https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Index ${session.getAttribute("locale")} 5 Factors affecting survivorship of loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) sea turtles of South Africa https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10686 1000 per annum), inshore trawling (ca. 41 per annum), shark nets (protective gill nets) (21.6 ± 6.7 per annum) and the pelagic longline fishery (5.0 ± 4.4 per annum). In contrast, leatherbacks with a pelagic lifestyle, were mostly exposed to pelagic longline fisheries (7.8 ± 7.8 per annum). A spatial analysis of fishing activities indicated that leatherback home ranges overlapped 41percent with pelagic longline fishing activity in the SA EEZ, whereas the overlap between pelagic longliners and loggerhead home ranges was 29 percent. The quantified sources of mortality provide some explanation for the trend in the loggerhead nesting population but not the trend in the leatherback nesting population. Hatchling survivorship to adulthood was estimated to determine the viability of the two nesting populations as well as to determine whether offshore mortality was responsible for the difference in recovery of the two populations. Loggerhead hatchling survivorship to adulthood was estimated at between 2 and 10 per 1000 hatchlings, the minimum requirement for an increasing population. The adopted sophisticated model shows that leatherbacks have a survival rate of 5 to 10 per 1 000 hatchlings. However, this suggests that the population is increasing, but the leatherback population is stable. Perhaps the age to maturity of SA leatherbacks is greater than 12 years, or fisheries-related mortality affects younger age classes than initially thought. It is therefore recommended that the turtle monitoring area is extended to include other potential nesting grounds. In addition, observer or monitoring programs for commercial as well as artisanal fisheries needs to be extended throughout the SWIO to quantify sea turtle mortality. Ultimately a comprehensive multi-regional approach is required for the conservation of these highly migratory species.]]> Wed 23 Jun 2021 09:43:42 SAST ]]> The effect of casuarina trees on sea turtles nesting beaches throughout the Indian Ocean and South-East Asia regions: A beach vulnerability assessment https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:29968 Wed 23 Jun 2021 09:43:39 SAST ]]> A new synthetic approach for preparation of Efavirenz https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28265 Wed 13 Mar 2024 14:17:24 SAST ]]> Plankton dynamics in response to algal blooms in a highly eutrophic estuary in South Africa https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41619 80 μg∙L-1, ≥ 2781 H. akashiwo cells∙mL-1). Dissolved oxygen differed significantly by bloom state, with the highest dissolved oxygen concentrations. Larval fish density, diversity and community structure variability were lower during hypereutrophic blooms compared to standard blooms and bloom absence, albeit statistically insignificant. Estuarine resident larval density was negatively correlated with dissolved oxygen concentration (P < 0.001). Dominant prey copepod of G. aestuaria larvae, P. hessei, was less abundant and variable during hypereutrophic blooms (mean: 664, range: 4-4301 individuals per m3) compared to standard blooms (mean: 950, range: 2-5237 individuals per m3) and bloom absence (mean: 1182, range: 23-7259 individuals per m3). Although HABs did not appear to drive a mismatch between prey and G. aestuaria larvae, early juvenile larvae made only a small contribution to the assemblage (0.2-1.8%). In terms of predator effects, yolk sac larvae were negatively related to R. terranatalis (P < 0.05). A significant positive relationship was found between prey, P. hessei and G. aestuaria preflexion (P < 0.001), flexion (P < 0.001) and postflexion (P < 0.05) larvae. In a world first, the effects of HABs were investigated on a larval fish species, Gilchristella aestuaria, using biochemical body condition analyses. During severe bloom conditions, G. aestuaria larvae were smaller and the assemblage consisted of mainly early developmental stages (stats). Body condition (RNA per dry weight) was poorest in the presence of hypereutrophic blooms (P < 0.001). A bell-curved relationship between RNA/DW and dissolved oxygen concentration was also produced in a 3-day time-lagged GAM (P < 0.001). In conclusion, hypereutrophic bloom conditions appeared to trigger adult G. aestuaria spawning in the upper mesohaline zone of the estuary in response to heightened primary productivity which occurs during the early bloom stage. However, reductions in copepod abundance (P. hessei) and unfavourable oxygen concentrations interfered with grow-out of G. aestuaria larvae. This research showed that HABs can alter nursery properties to the detriment of G. aestuaria larvae can have serious knock-on effects up the food chain. The loss in abundance of adult, juvenile and larval G. aestuaria, a key forage fish in South African estuaries, has major implications for estuarine food webs, especially in reduced prey availability to juvenile fishes and birds. There is still much to learn about the effects of HABs on the physiological and behavioural aspects on plankton communities worldwide.]]> Wed 13 Mar 2024 14:10:51 SAST ]]> Understanding the relationship between mangrove composition, stand dynamics and resource use in the Ntafufu estuary, Eastern Cape, as basis for sustainable resource use https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41611 Wed 13 Mar 2024 14:10:26 SAST ]]> Ant colony optimisation-based algorithms for optical burst switching networks https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28757 Wed 13 Mar 2024 14:10:22 SAST ]]> Mechanisms and modes of β-N-methylamino-lalanine neurotoxicity: the basis for designing therapies https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:32483 Wed 13 Mar 2024 11:50:54 SAST ]]> Terrestrial alien ferns (Polypodiophyta): a global assessment of traits associated with invasiveness and their distribution and status in South Africa https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35643 Wed 13 Mar 2024 11:50:28 SAST ]]> Relatedness, social behaviour, and population dynamics of the elephants (Loxodonta africana) of Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:20443 Wed 13 Mar 2024 11:43:41 SAST ]]> Production potential of lucerne (Medicago sativa) over-sown into kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) based pasture https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35510 Wed 13 Mar 2024 11:43:34 SAST ]]> Evaluation of near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy to determine the nutrient composition of raw materials and compound ostrich feeds https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:27307 Wed 13 Mar 2024 11:29:58 SAST ]]> The foraging ecology of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters (Ardenna Pacifica) in the tropical Western Indian Ocean https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:31348 Wed 13 Mar 2024 11:29:23 SAST ]]> Energy maximisation strategies of different African herbivores in a fire dominated and nutrient poor grassland ecosystem https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:29807 Wed 13 Mar 2024 10:05:29 SAST ]]> Commercialisation of emerging famers in the Eastern Cape province: identification of limiting factors that inhibit the progression from subsistence to commercial farming https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10593 Wed 13 Mar 2024 09:41:38 SAST ]]> Decision analysis to inform invasive alien plant management in the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41606 Wed 13 Mar 2024 09:37:38 SAST ]]> Agribusiness challenges to effectiveness of contract farming in commercialisation of small-scale vegetable farmers https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:27363 Wed 13 Mar 2024 09:16:24 SAST ]]> The synthesis of functionalized carbon nanomaterial from waste tyre sourced carbon for chemosensing during purification processes https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:30794 Wed 08 Feb 2023 09:51:50 SAST ]]> Phylogeny and phylogeography of dominant South African surf diatoms https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:30778 Wed 08 Feb 2023 09:41:49 SAST ]]> Inshore benthic communities of the Port Elizabeth abalone ranching concession area https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:36614 5m). This study aimed to address this information gap. Dive surveys were conducted along 10 m long transects (~3 reps) at three depth zones (<1m; 1-2m; > 2m) for four sites along the span of the ranching concession area. Similar assessments were done at a seeded site at the Noordhoek Ski Boat Club and an unseeded site at the Willows area, in order to reveal whether seeding had any impact on the benthic community. Images from a GoPro mounted in the centre of a framer unit (0.5 m2) were taken every 0.5 m along the transect. Macroalgal and macrofaunal cover was determined from these images, and the benthic community characterised from these data. Seaweed samples were taken for species identification. In the four baseline sites, sampling was done at three depth zones to note any changes with a depth gradient, both in terms of substrate type, as well as community composition. There was a notable trend with substrate type having a significant influence (P<0.05) on the community structure. Seaweed communities were dominated by Plocamium corallorhiza and coralline turf based on substrate types. There was also a significant relationship (P<0.05) between substrate type, dominant seaweed species and abalone presence. A Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) of the community data suggested that the benthic community does not change significantly along the distance of coastline sampled. A hierarchical cluster analysis of Bray-Curtis dissimilarity for transect data also suggested that the four sites do not represent ecologically dissimilar communities. A similar analysis showed that abalone seeding had to date not altered the benthic community in shallow seeded areas from the community described for shallow unseeded areas. The study was used to describe the baseline benthic community in areas west of Cape Recife, examine the natural variability along the coast, and determine whether there are relationships between the benthic community composition and emergent abalone abundance. This information will be useful in selection of habitats for abalone seeding in the future. It is important that monitoring and surveying of the study area are to be continued in so allowing for long term data collection which will help in making informed decisions as well as documenting the impact in seeded areas when compared to unseeded areas.]]> Tue 12 Mar 2024 15:12:54 SAST ]]> In vitro testing to investigate the anticoagulant/antithrombotic and antidiabetic biological activity of Leonotis Leonurus https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10331 Thu 13 May 2021 16:30:28 SAST ]]> Site Fidelity of southern right (Eubalaena australis) and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in Algoa Bay, South Africa https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:29743 Thu 13 May 2021 16:09:25 SAST ]]> Study of the skincalm filling process at Aspen Pharmacare applying some six sigma principles https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10369 Thu 13 May 2021 14:50:54 SAST ]]> Electrospinning of carbon nanofibers for investigating the behaviour of lead electrodeposits on the carbon surface https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:31629 Thu 13 May 2021 14:14:04 SAST ]]> A social media model for public participation in a South African municipality https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:30786 Thu 13 May 2021 13:38:18 SAST ]]> Higher order modulation formats for high speed optical communication systems with digital signal processing aided receiver https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:20677 Thu 13 May 2021 13:21:29 SAST ]]> An in vitro evaluation of anti-breast cancer activity of novel, heterocyclic aromatic compounds in combination with curcumin https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:29284 Thu 13 May 2021 13:20:37 SAST ]]> Deep learning applied to the semantic segmentation of tyre stockpiles https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:30647 Thu 13 May 2021 13:17:33 SAST ]]> Observed metabolic changes in male Wistar rats after treatment with an antidepressant implied in undesirable weight gain, or Sutherlandia frutescens for Type II diabetes https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:11068 Thu 13 May 2021 13:12:29 SAST ]]> A multi-factor model for range estimation in electric vehicles https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:36926 Thu 13 May 2021 12:45:50 SAST ]]> Efficiency evaluation of South Africa tertiary education institutions using data envelopment analysis https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:20674 Thu 13 May 2021 12:45:08 SAST ]]> Seed dynamics and seedling survival in mainland thicket of the Eastern Cape https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10601 Thu 13 May 2021 12:05:21 SAST ]]> Faktore wat die oorlewing van volstruiskuikens (Struthio Camelus) verhoog https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10588 Thu 13 May 2021 11:29:56 SAST ]]> New platinum coordination compounds : their synthesis, characterization and anticancer application https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10430 Thu 13 May 2021 11:17:38 SAST ]]> The anticancer activity of Cyathula prostrata on two malignant cell lines https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10309 Thu 13 May 2021 10:44:30 SAST ]]> An evaluation of family poultry production systems in the Northern region https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10962 Thu 13 May 2021 10:21:05 SAST ]]> Sustainability reporting guidelines for higher educational institutions in South Africa https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:32754 Thu 13 May 2021 10:04:34 SAST ]]> Possible crosstalk between signal transduction pathways in the induction of differentiation in HT-29 cells https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:11096 Thu 13 May 2021 09:44:54 SAST ]]> Surface modifications of InAs: effect of chemical processing on electronic structure and photoluminescent properties https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:26423 Thu 13 May 2021 08:53:16 SAST ]]> Thermal degradation of diamond compacts: a TEM investigation https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:26827 Thu 13 May 2021 08:53:07 SAST ]]> Identification and classification of micro-estuaries using selected abiotic and biotic characteristics along the Eastern Cape coast, South Africa https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:27007 0.03 ha), had a higher salinity (oligohaline, mesohaline and polyhaline conditions) and a constant water body. Micro-outlets were smaller (< 0.03 ha), had a lower salinity (oligohaline conditions were most common) and showed periods of drying. Five micro-estuaries (Shelbertsstroom, Kwesani, Cunge, Mtwendwe and Mtendwe) and five micro-outlets (Stromatolite, Sandy Bottom, Ichabana, Palm Tree and Black Rock) were classified. This study has shown that the micro-estuaries along the Eastern Cape coast are pristine (i.e. intact riparian zone and catchment), untouched and highly dynamic systems (i.e. great variation in water surface area and mouth condition) highlighting their need for protection.]]> Thu 13 May 2021 08:51:18 SAST ]]> On the microstructure and physical properties of hot pressed (Hf, Ti) C https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10532 Thu 13 May 2021 08:50:32 SAST ]]> Behavioural flexibility in an endangered seabird during current changes https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37048 Thu 13 May 2021 08:47:30 SAST ]]> Visualising M-learning system usage data https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:26876 Thu 13 May 2021 08:46:45 SAST ]]> Evaluation of model systems for the study of protein association / incorporation of Beta-Methylamino-L-Alanine (BMAA) https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10314 Thu 13 May 2021 08:46:41 SAST ]]> An investigation into the localization of peptide-gold nanoparticles in an in vitro and in vivo colorectal cancer model https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10351 Thu 13 May 2021 08:46:20 SAST ]]> Modelling the broiler performance under small-scales and semi commercial management condition https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10963 Thu 13 May 2021 08:45:51 SAST ]]> Purification and partial characterisation of cathepsin D from ostrich skeletal muscle, and its activity during meat maturation https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10313 Thu 13 May 2021 08:44:42 SAST ]]> The application of GIS and remote sensing to assess the effect of periodic flooding on communities along the Juskeiriver: A case study of Alexandria Township, Johannesburg, South Africa https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38918 Thu 13 May 2021 08:25:28 SAST ]]> Metabolic effects brought about by tricyclic antidepressants and the contribution of a medicinal plant in alleviating high fat diet induced insulin resistance in male wistar rats https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10329 Thu 13 May 2021 08:22:46 SAST ]]> Habitat use of important juvenile fish species in temperate Earnestine nursery areas with notes on feeding ecology and historical shifts to assist with conservation planning, South Africa https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:32396 80 mm) showed a greater component of invertebrates in previously unexplored habitats, which proves their omnivorous diet related to ontogenetic niche use. Knowledge of fine-scale habitat use by fishes is essential for conservation planning as exclusion zones can be optimised to limit anthropogenic influence on nursery use patterns in fishes. The availability of shallow water habitats (<60 cm) was assessed as an additional driver to explain the species diversity and richness of juvenile fishes within the lower reaches. These habitats are known as important nursery habitats providing numerous marine and estuarine spawned fishes with adequate refuge and food supply. This shallow water volume was measured by means of a two-man kayak using both the spring high and low tides in the lower reaches of these systems to assess juvenile assemblages. It was clear from the results that aquatic vegetation significantly adds to the volume of these areas and as a result, much greater fish density and species richness were observed. Generalized additive models showed that marine spawned species were particularly reliant on the availability of this shallow water along with submerged vegetation and additional environmental variables. The presence of structurally submerged vegetation typically characterized within shallow estuarine waters is commonly believed to reduce predation risk resulting in elevated densities of biota. Based on the current stock status and percentage of pristine breeding stock, five fish species classified as collapsed/overexploited was consistently found within these systems with an additional 14 species currently classified as exploited/vulnerable. Based on the current species richness and diversity, available habitat cover and knowledge regarding important recreational species, priority areas that require some form of legal protection in order to meet potential biodiversity targets, could be identified. It is a legal requirement in South Africa that all estuaries require management plans that should be based on good knowledge of priority habitats for fauna and flora. The identification of estuarine protected areas is seen as a mechanism for protecting a representative sample of the biodiversity accompanied by a complete range of environmental gradients and habitat types at a reasonable scale in order to maximize the protection of estuarine species.]]> Thu 13 May 2021 08:20:19 SAST ]]> The effect of silica on the reduction of precipitated iron-based fischer-tropsch catalysts https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:27888 Thu 13 May 2021 08:19:50 SAST ]]> The use and performance of recycling polypropylene in lead-acid battery cases https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10978 Thu 13 May 2021 08:18:25 SAST ]]> An assessment of the hydrologic response of the Keiskamma catchment to land use/cover changes https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38165 Thu 13 May 2021 08:18:02 SAST ]]> Purification and partial characterization of a Myofibril-Bound Serine Protease and its endogenous inhibitor from skeletal muscle of the ostrich https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10330 Thu 13 May 2021 08:17:59 SAST ]]> The effectiveness of livestock guarding dogs for livestock production and conservation in Namibia https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10680 Thu 13 May 2021 08:17:23 SAST ]]> Petrophysical analysis of thermo-tectonic effects linked to Lower Jurassic dolerite intrusions in sedimentary rocks of the Main Karoo Basin, with implications for shale gas development in South Africa https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:33034 Thu 13 May 2021 08:16:52 SAST ]]> Feeding ecology and dietary patterns of the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops Aduncus) off KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10710 Thu 13 May 2021 08:16:34 SAST ]]> Characterization of polarization dependent loss in optical fibres and optical components in the presence of polarization mode dispersion https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10528 Thu 13 May 2021 08:14:43 SAST ]]> A study of the coordination behaviour of the lanthanide series with oxygen-donor ligands https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10394 Thu 13 May 2021 08:12:30 SAST ]]> Propagation and stress physiology of selected Subtropical Thicket species : towards increasing biodiversity at rehabilitation sites https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10758 Thu 13 May 2021 08:12:21 SAST ]]> Devulcanisation of truck tyre tread vulcanisates in supercritical carbon dioxide using diphenyl disulphide and 2,2- dithiobis(benzothiazole) https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:36224 Thu 13 May 2021 08:11:00 SAST ]]> The influence of soil properties on the growth and distribution of Portulacaria Afra in subtropical thicket, South Africa https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10753 Thu 13 May 2021 08:10:18 SAST ]]> Impacts of cattle grazing pressure on vegetation and soil characteristics in an arid grassland of South Africa https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39749 Thu 13 May 2021 08:08:19 SAST ]]> Water, salt and nutrient budgets of the Swartkops and Sundays river estuaries using the loicz biogeochemical budgeting protocol https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10705 Thu 13 May 2021 08:07:11 SAST ]]> Radiation damage in GaAs and SiC https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10515 Thu 13 May 2021 08:05:29 SAST ]]> Gypsum deposits associated with the Whitehill Formation (Ecca Group) in the Steytlerville-Jansenville Area, Southern Karoo, South Africa https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28215 Thu 13 May 2021 08:04:53 SAST ]]> Finite element analysis of the heat transfer in friction stir welding with experimental validation https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10511 Thu 13 May 2021 07:43:59 SAST ]]> Understanding the impacts of foliar insect pests on eucalyptus species growth and the development of appropriate management strategies https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:30801 Thu 13 May 2021 07:39:54 SAST ]]> Replacing maize with barley in concetrates fed to jersey cows grazing on kikuyu/ryegrass pasture https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10732 Thu 13 May 2021 07:38:24 SAST ]]> Capacitance spectroscopy of GaAs p-i-n solar cells embedded with GaNAs quantum wells https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:29713 Thu 13 May 2021 07:38:23 SAST ]]> Factors influencing wetland distribution and structure, including ecosystem function of ephemeral wetlands, in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), South Africa https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:26960 Thu 13 May 2021 07:38:12 SAST ]]> First report on carbon storage in warm-temperate mangroves of South Africa https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:31581 Thu 13 May 2021 07:38:01 SAST ]]> Tolerance of salt marsh ecotone species to salinity and inundation https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:29967 70%), silt (>15%) and clay (<10%). The aim of this study was to provide insight on the effects of salinity and inundation on the morphology and physiology of D. crassifolium occurring in the salt marsh terrestrial boundary and to assess its spatial and temporal changes over time. The research suggests that D. crassifolium is more sensitive to inundation than salinity. Furthermore the succulent was found in the field to be dominant in conditions which the glasshouse experiments showed to be its optimum growth. That is, in dry sediments with salinity of < 18 ppt. Therefore, if these conditions change (sediment moisture and salinity), the cover abundance of D. crassifolium could significantly change in the field.]]> Thu 13 May 2021 07:37:20 SAST ]]> The extraction of bioactive compounds from spent coffee grounds and their application in a cosmetic formulation https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:36485 Thu 13 May 2021 07:36:24 SAST ]]> Chang liver cell line as a model for Type II Diabetes in the liver and possible reversal of this condition by an indigenous medicinal plant https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10339 Thu 13 May 2021 07:36:07 SAST ]]> The response of microalgal biomass and community composition to environmental factors in the Sundays estuary https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10636 20 μg l-1) was found. Different groups of microalgae formed phytoplankton blooms for the different sampling sessions, which were correlated with high chlorophyll a. These included blooms of green algae (August 2006), flagellates (March 2007), dinoflagellates (June 2008) and diatom species (February and August 2008). The dominant diatom (Cyclotella atomus) indicated nutrient-rich conditions. Green algae and diatoms were associated with low salinity water in the upper reaches of the estuary. Flagellates were dominant throughout the estuary particularly when nutrients were low, whereas the dinoflagellate bloom in June 2008 was correlated with high ammonium and pH. Maximum benthic chlorophyll a was found at 12.5 km from the mouth in February, June and August 2008 and was correlated with high sediment organic and moisture content. Benthic diatoms were associated with high temperature whereas some species in June 2008 were associated with high ammonium concentrations. The middle reaches of the estuary characterise a zone of deposition rather than suspension which would favour benthic diatom colonization. Phytoplankton cells settling out on the sediments may account for the high benthic chlorophyll a because maximum water column chlorophyll a was also found in the REI zone (where salinity is less than 10 percent and where high biological activity occurs) in the Sundays Estuary.]]> Thu 13 May 2021 07:34:22 SAST ]]> The effects of salinity and inundation on salt marsh plants in the context of climate change https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10637 7 days) but could survive submergence of short duration (< 7 days) through continuous underwater photosynthesis, accumulation of osmolytes such as oxalic acid and carotenoid, and maintenance of relative water content and succulence within control levels. When considered together, results showed that the two upper intertidal species were sensitive to waterlogging and would not survive complete submergence, whereas the lower intertidal species could in addition to its natural range, thrive in conditions typical of the upper intertidal range, namely prolonged dry conditions and high sediment salinity. These results have important implications for the future management of salt marshes under predicted climate change conditions. In permanently open South African estuaries, a landward migration of salt marsh will be possible if coastal squeeze is limited and the rate of landward recruitment is on par with sea level rise. In this case salt marsh species would retain their current zonation while shifting inland. Increased sea storms and saltwater intrusion could lead to high salinity concentration in the sediment and significantly reduce growth of salt-sensitive plants. In estuaries that are temporarily open to the sea, reduced freshwater inflow will result in an increase in mouth closure, high water levels, prolonged submergence, and consequently die back of salt marsh vegetation. On the other hand increased abstraction and drought would result in low water levels and high sediment salinity which would decrease growth and survival of salt marsh. This research has provided new knowledge on the ecophysiology of salt marsh plants which can be used to predict the responses of plants to climate change.]]> Thu 13 May 2021 07:33:25 SAST ]]> Variation in selected solid wood properties of young pinus patula from diverse sites in the Mpumalanga escarpment area in South Africa https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:20872 Thu 13 May 2021 07:33:01 SAST ]]> Propagating some commonly-used South African medicinal plants with compost and vermitea https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10736 Thu 13 May 2021 07:32:00 SAST ]]> Isocyanide complexes of rhenium https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10360 Thu 13 May 2021 07:31:25 SAST ]]> The evolution of the Lepilemuridae-Cheirogaleidae clade https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35989 Thu 13 May 2021 07:31:09 SAST ]]> The synthesis, characterization, and application of peptide-capped magnetite nanoparticles for the targeting of cancer cells https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35965 Thu 13 May 2021 07:30:57 SAST ]]> Elucidation of the effect of cannabinoids on ER stress to determine their molecular mechanism of action in breast cancer cells https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40525 Thu 08 Jul 2021 11:35:44 SAST ]]> Modelling of size-based portfolios using a mixture of normal distributions https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:10569 Mon 23 Aug 2021 09:49:32 SAST ]]> A comparison of different strategies to control pests and diseases in Brassica spp. production in the Western Cape https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37113 Mon 22 Aug 2022 15:05:57 SAST ]]> Isolation and characterisation of a channel inhibitor from Bunodosoma capense https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37114 Mon 22 Aug 2022 15:05:56 SAST ]]> Characterisation of photovoltaic devices using large area light beam induced current measurements https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:29314 Mon 22 Aug 2022 14:58:54 SAST ]]> The hypolithic invertebrate community in the eastern Karoo: the role of rock size, microclimate and recolonization https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37128 Mon 22 Aug 2022 14:58:53 SAST ]]> An investigation of the long term chemical stability and physical performance of PMD-citronellal acetal compared with dibutyl phthalate and BIS(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate as plasticisers in selected cosmetic formulations https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:36669 Fri 15 Mar 2024 13:06:48 SAST ]]> Synthesis of L-menthyl glyoxylate, an important intermediate in the manufacture of ARVS, using flow chemistry technology https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:27018 Fri 15 Mar 2024 12:32:30 SAST ]]> Investigating long-term host-parasite dynamics in odontocetes in Southern Africa https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:30543 Fri 15 Mar 2024 12:32:16 SAST ]]> Identification of membrane biomakers for colorectal cancer using an in-solico and molecular approach https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40457 Fri 15 Mar 2024 12:25:35 SAST ]]> Assessing the outcomes and consequences of large carnivore reintroductions to the Eastern Cape, South Africa https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:27011 Fri 15 Mar 2024 12:25:14 SAST ]]> A comparative assessment of dairy calf feeding management systems at Fernwood Dairy Farm, Alexandria, Eastern Cape https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40468 Fri 15 Mar 2024 12:24:52 SAST ]]> Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 by cobalt doped TiO2 and ZnO micro/nanostructured materials https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41607 Fri 15 Mar 2024 12:11:18 SAST ]]> New synergic biomaterials for anti-cancer therapy https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37087 1, antagonism, respectively. Most combination treatments showed to have an antagonistic effect except for cisplatin:BC-7 (1:3, 1:1, 2:1, 3:1) and cisplatin:A. afra (1:3, 1:2, 1:1, 3:1) combinations that showed synergism. The 1:2 ratio of cisplatin:BC-7 and the 2:1 ratio of cisplatin:A. afra were additive. CI values were also calculated at inhibition of 10, 25 and 75% of HeLa cell growth, for each combination mixture. Antagonistic effects were frequently observed at lower effect levels such as at 10 and 25% inhibition of growth. However, this was not seen for the cisplatin:BC-7 combinations as all the ratios indicated synergism. Some of these ratios, such as the 1:3 and 1:2, even led to a greater degree of synergism being obtained, with noticeable antagonistic effects seen at 50 and 75% inhibition of growth. The current finding is that BC-7 and A. afra could lower the dose of cisplatin in combination to achieve a similar anti-cancer efficacy compared to the higher cisplatin dose when used alone. The lower dosage in combination could result in reduced drug resistance as well as limit the toxicity on normal cells associated with cisplatin treatment. In conclusion, this study shows, for the first time, that A. nemorosa has the potential to induce apoptosis and also has some anti- and pro-inflammatory activity in HeLa cancer cells. This study also enhanced the knowledge of the mechanism of apoptosis induction of BC-7, in a more detailed manner, as well as investigated its inflammatory effects for the first time. Results obtained for A. afra correlated nicely to previously reported studies and confirmed that the methods used in this study, although different, leads to the same conclusions. Combination treatments also indicated, for the first time, that BC-7 and A. afra have the ability to function in a synergic manner with cisplatin and proves that, although extensive research may have been done on a plant or compound, more can be discovered. This new information can lead to identification of new compounds in the plants and the integration of signalling pathways that can be targeted for treatment of cancer.]]> Fri 15 Mar 2024 11:56:53 SAST ]]> An intergrated continuous flow system for the manufacture of biodiesel from waste cooking oil using a heterogeneous acid catalyst and homogeneous base catalyst https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37837 Fri 15 Mar 2024 09:30:02 SAST ]]> The extraction, quantification and application of high-value biological compounds from olive oil processing waste https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:33371 Fri 15 Mar 2024 09:15:47 SAST ]]> Statistical viability assessment of a photovoltaic system in the presence of data uncertainty https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:28280 Fri 15 Mar 2024 08:55:07 SAST ]]> A web-based repository for student mobility data in Africa https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:27098 Fri 03 Dec 2021 15:47:49 SAST ]]>