https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Index ${session.getAttribute("locale")} 5 https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:52606 Wed 29 Jun 2022 10:33:09 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:46740 Wed 16 Feb 2022 15:04:32 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:52456 Wed 13 Jul 2022 10:17:41 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39853 Wed 12 May 2021 23:23:20 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:33427 Wed 12 May 2021 23:18:06 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39102 Wed 12 May 2021 22:58:12 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39627 0.05) in the concentration of OC, Ca, and Mg between the communities and seasons. Phosphorus (P) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in winter (concentrations) in most of the sites, except the top sites of Mbizana where summer concentration of P was significantly higher than winter. Potassium (K) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in summer than in winter in most of the HVUs, except the topland areas of Njwaxa and Mbizana sloppy areas where there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the concentration of K. Soil pH did not display any significant differences (p>0.05) between communities and sites. The mean soil pH recorded in this study was 5.4 implying the soils of Njwaxa and Mbizana communities were acidic. It is evident that communal farmers are well aware of their rangeland condition, changes occurring in their rangelands, their causes and are capable of suggesting some solutions in controlling the declining condition of the rangelands. This study has shown the importance of engaging farmers’ inputs in range assessment since those are people bearing the consequences of rangeland degradation.]]> Wed 12 May 2021 22:52:49 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39109 0 - 1 m), saplings (>1 - 1.5 m), young shrubs (>1.5 - 2.0 m), mature shrubs (>2 - 3.0 m) and mature trees (>3.0 m). The average household size in of goat was higher than that of other livestock species. A total of 40 woody plant species were identified in all study areas. Acacia karoo, Coddia rudis and Scutia myrtina were the most dominant woody species in all study areas. Most of the woody plant species had the highest abundance in the height class >0 - 1 m. The average total woody plant density in Thorn bush and Mixed bush were 3461 and 2416 number ha-1, respectively. In conclusion both study areas were highly encroached and it was also perceived by elder from both areas that bush encroachment is a problem in the rangelands.]]> Wed 12 May 2021 22:49:00 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:33128 Wed 12 May 2021 22:18:33 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35091 Wed 12 May 2021 20:17:55 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39120 Wed 12 May 2021 20:11:06 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34368 0.05) among the varieties. The highest fresh biomass yields were observed in PAN 888 variety was 13400 kg/ha, King had 12600 kg/ha and PAN 868 had 12600 kg/ha. The dry matter yield observed in PAN 888 was 4300.00 DM kg/ha, PAN 868 had 3633.33 DM kg/ha and King yielded 3533.33 DM kg/ha. The different sorghum varieties showed a significant (P<0.01) difference in some chemical composition parameters namely DM, NDIN and NSC. The different sorghum varieties had significant difference (P<0.01) in the silage fermentation parameters of pH, starch and lactic acid. The sorghum silage varieties were significantly (P<0.01) different in the starch fermentation with values of 0.001percent. The sorghum silage varieties were significant different for fermentation of lactic acid with values ranging from 1.99 to 2.62percent. However, PAN 868 and PAN 888 were not different from each other. Similarly, all varieties were different (P<0.05) in the pH with values ranging from 4.16 to 4.53. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in CP, Fat, NDF, ADF, Hemicellulose, Ash, and ADIN content of the silages. The mineral composition (macro and micro) of the silage were not significantly (P>0.05) different among the varieties. In conclusion, the dry matter production and nutrient content of the three forage sorghum varieties were not significantly different. The silage fermentation quality showed significant (P<0.05) differences among the three sorghum varieties. Therefore, according to the results of this study PAN 888 is the recommended variety to grow in the semi-arid region of the Eastern Cape.]]> Wed 12 May 2021 20:09:45 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39800 Wed 12 May 2021 20:04:05 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:36682 Wed 12 May 2021 19:52:34 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34288 Wed 12 May 2021 19:23:08 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35346 Wed 12 May 2021 18:50:44 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35211 drum biochar> control. Also, the two maize biochar types significantly (p< 0.05) increased the release of cations namely Ca, Mg and Na however, some decrease in nutrient concentrations were observed due to increase in pH levels at the later stage of the study. Biochar incorporation increased extractable P release from 30- 40 mg P/kg to an average range of between 120- 160 mg P/kg across all soil types. A glasshouse study was also conducted investigating the effect of different biochar rates of the two maize biochar types used in the previous studies on early maize growth and nutrient uptake, same soil types were used as those in the incubation study. Biochar was applied at application rates of 0, 100, 200 and 300 kg C/ha of biochar. The glasshouse experiment consisted of two cycles, each with a six week period of monitoring maize seedling growth development. Generally, a significant increase in maize growth parameters such as plant height, stem girth, number of leaves and leaf area increased after biochar additions compared to the control. Both biochars significantly improved maize seedling growth at an application rate of 200 kg C/haHowever, the two biochar types displayed varying impacts on maize growth due to influence of soil type and biochar application rates. Nutrient- uptake of Ca, P, Na and Mg showed to improve at an application rate of 200 kg C/ha for both biochar types showing a 50 percent increase compared to the control. Nutrient- uptake patterns for P, Ca, Mg and Na differed across all soil types, mainly due to changes in pH and Na levels which were influenced by increased biochar concentrations resulting in nutrient deficiency. Another glasshouse experiment aimed at investigating the effects on the two maize biochar types on influencing the effectiveness of both organic and inorganic fertilizers for improved early maize growth and soil productivity. Biochar was applied at an application rate of 400 kg C/ha of biochar, fertilizer was applied at application rates of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg N/ha and manure at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 t/ha respectively. The glasshouse experiment consisted of two cycles, each with a six week period of monitoring maize seedling growth development. In the 1st cycle, manure rate of 40 t/ha resulted in the highest plant height of maize seedlings grown in the glasshouse, biochar type also showed to influence plant height. After the 1st harvest Mg, K and P levels improved at 30 t/ha, Na at 20 t/ha and Ca 40 t/ha of manure. Plant height and stem girth improved at 30 kg N/ha of fertilizer, however, nutrient levels for Ca, K and Mg decreased after the 1st harvest, while Na levels increased. Nutrient uptake was the highest for Mg and Na at 40 kg N/ha while for Ca at 30 kg N/ha of fertilizer. During the 2nd cycle plant height was the highest at 30 t/ha of manure, and effect of manure rate was significant (p<0.05) for number of leaves, plant height and biomass. Whereas, manure rate and biochar type effect were insignificant (p>0.05) for pH, Ec and nutrient uptake changes. Maize seedling showed significant response to fertilizer 40 kg N/ha for most of the growth parameters measured (P<0.05), except for germination percentage. All treatments investigated had no effect on germination percentage. The two biochar types showed significant (p<0.05) effects on soil pH and Ec. Drum biochar was slightly better performing than pit biochar. Results obtained from the various studies suggests that maize biochars derived from the pit and drum pyrolytic systems are potential soil amendments in correcting soil acidity and nutrient deficiency in the EC Province. Both biochar types have shown abilities to improve early maize growth and effectiveness of fertilizers in maize based systems of the EC Province. However, some variations in soil fertility and early maize growth were observed as a result of the soil type response towards the two biochar applications. This could also have risen as a result of a number of factors such as the nutritional composition of biochar material, initial soil type chemical composition, biochar and fertilizer application rates and time taken or period to complete each study. Therefore, further experiments should be conducted to validate these results, preferable having longer periods of study, moreover, field experiments. In addition, investigations on potential feedstock materials such as animal wastes used as biochar in the EC Province can be conducted.]]> Wed 12 May 2021 17:55:08 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35635 Wed 12 May 2021 16:47:21 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39115 Wed 12 May 2021 16:37:43 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39149 Wed 12 May 2021 15:57:30 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39124 Wed 12 May 2021 15:48:20 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40459 Wed 12 May 2021 15:09:52 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40090 .05). The model chi-square value of 43.47 (approximately 44% ) was significant. Thus, the indication is that the model has a good fit in predicting the possibility of a fuel retail outlet being located in the core or peripheral zone of the metropolis as determined by the explanatory variables (the independent variables accounted for about 44% of possible factors which determined whether a fuel retail outlets is located either within the core or peripheral zones of the metropolis. The remaining 56% are factors not considered in the study). The result gotten from the in depth interview sessions corroborated the findings from the tested hypothesis. The third objective was to examine the effects which the supply chain technique employed (either vertically integrated model or third-party arrangement) has on the achievement of efficient and effective distribution of the products. In order to achieve this objective, all the 389 registered members of Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) association who are members of the PTD in the metropolis were sampled, 265 (around 70%) of the distributed questionnaires were retrieved and used for the analysis. In depth interview sessions were also conducted with three different managers of the three major conglomerates in the downstream sector of the Nigerian petroleum sector. The result of one-way between subjects (ANOVA) which was conducted to compare differences in the management and performances of haulage services outsourced to the 3PLS and those run under VIM showed that there was a significant effect of ownership type on management performance (F (2,262) = 60.26, p<.05). The null hypothesis was therefore rejected while the alternate hypothesis was accepted. The findings from the interview sessions posted similar results. The fourth and final objective was to analyze the effect that the socio-economic attributes of the participants (haulers and managers of retail outlets) involved in the distribution of xxvi petroleum products has on the safe, efficient and cost-effective distribution of product and this was done through the use of descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and incisive analysis of the interview sessions. A total number of 265 (70%) out of the 389 registered members of Petroleum Tanker Driver Association (PTDA) participated in the study. Multiple regression analysis (MRA) was used to test this hypothesis. The result from the statistical analysis show that the use of stimulant, work condition, marital status and educational attainment/literacy level have joint influence on compliance (R2 = 0.31, F (4,260) = 29.72, p<.05). On the basis of the foregoing, the hypothesis is thus accepted. The result from the interview sessions confirmed the existence of strong relationship between the explanatory variables and the hypothetical dependant variable. The study recommended a review of the planning processes guiding the establishment of fuel retail outlets. The study also advocated that retailers should endeavour to have stronger control over the supply chain of their products this could done by investing more in VIM rather than outsourcing such functions to 3PLs. This will help in better business performances. Government agencies in charge of monitoring drug abuse among haulers are advised to be more proactive by the duo of prevention and punishment strategies. This should include advocacy campaign against drug abuse. Different ranges of punishments should also be meted out for individual haulers found culpable.]]> Wed 12 May 2021 15:06:55 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40195 Wed 12 May 2021 15:06:06 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42870 Wed 12 May 2021 14:55:02 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40507 Wed 12 May 2021 14:54:47 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40192 Wed 12 May 2021 14:45:10 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40014 Wed 12 May 2021 14:37:56 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40067 Wed 12 May 2021 14:37:44 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40607 0.05) and values of >0.20 were recorded in 40 percent (108/277) of all the isolates. The resistant genes ampC, blaOXA, tetA, tetM, dfr1, sul1, sul2, ermB, nptII and strA were detected in two or more Vibrio isolates while the SXT intergrase was detected only in one isolate. Seven of the 18 extreme drug resistant isolates possessed 1–3 plasmids of 1.5–10 kb range. A total of 321 presumptive Staphylococcus aureus isolates were recovered by culture out of which 202 (62.9 percent ) were identified as S. aureus by PCR. Of these, 33 (16.3 percent ) strains were mecA positive while the rest, 169 (83.7 percent ) were mecA negative. The sensitivity and specificity of MRSA detection by use of cefoxitin disc (30 μg) test was 93.9 percent and 91.7 percent , that for oxacillin screen agar test (6 μg/mL) was 81.8 percent and 92.3 percent while that of BrillianceTM MRSATM 2 agar was 87.9 percent and 94.1 percent respectively. Staphylococcal enterotoxin SEE was detected in 12.1 percent (4/33) of total strains followed by SEA 3.0 percent (1/33), and SEC 3.0 percent (1/33). SEB and SED were absent. Six of the isolates had the PVL gene, giving a prevalence of 18.2 percent . The most frequently detected SCCmec type was SCCmec type III (17/33; 51.5 percent ), closely followed by SCCmec subtype IVc (10/33; 30.3 percent ) and the least were SCCmec types I and II with only 3.0 percent (1/33) each. The rest four (4/33; 12.1 percent ) did not belong to any of the above types and were therefore considered to belong to other subtypes of SCCmec type IV not tested in the study. For antibiogram patterns, 12 (36.4 percent ) strains were resistant to doxycyline, 10 (30.3 percent ) to trimethroprim-sulfamethoxazole, 9 (27.3 percent ) to tetracycline and only 1 (3.0 percent ) strain was resistant to ciprofloxacin. Nineteen (57.6 percent ) of the MRSA strains had vancomycin MIC of ≤ 2 μg/mL, 4 (12.1 percent ) with MIC range of 4-8 μg/mL, and 10 (30.3 percent ) with values ≥ 16 μg/mL. Overall, 27 (91.percent) isolates showed simultaneous resistance to 3 or more antibiotics. The resistant genes tetM, tetA, ermB, BlaZ femA were detected in two or more strains resistant to various antimicrobials. Resistance to rifampicin was not caused by mutations in the rpoB gene. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first study reporting a broad, and diverse bacteria flora of skin, gill, and gut of the South African dusky kob as well as the first study on human pathogenic vibrios, and MRSA from marine finfish especially those from recirculatory aquaculture systems. Also, our study revealed that Vibrio species with pathogenic potential are present in marine dusky kob and its environs. Dusky kob is contaminated with CA- MRSA and HA- MRSA that may cause difficult to treat infections with regular antibiotics. Some of the MRSA strains contained toxins that can cause food-borne gastroeneteritis. The present study revealed that MRSA and Vibrio species are potential reservoirs for antibiotic resistant genes, which could be disseminated to other bacterial species probably through plasmids, a public health risk.]]> Wed 12 May 2021 14:37:33 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42610 Wed 12 May 2021 14:35:51 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40864 Wed 12 May 2021 14:32:29 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40863 Wed 12 May 2021 14:31:50 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40107 Wed 12 May 2021 14:31:12 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40969 Wed 12 May 2021 14:23:05 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40606 Wed 12 May 2021 14:20:28 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42728 0.05) on pH and drip display, however, there was an increase in drip display with ageing time (P ≤ 0.05). Meat colour attributes (L* a* b* and C*) were influenced by diet, with 20% cactus diet having lower L* values compared to other diets (P ≤ 0.05). During a 14-day retail display, a diet  day interaction was observed for hue angle with the cactus diets having the lowest values at day 14 of display compared to the other diets (P ≤ 0.05). Differences in meat from heifers fed different diets were observed with 20% cactus accounting for significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher levels of deoxymyoglobin and the lowest levels of oxymyoglobin. Thawing loss and Warner Bratzler shear force decreased (P ≤ 0.05) with ageing period. Meat from heifers fed cactus diets had lower (P ≤ 0.05) proportions of oleic acid (C18:1n9c) and total MUFA, higher (P ≤ 0.05) proportions of total SFA, C15:1, C17:1, linoleic acid (C18:2n6c) and total PUFA. The control diet produced meat with the highest thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values compared to other diets (P ≤ 0.05) and with ageing TBARS values increased (P ≤ 0.05). Diet showed an effect (P ≤ 0.05) on sensory attributes such as overall tenderness and mouth feel with cactus diets accounting for lower scores. However, juiciness, overall tenderness, grassy and animal like attributes increased with ageing (P ≤ 0.05). Inclusion of cactus in the diet did not produce any adverse effects on meat quality, fatty acid composition, lipid oxidation and sensory quality. Therefore, it can be concluded that inclusion of cactus in Nguni heifer finisher diets up to 20% can improve meat quality.]]> Wed 12 May 2021 14:16:18 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40016 Wed 12 May 2021 14:09:56 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39999 Wed 12 May 2021 14:09:06 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40848 Wed 12 May 2021 14:08:59 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40018 0.05). Furthermore, histopathological evaluation of organs revealed that no abnormalities were in heart and liver and kidney of rats fed on the control diet, while mild congestion in the liver and myocardium (heart) were observed in rats fed with protein deficient diet. No visible abnormalities were observed in the heart, kidney and liver of animals on the PD 10 diet, but myocardial fibres showing intense eosinophilia was detected in heart muscles of rats fed PD and PD3 diets. In this study, MOLM had a negative impact on feed intake and growth performance of animals and haematology. Blood biochemistry and histology suggest that MOLM has the potential of defending the body against infection with hematinic and blood enhancing qualities. Protein deficiency led to a significant elevation in the serum lipid profile of rats especially cholesterol even with increase in MOLM. PD10 had the highest triglycerides content when compared to the control but was lower (p>0.05) to that of PD. There was an increase in crude fat, ADF, NDF and protein in faecal samples of rats supplemented with MOLM diets while a decrease in moisture and ash was observed compared to the control.Vitamin and mineral deficiency resulted in significant decrease in serum cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL-C when compared to the control. There was a slight increase in excretion for all elements with increasing MOLM. Total removal of minerals and vitamins from the VMD experimental diets seemed not to have any visible negative impact on performance of the rats probably because of residual micronutrients present in other ingredients used in the feed formulation. MOLM could not replace protein in protein deficient diets.]]> Wed 12 May 2021 14:01:43 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40256 Wed 12 May 2021 13:56:49 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40870 Wed 12 May 2021 13:55:48 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40869 Wed 12 May 2021 13:55:38 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40106 Wed 12 May 2021 13:53:09 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:52784 Wed 06 Jul 2022 11:04:23 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:46087 Wed 02 Feb 2022 12:22:02 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:63045 Tue 28 Mar 2023 15:19:51 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:52595 Tue 28 Jun 2022 13:52:38 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:52586 Tue 28 Jun 2022 12:01:40 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:64488 10mg/ml. The killing rates of the active extracts were also elucidated using standard procedures. The two extracts NO64 and NO53 showed rapid bactericidal activity against B. pumilus ATCC 14884 and Serratia marcens with a 3Log10 reduction in counts within 6 hours at 3.75 mg/ml and 5 mg/ml respectively. In conclusion, the ethyl acetate extract of these marine actinomycetes strains possess strong bactericidal and bacteriostatic activities against Gram negative organisms and can be therapeutically useful in the treatment of bacterial infections which are mainly caused by Gram negative bacteria.]]> Tue 23 May 2023 15:34:05 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:46607 Tue 15 Feb 2022 11:08:01 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:58230 Tue 08 Nov 2022 11:49:33 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:43139 Tue 08 Jun 2021 16:18:24 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:69494 Tue 07 Nov 2023 10:15:41 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:52752 Tue 05 Jul 2022 12:12:51 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:63667 Thu 20 Apr 2023 12:32:06 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:62624 Thu 16 Mar 2023 15:05:52 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:62596 Thu 16 Mar 2023 11:01:51 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39385 Thu 13 May 2021 15:40:17 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39878 Thu 13 May 2021 14:09:48 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:31530 Thu 13 May 2021 13:09:48 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35400 Thu 13 May 2021 06:41:37 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35484 Thu 13 May 2021 06:26:25 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39071 Thu 13 May 2021 06:11:00 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39100 0.05) between the three land management systems. Woody plant density of height classes were significantly different (P < 0.05) between three land management systems. The abundance of seedlings, saplings and young shrubs were significantly greater (P < 0.05) in the ranch than the game reserve and communal area. The mature trees had a significantly greater density (P < 0.05) in the game reserve than the ranch and communal area. Soil analysis results showed that Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K), Manganese (Mn) and Copper (Cu) had similar (P > 0.05) concentrations in soils obtained from all land management systems in both seasons. Soil Calcium (Ca) levels showed differences between land management systems in winter only being greater (P < 0.001) in the game reserve than the ranch and the communal lands. Soil Phosphorus (P) and Iron (Fe) also showed variations between land management systems in winter being significantly greater (P < 0.001) in the ranch than the other land management systems. The concentration of soil K differed between the two seasons in soils collected from the ranch and the communal lands, being greater (P < 0.001) in winter than summer seasons. Soil Zinc (Zn) also showed differences between land management systems in summer being greater (P < 0.001) in the game reserve than in the ranch and communal land. Seasonal variations were observed in soil P level of samples collected from the ranch being greater (P < 0.001) in winter than summer season. The concentration of soil Zn was higher (P < 0.001) in the soil collected from the game reserve and the ranch in summer than winter season. Woody forage analysis results showed that browse samples harvested from the ranch had greater (P < 0.001) Nitrogen (N) level than the other land management systems in both seasons. The browse samples harvested from the game reserve had greater (P < 0.001) Ca level than the other land management systems in winter season only. The level of P showed variations (P < 0.05) between land management systems in samples harvested during winter only being greater (P < 0.001) in samples from the ranch than the other land management systems. Similarly, browse harvested during winter showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in K levels being lowest in samples collected from game reserves, where the Ca level was greatest. Browse samples collected from the communal land and the ranch had the lowest Mg levels in summer and winter seasons, respectively. In all management systems, browse harvested during summer had greater (P < 0.001) N and P levels than those harvested in winter, and the reverse holds true for K and Ca levels. Browse samples harvested during winter had greater (P < 0.001) Mn levels in samples from the communal area and game reserve than the ranch, but in summer, the game reserve had higher Mn level than the other two sites. Browse samples harvested during winter only showed differences (P < 0.05) in Cu and Zn levels being greatest (P < 0.001) in samples collected from ranch and game reserves. In all management systems, browse samples harvested during winter had greater (P < 0.001) Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu (except for the game reserve and communal land) levels than those harvested in summer. Herbaceous analysis results showed that samples harvested in summer from the game reserve and ranch had greater (P < 0.001) TOC levels than the communal area, but in winter, samples from the game reserve and ranch had similar TOC levels, except for communal areas that had no herbaceous vegetation. Herbaceous samples harvested in winter from the ranch had greater (P < 0.001) TN levels than the game reserve, and that made the C:N ratio higher (P < 0.001) in the game reserve. Woody foliar samples harvested in winter from the game reserve and communal lands had greater (P < 0.001) TOC than the ranch. Values on C:N ratio showed that in winter, the communal and ranch had greater (P < 0.001) C:N than the game reserve, but in summer, the ranch had higher (P < 0.001) C:N than the game reserve and communal area. The vegetation TOC (kg ha-1) showed the order of the game reserve > ranch > communal area and the trend was similar in both seasons. In summer, the game reserve had the greatest (P < 0.001) TN (kg ha-1) followed by the ranch and the lowest in the communal area, but in winter the game reserve and ranch had similar and higher (P < 0.001) TN (kg ha-1) than the communal areas. In summer, both the game reserve and ranch recorded greater (P < 0.001) herbaceous δ13C and lowest δ15N than the communal area, but in winter, the game reserve had higher (P < 0.001) δ13C than the ranch, though both the game reserve and ranch had similar (P > 0.001) δ15N values. In summer, both the communal and ranch had slightly higher (P < 0.001) woody foliar δ13C than the game reserve, but in winter the ranch had greater (P < 0.001) δ13C than game reserve and communal areas. Woody foliar samples harvested from the ranch showed variations (P < 0.05) in δ15N between seasons being higher (P < 0.001) in summer than winter. The TOC was greatest in summer, in soils collected from the game reserve followed by the ranch and least in the communal land, but in winter, the lowest TOC was recorded in soils collected from the ranch. The soil C:N ratio varied between land management systems in soils collected during summer only being greater (P < 0.001) in the game and ranch than the communal area. The soil TOC (kg ha-1) and TN (kg ha-1) did not show (P > 0.05) differences between land management systems. Soil δ13C level was remarkably (P < 0.05) affected by land management systems, but did not interact with seasons. In both seasons, the communal land had slightly higher (P < 0.001) δ13C level than the other two land management systems. In both seasons, δ15N levels showed great differences (P < 0.001) between land management systems, with highest soil δ15N levels observed in the communal area than the ranch and game reserve. Results on social survey showed that the majority of the interviewed households in Omaandi (63percent), Oshitutuma (53percent) and Epukunoyana (50percent) were female headed families and the remaining were male headed. The mean population of goats and cattle were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Omaandi and Epukunoyana than in Oshitutuma village, respectively. In this study, household respondents in all villages indicated that all livestock species were primarily kept for wealth status and provision of meat for consumption. Respondents in all villages also indicated that lack of grazing lands and shortage of feed were the primary constraints of livestock production followed by water scarcity and recurring droughts. Elder respondents in all villages perceived overgrazing and climate change as the primary cause of rangeland degradation. Elder interviewees in Omaandi and Oshitutuma villages regarded low grass cover and dominance of poor quality grass (Epukunoyana only) as the primary vegetation indicators of rangeland degradation. The animal related indicators such as stunted animal body as a result of mineral deficiency, high livestock mortality, emaciated body and animals traveling long distance for grazing and water (Oshitutuma only) were regarded in all villages as the primary livestock related indicators of rangeland degradation. Elders from Epukunoyana village ranked low rainfall, high soil and atmospheric temperatures as the primary climate related indicators of rangeland degradation, although in Omaandi and Oshitutuma, high soil and atmospheric temperatures were considered as the primary climate related indicators of rangeland degradation. Based on the findings, this study concludes that land management systems had great influences on the distribution and production of herbaceous and woody vegetation in summer and winter seasons. This study also observed that land management systems interacted strongly with season to influence most vegetation and soil variables. Lastly, based on the study findings, the study concludes that all three communal rangelands are degraded and degradation led to a gradual declining trend in the livestock population over the past 10 to 20 years in the communal areas as a result of feed shortage.]]> Thu 13 May 2021 06:09:07 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:30764 0.05). Virulence factors are important for the pathogenesis of H. pylori. All the 48 clinical isolates were glmM (140 bp) positive and cagA was detected in 97.9 percent of the test isolates. The vacA gene was detected in all isolates but with different subtypes. The vacA allelic combination s1m1 was detected in 75 percent of the test isolates and s1m2 allelic combination was detected in 16.7 percent of the test isolates while the combination s2m2 was detected in 8.3 percent of the test isolates. None of the test isolates possessed the allelic combination s2m1. When H. pylori multiplication was monitored under acidic conditions in the presence of anti-urease active compounds, it was revealed that anti-urease active compounds in honey are capable of inhibiting the normal multiplication of H. pylori strains that are cagA positive, vacA positive and drug resistant. The GC-MS analysis showed that Fleures honey (urease I percent = 67.8 – 68.5 percent) and Gold Crest honey (urease I percent = 50.9 percent – 53.3 percent), all petroleum ether extracts had 27 and 26 volatile compounds. The hexane extract of Manuka honey (urease I percent = 50.0 – 53.2) had 43 compounds detected. The chloroform extract of Q Bee (urease I percent = 64.2 – 66.2 percent) had 13 volatile compounds detected. All the volatile compounds considered as representative samples of GC-MS analysis had a spectral matching ≥ 90 percent with the NIST11 library. However, the majority of compounds that were detected by LC-MS in representative honey extracts include vardenafil, urapidil, hydrocortisone, e.t.c which are drugs commonly used in the treatment of different ailments or infections that affect human beings. In addition, two xi drugs, sulfaquinoxaline and hydroxyquinoline which are used in veterinary medicine and antiseptic, disinfectant and pesticide applications in agricultural activities were detected in Little Bee honey. We therefore conclude that inhibition of urease has a bactericidal effect on drug resistant, cagA positive and vacA positive H. pylori strains growing under acidic environment.]]> Thu 13 May 2021 05:55:10 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35146 Thu 13 May 2021 05:52:33 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34813 Thu 13 May 2021 05:24:20 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35364 Thu 13 May 2021 05:22:05 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39296 Thu 13 May 2021 04:47:11 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39127 Thu 13 May 2021 04:41:53 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:31624 Thu 13 May 2021 04:33:23 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:31481 Thu 13 May 2021 03:20:47 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39118 Thu 13 May 2021 01:05:27 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39879 Thu 13 May 2021 00:48:02 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39099 0.05) sperm concentration (1.20 ± 3.68x109 sperm/ml) than the EE samples (1.11 ± 3.51x109 sperm/ml). The percentage live sperm in the fresh semen samples did not differ among Namaqua Afrikaner (67.76 ± 1.94percent), Dohne Merino (68.59 ± 1.94percent) and Dorper (72.82 ± 1.98percent) rams. The percentage live sperm for all three breeds dropped considerably after freezing to 17.76 ± 2.03percent, 17.86 ± 2.03percent and 22.72 ± 2.07percent respectively. It remained constant for all the breeds from 7 until 90 days after freezing, indicating that length of storage should not have an effect on percentage live sperm for semen collected via AV or EE. Percentage live sperm of the frozen-thawed semen of the Namaqua rams was lower than that of the Dorper rams, indicating that the Namaqua semen collected via EE did not freeze as well as that of the Dorper semen. In conclusion, neither fresh nor frozen-thawed Dorper and Dohne Merino semen collected via EE did differ significantly. Furthermore, except for semen volume, Dorper and Dohne Merino semen collected via AV did not differ significantly whether evaluated as fresh or frozen-thawed semen. However, both Dorper and Dohne Merino rams produced semen with higher motility and a higher percentage live sperm post-thaw when the semen samples were collected via an AV than via EE. From these results it can therefore be postulated that if Namaqua semen were collected via AV it could have a higher post-thaw percentage live sperm than if semen was collected via EE. Advanced further studies are necessary to investigate the reason for the lower post-thaw survival rate of sperm of the Namaqua Afrikaner rams. This is necessary as semen stored in a cryobank for breeding and conservation purposes for this endangered breed has to be of high quality. Such resources as cryobanks are expensive and funds cannot be wasted on preserving inferior samples that could not fertilize an ovum when needed. The low percentage of live sperm obtained with the frozen-thawed samples in this, as well as other studies on indigenous breeds, is an indication that further research is needed into more suitable freezing protocols. It can be concluded that Namaqua Afrikaner semen cannot be frozen successfully for the purpose of storage in a cryobank, when using a freezing protocol based on Triladyl® as extender. Furthermore, any increase in post-thaw survival rate of sperm will be beneficial and it is therefore suggested that all efforts be made to solve the problem of the Namaqua Afrikaner rams that do not want to ejaculate into an artificial vagina.]]> Thu 13 May 2021 00:06:08 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:45661 Thu 13 Jan 2022 16:12:10 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:64224 Thu 11 May 2023 11:49:50 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:46423 Thu 10 Feb 2022 11:26:28 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:46120 Thu 03 Feb 2022 10:03:08 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:48855 Mon 28 Mar 2022 11:14:29 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:47393 Mon 28 Feb 2022 12:02:07 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:43171 Mon 14 Jun 2021 09:34:29 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:46570 Mon 14 Feb 2022 14:45:01 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:46513 Mon 14 Feb 2022 11:18:15 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:52969 Mon 11 Jul 2022 12:51:28 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:65661 Mon 10 Jul 2023 17:20:04 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:62238 Mon 06 Mar 2023 15:06:01 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:62148 Mon 06 Mar 2023 08:53:03 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:67332 Mon 04 Sep 2023 01:35:03 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:52720 1.5g/100g sample) of arginine (1.85), serine (1.63), glycine (1.9) and lysine (1.62); while P. aeruginosa GNFx feather hydrolysate showed high abundance of arginine, serine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, alanine, valine, and leucine with respective concentration of 2.06, 1.67, 2.39, 3.05, 1.87, 1.73, 1.56 and 1.65 (g/100g sample). The results showed that keratinases from the two bacterial isolates were optimally active at pH 8, and temperature of 50 oC for FGNn keratinase and 50-60 oC for GNFx keratinase. The enzymes displayed remarkable pH stability. Keratinase from C. proteolyticum was catalytically inhibited by EDTA and 1,10-phenanthroline but not affected by PMSF; while P. aeruginosa keratinase was not significantly affected by those class of protease inhibitors. Adiitionally, FGNn keratinase demonstrated high residual activity of 90percent, 103percent, 101percent, 110percent, 130, and 105percent in the presence of DTT, hydrogen peroxides, acetonitrile, triton X-100, tween-80 and SDS, respectively. Similarly, catalytic efficiency of GNFx keratinase was promoted in the presence of hydrogen peroxides (119percent), triton X-100 (140percent), tween-80 (150percent) and SDS (147percent) compared to the control. Furthermore, the keratinases from the both bacterial isolates exhibited catalytic efficiency enhancement and remarkable structural stability in the presence of laundry detergents tested. The findings from the study suggest the application potentials of the isolates for the bioconversion of recalcitrant keratinous wastes into digestible and quality protein hydrolysates. The properties of these microbial keratinases indicate that they may be exploited for various biotechnological and industrial processes especially in the formulation of detergents.]]> Mon 04 Jul 2022 14:24:50 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:43038 Fri 28 May 2021 14:52:54 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:62812 Fri 24 Mar 2023 14:00:16 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:62804 Fri 24 Mar 2023 13:34:17 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:48601 Fri 18 Mar 2022 13:01:53 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:64249 100 μg/ml) while the LC50 for Z. mucronata subsp. mucronata equaled 90.27 µg/ml indicated a low level of toxicity. The effects of combining the crude extracts of these plants with eight antibiotics were investigated by means of checkerboard and agar diffusion methods. On using the methanol extract of A. mearnsii, the agar diffusion assay showed that extract-kanamycin combination had zones of inhibition ≥ 20 ± 1.0 mm in all the bacteria tested (100percent), followed by extract chloramphenicol (90percent) > extract-ciprofloxacin = extract-tetracycline (70percent) > extract amoxicillin (60percent) > extract-nalidixic acid (50percent) > extract-erythromycin (40percent) > extract metronidazole (20percent). The checkerboard showed synergistic interaction (61.25percent), additivity/indifference (23.75percent) and antagonistic (15percent) effects. I, therefore, concluded that the antibacterial potentials of the antibiotics were improved and combining natural products with antibiotic could be a potential source of resistance-modifying agents useful against multi-drug resistant bacteria. The influences of these extracts on the ultrastructures, elemental components, protein and lipid leakages of five different bacteria were determined as the possible mechanisms of action of the extracts investigated. The scanning electron microscopy indicated varied ultrastructural changes in the morphology of bacterial cells treated with the extracts. The X-ray microanalysis showed significant differences between the elemental contents of extract-treated and untreated bacteria while lipids and proteins were leaked to a great extent from the extract-treated bacterial strains in comparison with the untreated ones. The possible mechanisms of action of the extracts may include inhibition of a significant step in peptidoglycan assembly, inhibition of metabolic processes, disruption of cell wall and cell membranes resulting in the efflux of lipid and protein in all the bacteria tested. The possible mechanism of action involved in the lipid and protein leakages in the bacterial cells could be attributed to lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation owing to the antioxidant activities of the extracts that were active beyond the protective levels. I concluded that the morphological changes and the observed leakages showed rapid killing, significant membrane depolarization resulting in leakages and efflux of disintegrated cellular materials. In general, this study has justified the ethnotherapeutic importance of A. mearnsii and Z. mucronata subsp. mucronata in the treatment of microbial infections by indicating the possible mechanisms of action of the crude extracts on the tested bacteria.]]> Fri 12 May 2023 15:13:04 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:43147 Fri 11 Jun 2021 15:07:00 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:52388 Fri 01 Jul 2022 12:41:26 SAST ]]> https://vital.seals.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:52387 Fri 01 Jul 2022 12:23:05 SAST ]]>