development and the improvement of rural livelihoods. An integrated approach in the strategic planning and execution that involved the rural communities by government stakeholders, the academic community and other stakeholders from the Private Sector was piloted. The recognition of Indigenous Knowledge Systems by all the relevant stakeholders and their essential role in rural enterprise development, food production and primary health care as a pre-requisite for a successful transformation agenda was highlighted as never before. An all-inclusive approach that accorded the rural communities the status of equal partnership had a positive impact on most aspects of planning and implementing programmes for sustainable rural economic development and biodiversity conservation. Working in partnership with rural communities was found to be a challenge; hence, an understanding of the sub-cultures and the social dynamics that often manifested themselves in the form of internecine conflicts became necessary for successfully initiating the research programme in the rural communities. Furthermore, recognition of the rural communities as an integral part of the solution towards biodiversity conservation and the sustainable exploitation of natural resources was found to be a critical component for an effective strategy to ensure the continued survival of the endangered plant species. This attitude underpinned the co-operation of the rural communities and the overarching goals of rural transformation towards the consistent and sustainable improvement of rural livelihoods. Theapproach also marked a radical shift from all the preceeding practices in biodiversity conservation and the management of sustainable natural resource utilization. The study demonstrated that the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Natural Sciences for sustainable rural economic development with the ultimate strategic objective of contributing towards the reduction of poverty, the improvement of the quality and cost-effectiveness of primary health care and adequate food production is feasible.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Development of a MPEG-7 based multimedia content description and retrieval tool for internet protocol television (IPTV)
- Ncube, Prince Daughing Ngqabutho
- Authors: Ncube, Prince Daughing Ngqabutho
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: MPEG (Video coding standard) Digital television Multimedia communications
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4893 , vital:28738
- Description: Search and retrieval of multimedia content from open platforms such as the Internet and IPTV platforms has long been found to be hugely inefficient. It has been noted that a major cause of such inefficient results is the improper labeling or incomplete description of multimedia content by its creators. The lack of adequate description of video content by the proper annotation of video content with the relevant metadata leads to poor search and retrieval yields. The creation of such metadata itself is a major problem as there are various metadata description standards which users could employ. On the other hand there are tools such as FFprobe that can retrieve important features of video that can be used in searching and retrieval. The combination of such tools and metadata description standards could be the solution to the metadata problem. The Multimedia Content Description Interface (MPEG-7) is an example of a metadata description standard. It has been adopted by TISPAN for the description of IPTV multimedia content. The MPEG-7 standard is rather complex, seeing as it has over 1200 global Descriptors and Description Schemes which a user would have to know in order to implement such technology. This complexity is a nuisance when we consider the existence of multitudes of amateur video producers. These multimedia content creators have no idea how to use the MPEG-7 standard to annotate their creations with metadata. Consequently, overloading of the IPTV platform with content that has not been annotated in a standardized manner occurs, making search and retrieval of the multimedia content (videos, in this instance) inefficient. Therefore, it was imperative to try and determine whether the use of the MPEG-7 standard could be made much easier by creating a tool that is MPEG-7 enabled which will allow for the annotation of video content by any user without concerning themselves about how to use the MPEG-7 standard. In attempting to develop a tool for metadata generation, it was incumbent for us to understand the issues associated with metadata generation for users wishing to create IPTV services. An extensive literature review on IPTV standardization was carried out to determine the issues associated with metadata generation for IPTV and their proposed solutions. An experimental research approach was taken in an attempt to figure out if our proposed solution to the lack of technical expertise by users about the MPEG-7 standard could be the final solution to the metadata generation problem. We developed a Multimedia Content Description and Management System (MCDMS) prototype which enabled us to describe video content by annotating it with 16 different metadata elements and storing the descriptions in XML MPEG-7 format. Incremental development and re-use oriented development were used during the development phase of this research. The MCDMS underwent functional testing; smoke testing of the individual system components and Big Bang integration testing for the combined components. Our results indicate that the more metadata is appended to a video as description the better it is to search for and retrieve. The MCDMS hides the complexity of MPEG-7 metadata creation from the users. With the effortless creation of MPEG-7 based metadata, it becomes easier to annotate videos. Consequently, search and retrieval of video content becomes more efficient. It is important to note that the description of multimedia content remains a complex feat. Even with the metadata elements laid out for users, there still exist other issues that affect metadata creation such as polysemy and the semantic gap. However, the provision of a tool that does the MPEG-7 standardizing behind the scenes for users when they upload a video makes the description of multimedia content in a standardized manner a much easier feat to achieve.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ncube, Prince Daughing Ngqabutho
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: MPEG (Video coding standard) Digital television Multimedia communications
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4893 , vital:28738
- Description: Search and retrieval of multimedia content from open platforms such as the Internet and IPTV platforms has long been found to be hugely inefficient. It has been noted that a major cause of such inefficient results is the improper labeling or incomplete description of multimedia content by its creators. The lack of adequate description of video content by the proper annotation of video content with the relevant metadata leads to poor search and retrieval yields. The creation of such metadata itself is a major problem as there are various metadata description standards which users could employ. On the other hand there are tools such as FFprobe that can retrieve important features of video that can be used in searching and retrieval. The combination of such tools and metadata description standards could be the solution to the metadata problem. The Multimedia Content Description Interface (MPEG-7) is an example of a metadata description standard. It has been adopted by TISPAN for the description of IPTV multimedia content. The MPEG-7 standard is rather complex, seeing as it has over 1200 global Descriptors and Description Schemes which a user would have to know in order to implement such technology. This complexity is a nuisance when we consider the existence of multitudes of amateur video producers. These multimedia content creators have no idea how to use the MPEG-7 standard to annotate their creations with metadata. Consequently, overloading of the IPTV platform with content that has not been annotated in a standardized manner occurs, making search and retrieval of the multimedia content (videos, in this instance) inefficient. Therefore, it was imperative to try and determine whether the use of the MPEG-7 standard could be made much easier by creating a tool that is MPEG-7 enabled which will allow for the annotation of video content by any user without concerning themselves about how to use the MPEG-7 standard. In attempting to develop a tool for metadata generation, it was incumbent for us to understand the issues associated with metadata generation for users wishing to create IPTV services. An extensive literature review on IPTV standardization was carried out to determine the issues associated with metadata generation for IPTV and their proposed solutions. An experimental research approach was taken in an attempt to figure out if our proposed solution to the lack of technical expertise by users about the MPEG-7 standard could be the final solution to the metadata generation problem. We developed a Multimedia Content Description and Management System (MCDMS) prototype which enabled us to describe video content by annotating it with 16 different metadata elements and storing the descriptions in XML MPEG-7 format. Incremental development and re-use oriented development were used during the development phase of this research. The MCDMS underwent functional testing; smoke testing of the individual system components and Big Bang integration testing for the combined components. Our results indicate that the more metadata is appended to a video as description the better it is to search for and retrieve. The MCDMS hides the complexity of MPEG-7 metadata creation from the users. With the effortless creation of MPEG-7 based metadata, it becomes easier to annotate videos. Consequently, search and retrieval of video content becomes more efficient. It is important to note that the description of multimedia content remains a complex feat. Even with the metadata elements laid out for users, there still exist other issues that affect metadata creation such as polysemy and the semantic gap. However, the provision of a tool that does the MPEG-7 standardizing behind the scenes for users when they upload a video makes the description of multimedia content in a standardized manner a much easier feat to achieve.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Preparation and application of plasmon metal enhanced titanium dioxide photocatalyst for the removal of organics in water
- Authors: Nyamukamba, Pardon
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Water -- Purification -- Photocatalysis Titanium dioxide Water chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2765 , vital:28074
- Description: Advanced oxidation processes are capable of removing organic compounds that cannot be removed by conventional water treatment methods. Among the oxidation processes, photo-catalysis using titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a promising method but suffers from rapid electron-hole recombination rates and only absorbs UV light which is a small percentage (5 percent) of the total solar radiation. Therefore there is a need to reduce the recombination rates and also extend the absorption of the photo-catalyst into the visible region which constitutes 55 percent of the total solar radiation. The major aims of this study were to prepare plasmon metal decorated and doped TiO2 photo-catalysts immobilized on quartz substrates and test their photo-catalytic and antimicrobial activities. The effect of film thickness (loading) and use of different shapes of plasmon metal nanostructures was investigated. TiO2 thin films were prepared by a sputter coating technique while plasmon metal (Au & Ag)/carbon co-doped TiO2 by a simple sol gel process and plasmon metal films were prepared by the thermal evaporation technique. Different plasmon metal nanostructures (nanorods, dendrites, nanowires and spherical nanoparticles) were prepared using a wet chemical technique using sodium borohydride as the reducing agent. Nanocomposites of co-doped TiO2 photo-catalyst and plasmon elements of different proportions were also prepared. The prepared photo-catalysts were coated onto etched and MPTMS (3-Mercaptopropyl trimethoxysliane) treated quartz glass substrate which is a stable support favouring easy recovery. The prepared materials were characterized by XRD, HRTEM, TEM, HRSEM, FT-IR, SEM, PIXE and TGA while the doped TiO2 was characterized by XPS, BET, CHNS and Raman Spectroscopy. The effect of pH of solution, presence of other contaminants and salts in solution, initial concentration of the model pollutant and type of the plasmonic elements on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 towards 4-(4-sulfophenylazo)-N,N-dimethyl aniline (methyl orange) were also investigated. The selected TiO2 photo-catalyst films were tested for antimicrobial properties. The effect of different types of plasmon elements on the antimicrobial activity of TiO2 against E. coli ATCC 3695 was evaluated under both sunlight and weak UV light. Under UV light, Ag showed the highest enhancement in photo-catalytic activity of TiO2 than Au and Cu. The photo-catalytic activity of TiO2 increased with an increase in Ag content to an optimum loading and then started to decrease with a further increase in loading. For Cu and Au, photo-activity activity increased with an increase in plasmon metal content. Under sunlight, Cu showed the highest enhancement of TiO2 photocatalytic compared to Ag and Au. The change in order of deposition showed that Au films enhanced the photo-activity better when they were deposited underneath rather than on top of TiO2 on quartz supports but Ag films performed better in enhancing photo-activity when they were deposited on top of TiO2. The use of bimetallic layers and three layer systems of different plasmon elements enhanced photo-catalytic activity better than the use of a monometallic layer. The presence of other organic contaminants and salts in solutions was found to reduce the photo-degradation of methyl orange due to preferential adsorption of other contaminants. When the pH was increased, the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 towards methyl orange was reduced. In antimicrobial studies, it was found that the plasmon elements greatly improved the antibacterial action of TiO2 against Escherichia coli ATCC 3695 in water and the best antibacterial action was observed with silver/carbon co-doped TiO2 photo-catalyst under sunlight The doped samples consisted of polydisperse nanoparticles which were found to be beneficial for photo-catalytic activity enhancement under sunlight.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Nyamukamba, Pardon
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Water -- Purification -- Photocatalysis Titanium dioxide Water chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2765 , vital:28074
- Description: Advanced oxidation processes are capable of removing organic compounds that cannot be removed by conventional water treatment methods. Among the oxidation processes, photo-catalysis using titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a promising method but suffers from rapid electron-hole recombination rates and only absorbs UV light which is a small percentage (5 percent) of the total solar radiation. Therefore there is a need to reduce the recombination rates and also extend the absorption of the photo-catalyst into the visible region which constitutes 55 percent of the total solar radiation. The major aims of this study were to prepare plasmon metal decorated and doped TiO2 photo-catalysts immobilized on quartz substrates and test their photo-catalytic and antimicrobial activities. The effect of film thickness (loading) and use of different shapes of plasmon metal nanostructures was investigated. TiO2 thin films were prepared by a sputter coating technique while plasmon metal (Au & Ag)/carbon co-doped TiO2 by a simple sol gel process and plasmon metal films were prepared by the thermal evaporation technique. Different plasmon metal nanostructures (nanorods, dendrites, nanowires and spherical nanoparticles) were prepared using a wet chemical technique using sodium borohydride as the reducing agent. Nanocomposites of co-doped TiO2 photo-catalyst and plasmon elements of different proportions were also prepared. The prepared photo-catalysts were coated onto etched and MPTMS (3-Mercaptopropyl trimethoxysliane) treated quartz glass substrate which is a stable support favouring easy recovery. The prepared materials were characterized by XRD, HRTEM, TEM, HRSEM, FT-IR, SEM, PIXE and TGA while the doped TiO2 was characterized by XPS, BET, CHNS and Raman Spectroscopy. The effect of pH of solution, presence of other contaminants and salts in solution, initial concentration of the model pollutant and type of the plasmonic elements on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 towards 4-(4-sulfophenylazo)-N,N-dimethyl aniline (methyl orange) were also investigated. The selected TiO2 photo-catalyst films were tested for antimicrobial properties. The effect of different types of plasmon elements on the antimicrobial activity of TiO2 against E. coli ATCC 3695 was evaluated under both sunlight and weak UV light. Under UV light, Ag showed the highest enhancement in photo-catalytic activity of TiO2 than Au and Cu. The photo-catalytic activity of TiO2 increased with an increase in Ag content to an optimum loading and then started to decrease with a further increase in loading. For Cu and Au, photo-activity activity increased with an increase in plasmon metal content. Under sunlight, Cu showed the highest enhancement of TiO2 photocatalytic compared to Ag and Au. The change in order of deposition showed that Au films enhanced the photo-activity better when they were deposited underneath rather than on top of TiO2 on quartz supports but Ag films performed better in enhancing photo-activity when they were deposited on top of TiO2. The use of bimetallic layers and three layer systems of different plasmon elements enhanced photo-catalytic activity better than the use of a monometallic layer. The presence of other organic contaminants and salts in solutions was found to reduce the photo-degradation of methyl orange due to preferential adsorption of other contaminants. When the pH was increased, the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 towards methyl orange was reduced. In antimicrobial studies, it was found that the plasmon elements greatly improved the antibacterial action of TiO2 against Escherichia coli ATCC 3695 in water and the best antibacterial action was observed with silver/carbon co-doped TiO2 photo-catalyst under sunlight The doped samples consisted of polydisperse nanoparticles which were found to be beneficial for photo-catalytic activity enhancement under sunlight.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effect of moringa oleifera leaf meal on growth perfomance, gut integrity, bone strenght, quality and oxidative stability of meat from broiler chickens
- Authors: Nkukwana, Tobela T
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Moringa oleifera , Chickens -- Nutrition , Chickens -- Feeding and feeds , Broilers (Chickens)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11820 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006835 , Moringa oleifera , Chickens -- Nutrition , Chickens -- Feeding and feeds , Broilers (Chickens)
- Description: This study was designed was to determine the effects of additive supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on growth performance, digestibility, digestive organ size, intestinal integrity, bone ash content and bone breaking strength, as well as meat yield and quality of broiler chickens. A total of 2400 day-old unsexed Cobb-500 broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 5 treatment groups: T1, positive control, 668 g/ton Salinomycin and 500 g/ton Albac; T2, T3 and T4 contained graded levels of MOLM at 1 percent, 3 percent and 5 percent of dry matter (DM) intake, respectively; and T5, a negative control (0 percent additives) in a complete randomized design experiment. Except for week one, FI and FCR was highest (P < 0.05) in T4 birds; while T1 birds had the highest FI in the period of 22 to 27d (P < 0.05). Throughout the production period, birds supplemented with MOLM had the highest BW (P < 0.05) than the birds fed the control diets. Feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) among treatments was highest (P < 0.05) in T4 birds during the period of 8 to 14 d; and was highest (P < 0.05) for T1 birds in the period of 22 to 27d. Protein efficiency ratio (PER) and energy utilization efficiency (EEU) ratios were statistically significant among treatments (P < 0.05). However, dietary treatments had no effect (P > 0.05) on the weights of the heart, liver, spleen, or the gizzard, although the bursa for T2 birds was the lightest (P < 0.05); while gizzard erosion score was highest in T2 birds. All of the nutrients measured, except for fat, had negative intercepts that were significantly different (P < 0.05) from zero, indicating the presence of endogenous fecal losses. Tibiae length (TL) was highest in T2. The dried defatted weight (DW) was heaviest (P < 0.05) for T3 (11.20 ± 0.347) and T5 (11.08 ± 0.328). A positive correlation (r = 0.667; P < 0.01) between TW and DW was observed. There were no dietary effects on bone breaking strength (BBS), but T1 tibiae had highest resistance to breaking force (T1 > T4 > T3 > T2 > T5). Calcium was highest (P < 0.05) in T1; and lowest inT2 and T5. Phosphorus levels were lowest (P < 0.05) in T1; and highest (P < 0.05) in T5 compared. The highest Ca: P ratio was obtained in T4 (P < 0.05); while the ash percent was highest (P < 0.05) in T1. Drip loss increased as L* values increased; and a negative correlation was observed between L* and pH. On D1, C18: 0 and C22 in T2, while C15:0 was highest in T4. On D1, C20:2, C20:3n6 and C22:6n3 were highest in T2 (P < 0.05); T4 had the highest C18:3n6 (P < 0.05), while C20:2 was highest in T5 (P < 0.05). The P/S ratio on D1 was highest in T4; while n-6/n-3 was highest in T1; and n-3 was highest in T3. On D8, the n-3 was highest in T1 (P < 0.05). Results of the current study show that supplementation of M. oleifera leaf at additive levels of up to 5 percent of the bird’s DMI does have the potential to influence the bird performance without any detrimental effects on nutrient utilization, bird health, bone strength and/or meat quality, which can be concluded that MOLM enhanced the bird’s genetic potential for optimal productivity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Nkukwana, Tobela T
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Moringa oleifera , Chickens -- Nutrition , Chickens -- Feeding and feeds , Broilers (Chickens)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11820 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006835 , Moringa oleifera , Chickens -- Nutrition , Chickens -- Feeding and feeds , Broilers (Chickens)
- Description: This study was designed was to determine the effects of additive supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on growth performance, digestibility, digestive organ size, intestinal integrity, bone ash content and bone breaking strength, as well as meat yield and quality of broiler chickens. A total of 2400 day-old unsexed Cobb-500 broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 5 treatment groups: T1, positive control, 668 g/ton Salinomycin and 500 g/ton Albac; T2, T3 and T4 contained graded levels of MOLM at 1 percent, 3 percent and 5 percent of dry matter (DM) intake, respectively; and T5, a negative control (0 percent additives) in a complete randomized design experiment. Except for week one, FI and FCR was highest (P < 0.05) in T4 birds; while T1 birds had the highest FI in the period of 22 to 27d (P < 0.05). Throughout the production period, birds supplemented with MOLM had the highest BW (P < 0.05) than the birds fed the control diets. Feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) among treatments was highest (P < 0.05) in T4 birds during the period of 8 to 14 d; and was highest (P < 0.05) for T1 birds in the period of 22 to 27d. Protein efficiency ratio (PER) and energy utilization efficiency (EEU) ratios were statistically significant among treatments (P < 0.05). However, dietary treatments had no effect (P > 0.05) on the weights of the heart, liver, spleen, or the gizzard, although the bursa for T2 birds was the lightest (P < 0.05); while gizzard erosion score was highest in T2 birds. All of the nutrients measured, except for fat, had negative intercepts that were significantly different (P < 0.05) from zero, indicating the presence of endogenous fecal losses. Tibiae length (TL) was highest in T2. The dried defatted weight (DW) was heaviest (P < 0.05) for T3 (11.20 ± 0.347) and T5 (11.08 ± 0.328). A positive correlation (r = 0.667; P < 0.01) between TW and DW was observed. There were no dietary effects on bone breaking strength (BBS), but T1 tibiae had highest resistance to breaking force (T1 > T4 > T3 > T2 > T5). Calcium was highest (P < 0.05) in T1; and lowest inT2 and T5. Phosphorus levels were lowest (P < 0.05) in T1; and highest (P < 0.05) in T5 compared. The highest Ca: P ratio was obtained in T4 (P < 0.05); while the ash percent was highest (P < 0.05) in T1. Drip loss increased as L* values increased; and a negative correlation was observed between L* and pH. On D1, C18: 0 and C22 in T2, while C15:0 was highest in T4. On D1, C20:2, C20:3n6 and C22:6n3 were highest in T2 (P < 0.05); T4 had the highest C18:3n6 (P < 0.05), while C20:2 was highest in T5 (P < 0.05). The P/S ratio on D1 was highest in T4; while n-6/n-3 was highest in T1; and n-3 was highest in T3. On D8, the n-3 was highest in T1 (P < 0.05). Results of the current study show that supplementation of M. oleifera leaf at additive levels of up to 5 percent of the bird’s DMI does have the potential to influence the bird performance without any detrimental effects on nutrient utilization, bird health, bone strength and/or meat quality, which can be concluded that MOLM enhanced the bird’s genetic potential for optimal productivity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Developing a help-desk system for a multi-purpose ICT platform in a marginalised setting
- Authors: Makombe, Farai
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Computer industry -- Customer services , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Case-based reasoning , Telecommunication -- Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11381 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/315 , Computer industry -- Customer services , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Case-based reasoning , Telecommunication -- Technological innovations
- Description: Attempts to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural Information and Communications Technology (ICT) users have led to the deployment of ICT platforms in remote rural areas. This puts an increased demand for skilled support in rural ICT platforms to assist users in resolving technical problems that they face on a daily basis. A web based help desk system is developed and implemented to allow knowledge sharing and collaboration amongst users and experts as a way of ensuring the technical sustainability of the Siyakhula Living Lab, a remote rural based Information and Communications Technology (ICT4D) intervention. The research describes the use of Transactional and Innovation & Creative knowledge management strategies and their associated applications such as case-based reasoning (CBR) methods and collaborative knowledge approaches to develop a help desk support system for a geographically distributed multipurpose ICT centre in Dwesa, a rural remote area in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The system implemented in this study has been validated for functional adequacy and usability within the Siyakhula Living Lab. The results of the evaluation are presented in this thesis to provide the initial validation of the effectiveness of the help desk system. Keywords: ICT4D, ICT, Case-Based Reasoning; Collaborative Knowledge, Technical Sustainability, Help Desk Systems, Siyakhula Living Lab Forums, Issue Tracking, Rural Users, South Africa
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Makombe, Farai
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Computer industry -- Customer services , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Case-based reasoning , Telecommunication -- Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science)
- Identifier: vital:11381 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/315 , Computer industry -- Customer services , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Information technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Case-based reasoning , Telecommunication -- Technological innovations
- Description: Attempts to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural Information and Communications Technology (ICT) users have led to the deployment of ICT platforms in remote rural areas. This puts an increased demand for skilled support in rural ICT platforms to assist users in resolving technical problems that they face on a daily basis. A web based help desk system is developed and implemented to allow knowledge sharing and collaboration amongst users and experts as a way of ensuring the technical sustainability of the Siyakhula Living Lab, a remote rural based Information and Communications Technology (ICT4D) intervention. The research describes the use of Transactional and Innovation & Creative knowledge management strategies and their associated applications such as case-based reasoning (CBR) methods and collaborative knowledge approaches to develop a help desk support system for a geographically distributed multipurpose ICT centre in Dwesa, a rural remote area in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The system implemented in this study has been validated for functional adequacy and usability within the Siyakhula Living Lab. The results of the evaluation are presented in this thesis to provide the initial validation of the effectiveness of the help desk system. Keywords: ICT4D, ICT, Case-Based Reasoning; Collaborative Knowledge, Technical Sustainability, Help Desk Systems, Siyakhula Living Lab Forums, Issue Tracking, Rural Users, South Africa
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Characterization of village chicken health and management practices in the Amatola Basin of the Eastern Cape Province of South Afrrica
- Nyoni, Njongenhle Mhlanhlandlela Bernard
- Authors: Nyoni, Njongenhle Mhlanhlandlela Bernard
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Chickens -- Diseases , Chickens -- Health , Chickens -- Parasites , Chickens -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11804 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/561 , Chickens -- Diseases , Chickens -- Health , Chickens -- Parasites , Chickens -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Characterization of village chicken phealth and management practices in the Amatola Basin of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa By Njongenhle M. B. NYONI The majority of rural households in South Africa own village chickens which contribute significantly to their livelihoods. However, limited research has been conducted to characterize, understand and develop village chicken production in South Africa. This hinders the designing and implementation of village chicken-based developmental programmes that will benefit farmers in rural areas. Thus, it is imperative to initiate studies to describe village chicken production. This study was conducted to characterize village chicken production in Amatola Basin of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Baseline information was gathered using a questionnaire survey of 81 identified from 7 out of 13 villages using snowball sampling technique. Consequently, 20 households were selected to participate in a monitoring study (from July 2010 to June 2011) through purposive sampling. Most (60%) chicken flocks were owned by women and mainly raised to meet household food requirements. Some (28.4%) farmers occasionally sold cocks and hens to neighbours, at an average price of R50 (USD7.55) per bird, as a way of culling their flocks and generating income. However, village chickens were mainly kept for food security rather than for their terminal benefit of cash. Although, all chicken flocks were produced under the scavenging feeding system, most (96%) flocks were provided with supplementary feed and drinking water. A majority (93.8%) of households also provided some form of shelter for their chickens. The mean cock to hen to chick ratio was 1:5:15. On average, iii each household owned 17 (±2 S.E.M.) chickens, and hens had 3.3 clutches per annum. Chicks hatched and chickens received as gifts represented the flock entries, while exits included mortality, consumption, sales and gifts or donations, in that order. Generally, both exits and entries were more pronounced in the summer season than in other seasons. Most (81.5%) farmers experienced chicken losses due to predation and health related problems. Parasitism ranked high amongst the village chicken health challenges. During monitoring, the endoprasites identified included nematodes, cestodes and protozoa. Coccidia were the most prevalent endoparasites. The chickens were also infested with a variety of ectoparasites namely: mites, lice, fleas and ticks. The sticktight flea Echidnophaga gallinacean was the most prevalent species. Although ectoparasite infestations were most pronounced in summer, almost all chickens harbored one or more of these parasites throughout the study period. The prevalence and intensity of parasite infestations were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the summer season compared to the other seasons. This was followed by the autumn, spring and winter seasons, respectively. The majority (77.5%) of farmers resorted to alternative remedies, mostly medicinal plants, for treating diseases and controlling parasites. Medicinal plants were used because they were locally available, cheap and perceived to be effective. Therefore, village chicken production in the rural Eastern Cape Province is characterised by several challenges which counter the significant role chickens play in the livelihood of rural households.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Nyoni, Njongenhle Mhlanhlandlela Bernard
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Chickens -- Diseases , Chickens -- Health , Chickens -- Parasites , Chickens -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11804 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/561 , Chickens -- Diseases , Chickens -- Health , Chickens -- Parasites , Chickens -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Characterization of village chicken phealth and management practices in the Amatola Basin of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa By Njongenhle M. B. NYONI The majority of rural households in South Africa own village chickens which contribute significantly to their livelihoods. However, limited research has been conducted to characterize, understand and develop village chicken production in South Africa. This hinders the designing and implementation of village chicken-based developmental programmes that will benefit farmers in rural areas. Thus, it is imperative to initiate studies to describe village chicken production. This study was conducted to characterize village chicken production in Amatola Basin of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Baseline information was gathered using a questionnaire survey of 81 identified from 7 out of 13 villages using snowball sampling technique. Consequently, 20 households were selected to participate in a monitoring study (from July 2010 to June 2011) through purposive sampling. Most (60%) chicken flocks were owned by women and mainly raised to meet household food requirements. Some (28.4%) farmers occasionally sold cocks and hens to neighbours, at an average price of R50 (USD7.55) per bird, as a way of culling their flocks and generating income. However, village chickens were mainly kept for food security rather than for their terminal benefit of cash. Although, all chicken flocks were produced under the scavenging feeding system, most (96%) flocks were provided with supplementary feed and drinking water. A majority (93.8%) of households also provided some form of shelter for their chickens. The mean cock to hen to chick ratio was 1:5:15. On average, iii each household owned 17 (±2 S.E.M.) chickens, and hens had 3.3 clutches per annum. Chicks hatched and chickens received as gifts represented the flock entries, while exits included mortality, consumption, sales and gifts or donations, in that order. Generally, both exits and entries were more pronounced in the summer season than in other seasons. Most (81.5%) farmers experienced chicken losses due to predation and health related problems. Parasitism ranked high amongst the village chicken health challenges. During monitoring, the endoprasites identified included nematodes, cestodes and protozoa. Coccidia were the most prevalent endoparasites. The chickens were also infested with a variety of ectoparasites namely: mites, lice, fleas and ticks. The sticktight flea Echidnophaga gallinacean was the most prevalent species. Although ectoparasite infestations were most pronounced in summer, almost all chickens harbored one or more of these parasites throughout the study period. The prevalence and intensity of parasite infestations were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the summer season compared to the other seasons. This was followed by the autumn, spring and winter seasons, respectively. The majority (77.5%) of farmers resorted to alternative remedies, mostly medicinal plants, for treating diseases and controlling parasites. Medicinal plants were used because they were locally available, cheap and perceived to be effective. Therefore, village chicken production in the rural Eastern Cape Province is characterised by several challenges which counter the significant role chickens play in the livelihood of rural households.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Sheep production practices, flock dynamics, body condition and weight variation in two ecologically different resource-poor communal farming systems
- Authors: Mapiliyao, Luke
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Sheep -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep breeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep ranchers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forage , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep -- Diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11816 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/340 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001041 , Sheep -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep breeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep ranchers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forage , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep -- Diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The objective of this study was to determine sheep production practices, constraints, flock dynamics, body condition and weight variation in two ecologically different resource-poor communal farming systems of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Mean sheep flock sizes per household were not significantly different between the two ecologically different areas (villages); Gaga (19.0±3.10) and Sompondo (18.3±3.10). Shortage of feed, disease and parasite were reported the most important constraints across the two villages. In both villages, sheep housing was poorly constructed using acacia brushwoods. Fewer farmers owned rams: the rams to ewes ratio for the two villages were 1:20, 1:19 for Gaga and Sompondo, respectively. The low ram: ewe ratios reported suggest that inbreeding might have been reducing productivity of their flocks. There was also uncontrolled breeding due to undefined and mating seasons. Gall sickness, heart water and footrot caused most of the sheep mortalities. Dohne Merinos were the common genotypes in the two villages. Total entrances for each flock were higher (p < 0.05) in hot-dry season and hot-wet season than in other seasons. Most of the entrances were lambs and were born in hot-dry season (September) and cool-dry season (June) for larger flocks (10.90 ± 3.02) and for small flocks (3.65 ± 3.02). High lamb mortalities were experienced in the post-rainy (April) and hot-wet (December) season. There was a significant interaction between season and flock size. Most of the sales occurred in the hot-wet season. Ecological area had significant effect on sheep production potential (p < 0.05) in both flock classes. The average sheep production efficiency (SPE) value for Gaga and Sompondo were 0.50 ± 0.116 and 0.50 ± 0.096 respectively. The SPE for large flock was higher (p < 0.05) by season and flock size. Large flocks had a higher (p < 0.05) SPE values and the SPE ranged from 1.11 ± 0.193 in April, a post-rainy season month to 1.55 ± 0.193 in December, a hot-wet season month. Lamb mortalities constituted the greater part of outflows. High lamb mortalities occurred in hot-wet (December), hot-dry (September) and post-rainy (April) seasons. There was a significant interaction between season and age of sheep on body weight of sheep. Highest (p < 0.05) body weights were recorded in the post-rainy and autumn season in both lambs and ewes. It is therefore very important to come up with affordable interventions which take into play ecological differences of the areas for improved nutritional status of sheep in communal areas which will lead to improved sheep productivity and the poor-resourced farmer human nutritional and livelihood.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Mapiliyao, Luke
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Sheep -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep breeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep ranchers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forage , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep -- Diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11816 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/340 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001041 , Sheep -- Breeding -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep breeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep ranchers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forage , Grazing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sheep -- Diseases -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The objective of this study was to determine sheep production practices, constraints, flock dynamics, body condition and weight variation in two ecologically different resource-poor communal farming systems of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Mean sheep flock sizes per household were not significantly different between the two ecologically different areas (villages); Gaga (19.0±3.10) and Sompondo (18.3±3.10). Shortage of feed, disease and parasite were reported the most important constraints across the two villages. In both villages, sheep housing was poorly constructed using acacia brushwoods. Fewer farmers owned rams: the rams to ewes ratio for the two villages were 1:20, 1:19 for Gaga and Sompondo, respectively. The low ram: ewe ratios reported suggest that inbreeding might have been reducing productivity of their flocks. There was also uncontrolled breeding due to undefined and mating seasons. Gall sickness, heart water and footrot caused most of the sheep mortalities. Dohne Merinos were the common genotypes in the two villages. Total entrances for each flock were higher (p < 0.05) in hot-dry season and hot-wet season than in other seasons. Most of the entrances were lambs and were born in hot-dry season (September) and cool-dry season (June) for larger flocks (10.90 ± 3.02) and for small flocks (3.65 ± 3.02). High lamb mortalities were experienced in the post-rainy (April) and hot-wet (December) season. There was a significant interaction between season and flock size. Most of the sales occurred in the hot-wet season. Ecological area had significant effect on sheep production potential (p < 0.05) in both flock classes. The average sheep production efficiency (SPE) value for Gaga and Sompondo were 0.50 ± 0.116 and 0.50 ± 0.096 respectively. The SPE for large flock was higher (p < 0.05) by season and flock size. Large flocks had a higher (p < 0.05) SPE values and the SPE ranged from 1.11 ± 0.193 in April, a post-rainy season month to 1.55 ± 0.193 in December, a hot-wet season month. Lamb mortalities constituted the greater part of outflows. High lamb mortalities occurred in hot-wet (December), hot-dry (September) and post-rainy (April) seasons. There was a significant interaction between season and age of sheep on body weight of sheep. Highest (p < 0.05) body weights were recorded in the post-rainy and autumn season in both lambs and ewes. It is therefore very important to come up with affordable interventions which take into play ecological differences of the areas for improved nutritional status of sheep in communal areas which will lead to improved sheep productivity and the poor-resourced farmer human nutritional and livelihood.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Phytochemical analyses and Brine shrimp (Artemia Salina) lethality studies on Syzygium cordatum
- Authors: Chiguvare, Herbert
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Artemia , Crustacea , Chromatographic analysis , Medicinal plants , Essences and essential oils , Traditional medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11336 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1004352 , Artemia , Crustacea , Chromatographic analysis , Medicinal plants , Essences and essential oils , Traditional medicine
- Description: Syzygium cordatum Hoscht ex. C Krauss, also known as water berry, is normally used by the people of South Africa for respiratory ailments including tuberculosis, stomach complaints, treatment of wounds and as emetics. An extract of the leaves can be used as a purgative for diarrhoea treatment. The leaves of Syzygium cordatum Myrtaceae were obtained from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, air dried and sequential solvent extraction was done to obtain various non volatile crude extracts. The volatile extract, that is the essential oil was extracted from the leaves using hydrodistillation and analysis of compounds was done by GC/MS for composition. 32 compounds were obtained from the fresh leaves and 18 compounds were obtained from the dry leaves. The fresh oil contains caryophyllene (11.8 percent) and caryophyllene oxide (11.1 percent) as the main sesquiterpene component. α-Pinene(5.0 percent) was the only monoterpene compound identified in the fresh oil in substantial amount. The dry leaves oil had copanene (17.0 percent), β-Caryophellene (26.0 percent), cubenol (6.5 percent) and caryophellene oxide (14.2 percent) as the dominant constituent of the oil. Summary of the classes of compounds in the oil revealed that the chemical profile of both oils were dominated by sesquiterpenoid compounds. This is the first time that terpenoids compounds are being identified in both the fresh and dry leaf oil of S. cordatum. Hexane leaf extract was selected due to the interest in the terpenoid compounds. Column chromatography of the hexane crude gave five (5) of which two are fully reported. The isolates were fully elucidated using spectroscopic methods to be β-Sitosterol (HC3) and Friedela-3-one (HC1A/HC1D). Cytotoxicity analysis was carried out on the crude using the Brine shrimps assay. Isolates 1C and1D showed significant lethality using the brine shrimps assay with lethality values (LC50) of 4.105mg/ml for HC1C and 4.11mg/ml for 1D/1A respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Chiguvare, Herbert
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Artemia , Crustacea , Chromatographic analysis , Medicinal plants , Essences and essential oils , Traditional medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11336 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1004352 , Artemia , Crustacea , Chromatographic analysis , Medicinal plants , Essences and essential oils , Traditional medicine
- Description: Syzygium cordatum Hoscht ex. C Krauss, also known as water berry, is normally used by the people of South Africa for respiratory ailments including tuberculosis, stomach complaints, treatment of wounds and as emetics. An extract of the leaves can be used as a purgative for diarrhoea treatment. The leaves of Syzygium cordatum Myrtaceae were obtained from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, air dried and sequential solvent extraction was done to obtain various non volatile crude extracts. The volatile extract, that is the essential oil was extracted from the leaves using hydrodistillation and analysis of compounds was done by GC/MS for composition. 32 compounds were obtained from the fresh leaves and 18 compounds were obtained from the dry leaves. The fresh oil contains caryophyllene (11.8 percent) and caryophyllene oxide (11.1 percent) as the main sesquiterpene component. α-Pinene(5.0 percent) was the only monoterpene compound identified in the fresh oil in substantial amount. The dry leaves oil had copanene (17.0 percent), β-Caryophellene (26.0 percent), cubenol (6.5 percent) and caryophellene oxide (14.2 percent) as the dominant constituent of the oil. Summary of the classes of compounds in the oil revealed that the chemical profile of both oils were dominated by sesquiterpenoid compounds. This is the first time that terpenoids compounds are being identified in both the fresh and dry leaf oil of S. cordatum. Hexane leaf extract was selected due to the interest in the terpenoid compounds. Column chromatography of the hexane crude gave five (5) of which two are fully reported. The isolates were fully elucidated using spectroscopic methods to be β-Sitosterol (HC3) and Friedela-3-one (HC1A/HC1D). Cytotoxicity analysis was carried out on the crude using the Brine shrimps assay. Isolates 1C and1D showed significant lethality using the brine shrimps assay with lethality values (LC50) of 4.105mg/ml for HC1C and 4.11mg/ml for 1D/1A respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A study of psychological intervention strategies used by national soccer coaches for male teams in South Africa
- Authors: Xoxo, Thabo Daniel
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Sports -- Psychological aspects , Soccer players -- South Africa , Soccer coaches -- South Africa , Goal setting in personnel management -- South Africa , Imagery (Psychology) , Soccer -- Coaching -- South Africa , Goal setting -- Mental imagery , Mental imagery -- Team cohesion , Relaxation training -- Psychological intervention strategies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (HMS)
- Identifier: vital:11543 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006883 , Sports -- Psychological aspects , Soccer players -- South Africa , Soccer coaches -- South Africa , Goal setting in personnel management -- South Africa , Imagery (Psychology) , Soccer -- Coaching -- South Africa , Goal setting -- Mental imagery , Mental imagery -- Team cohesion , Relaxation training -- Psychological intervention strategies
- Description: The purpose of the current study was to examine the Psychological Intervention Strategies (PIS) that are used by coaches for male soccer teams in South Africa to enhance the performance of the national soccer teams. National soccer coaches for male teams (n = 4) completed a questionnaire and attended in-depth interview. Results from both the questionnaire and in-depth interview revealed a lack of knowledge of PIS which was further supported by the data from the analysis. While some of the coaches did not utilise goal setting and relaxation in their coaching responsibilities, the current results further show that these soccer coaches do not utilise mental imagery as well. These results suggest that the SAFA soccer coaches could not integrate PIS in the coaching. Although the results cannot be generalised there is evidence that the SAFA trained soccer coaches demonstrate inadequacy in using PIS in their soccer coaching. The study finds that soccer coaches are psychologically under-prepared for their arduous task of soccer coaching. By implication the players are also mentally under-prepared that they cannot face their peers competitively. Current studies point to this psychological preparedness as the psychological momentum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Xoxo, Thabo Daniel
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Sports -- Psychological aspects , Soccer players -- South Africa , Soccer coaches -- South Africa , Goal setting in personnel management -- South Africa , Imagery (Psychology) , Soccer -- Coaching -- South Africa , Goal setting -- Mental imagery , Mental imagery -- Team cohesion , Relaxation training -- Psychological intervention strategies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (HMS)
- Identifier: vital:11543 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006883 , Sports -- Psychological aspects , Soccer players -- South Africa , Soccer coaches -- South Africa , Goal setting in personnel management -- South Africa , Imagery (Psychology) , Soccer -- Coaching -- South Africa , Goal setting -- Mental imagery , Mental imagery -- Team cohesion , Relaxation training -- Psychological intervention strategies
- Description: The purpose of the current study was to examine the Psychological Intervention Strategies (PIS) that are used by coaches for male soccer teams in South Africa to enhance the performance of the national soccer teams. National soccer coaches for male teams (n = 4) completed a questionnaire and attended in-depth interview. Results from both the questionnaire and in-depth interview revealed a lack of knowledge of PIS which was further supported by the data from the analysis. While some of the coaches did not utilise goal setting and relaxation in their coaching responsibilities, the current results further show that these soccer coaches do not utilise mental imagery as well. These results suggest that the SAFA soccer coaches could not integrate PIS in the coaching. Although the results cannot be generalised there is evidence that the SAFA trained soccer coaches demonstrate inadequacy in using PIS in their soccer coaching. The study finds that soccer coaches are psychologically under-prepared for their arduous task of soccer coaching. By implication the players are also mentally under-prepared that they cannot face their peers competitively. Current studies point to this psychological preparedness as the psychological momentum.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Experiences of college students, regarding the mentoring role of registered nurses in the public services of the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Lundall, Kasthuri
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11918 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016159
- Description: Fifty percent of the learning of student nurses takes place within the clinical learning environment. It is in this environment that nursing students are expected to apply their knowledge, learn new skills, and achieve the required learning outcomes and proficiencies. Nursing program Me s differ significantly, so students ‟practice will vary depending on where they are studying and their practice will develop as the level of proficiency increases, and may also vary depending on the context of placement. Gopee (2008:7) elaborates on the fact that mentoring enables student nurses to gain clinical skills during placements and serves a formal role whereby teaching and practice facilitate professional learning within the healthcare system. The study was undertaken with the aim to describe experiences of college students regarding the mentoring role by registered nurses in the Public Services of the Eastern Cape. The objectives of the study were to explore and describe experiences of college students, regarding the mentoring role of registered nurses in Public Services of the Eastern Cape, to analyse the results and to make suggestions from findings that were obtained. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was used for this study to explore and describe the experiences of the college students regarding the mentoring role of registered nurses in the Public Services of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The researcher studied the population of student nurses in the public nursing college in the Eastern Cape at the East London Campus. Purposive sampling which is referred to as a judgmental approach was used. Data were collected by means of focus group interviews. An interview schedule with an unstructured questionnaire was used to investigate and explore information gained from the participants. This study consisted of a total of five focus groups that were recruited from fourth-year nursing students at the East London campus who volunteered to be part of the study. The total number of participants was 31. Data were analysed using v Tesch‟s method of analysis for qualitative research. Two major themes emerged, revealing positive experiences of students with regard to mentoring and negative experiences of students regarding mentoring. After exploring and describing the experiences of college students regarding the mentoring role played by registered nurses in the Public Services of the Eastern Cape, it was concluded that that there is a lack of mentoring, coupled with negativity, by registered nurses which results in many challenges. Recommendations included: Motivation for integration and collaboration; interactive working relationships; introducing a well-established orientation programme; a well-structured clinical teaching programme and procedure manuals; reinstatement of clinical preceptors, clinical objectives and time frames; identify in clinical staff who will mentor student nurses; instituting in-service training programmes and workshops; introduction of peer mentoring; and establishment of set times for routine clinical ward rounds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Lundall, Kasthuri
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11918 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016159
- Description: Fifty percent of the learning of student nurses takes place within the clinical learning environment. It is in this environment that nursing students are expected to apply their knowledge, learn new skills, and achieve the required learning outcomes and proficiencies. Nursing program Me s differ significantly, so students ‟practice will vary depending on where they are studying and their practice will develop as the level of proficiency increases, and may also vary depending on the context of placement. Gopee (2008:7) elaborates on the fact that mentoring enables student nurses to gain clinical skills during placements and serves a formal role whereby teaching and practice facilitate professional learning within the healthcare system. The study was undertaken with the aim to describe experiences of college students regarding the mentoring role by registered nurses in the Public Services of the Eastern Cape. The objectives of the study were to explore and describe experiences of college students, regarding the mentoring role of registered nurses in Public Services of the Eastern Cape, to analyse the results and to make suggestions from findings that were obtained. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was used for this study to explore and describe the experiences of the college students regarding the mentoring role of registered nurses in the Public Services of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The researcher studied the population of student nurses in the public nursing college in the Eastern Cape at the East London Campus. Purposive sampling which is referred to as a judgmental approach was used. Data were collected by means of focus group interviews. An interview schedule with an unstructured questionnaire was used to investigate and explore information gained from the participants. This study consisted of a total of five focus groups that were recruited from fourth-year nursing students at the East London campus who volunteered to be part of the study. The total number of participants was 31. Data were analysed using v Tesch‟s method of analysis for qualitative research. Two major themes emerged, revealing positive experiences of students with regard to mentoring and negative experiences of students regarding mentoring. After exploring and describing the experiences of college students regarding the mentoring role played by registered nurses in the Public Services of the Eastern Cape, it was concluded that that there is a lack of mentoring, coupled with negativity, by registered nurses which results in many challenges. Recommendations included: Motivation for integration and collaboration; interactive working relationships; introducing a well-established orientation programme; a well-structured clinical teaching programme and procedure manuals; reinstatement of clinical preceptors, clinical objectives and time frames; identify in clinical staff who will mentor student nurses; instituting in-service training programmes and workshops; introduction of peer mentoring; and establishment of set times for routine clinical ward rounds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Creation and detection of Vector Bessel Beams
- Omoefe, Idisi David, Forbes, Andrew
- Authors: Omoefe, Idisi David , Forbes, Andrew
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Vector analysis Quantum theory
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1785 , vital:27558
- Description: Bessel beams are optical fields which falls into the category of non-diffracting beams. Vector Bessel beams are vector beams possessing cylindrical symmetry. Cylindrically symmetric beams tend to have a tight focal point during propagation. The tight focal beam nature of vector Bessel beams makes them a good potential in various facets of science such as biological optical trapping, wireless communications, remote sensing, microscopy etc. In this research work, vector Bessel beams were generated using the phase of an Axicon that was encoded into a spatial light modulator. Firstly, scalar Bessel beams which possess linear polarization were generated and converted to circularly polarized vector beams by the use of a q-plate. The orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes that are embedded in the vortex beams were detected using modal decomposition technique. This was implemented for both the scalar and vector case using a quarter wave plate. The measure of the degree of non-separability of the vector Bessel beams using tomographic quantum tools was also implemented where the density matrix was reconstructed. The concurrence and fidelity which explore the measure of vectorness of both scalar and vector Bessel beams were calculated from the density matrix. The obtained results show that the spatial modes and polarization are coupled in the vector case as expected.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Omoefe, Idisi David , Forbes, Andrew
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Vector analysis Quantum theory
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1785 , vital:27558
- Description: Bessel beams are optical fields which falls into the category of non-diffracting beams. Vector Bessel beams are vector beams possessing cylindrical symmetry. Cylindrically symmetric beams tend to have a tight focal point during propagation. The tight focal beam nature of vector Bessel beams makes them a good potential in various facets of science such as biological optical trapping, wireless communications, remote sensing, microscopy etc. In this research work, vector Bessel beams were generated using the phase of an Axicon that was encoded into a spatial light modulator. Firstly, scalar Bessel beams which possess linear polarization were generated and converted to circularly polarized vector beams by the use of a q-plate. The orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes that are embedded in the vortex beams were detected using modal decomposition technique. This was implemented for both the scalar and vector case using a quarter wave plate. The measure of the degree of non-separability of the vector Bessel beams using tomographic quantum tools was also implemented where the density matrix was reconstructed. The concurrence and fidelity which explore the measure of vectorness of both scalar and vector Bessel beams were calculated from the density matrix. The obtained results show that the spatial modes and polarization are coupled in the vector case as expected.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Opportunities and challenges faced in promoting small holder farming as an element in rural economic development: the case of Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Siyabonga Makhathini
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Family farms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural families -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Households -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Buffalo City (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11203 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007534 , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Family farms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural families -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Households -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Buffalo City (South Africa)
- Description: This study looked at the opportunities and challenges faced in promoting smallholder farming as an element in rural economic development. The main objective is to highlight the key factors affecting smallholder production; and how those factors affect smallholder farmers in rural areas of Buffalo City Municipality, and hence identify the ones likely to predict success for future use in intervention programs. The content and scope of this study is limited to the socio-economic constraints (economic activities, household assets e.g. natural assets, physical assets, financial assets etc.) faced by rural households and therefore prescribe the necessary interventions to enhance rural livelihoods. Data was collected through review of secondary sources, direct observation through field visits and interviews with households. Questionnaires were used as the main tool of inquiry to gather data from households in selected villages within Buffalo City Municipality. The collected survey data was coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 19.0. The study used Descriptive, Gini Coefficient and Binary Logistics model to analyze the collected survey data. For the descriptive model, the main pointers that were employed for this study were frequencies and mean values. The Gini Coefficient model was used to measure the contribution of different sources of income to overall inequality. The binary logistic regression model was used to uncover the correlates of the household income for different rural groups (famers and non-farmers). The results reveal that farm income has a strong association to overall household income per capita. Unearned income sources also have a substantial contribution to household income. Remittances and child grants were significant to non-farming household income per capita. Given the diminishing farm size of smallholder-led agriculture; these results suggest that a diversified household income portfolio is vital in addressing poverty in rural areas. Based on the results this study concluded that agricultural activities cannot solely enhance food security.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Siyabonga Makhathini
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Family farms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural families -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Households -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Buffalo City (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11203 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007534 , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Family farms -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural families -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Households -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Buffalo City (South Africa)
- Description: This study looked at the opportunities and challenges faced in promoting smallholder farming as an element in rural economic development. The main objective is to highlight the key factors affecting smallholder production; and how those factors affect smallholder farmers in rural areas of Buffalo City Municipality, and hence identify the ones likely to predict success for future use in intervention programs. The content and scope of this study is limited to the socio-economic constraints (economic activities, household assets e.g. natural assets, physical assets, financial assets etc.) faced by rural households and therefore prescribe the necessary interventions to enhance rural livelihoods. Data was collected through review of secondary sources, direct observation through field visits and interviews with households. Questionnaires were used as the main tool of inquiry to gather data from households in selected villages within Buffalo City Municipality. The collected survey data was coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 19.0. The study used Descriptive, Gini Coefficient and Binary Logistics model to analyze the collected survey data. For the descriptive model, the main pointers that were employed for this study were frequencies and mean values. The Gini Coefficient model was used to measure the contribution of different sources of income to overall inequality. The binary logistic regression model was used to uncover the correlates of the household income for different rural groups (famers and non-farmers). The results reveal that farm income has a strong association to overall household income per capita. Unearned income sources also have a substantial contribution to household income. Remittances and child grants were significant to non-farming household income per capita. Given the diminishing farm size of smallholder-led agriculture; these results suggest that a diversified household income portfolio is vital in addressing poverty in rural areas. Based on the results this study concluded that agricultural activities cannot solely enhance food security.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Geographies of juvenile crime: a study of crime in selected high schools in East London, South Africa
- Authors: Ladokun, Ayodele Olanrewaju
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Juvenile delinquency -- South Africa -- East London , School violence -- South Africa -- East London , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- East London , High schools -- South Africa -- East London , School management and organization -- South Africa -- East London , Crime--South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geography)
- Identifier: vital:11507 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/345 , Juvenile delinquency -- South Africa -- East London , School violence -- South Africa -- East London , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- East London , High schools -- South Africa -- East London , School management and organization -- South Africa -- East London , Crime--South Africa -- East London
- Description: Youth crime has been and still is a social problem in South Africa. It is a problem that shakes the very fabric of the society. The problem with the youth in modern society is both a national concern and an important subject for academic study. High school environments are where youths converge for learning purposes, but they have also turned to hotspots for crime. Different theories on explanations for high school crime have been developed over time. This particular study, conducted in 2008, adopts the criminal opportunity theory to study the social, economic and the demographic characteristics of selected environments in which high schools are located to determine significant factors that are conducive for high schools to be crime hotspots. Three schools were selected in different neighbourhoods in East London for the study. The study used an intensive case design technique to conduct the research. Different characteristics of the communities in which the schools that were studied were located showed different crime pattern. The Law enforcement agencies also realize these differences and they try to address crime issues in various communities in the study areas individually
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Ladokun, Ayodele Olanrewaju
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Juvenile delinquency -- South Africa -- East London , School violence -- South Africa -- East London , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- East London , High schools -- South Africa -- East London , School management and organization -- South Africa -- East London , Crime--South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geography)
- Identifier: vital:11507 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/345 , Juvenile delinquency -- South Africa -- East London , School violence -- South Africa -- East London , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- East London , High schools -- South Africa -- East London , School management and organization -- South Africa -- East London , Crime--South Africa -- East London
- Description: Youth crime has been and still is a social problem in South Africa. It is a problem that shakes the very fabric of the society. The problem with the youth in modern society is both a national concern and an important subject for academic study. High school environments are where youths converge for learning purposes, but they have also turned to hotspots for crime. Different theories on explanations for high school crime have been developed over time. This particular study, conducted in 2008, adopts the criminal opportunity theory to study the social, economic and the demographic characteristics of selected environments in which high schools are located to determine significant factors that are conducive for high schools to be crime hotspots. Three schools were selected in different neighbourhoods in East London for the study. The study used an intensive case design technique to conduct the research. Different characteristics of the communities in which the schools that were studied were located showed different crime pattern. The Law enforcement agencies also realize these differences and they try to address crime issues in various communities in the study areas individually
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Milk production and calf performance in Nguni and crossbred cattle raised on communal rangelands of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
- Authors: Mapekula, Monde
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Nguni cattle , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Dairy processing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Milk yield -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Amino acids -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fatty acids
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11813 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/247 , Nguni cattle , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Dairy processing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Milk yield -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Amino acids -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fatty acids
- Description: Information on milk production could be useful in designing strategies that would help to improve milk production in communal farming systems. This study was conducted to determine milk production and calf performance of Nguni and crossbreds under smallholder cattle production conditions. Four trials were conducted in the study. The objective of the first trial was to determine farmer perceptions on milk production and calf rearing in smallholder areas. Data were obtained from 218 smallholder farmers, using a structured questionnaire. Smallholder farmer sector is constituted by small scale commercial farmers and communal farmers. Small-scale commercial farmers in South Africa obtained farms from the government through land claims or they bought the farms. Their farming background is a communal type. Communal farmers are farmers that are sharing the same grazing land and animals are managed according to the experience of the owner. The findings in this study indicated that there were numerous constraints to milk production in smallholder areas. These included lack of technical expertise and poor veterinary support services. The farmers also indicated that calf performance was low. The second trial was conducted to determine if there were differences in calf performance, gastrointestinal parasites and nutritionally-related blood metabolites between Nguni and crossbred calves. Body weights and faecal samples were collected monthly until weaning at six months. The levels of total protein, albumin, globulins, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glucose, cholesterol and minerals were determined monthly. Nguni calves had higher birth weights than crossbreds (P<0.05). Average daily gain and weaning weights of Nguni calves were greater than crossbred calves (P<0.05. Nguni calves had lower total protein at early age after birth (P<0.05). However, at weaning Nguni calves had higher total protein than crossbreds (P<0.05). Nguni calves had higher levels of glucose and NEFA concentrations than crossbred calves (P<0.05). In the third trial, milk utilisation patterns in smallholder areas of the Eastern Cape were assessed. Cattle owners (n = 130) were randomly selected in three different regions to determine milk consumption patterns, milk sales, prices and factors influencing these activities. The information was gathered using milk recording sheets, which were administered in February (early lactation) and June (late lactation) in 2009. Milk consumption per household was similar among the three districts (P>0.05). Milk was utilised as both fresh and sour. Fresh milk was utilised with tea/coffee and porridge. Excess fresh milk was utilised to feed pets (mostly cats and puppies). The puppies were fed on mostly whey, and, at times, on fresh milk. Sour milk was utilised to prepare of umvubo (a mixture of sour milk and scrambled porridge (umphokoqo) or a mixture of sour milk and bread). In some cases, excess milk was given to neighbours as a form of social investment and fame. The quality of milk from Nguni and crossbred cows was compared in the fourth trial. Milk samples were evaluated for quality in early (February), mid (April) and late (June) lactation in 2009. The essential amino acids, non-essential amino acids and fatty acids were determined. Nguni milk had higher amino acids and fatty acids concentration than crossbreds (P<0.05). Nguni milk had higher arginine levels in the early and mid lactation periods compared to crossbred cows (P<0.05). Nguni milk had higher methionine and threonine levels than crossbred cows (P<0.05). Methionine levels in Nguni were 0.15, 0.19 and 0.18 in early, mid and late lactation while crossbred had 0.05, 0.05 and 0.06 (g/100ml), respectively. There were significant interactions between lactation stage and genotype for lysine levels with Nguni milk having higher (P<0.05) lysine levels in the mid and late lactation periods. Nguni cows had higher tyrosine, glycine and proline levels than crossbred cows (P<0.05). In the early lactation, Nguni cows had higher serine levels than crossbred cows (P<0.05). In mid lactation crossbred cows had higher serine levels than Nguni cows (P<0.05). There were significant differences between genotypes on fatty acid composition. Nguni milk had higher C12:0 levels than crossbreds (P<0.05). However, milk from crossbred cows had higher C14:0 levels than that for Nguni cows (P<0.05) and also had higher levels of C16:0 and C18:0 fatty acids compared to Nguni cows. Crossbred milk had higher levels of C18n1n9t in early lactation period than Nguni and decreased as the stage of lactation progressed (P<0.05). In the early lactation, the levels of C18n1nC in Nguni milk were higher (P<0.05) than in late lactation. In the mid and late lactation, crossbred cows milk had higher C18n1nC levels than in early lactation (P<0.05). Lactation stage and genotype affected saturated fatty, monounsaturated fatty acids, cis-fatty acids and omega 3 (n-3) to omega 6 (n-6). In general, Nguni milk had higher mineral composition than crossbred milk (P<0.05). In conclusion, Nguni calves performed better than crossbred calves under communal rangelands. There is a need for crossing Nguni cows with dairy breeds in commercial dairying by smalhoder farmers as a strategy for improving both milk quality and quantity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mapekula, Monde
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Nguni cattle , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Dairy processing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Milk yield -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Amino acids -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fatty acids
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11813 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/247 , Nguni cattle , Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Dairy processing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Milk yield -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Amino acids -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fatty acids
- Description: Information on milk production could be useful in designing strategies that would help to improve milk production in communal farming systems. This study was conducted to determine milk production and calf performance of Nguni and crossbreds under smallholder cattle production conditions. Four trials were conducted in the study. The objective of the first trial was to determine farmer perceptions on milk production and calf rearing in smallholder areas. Data were obtained from 218 smallholder farmers, using a structured questionnaire. Smallholder farmer sector is constituted by small scale commercial farmers and communal farmers. Small-scale commercial farmers in South Africa obtained farms from the government through land claims or they bought the farms. Their farming background is a communal type. Communal farmers are farmers that are sharing the same grazing land and animals are managed according to the experience of the owner. The findings in this study indicated that there were numerous constraints to milk production in smallholder areas. These included lack of technical expertise and poor veterinary support services. The farmers also indicated that calf performance was low. The second trial was conducted to determine if there were differences in calf performance, gastrointestinal parasites and nutritionally-related blood metabolites between Nguni and crossbred calves. Body weights and faecal samples were collected monthly until weaning at six months. The levels of total protein, albumin, globulins, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glucose, cholesterol and minerals were determined monthly. Nguni calves had higher birth weights than crossbreds (P<0.05). Average daily gain and weaning weights of Nguni calves were greater than crossbred calves (P<0.05. Nguni calves had lower total protein at early age after birth (P<0.05). However, at weaning Nguni calves had higher total protein than crossbreds (P<0.05). Nguni calves had higher levels of glucose and NEFA concentrations than crossbred calves (P<0.05). In the third trial, milk utilisation patterns in smallholder areas of the Eastern Cape were assessed. Cattle owners (n = 130) were randomly selected in three different regions to determine milk consumption patterns, milk sales, prices and factors influencing these activities. The information was gathered using milk recording sheets, which were administered in February (early lactation) and June (late lactation) in 2009. Milk consumption per household was similar among the three districts (P>0.05). Milk was utilised as both fresh and sour. Fresh milk was utilised with tea/coffee and porridge. Excess fresh milk was utilised to feed pets (mostly cats and puppies). The puppies were fed on mostly whey, and, at times, on fresh milk. Sour milk was utilised to prepare of umvubo (a mixture of sour milk and scrambled porridge (umphokoqo) or a mixture of sour milk and bread). In some cases, excess milk was given to neighbours as a form of social investment and fame. The quality of milk from Nguni and crossbred cows was compared in the fourth trial. Milk samples were evaluated for quality in early (February), mid (April) and late (June) lactation in 2009. The essential amino acids, non-essential amino acids and fatty acids were determined. Nguni milk had higher amino acids and fatty acids concentration than crossbreds (P<0.05). Nguni milk had higher arginine levels in the early and mid lactation periods compared to crossbred cows (P<0.05). Nguni milk had higher methionine and threonine levels than crossbred cows (P<0.05). Methionine levels in Nguni were 0.15, 0.19 and 0.18 in early, mid and late lactation while crossbred had 0.05, 0.05 and 0.06 (g/100ml), respectively. There were significant interactions between lactation stage and genotype for lysine levels with Nguni milk having higher (P<0.05) lysine levels in the mid and late lactation periods. Nguni cows had higher tyrosine, glycine and proline levels than crossbred cows (P<0.05). In the early lactation, Nguni cows had higher serine levels than crossbred cows (P<0.05). In mid lactation crossbred cows had higher serine levels than Nguni cows (P<0.05). There were significant differences between genotypes on fatty acid composition. Nguni milk had higher C12:0 levels than crossbreds (P<0.05). However, milk from crossbred cows had higher C14:0 levels than that for Nguni cows (P<0.05) and also had higher levels of C16:0 and C18:0 fatty acids compared to Nguni cows. Crossbred milk had higher levels of C18n1n9t in early lactation period than Nguni and decreased as the stage of lactation progressed (P<0.05). In the early lactation, the levels of C18n1nC in Nguni milk were higher (P<0.05) than in late lactation. In the mid and late lactation, crossbred cows milk had higher C18n1nC levels than in early lactation (P<0.05). Lactation stage and genotype affected saturated fatty, monounsaturated fatty acids, cis-fatty acids and omega 3 (n-3) to omega 6 (n-6). In general, Nguni milk had higher mineral composition than crossbred milk (P<0.05). In conclusion, Nguni calves performed better than crossbred calves under communal rangelands. There is a need for crossing Nguni cows with dairy breeds in commercial dairying by smalhoder farmers as a strategy for improving both milk quality and quantity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Modelling of the performance of a batch biogas digester fed with selected types of substrates
- Authors: Mukumba, Patrick
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Physics)
- Identifier: vital:11596 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016197
- Description: The increasing population and the rapid economic growth in South Africa have led to higher consumption of food resulting in the generation of large amounts of waste. In addition, South Africa has plenty of biomass from cattle, donkeys, horses, goats, pigs, chicken and sheep. However, anaerobic digestion could be an alternative solution for the utilization of these kinds of waste due to its environmental and economic benefits. Therefore, the main focus of the research was design, construct a field batch biogas digester, monitor its performance when fed with co-substrates and model the methane yield for an optimized mixing ratio.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mukumba, Patrick
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Physics)
- Identifier: vital:11596 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016197
- Description: The increasing population and the rapid economic growth in South Africa have led to higher consumption of food resulting in the generation of large amounts of waste. In addition, South Africa has plenty of biomass from cattle, donkeys, horses, goats, pigs, chicken and sheep. However, anaerobic digestion could be an alternative solution for the utilization of these kinds of waste due to its environmental and economic benefits. Therefore, the main focus of the research was design, construct a field batch biogas digester, monitor its performance when fed with co-substrates and model the methane yield for an optimized mixing ratio.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus steers raised on natural pasture
- Authors: Muchenje, Voster
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Cattle -- Feeding and feeds , Cattle -- Growth , Nguni cattle , Aberdeen -- Angus cattle , Bonsmara cattle , Meat industry and trade -- Quality control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11580 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/199 , Cattle -- Feeding and feeds , Cattle -- Growth , Nguni cattle , Aberdeen -- Angus cattle , Bonsmara cattle , Meat industry and trade -- Quality control
- Description: The objective of the current study was to compare tick loads, growth, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus steers raised on natural pasture. A total of 30, 7-month old steers each of Bonsmara and Angus, and 40 Nguni steers were kept at the University of Fort Hare Farm till slaughter at 18 months. Monthly weights of the steers were recorded. Carcasses were electrically stimulated. The m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum was sampled for the measurement of meat colour, pH, drip loss, sarcomere length (SL), water holding capacity (WHC), cooking losses, myofibrillar fragmentation length (MFL), Warner Bratzler shear force (WBSF), fatty acid profiles and sensory characteristics of the steers. Urine samples were collected at the slaughter line for the determination of stress hormone concentrations. The Nguni had the lowest tick load (P < 0.05) while the Angus had the highest tick load (P < 0.05). Tick load did not affect the growth rate and carcass characteristics of the steers. Bonsmara and Angus steers had higher (P < 0.05) carcass weight and dressing percentage than the Nguni steers. Meat quality characteristics were similar (P > 0.05) among all the breeds, except that Nguni meat was darker (L*) (P < 0.05) than meat from the other two breeds. The Bonsmara had the highest (P > 0.05) concentrations while the Nguni had the lowest (P > 0.05) concentrations of stress hormones. There were significant (P < 0.05) correlations between WB values of meat aged for two and 21 days in Nguni and Bonsmara, but not in Angus. The correlations among stress responsiveness hormones and meat quality were breed-dependent. Except monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and the n-6/n-3 ratio, fatty acid profiles among the breeds were similar (P > 0.05). Cholesterol levels among the breeds were similar (P > 0.05). The Nguni had the best (P < 0.05) sensory characteristics, such as flavour and tenderness. It can be concluded that while the Nguni is a small framed breed, its meat quality is similar to that of Bonsmara and Angus and has the best meat taste when raised on natural pasture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Muchenje, Voster
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Cattle -- Feeding and feeds , Cattle -- Growth , Nguni cattle , Aberdeen -- Angus cattle , Bonsmara cattle , Meat industry and trade -- Quality control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11580 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/199 , Cattle -- Feeding and feeds , Cattle -- Growth , Nguni cattle , Aberdeen -- Angus cattle , Bonsmara cattle , Meat industry and trade -- Quality control
- Description: The objective of the current study was to compare tick loads, growth, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus steers raised on natural pasture. A total of 30, 7-month old steers each of Bonsmara and Angus, and 40 Nguni steers were kept at the University of Fort Hare Farm till slaughter at 18 months. Monthly weights of the steers were recorded. Carcasses were electrically stimulated. The m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum was sampled for the measurement of meat colour, pH, drip loss, sarcomere length (SL), water holding capacity (WHC), cooking losses, myofibrillar fragmentation length (MFL), Warner Bratzler shear force (WBSF), fatty acid profiles and sensory characteristics of the steers. Urine samples were collected at the slaughter line for the determination of stress hormone concentrations. The Nguni had the lowest tick load (P < 0.05) while the Angus had the highest tick load (P < 0.05). Tick load did not affect the growth rate and carcass characteristics of the steers. Bonsmara and Angus steers had higher (P < 0.05) carcass weight and dressing percentage than the Nguni steers. Meat quality characteristics were similar (P > 0.05) among all the breeds, except that Nguni meat was darker (L*) (P < 0.05) than meat from the other two breeds. The Bonsmara had the highest (P > 0.05) concentrations while the Nguni had the lowest (P > 0.05) concentrations of stress hormones. There were significant (P < 0.05) correlations between WB values of meat aged for two and 21 days in Nguni and Bonsmara, but not in Angus. The correlations among stress responsiveness hormones and meat quality were breed-dependent. Except monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and the n-6/n-3 ratio, fatty acid profiles among the breeds were similar (P > 0.05). Cholesterol levels among the breeds were similar (P > 0.05). The Nguni had the best (P < 0.05) sensory characteristics, such as flavour and tenderness. It can be concluded that while the Nguni is a small framed breed, its meat quality is similar to that of Bonsmara and Angus and has the best meat taste when raised on natural pasture.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Human trafficking in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Ngwira, Callings Major
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forced labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human trafficking -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human trafficking -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geography)
- Identifier: vital:11505 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/364 , Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forced labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human trafficking -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human trafficking -- Prevention
- Description: Human trafficking has been reported to be on the increase in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa with girls as young as ten years old being trafficked from and within the Province for sexual and labour purposes, and marriage. Human traffickers operate in rural areas, small towns and cities such as Port Elizabeth and East London. However, research on the role of the law enforcement authorities and the civil society organisations in the fight against trafficking in Eastern Cape Province is largely unknown. Situated within the Security Governance Theory, and using the intensive research design, this research reports on the role of the law enforcement authorities and the civil society organisations in the fight against human trafficking in Eastern Cape Province with emphasis on rural-urban differentiation. The challenges which law enforcement authorities and the civil society organisations faced are also discussed. The study, among other things, found that both the law enforcement sector and civil society organisations in the Province ensured that security, criminal justice, physical, emotional, psychological, health and spiritual needs of rescued victims of trafficking were met. The study further established that there was little progress in the fight against human trafficking, more especially in the rural areas of the Province, due to inadequate cooperation among anti-trafficking organisations and the lack of resources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ngwira, Callings Major
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forced labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human trafficking -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human trafficking -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Geography)
- Identifier: vital:11505 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/364 , Human rights -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forced labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human trafficking -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human trafficking -- Prevention
- Description: Human trafficking has been reported to be on the increase in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa with girls as young as ten years old being trafficked from and within the Province for sexual and labour purposes, and marriage. Human traffickers operate in rural areas, small towns and cities such as Port Elizabeth and East London. However, research on the role of the law enforcement authorities and the civil society organisations in the fight against trafficking in Eastern Cape Province is largely unknown. Situated within the Security Governance Theory, and using the intensive research design, this research reports on the role of the law enforcement authorities and the civil society organisations in the fight against human trafficking in Eastern Cape Province with emphasis on rural-urban differentiation. The challenges which law enforcement authorities and the civil society organisations faced are also discussed. The study, among other things, found that both the law enforcement sector and civil society organisations in the Province ensured that security, criminal justice, physical, emotional, psychological, health and spiritual needs of rescued victims of trafficking were met. The study further established that there was little progress in the fight against human trafficking, more especially in the rural areas of the Province, due to inadequate cooperation among anti-trafficking organisations and the lack of resources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Basin analysis of the Soutpansberg and Tuli Coalfields, Limpopo Province of South Africa
- Authors: Malaza, Ntokozo
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11531 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021279
- Description: The Soutpansberg and Tuli Coalfields are both hosted in the Karoo Basin, Limpopo Province of South Africa. The Soutpansberg Coalfield is situated north of the Soutpansberg Mountain Range and has a strike length of about 200 km and width of about 80 km which is fault controlled and extends from Waterpoort in the west to the Kruger National Park in the east. The Tuli Coalfield occurs in a small intracratonic, east-west trending fault-controlled sedimentary basin with a preserved width of 80 km and length of 120 km. The east to west trend of the Tuli Coalfield parallels that of the Soutpansberg Coalfield further east, and the two coalfields link up with the north-south trending Lebombo Basin. The Tuli Coalfield occurs in the Tuli Basin, while the Soutpansberg Coalfield occurs in the Soutpansberg Basin. The two basins preserve a heterogeneous succession of the Upper Paleozoic to Lower Mesozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the Karoo Supergroup. Because the area is largely covered by the Quaternary Kalahari Group sands, the stratigraphy of the succession is not as well understood as the Main Karoo Basin in South Africa. This study deals with the intra-basinal stratigraphic correlation, facies and depositional environments, petrography, geochemistry, provenance, geophysics, structural geology, diagenesis of sandstone, subsidence history and coal quality in the Soutpansberg and Tuli Coalfields. Based on the field work and detailed sedimentological analyses of over 2000 borehole data, seven facies associations (FAs) comprising sixteen major lithofacies were identified. The facies associations are: Glacial diamictite and sandstone (FA 1), Clast supported conglomerate and sandstone (FA 2), Tabular cross-bedded sandstone (FA 3), Trough and planar cross-bedded sandstone (FA 4), Fine calcareous and micaceous siltstone and mudstone (FA 5), Sandy shale/mudstone (FA 6), Laminated or thin-bedded Carbonaceous shale/mudstone and coal (FA 7). The facies associations (FA 1 to FA 7) correspond to the lithostratigraphic sub-divisions of the Tshidzi, Madzaringwe and Mikambeni Formations. The Madzaringwe Formation in this study is informally sub-divided into the Lower, Middle and Upper Members while the Mikambeni Formation is informally sub-divided into the Lower and Upper Members. Sedimentological characteristics of the identified facies associations indicate the following depositional environments: Fluvioglacial (braided streams) depositional environment (FA 1, Tshidzi Diamictite Formation); Floodplain ponds, lakes, marshes and backswamps (FA 6 and FA 7, Lower Member of the Madzaringwe Formation); Meandering and braided channels, crevasse splays, levees and crevasse channels (FA 2, FA 3, FA 4 and FA 5, Middle Member of the Madzaringwe Formation); Floodplain ponds, lakes and backswamps (FA 6 and FA 7, Upper Member of the Madzaringwe Formation); Meandering and braided channels, crevasse splays, swamps and shallow lakes (FA 5, FA 6 and FA 7, Lower Member of the Mikambeni Formation) and lastly braided channels, meandering channels, levees and crevasse channels (FA 2, FA 3, FA 4 and FA 5, Upper Member of the Mikambeni Formation). Paleocurrent directions were measured using directional structures (cross-bedding and asymmetric ripple marks). The paleocurrent analysis shows that the direction of the channels was from south-west to north-east in both coalfields. Based on the structural study and geophysical interpretations, the structural and tectonic settings of the two coalfields have been revealed, both coalfields are normal fault-bounded. The geological evolution of the Karoo strata, at least since the Upper Carboniferous, essentially follows the type model for passive continental margin terrain. Paleostress inversion techniques have been employed to interpret the stress regime of the two coalfields. The Soutpansberg Basin is characterised by W-E to ENE-WSW extension and N-S to NNW-SSE compression. The Tuli Basin is characterised by N-S to NNW-SSE compression and W-E to ENE-WSE extension. This stress field reflects the established structural trend of the two shear belts (the Tshipise and Siloam shear zones) bounding the Central Zone of the Limpopo Mobile Belt. The geophysical interpretations were focused on outlining structures, contacts and on the delineation of gravity, magnetic and radiometric signatures in areas defined as anomalous. The magnetic, gravity and radiometric data showed low amplitudes in the sedimentary strata compared to the surrounding and basement geological bodies. The E-N-E fault system has a notable signature, defining two magnetic domains on both southern and northern sides of the Soutpansberg Coalfield. The intrusive emplacements are mainly fault controlled and they trend in the same direction as the two fault systems. Jurassic volcanics (Letaba and Jozini Formations) follow a SW-NE trend, outcropping in the east (Soutpansberg Basin), producing a strong magnetic response in this area, and partly buried in the west, where magnetic intensity tends to be reduced. Petrographic and geochemical analyses of the Soutpansberg sandstones revealed immature sub-litharenite, sub-arkose and minor arkosic arenites in nature, dominated by sub-angular to rounded detrital grains, sourced from recycled orogens, craton interior to transitional continental. The sandstones of the Tuli Coalfield are classified as sub-arkoses and minor sub-litharenites and sourced from the craton interior and recycled orogen provenances. Both petrographic and geochemical results suggest a passive continental margin source. Petrographic and geochemical results of the samples of the Soutpansberg Coalfield suggest uplifted basement source areas dominated by sedimentary rocks with minor granite-gneiss rocks. The petrography and geochemistry of the Tuli sandstones suggest source areas dominantly composed of plutonic (granites) and metamorphic (gneisses and schists) rocks with a component from a sedimentary (quartz-arenites, quartzites, shales, arkoses and meta-arkoses) rocks. Diagenetic features of Mikambeni and Madzaringwe sandstones are subdivided into early, middle and late stages. Time is relative with the earliest diagenetic event occurring shortly after deposition and the latest occurring up until present time. The main diagenetic processes that have affected the sandstones include mechanical compaction, cementation and the dissolution of framework grains and cements. Early diagenetic processes include mechanical compaction, silica and calcite cementation, clay minerals (pore lining and pore-filling kaolinite, illite and smectite), feldspar authigenesis and the formation of hematite cements and coatings. Late diagenesis includes quartz and feldspar overgrowths, seritisation, chlorite alteration, grain deformation, pressure-solution and fracturing and albitisation. The subsidence of the basins is believed to be initiated and thermally controlled by tectonics (i.e. faults of basements blocks) rather than sedimentary burial. The subsidence within the basins supports the primary graben system which must have been centered within the present basins, and later became a region of major faulting. This gave way to the Late Carboniferous rapid subsidence, with areas of greater extension subsiding more rapidly. The Early Permian (last phase) is characterised by a slow subsidence representing the post-rift thermal subsidence. The rift flanks were gradually uplifted and, and then generally subsided as a results of thermal contraction after the extension terminated. Based on the coal analysis, both coalfields are characterised by coking bituminous coal. The study has revealed that the eastern Soutpansberg Coalfield is likely to present better opportunities for identification of potentially exploitable coal deposits as compared to the Tuli Coalfield.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Malaza, Ntokozo
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Geology)
- Identifier: vital:11531 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021279
- Description: The Soutpansberg and Tuli Coalfields are both hosted in the Karoo Basin, Limpopo Province of South Africa. The Soutpansberg Coalfield is situated north of the Soutpansberg Mountain Range and has a strike length of about 200 km and width of about 80 km which is fault controlled and extends from Waterpoort in the west to the Kruger National Park in the east. The Tuli Coalfield occurs in a small intracratonic, east-west trending fault-controlled sedimentary basin with a preserved width of 80 km and length of 120 km. The east to west trend of the Tuli Coalfield parallels that of the Soutpansberg Coalfield further east, and the two coalfields link up with the north-south trending Lebombo Basin. The Tuli Coalfield occurs in the Tuli Basin, while the Soutpansberg Coalfield occurs in the Soutpansberg Basin. The two basins preserve a heterogeneous succession of the Upper Paleozoic to Lower Mesozoic sedimentary and volcanic rocks of the Karoo Supergroup. Because the area is largely covered by the Quaternary Kalahari Group sands, the stratigraphy of the succession is not as well understood as the Main Karoo Basin in South Africa. This study deals with the intra-basinal stratigraphic correlation, facies and depositional environments, petrography, geochemistry, provenance, geophysics, structural geology, diagenesis of sandstone, subsidence history and coal quality in the Soutpansberg and Tuli Coalfields. Based on the field work and detailed sedimentological analyses of over 2000 borehole data, seven facies associations (FAs) comprising sixteen major lithofacies were identified. The facies associations are: Glacial diamictite and sandstone (FA 1), Clast supported conglomerate and sandstone (FA 2), Tabular cross-bedded sandstone (FA 3), Trough and planar cross-bedded sandstone (FA 4), Fine calcareous and micaceous siltstone and mudstone (FA 5), Sandy shale/mudstone (FA 6), Laminated or thin-bedded Carbonaceous shale/mudstone and coal (FA 7). The facies associations (FA 1 to FA 7) correspond to the lithostratigraphic sub-divisions of the Tshidzi, Madzaringwe and Mikambeni Formations. The Madzaringwe Formation in this study is informally sub-divided into the Lower, Middle and Upper Members while the Mikambeni Formation is informally sub-divided into the Lower and Upper Members. Sedimentological characteristics of the identified facies associations indicate the following depositional environments: Fluvioglacial (braided streams) depositional environment (FA 1, Tshidzi Diamictite Formation); Floodplain ponds, lakes, marshes and backswamps (FA 6 and FA 7, Lower Member of the Madzaringwe Formation); Meandering and braided channels, crevasse splays, levees and crevasse channels (FA 2, FA 3, FA 4 and FA 5, Middle Member of the Madzaringwe Formation); Floodplain ponds, lakes and backswamps (FA 6 and FA 7, Upper Member of the Madzaringwe Formation); Meandering and braided channels, crevasse splays, swamps and shallow lakes (FA 5, FA 6 and FA 7, Lower Member of the Mikambeni Formation) and lastly braided channels, meandering channels, levees and crevasse channels (FA 2, FA 3, FA 4 and FA 5, Upper Member of the Mikambeni Formation). Paleocurrent directions were measured using directional structures (cross-bedding and asymmetric ripple marks). The paleocurrent analysis shows that the direction of the channels was from south-west to north-east in both coalfields. Based on the structural study and geophysical interpretations, the structural and tectonic settings of the two coalfields have been revealed, both coalfields are normal fault-bounded. The geological evolution of the Karoo strata, at least since the Upper Carboniferous, essentially follows the type model for passive continental margin terrain. Paleostress inversion techniques have been employed to interpret the stress regime of the two coalfields. The Soutpansberg Basin is characterised by W-E to ENE-WSW extension and N-S to NNW-SSE compression. The Tuli Basin is characterised by N-S to NNW-SSE compression and W-E to ENE-WSE extension. This stress field reflects the established structural trend of the two shear belts (the Tshipise and Siloam shear zones) bounding the Central Zone of the Limpopo Mobile Belt. The geophysical interpretations were focused on outlining structures, contacts and on the delineation of gravity, magnetic and radiometric signatures in areas defined as anomalous. The magnetic, gravity and radiometric data showed low amplitudes in the sedimentary strata compared to the surrounding and basement geological bodies. The E-N-E fault system has a notable signature, defining two magnetic domains on both southern and northern sides of the Soutpansberg Coalfield. The intrusive emplacements are mainly fault controlled and they trend in the same direction as the two fault systems. Jurassic volcanics (Letaba and Jozini Formations) follow a SW-NE trend, outcropping in the east (Soutpansberg Basin), producing a strong magnetic response in this area, and partly buried in the west, where magnetic intensity tends to be reduced. Petrographic and geochemical analyses of the Soutpansberg sandstones revealed immature sub-litharenite, sub-arkose and minor arkosic arenites in nature, dominated by sub-angular to rounded detrital grains, sourced from recycled orogens, craton interior to transitional continental. The sandstones of the Tuli Coalfield are classified as sub-arkoses and minor sub-litharenites and sourced from the craton interior and recycled orogen provenances. Both petrographic and geochemical results suggest a passive continental margin source. Petrographic and geochemical results of the samples of the Soutpansberg Coalfield suggest uplifted basement source areas dominated by sedimentary rocks with minor granite-gneiss rocks. The petrography and geochemistry of the Tuli sandstones suggest source areas dominantly composed of plutonic (granites) and metamorphic (gneisses and schists) rocks with a component from a sedimentary (quartz-arenites, quartzites, shales, arkoses and meta-arkoses) rocks. Diagenetic features of Mikambeni and Madzaringwe sandstones are subdivided into early, middle and late stages. Time is relative with the earliest diagenetic event occurring shortly after deposition and the latest occurring up until present time. The main diagenetic processes that have affected the sandstones include mechanical compaction, cementation and the dissolution of framework grains and cements. Early diagenetic processes include mechanical compaction, silica and calcite cementation, clay minerals (pore lining and pore-filling kaolinite, illite and smectite), feldspar authigenesis and the formation of hematite cements and coatings. Late diagenesis includes quartz and feldspar overgrowths, seritisation, chlorite alteration, grain deformation, pressure-solution and fracturing and albitisation. The subsidence of the basins is believed to be initiated and thermally controlled by tectonics (i.e. faults of basements blocks) rather than sedimentary burial. The subsidence within the basins supports the primary graben system which must have been centered within the present basins, and later became a region of major faulting. This gave way to the Late Carboniferous rapid subsidence, with areas of greater extension subsiding more rapidly. The Early Permian (last phase) is characterised by a slow subsidence representing the post-rift thermal subsidence. The rift flanks were gradually uplifted and, and then generally subsided as a results of thermal contraction after the extension terminated. Based on the coal analysis, both coalfields are characterised by coking bituminous coal. The study has revealed that the eastern Soutpansberg Coalfield is likely to present better opportunities for identification of potentially exploitable coal deposits as compared to the Tuli Coalfield.
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- Date Issued: 2014