Smallholder farmers’ perception in the adoption of in-field rainwater harvesting techniques in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mtyelwa, Chuma https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0696-4340
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Farms, Small , Water harvesting
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21367 , vital:48499
- Description: Dissemination, adoption and continued use of adopted technologies are key requirements for improved smallholder farmers’ productivity. In an attempt to improve smallholder agricultural production and creating a resilient smallholder agricultural sector, many technologies such as the in-field rainwater harvesting technique (IRWHT) have been put in place. IRWHT has a tremendous potential for improving livelihoods of rural smallholder farmers, thus decreasing their vulnerability to vagaries of climate change. However, though IRWHT was promoted for agricultural crop production improvement, smallholder farmers discontinued its adoption. This study critically assessed the perception of smallholder farmers in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality (RMLM) on the use of the in-field rainwater harvesting technique to assess the underlying factors that led to IRWHT dis-adoption. This study adopted a descriptive study design; purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 120 smallholder farmers that initially adopted IRWHT. Data was gathered through a face-to-face interview and with a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis frequency count, percentages, means and standard deviation were used for quantitative data analysis. The findings revealed that 96percent of smallholder farmers dis-adopted IRWHT after initial adoption. Moreover, IRWHT was dis-adopted 5-8 years post adoption. Critical reasons behind discontinuity include small land size (23percent), lack of reliable water source (18percent), complexity of IRWHT, continual extension support (17percent) and IRWHT taking up much space (13percent), amongst others. This study also revealed that farmers’ perception towards the innovation attributes of IRWHT, in relative advantage over economic returns such as profitability, had an impact on dis-adoption of IRWHT, with a negative farmers’ perception (𝑥̅ = 2.95). Complexity of IRWHT was associated with discontinuity of IRWHT by smallholder farmers in RMLM, with the majority (60percent) of smallholder farmers indicating that IRWHT was labour intensive. Some (39.9percent) stated that implementation of IRWHT was time consuming. Innovation attributes that led to a high rate of initial adoption were relative advantage with better yield (𝑥̅ = 4. 38) and compatibility. Smallholder farmers indicated that IRWHT can be implemented with cheaper and available working tools (𝑥̅ = 3.54). On trialability, smallholder farmers indicated that IRWHT was triable in different seasons and on observability smallholder farmers had a positive perception (𝑥̅ = 3.81) towards observable improved crop yield. Smallholder farmers had a positive perception (𝑥̅ = 4.14) of extension service support during the scaling-up of IRWHT although they indicated that the extension service support had ceased. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
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The effectiveness of Bhisho child and youth care Centre youth in conflict with the law rehabilitation programs
- Authors: Mzili, Hlumela
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Juvenile delinquency
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23731 , vital:58619
- Description: Youth in conflict with the law is seemingly becoming a significant problem in South Africa, especially in the Eastern Cape where youth engage in risk-taking activities, such as anti-social behaviour and criminal acts. This study builds on factors contributing to youth delinquency such as negative behaviours of parents, dysfunctional families, high crime rate in communities, poor self-concept, low literacy level, poor socio-economic status and no sense of belonging. Against this backdrop there are programmes put in place as a form of rehabilitation for the youth in an effort to eliminate from amongst them, recidivism that conflicts with the law. However, little importance has been given to the challenges faced when implementing such programmes, such as illiteracy, rebellion, deviance and lack of resilience among youth. This context informed the study’s aim to explore the effectiveness of the rehabilitation programmes at the Bhisho Child and Youth Care Centre. To achieve this aim, the study employed the qualitative research approach to explore the rehabilitation programmes. Data was collected through 20 semi-structured interviews with purposively sampled participants (children/youth and personnel from the centre) ranging from those who perpetrated the heavier crimes to those who perpetrated the least crimes. Collected data was analysed through thematic analysis whereby tape recordings were transcribed, sorted and interpreted under themes that show common cause or commonalities among the research participants. The main findings show that the programmes offered to the youth are effective and play an important role in curbing their criminal behaviour. The acts of the study recommend that the personnel at the Bhisho Child and Youth Care Centre be equipped with more developmental services which can enable them to produce more effectiveness to the programmes offered by the centre. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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Understanding the contribution of Land Use/Cover (LUC) classes on soil erosion and sedimentation using sediment fingerprinting technique and RUSLE in a GIS interface at sub-catchment level
- Authors: Taeni, Thembalethu (https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-7662-8652)
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Geographic information systems , Soil erosion , River sediments
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20920 , vital:46747
- Description: Soil erosion by water is the major source of soil degradation in the world, and South Africa (SA) is not an exception particularly in the Free State (FS) Province. In South Africa, the Caledon River Catchment in the FS Province has been identified as one of the regions where soil erosion has been prevalent for decades. Evidence across many parts of the catchment show a widespread of soil erosion and the contaminant flux associated with sediment into river systems and reservoirs; including the Welbedatcht dam and Carthcart-drift dam in Ladybrand. It is of these issues that the current work aimed at enhancing the understanding of sediment sources and soil erosion dynamics at the Caledon River Basin. The objectives of the study were to locate sources of suspended sediments and to assess and quantify the contribution of Land Use Cover (LUC) classes to water erosion and sediment yield at a sub – catchment level of the Caledon River Basin. To achieve the objectives set out for this research, a study was conducted at a sub - catchment level of the Caledon River Basin in the FS Province, South Africa. The sediment–fingerprinting approach and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model were used in the study under Geographic Information System (GIS) settings. A qualitative and quantitative interpretation of the geochemical data were used to evaluate the potential for distinguishing catchment sediment sources. The application of multivariate sediment mixing models incorporating Monte Carlo simulations was undertaken to investigate recent variations in sediment sources. Lastly, to document the impact of LUC change on soil erosion; data from soil profile database, Landsat 8 OLI–TIRS and climate (i.e. rainfall) were used to assess and map the spatial and temporal pattern changes of soil erosion at a sub – catchment level as related to LUC changes. In this study, the sub–catchment was classified into 6 LUC classes. Thereafter soil erosion was quantified for three consecutive years namely; 2015, 2016 and 2018 using the soil erosion factors as GIS–layers. The investigation of sediment source types and spatial provenance in the catchment showed that the grassland areas have consistently been the main sediment source (83 percent) throughout the study period. Findings further showed that there was an increase in contributions from cultivation and abandoned cultivated fields. Sediment contribution from surface sources was dominant (54 percent) and thereafter, subsurface sediment input increased (62 percent). This trend is indicative of increased severity of gully erosion in the area and thus is consistent with other studies. To comprehend the influence of LUC class modification dynamics on soil erosion, water erosion in particular at the sub-catchment commencing from 2015 to 2018 (4 years), multi-temporal Landsat 8 information jointly with the RUSLE model were used. A post-classification, LUC class alteration comparison revealed that water bodies, shrubs and forested region and grassland declined by 0.27 percent, 15.60 percent, and 37.60 percent, respectively. On the other hand, regions under Bad lands, and bare-soil and built-up regions including agricultural region expanded by 2.22 percent, 5.78 percent, and 45.67 percent respectively, between 2015 to 2018 study period. The average yearly soil loss decreased at the sub-catchment and was 10.23,5.71 and 5.82 t ⋅ ha -1 ⋅ yr-1 for 2015, 2016 and 2018 respectively. Although soil loss lessened for the duration of the perceived period, a closer scrutiny revealed that there were nonetheless seeming signs of persistent escalation in soil loss risk. These signs were mostly shown in the elevated parts of the sub-catchment as shown by the red regions on the soil loss map. Additional examination of soil loss findings by LUC classes categories further indicated that most LUC classes categories, including Bare-soil and built-up area, agricultural-land, grassland, and region under shrubs and forests, showed increased soil loss levels during the 4 years’ study period at the sub-catchment. The information on the comparative vividness of diverse sediment sources given by the study must be observed as a noteworthy development towards an understanding of the sediment source dynamics in agricultural river based catchments; more so of the Caledon River Basin. Further research is recommended for other erosion prone catchments in South Africa to identify additional evidence of the spatial and temporal variations in soil erosion and sediment sources. The results of the study suggest that the procedure of assimilating the GIS and RS with the RUSLE model is not just precise, time-efficient and exact in recognizing soil erosion susceptible regions in geospatial and temporal standings. However, it is a cost-efficient substitute to standard field-founded approaches. , Thesis (MSc) (Soil Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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Using narratives to understand consumer behaviour, nutrition knowledge perceptions and experiences amongst women at Thembeni Location
- Authors: Ben, Sive https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4186-924X
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Women -- Nutrition
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20164 , vital:45381
- Description: Orientation: Nutrition knowledge is an important aspect which shapes the lived experiences of women when they are making a purchase. South Africa, being a developing country, is faced with many challenges that have in turn subjected rural women to various challenges in approaching nutrition. These challenges include but are not limited to low economic status, low levels of education, and lack of developmental programmes that are structured to cater for rural women. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences and the perceptions of rural women concerning nutrition knowledge. Motivation for the study: This study was conducted with a motivation to understand how a sample of women in a rural area approach issues of nutrition. In understanding this, women can be empowered in asserting the approach to consumer behaviour. Research design: A phenomenological philosophy was adopted using a qualitative tradition in pursuit of the research objective. A judgemental sampling technique was utilised to sample 20 women and semi-structured interviews were undertaken and the gathered data on the experiences and perceptions of women was analysed by way of narrative analysis. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
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An analysis of technical efficiency and service effectiveness for freight railways in African and European countries
- Authors: Mfiyo, Azania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0967-9756
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Freight and freightage , Railroads -- Freight
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20186 , vital:45406
- Description: For the past decades, technical efficiency and service effectiveness have become topical as performance measures in various sectors. However, a comparison of technical efficiency and service effectiveness for freight rail transport has received less attention in African and European countries. To address this challenge the current study seeks to analyse technical efficiency and service effectiveness of rail freight in African and European countries. Due to data unavailability in other countries, this study selected four African countries (South Africa, Morocco, Democratic Republic of Congo and Algeria) and four European countries (Lithuania, Austria, France and Germany). The data has been collected from the World Bank, International Union of Railway Statistics and Knoema for the period 2017. Input oriented and output oriented data envelope analysis (DEA) were used to analyze technical efficiency and service effectiveness, respectively. The application of DEA requires the selection of appropriate inputs, production and output variables. This study selected a number of employees and length of rail lines as input variables, gross train tonne kilometres (km) as production variable, tonnes carried and tonne kilometres (km) as output variables. The result shows that five out of eight countries were technical efficient and their services effective with values equal to 1.00. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyse the relationship between technical efficiency and service effectiveness. The results indicate that there is a statistically significant positive correlation between technical efficiency and service effectiveness. To determine the impact exogenous variables on technical efficiency and service effectiveness, a Tobit regression analysis was conducted. The results show that technical efficiency and service effectiveness are not significantly affected by exogenous variables. On the other hand, technical efficiency is significantly affected by the number of employees while service effectiveness is significantly affected by gross train tonne km. This study recommends the use of less labour intensive assets and monitoring of gross train tonne km should be viewed as important strategies to improve technical efficiency and service effectiveness, respectively. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
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An Updated Catalogue and Review of Afrotherian (Afroplacentalia) Mammals in the Amathole Museum Collection, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Mahala, Buyiswa
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Mammals
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20741 , vital:46513
- Description: The Mammalogy Collection of the Amathole Museum is one of the most comprehensive mammal collections in Africa, with a specialisation in southern African fauna. It was accumulated over almost 100 years, in some instances from areas that no longer support sustainable populations of wildlife. The collection, therefore, is irreplaceable. A museum collection is only as good as its accessibility to students and researchers for it to perform its functions as a biodiversity archive. Accessibility, in turn, depends on up-to-date taxonomy and classification; good curation practices; public awareness of the collection; and electronic access to the details of the collection’s composition. The higher-level taxonomy of the Class Mammalia has undergone extensive changes since the adoption of molecular systematic techniques. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on large DNA sequence databases consistently group placental mammals into four superorders: Laurasiatheria (carnivores, bats, ungulates, whales); Euarchontoglires, a super-clade that includes primates (apes, monkeys and allies), rodents (mouse, rat and guinea pig), lagomorphs, (rabbit and hares), dermopterans (flying lemurs or colugos) and scandentians (tree shrew); Xenarthra (armadillos, anteaters, sloths), and Afrotheria (elephants, sea cows, tenrecs, aardvarks, sengis, golden moles, hyraxes). New relationships have been recognised that have required the erection of new taxonomic groups. Most of the Amathole Museum mammal collection was assembled and accessioned long before this new system was devised, and I undertook this project to begin the re-organisation of the collection according to the new information. I conducted and audit and inventory of all specimens of Afrotheria, or the mammals of African origin, housed in the Amathole Museum collection. I photographed the specimens and corrected and updated their taxonomic details. As we now live in an age of digital information, natural history collections need to be available online to extend public access. Specimen details were entered into Excel files, and their localities were mapped. This kind of information has the possibility of transforming biological curricula to include more authentic and inquiry-driven educational experiences. My future goals are to acquire Malagasy tenrecs for the Amathole Afrotheria collection, and to investigate the taxonomic validity of the Amathole hyrax collection, as many specimens were found with confusing and out-of-date classifications. , Thesis (MSc) (Zoology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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Assessing the invasive status and reproductive ecology of two Crataegus species in South Africa; Crataegus monogyna Jacq and C. mexicana DC
- Authors: Tshilingalinga, Sydney
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Crataegus monogyna , Nonindigenous pests , Biological invasions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20904 , vital:46740
- Description: In South Africa different species, from the genus Crataegus, including Crataegus monogyna Jacq and C. mexicana DC have been introduced for various reasons in the past. Populations of these plants have now established in multiple provinces. However, the invasive status, risk and insect pollinators that promote their reproduction and dispersal have never been studied in South Africa. This study was aimed at 1) Assessing the risk of, and mapping two Crataegus species, Crataegus monogyna Jacq and C. mexicana DC in South Africa, 2) Determining the role and effectiveness of insects pollinators to fruiting of C. monogyna and C. mexicana, 3) Identifying flower visitors of C. monogyna and C. mexicana, and 4) documenting potential dispersal vectors for both species in the Eastern Cape Province. A framework entitled “Framework and guideline for conducting risk analysis under NEM: BA Alien and Invasive Species Regulation of 2014” was used to assess the risk of the two Crataegus spp, and we conducted field trips to various provinces in SA to map their distribution. The author conducted an exclusion experiment to determine the role and effectiveness of insect pollinators. Observations were conducted to identify flower visitors and potential dispersal vectors for both species. The risk analysis results suggested that both species pose a high risk of becoming invasive in South Africa. The eradication feasibility of both species was found to be medium with C. monogyna having an eradication feasibility score of 5 and C. mexicana having an eradication feasibility score of 4. This meant that there was a 50 percent chance for both species to be eradicated in South Africa currently. After a thorough risk analysis, it was recommended that both species be listed under category 1b on the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act. Category 1b species are invasive species that need to be controlled, and if possible, they must be eradicated, trading of species from this category is not allowed. Crataegus mexicana was found to be widespread in South Africa with ten relatively small populations distributed in 5 provinces; Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and Eastern Cape Province. Crataegus monogyna was found not to be widespread in South Africa, with only three populations found in the Eastern Cape Province. Insect pollinators contribute to the fruiting of both species in SA. However, the exotic plants were also observed to be able to self-pollinate when insects are excluded. Flowers of C. monogyna were visited by various insect species from orders Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera, while C. mexicana is visited by species from the order Hymenoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera and Coleoptera. Seventy-seven percent (77 percent) of potential dispersal vectors observed for C. monogyna were birds, and 15 percent were mammals. For C. mexicana, 71 percent of potential dispersal vectors observed were mammals, and 29 percent were birds. Crataegus monogyna and C. mexicana are emerging invasive alien species in South Africa, and not much is known about them. Although the two species are listed as invasive weeds in South Africa, very little is known about their invasive status in other parts of the world. This study has managed to give baseline information and data about both species which are already in South Africa. The baseline information and data include the population structure of both species, their distribution, the risk they pose to South Africa biodiversity and their reproduction ecology. Currently, there are no management plans in place for both species in South Africa, and this is because they are not listed yet in the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act of South Africa. However, this study recommends that current populations continue to be monitored, awareness of both species in various provinces be initiated to help in the discovery of new and emerging populations, and management options of large populations developed in the future. , Thesis (MSc) (Entomology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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Civil protests and their impact on human rights in the Republic of South Africa
- Authors: Melvin, Kokwe Sonwabo
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Protest movements -- South Africa , Human rights -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/28184 , vital:73806
- Description: This mini dissertation investigates civil protests and their impact on human rights in the Republic of South Africa. South Africa is a democratic country that subscribes to representative democracy. Its civilians vote for political parties that elect members to represent them in parliament or in government. Civilians are not members of armed forces, such as police, soldiers, or fire fighters. These people are ordinary citizen with no power or authority to engage in war as they do not have arms or gear to do so. Whenever they feel aggrieved with situation or action by authorities (political leaders, government, or employers), they embark on protest to voice their grievances or disapproval. However, in the process of protest there have been developments of intimidation, vandalism, abuse, and violation of other people's rights. This happens even though the right to protest is enshrined to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. Section 17 of the constitution guarantees civilians the right to protest. It further stipulates the way in which protests should be conducted. The fact that protest is recognised as a right, means it plays an important role in assisting civilians expressing dissatisfaction with current situations and assert demands for social, political, and economic change. Additionally, the right to protest gives citizens right to participate in discourse. It is the individual and/or collective exercise of existing and universally recognised human rights that affords civilians opportunity to demand dignity, freedom of association and expression from authorities. Although this right is fundamental, it has its limitations, and its impact is crucial to human rights. This is so because every protest is human right inclined. Hence, this mini dissertation attempts to contribute to academic discourse by bringing forth human rights perspective on the impact of civil protest. The discourse has been majorly influenced by the following disciplines: sociology, social psychology, anthropology, political science, economics, and public administration. The existence of this study attempts to conscientize civilians about the importance of respecting, supporting, and protecting human rights. The study found that violent protests have negative impact on human rights. The negative impact is not only experienced by non-protesting civilians, but by protesting civilians. Because of the interdependency of rights, the study has also found that infringement of one right can lead to the violation of other rights. For instance, the burning of infrastructure such as clinic does not violate the right to access health only, but also violate the right to life, education, and security. Therefore, the study concludes that civilian's use of violence during protest action does not advance section 17 of the Constitution. Instead, it violates the same section or right. Moreover, negative impact of violent protests cost civilians dearly. Because after destroying property, the same civilians that destroy property are the ones who suffers. For instance, burning of police vehicles, makes it difficult for police to attend civilian's calls for help. Lastly, this mini dissertation concludes by recommending areas where government and civilians need to consider in respecting, supporting, and protecting human rights in a protest. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Law, 2021
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Multi-grade teaching strategies used by rural primary school teachers at Amatole East Education district
- Authors: Masebe, Nocawe https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-4809-4643
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Combination of grades , Resource programs (Education)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20068 , vital:45105
- Description: The purpose of the study was to assess multi-grade classroom teaching strategies in rural primary schools at Amatole East Education District. The lens with which to view pedagogical practices of multi-grade teaching was through Bronfenbrenner Ecological System on Human Development and Vygotsky’s Social Learning Theory. An interpretivist paradigm within a qualitative research approach was chosen as befitting the study. The study sampled four primary schools in Amathole East Education District, with eight participants purposively selected. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, classroom observations and documents. Data gathering instruments utilised were Interview Schedule, Observation Sheets and Document Checklist. Data was analysed and interpreted through thematic and content analysis. Peer tutoring, self-directed learning and group-work were found to be the most effective teaching strategies in classroom-based teaching. Instructional techniques that involved teacher–directed activities and learner-directed learning activities were viewed as most beneficial for learners in multi-grade settings. However, multi-grade teachers struggled in coping with the utilisation of time and resources in teaching learners of different grade levels combined in the same classroom. The study concludes that during separate grade teaching, grade-by-grade approach, thematic teaching or individual seatwork utilisation of differentiated tasks accommodate application of a variety of teaching strategies. Thus the study suggests that pedagogical practices can be differentiated to address learners’ diverse learning needs, paying more attention to struggling learners. It is further recommended that teachers in multi-grade situations be equipped with special multi-grade teacher training through in-service training programs to overcome challenges of teaching in multi-grade settings. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2021
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Production performance, socioeconomic benefits, and agricultural extension services support of scavenging chicken farmers in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Fentele, Ziphozethu https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-7939-2964
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Broilers (Chickens) , Poultry -- Breeding
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21490 , vital:48751
- Description: Scavenging chicken production plays a significant role in the lives of rural farmers as it ensures food security by providing eggs and meat to rural farmers almost in all developing nations. Rural farmers not only consume scavenging chickens, they also sell live chickens to customers to generate immediate income and are able to acquire other products using the money from the sales. The purpose of this study was to investigate production performance, socioeconomic benefits, and agricultural extension services support for scavenging chicken producers. The study was carried out in eight villages in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This study employed the multistage sampling technique for data collection from respondents between October and November 2018. The study used descriptive statistics, frequencies, percentages and multiple linear regression models to analyse quantitative data that was collected from a survey of 161 rural farmers that rear scavenging chickens. The results reveal that the majority (68.3percent) of the respondents in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality were women, while 52percent were married. Forty-eight percent of the respondents had attained high school education. The majority (53.4percent) relied on social grants and a further majority (68.3percent) had 1 to 10 years of experience in scavenging chicken production. The majority (84.5percent) of the households had between 1 and 50 chickens, with an overwhelming majority (95percent) practising free range system. Most (74.5percent) of the chicken houses were built with scrap material found within the community. The supplementary feed that was mostly offered to scavenging chickens was maize. The majority (95.7percent) of respondents experienced disease outbreaks, the most dominant of which was the Newcastle disease. Most (94.4percent) of the farmers offered a variety of indigenous medicines, mainly Aloe Ferrox. In addition, the majority (88.8percent) of the respondents experienced predation challenges The primary purpose of rearing scavenging chickens was consumption. Chickens were slaughtered for home consumption while forty-two percent at most. Most (50.9percent) of the respondents indicated that they offered chickens as gifts and as friendly gestures. The majority (82.0percent) indicated that they did not use chicken for any cultural rituals. A large (88.2percent) number of the respondents felt food secured as a result of rearing scavenging chickens, as they access products such as eggs and meat. The majority (98.8percent) of the respondents had never received any form of training from agricultural extension services. The results of the multiple linear regression model revealed that independent variables such as number of chickens, type of cockerels, number of hens, type of housing, type of training and cost of trainings had strong statistical significant values (p<0.001) zero-order correlation with production performance,while age and gender had statistical significant values at (p<0.05) and (p<0.010). For the improvement of the production performance of scavenging chicken production of rural farmers, the study recommends massive campaign among the farmers by agricultural extension services to create awareness on the dangers inherent in the use of unorthodox approaches to treating pests and diseases in scavenging chicken. Scavenging chicken farmers could be supported with simple technologies that are affordable on housing, medication and feed supplements. Training should focus on housing, disease management and feeding of scavenging chickens. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
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Synthesis, characterization and in vitro biological studies of cholesterol-based carriers as potential therapeutic agents
- Authors: Ruwizhi, Ngonidzashe
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Drug delivery systems , Cholesterol
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20708 , vital:46443
- Description: Malaria, cancer and bacterial infections are numbered among the highest causes of fatalities. Most of the drugs used to combat these diseases suffer from resistance, poor absorption and bioavailability and high toxicity. Therefore, delivering a drug requires an excellent drug delivery system that must provide the medication at the site of action in the minimum time possible. Cholesterol is a sterol that is abundantly found in the human body and forms a part in the structure and organization of cell membranes. Many researchers have used cholesterol, especially in organic synthesis, because of its ready availability, low cost and functional groups that can be readily derivatized. In this research, different therapeutic agents (anticancer, antimalarial and antibacterial) were conjugated to cholesterol, and the synthesized compounds were characterized using FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR, Mass Spectroscopy, 2D 1H-13C, HSQC NMR and tested for in vitro biological activity. Thirteen compounds were successfully synthesized. CHS-Cur was the most effective against all Gram-positive bacterial strains, while CHS-Cur, CHS-ZD and C-CAC-ZD were effective against all the bacterial strains. C-CAC-Pyr showed good antiplasmodial activity with 97.75 and 97.83% inhibition at 20 and 10 μg/ml concentrations, respectively. The biological activity of some of the compounds was increased by the conjugation of cholesterol, while others displayed reduced biological activity. In vitro cytotoxicity of the synthesized compounds on HeLa (cervical cancer) cells showed that compounds 2 (7.559 μg/mL), 3 (5.840 μg/mL), 5 (1.44 mg/mL), 7 (4.308 μg/mL) and 11 (3.295 μg/mL) exhibited some good anticancer activity with IC50 values of less than 10 μg/mL. Treating T3T fibroblast cells with compounds 2, 4, 5, 6, and 10 did not reveal a cytotoxic effect on the normal cells when compared to the control, cisplatin. , Thesis (MSc) (Chemistry) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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The representation of women in Njabulo Ndebele’s The Cry of Winnie Mandela and Lauretta Ngcobo’s And They Didn’t Die: an African Feminist Perspective
- Authors: Mavuma, Nonkululo Liyasakha
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Feminism , Literature--Women authors
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22379 , vital:52033
- Description: This study seeks to interrogate the presentation of women in selected South African texts written by a male and female South African author, whose central thematic thrust is the role of women in their day-to-day struggles during the apartheid era. An in-depth analysis of the texts enables this dissertation to provide a comparative study of the representation of women in both texts. The study also examines the kinds of fictional representations that are found in the texts and their significance in the emancipation journey of women from the supremacy of apartheid and customary laws. This study is informed by African feminism, focusing on the stance of Obioma Nnaemeka and Molara Ogundipe-Leslie. African feminism is chosen as a framework for exploring the texts because it is a theory shaped by the resistance of African women against Western rule. The theory embraces debates about motherhood and the contestation about the roles of motherhood in a society. The theory ponders how motherhood is a source of empowerment, liberation and achievement in African societies. The theory affirms that women should equip themselves for effective resistance and participation in societal transformation. These two theorists are relevant because they are both committed to a critical investigation that seeks to differentiate present social conditions and their historical development. Their research examines the conceptualization of frameworks aimed at a social and cultural change grounded on the local and everyday experiences of women. The first chapter provides a broad overview of the study. This chapter highlights the significance of the study in terms of what it can contribute to scholarship on the representation of women in South African texts that reflect on the apartheid era, by analysing them through the lens of African feminism. The second chapter provides context to the critical reception of both novels, which outlines the focus of the research. This chapter also provides the theoretical framework, which provides an overview of the relevant theory on African Feminism that informs the study and highlights Nnaemeka and Ogundipe-Leslie’s concepts of ‘Nego-Feminism’ and ‘Stiwanism’. The third chapter focuses on analysing the portrayal of women in the texts, examining their interactions with one another, with men, and the subjugation they endure because of living in a patriarchal society. The fourth chapter provides a comparative study of the texts. Finally, the last chapter provides a conclusion, analysing the research findings. The study thus brings to the fore the similarities and differences in the representation of women in South African texts that were written in different decades by a male and female writer, that are nevertheless highlighting the same issues. Secondly, in exploring how women in the texts challenge the status quo, this research will hopefully expose how women are not constantly compliant and embracing marginalization as some texts present them but can be seen as having emancipative agency. The study, in particular, provides an analysis of the representation of women in the two novels, specifically, intending to compare and contrast the modalities of their representation in these works. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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: the representation of rape in Lewis Nkosi’s Mating Birds and Arthur Maimane’s Hate No More
- Authors: Yawa, Sibulele Yola
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: South Africa--Politics and government--1994 , Post-apartheid era--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21134 , vital:47131
- Description: The main aim of this thesis is to provide a literary study through a comparative analysis of how sexual politics are played out in the texts Mating Birds by Lewis Nkosi and Hate No More by Arthur Maimane. It seeks to determine the modalities of representation of rape in each text and also to investigate the extent to which the novels are similar or different in the way in which they represent sexual politics or the politics of rape during the apartheid era. This investigation was done using Frantz Fanon‟s postcolonial theory and, particularly, his seminal work, Black Skin, White Masks. Most importantly, for the purpose of this study, is Fanon‟s chapter on the love/sexual relationships between the man of colour and the white woman. This is helpful as Fanon touches on what he believes the attraction of the man of colour to the white woman stems from. Using Fanon‟s theory, one discovers that the motivation for Ndi Sibiya to allegedly rape Veronica stems from his anger at the system of apartheid and its oppression of black people. This is similar to Philip Mokone‟s case; the novel explicitly states that he was motivated by anger and his rape of Jean Ryan was a form of communication to the white people and the apartheid system. , Thesis (MA) (English) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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A framework to improve social media as a communication tool in technical vocational education and training colleges in South Africa: a case of twitter.
- Authors: Nyamanhare, Sangudzayi Innocent
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Social media , Education, Higher , Universities and colleges
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20495 , vital:46008
- Description: South Africa uses social media as a communication tool. The use of Twitter as a communication tool in Technical Vocational Education and Training Colleges (TVET) in South Africa is a crucial factor for efficient and effective communication between TVET College administration and stakeholders such as prospective students, students, prospective employers, prospective employees and the Twitter community which follow various Twitter accounts. Literature has found that TVET Colleges use Twitter in a monologic manner which promotes one-way information flow. Twitter is also used in a limited fashion and within silos within TVET Colleges that have incorporated this social media platform into their communication strategy. The main purpose of this research study was to develop a framework to improve social media as a communication tool in TVET Colleges in South Africa. The Social Media-Integration- Theory-Model was used as the theoretical framework to evaluate the use of Twitter in TVET Colleges in South Africa, thus enabling the development of critical success factors to improve the use of social media as a communication tool. The Interpretivist paradigm and qualitative research approach was chosen for this study. Netnography was used to collect the online data from Twitter that was analysed in the study. Data was collected from 36 TVET Colleges in South Africa that have a Twitter account over a one-year period (April 2019 – March 2020). After the data collection, content and thematic analysis were used to analyse the date. The study developed a framework from the analyses of tweets which incorporated the four constructs from the Social-Media-Integration-Theory-Model. The study also developed five critical success factors, namely, procuring and maintaining of ICT infrastructure; implementing a policy that guide the use of social networks for communication purposes in TVET Colleges; raising awareness on the use of Twitter as a tool for communication; intensive training to manage administration of Twitter accounts and appointing champions to promote Twitter as a communication tool in TVET Colleges. , Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems)-- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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Adolescent sexual reproductive health and rights in the Alice area, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Moko, Zukhanye
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Reproductive health , Right to health , HIV infections
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20676 , vital:46423
- Description: Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) is a significant aspect of adolescent’s growth. Adolescents particularly girls face the risk of exposure to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), child marriages, high rates of unwanted pregnancy and the risk of those pregnancies can lead to unsafe abortion. In South Africa, considerable progress has been made in achieving improved access to Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) among the general population, however, some factors influencing SRHR of adolescents and young people have been slow to achieve. The study aims to investigate factors influencing Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights of adolescents in Alice, which is located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The Social-Ecological Model was considered appropriate for this study as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the multiple and interacting determinants of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights. A qualitative methodology was adopted, involving focus groups with high school learners, in-depth interviews with institutional actors (Department of Health, Basic Education and Social Development), and participant observations. The study reveals that adolescents’ have access to Sexual Reproductive Health services from healthcare centres but only a few utilize or access them due to barriers such as the geographical location, denial and judgement about young people's sexuality limits their access to comprehensive knowledge to protect and promote their Sexual and Reproductive Health. The findings show that the adolescents who were most affected by Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights challenges were those from deep rural areas. They had minimal information/education compared to those residing in areas close to the town of Alice and major roads. Multi-sectoral interventions empowering adolescents and young people to exercise their rights to optimize SRHR service yield better results. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science & Agriculture, 2021
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An analysis of students’ constructions of the ‘fees must Fall’ movement at an historically black university
- Authors: Chandler, Kelly Jean
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Student movements , College students--Political activity , Student protesters
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21058 , vital:46939
- Description: The ‘Fees Must Fall’ movement which occured in 2015 and 2016 was a major national event which affected most higher education institutions in South Africa. This research considers the constructions of the ‘Fees Must Fall’ movement at an historically black university, namely, the University of Fort Hare. Furthermore, the research analyzes how students are positioned in their constructions in relation to the movement. The study aims to contribute to the understanding of the lived experiences of student activists in the 2015 and 2016 ‘Fees Must Fall’ movement at the University of Fort Hare. The data collection method used was a convenience sampling method with seven participants interviewed. Making use of the guidelines of a Foucauldian Discourse Analysis, four primary discourses were identified from the data collected: coercion discourses; fear discourses; financial discourses; and meritocracy discourses. The positions of students were varied and consisted of both agentic and submissive positions, with the student representative council frequently being positioned dominantly. The theoretical framework also included Michel Foucault’s theories of governmentality and biopower which contributed significantly to the understandings of institutional power in the university context. The research is conducted against ethical backdrop of the philosophies and guidelines of postcolonial psychology. The broader context of South Africa is observed and discussed, specifically recognizing the legacy of apartheid and other historical antecedents such as colonization. The issues of transformation, institutional racism, and decolonization are placed at the forefront of this research endeavour. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) (Psychology) - - University of Fort Hare, 2021
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Bio-utilization of keratinous waste biomass for the production of keratinolytic proteases by Chryseobactreium aquifrigidense isolated from poultry waste dumpsite
- Authors: Bokveld, Amahle
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Keratin
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20550 , vital:46120
- Description: Keratin is an insoluble and a fibrous protein that is mostly found in feathers, animal wool, and hair, making them mechanically stable. Avian feathers are the most ubiquitously generated keratinous waste biomass from the poultry processing plants. Keratinous waste biomass valorization could produce amino acids and bioactive peptides. Hence, the bio-recycling of keratin-rich wastes bears an advantage over the chemical and thermal means. In recent times, the microbial keratinases continues to gain traction due to the litany of their potential significance in green technology. Consequently, this study assessed chicken feather degrading and keratinase production potentials of bacteria isolated from a local poultry dumpsite. Soil samples were collected from the poultry dumpsite. Bacteria were isolated using basal salt medium and screened for keratinolytic activity. The identification of potent chicken feather degrading bacterial isolates was through 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Keratinase production efficiency of isolates on chicken feather constituted medium was optimized. Hydrolysate's amino acid compositions were quantified, and the keratinases produced was characterized. Out of 22 bacteria isolated from the soil samples, 12 showed a varying degree of proteolytic activity on skimmed milk agar. Four (4) isolates, coded as FPS-01, FPS-07, FPS-09, WDS-06, out of the 12 proteolytic strains further displayed remarkable degradation of the intact chicken feather; percentage degradation ranged from 69 percent for FPS-01 to 88 percent for FPS-09. The extracellular keratinase activity ranged from 610.91 ± 56.57 U/mL for WDS-06 and 834.55 ± 66.86 U/mL for FPS-07. Additionally, the sulfhydryl group concentration quantified from the fermentation broth was 2.22 ± 0.37 (mM), 0.22 ± 0.08 (mM), 2.27 ± 0.09 (mM), and 2.76 ± 0.79 (mM) for FPS-01, FPS-07, FPS-09 and WDS-06, respectively. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, the isolates FPS-07 and FPS-09 were identified as Chryseobacterium aquifrigidense FANN1 and Chryseobacterium aquifrigidense FANN2. Following the optimization process, the improved fermentation conditions were pH 6, inoculum side (4 percent, v/v), temperature (30 oC), and chicken feather (0.5-1.5 percent, w/v) for FANN1. FANN2 optimal fermentation conditions were pH 6, inoculum (5 percent, v/v), temperature (30 oC), and chicken feather (1.5 percent, w/v). Both bacterial isolates showed the highest extracellular keratinase production after 72 h of the fermentation time. Analysis of the hydrolysates generated from the bacteria fermentation showed a high concentration of arginine, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, proline, valine, and leucine at a respective concentration of 1.13, 1.02, 0.83, 0.94, 0.85, 0.84, and 0.86 (g/100g sample) against FANN1. Similarly, FANN2 generated hydrolysate showed high concentrations of glutamic acid, arginine, serine, aspartic acid, and glycine at this respective abundance 2.52, 1.92, 2.12, 2.25 and 1.9 (g/100g sample). Keratinases from FANN1 and FANN2 showed optimal catalytic efficiency at pH 8 and temperature between 40-50 oC. The enzyme was considerably thermostable at 40 oC and 50 oC after 120 min of preheating. Both FANN1 and FANN2 showed variable residual activity in the presence of the different metal ions. Keratinase from FANN1 recorded the following residual activity of Fe3+ (120 ± 5.06 percent), Ca2+ (100 ± 10.33 percent), Na+ (122 ± 2.95 percent), Al3+ (106 ± 10.33 percent). Likewise, FANN2 keratinase showed remarkable stability against Na+ (108 ± 13.71 percent), Ba2+ (102 ± 0.86 percent), Al3+ (105 ± 2.57 percent), and Ca2+ (96 ± 2.99 percent). Keratinase from FANN1 was catalytically activated after 60 min of pre-treatment with the following detergents, Sunlight (129 percent), Ariel (116 percent), MAQ (151 percent), and Surf (143 percent) compared to the control. FANN2 keratinase showed less stability with laundry detergents after 60 min of preincubation. FANN1 keratinase showed remarkable stability in the presence of chemical agents tested, with residual activity of 90 ± 0.18 percent, 105 ± 7.55 percent, 108 ± 4.31 percent, 123 ± 1.44 percent, 132 ± 1.26 percent, 96 ± 7.19 percent, and 101 ± 3.06 percent for DTT, hydrogen peroxide, DMSO, acetonitrile, triton X-100, tween-80, and SDS, respectively. The enzyme activity was also considerably inhibited by PMSF and EDTA, which suggested a mixed type of protease. Furthermore, keratinase from FANN2 was inhibited by EDTA, and such inhibition pattern grouped it as a metallo-type of protease. The enzyme was also stable in the presence of other chemical agents tested. Therefore, the findings suggest the isolates and their enzymes' relevance to sustainable recycling of recalcitrant keratinous wastes into high-value products with immense application potentials. The remarkable stability shown by keratinases from FANN1 and FANN2, post detergent and chemical agents pre-treatment, indicates promise for the biotechnology and industrial sector. , Thesis(MSc) (Microbiology) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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Bioconversion of chicken feather into amino acids and keratinase production by mesophilic Chryseobacterium proteolyticum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from municipal waste dumpsites
- Authors: Giwu, Nonkonzo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9416-7896
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Poultry -- Processing , Proteolytic enzymes
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22732 , vital:52720
- Description: Chicken feathers are by-products of poultry processing which are generated in large amount because of the global growing demand for poultry meats. They have high contents of crude proteins in the form of keratin which could be valorized into digestible products. Keratinases are classified as a specific collection of proteolytic enzymes that have the ability for the degradation of recalcitrant keratinous substrates. Isolation and characterization of these enzymes from various microbial producers are gaining prominence in recent years due to their industrial and biotechnological application potentials. For this research, the collection of soil samples was done as well as the isolation of bacteria and the screening for keratinolytic activity. 16S rDNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were used to identify the isolates with efficient chicken feathers degrading capacity. Optimum conditions for the fermentation prcocess was enhanced for the production of keratinase. The fermentation broth was also analysed for various amino acids of protein, and the biochemical properties of the enzymes were likewise determined. Twenty two (22) bacteria were isolated from the soil samples, and 18 out of the 22 isolates showed proteolytic activity on solid media with diameters of halo zone that ranged from 5 ± 0.71 mm for isolate coded as PSS-03 to 25 ± 1.41 mm for isolate coded as PSS-06. Intact chicken feathers were degraded by proteolytic bacterial isolates in variable degree that ranged from 24percent for PSS-10 and 81percent for DSS-02. Extracellular keratinase production recorded for the isolates ranged from 63.63 ± 4.14 U/mL for PSS-10 to 693.63 ± 62.99 U/mL for DSS-02. Based on 16S rDNA sequence and phylogenetic analysis, the 2 isolates with remarkable keratinolytic activity coded as DSS-02 and PSS-14 were identified as Chryseobacterium proteolyticum FGNn and Pseudomonas aeruginosa GNFx. C. proteolyticum showed the maximum keratinase production of 756.36 U/mL after 72 h of incubation at optimized fermentation conditions which involved initial medium pH (4), incubation temperature (30 oC), inoculum size (2percent; v/v), and chicken feathers (1.5percent; w/v). Similarly, P. aeruginosa optimally produced keratinase (1055.45 U/mL) after 96 h of incubation at optimized fermentation conditions that involved initial medium pH (7-8), incubation temperature (30 oC), inoculum size (5percent; v/v), and chicken feathers (2.5percent; w/v). Furthermore, feather hydrolysate from C. proteolyticum FGNn had relatively higher abundance (>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. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
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Chicken feather delipidation by lipolytic bacteria isolated from an aquatic environment
- Authors: Shiri, Tariro https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0290-9854
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Keratin
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21479 , vital:48693
- Description: Keratinous biomass contributes a significant proportion of agro-based wastes in the ecosystem with minimal potentials for valuable product recovery. The generation of huge quantities of chicken feather from poultry processing farms prompts the valorization attempt via diverse avenues. Chicken feathers are a rich source of valuable keratin, yet the overall value chain is rudimentary based on unsustainable recovery techniques involving corrosive chemicals and high energy input processes. Although attempts have been made to extract keratin using microbial techniques successfully, the pre-treatment stage remains dominated by chemical use. Chicken feathers are composed of approximately 91percent keratin, 1percent lipids, and 8percent water. Therefore, lipid removal is a critical step in the valorization process as they contribute to access hindrance of the keratinases and other sulfitolytic systems to keratin. Consequently, the study undertook to explore the environment for lipolytic bacteria capable of degrading chicken feathers' lipid components. Sediment samples were collected for bacteria isolation. The bacteria were evaluated for lipolytic activity, and the potent isolates were identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The fermentation conditions for the production of extracellular lipases were optimized, and the produced lipases were characterized. Lastly, chicken feather lipids were hydrolysed with lipolytic bacteria. Out of twenty bacteria isolated from the sediment samples, six isolates coded as ACT003, ACT004, ACT010, ACT013, ACT016, and ACT019 showed lipolytic activity on solid media with a respective diameter of 12 mm, 66 mm, 29 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, and 10 mm. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, the isolates coded as ACT004 and ACT010 were identified as Bacillus sp. TTs1 and Bacillus sp. TTs2; and the nucleotide sequences were submitted to GenBank (NCBI) with the accession numbers MW556206 and MW556207, respectively. Bacillus sp. TTs1 showed the maximum lipase production of 641.25 U/mL at 72 h, under optimized conditions that included initial pH (5), inoculum size (2percent, v/v), incubation temperature (45 oC), agitation speed (140 rpm), CaCl2 (0.01percent, w/v), yeast extract (1percent, w/v), and tween-80 (10percent, v/v). Similarly, the lipase production by Bacillus sp. TTs2 peaked at 96 h with enzyme activity of 618.8 U/mL in improved fermentation conditions consisting of initial pH (5), inoculum size (2-8percent, v/v), incubation temperature (25 oC), agitation speed (180 rpm), CaCl2 (0.01percent, w/v), yeast extract and peptone (1percent, w/v), and tween-80 (10percent, v/v). The evaluation of chicken feather concentrations on free fatty acid liberation showed that 6-8percent (w/v) chicken feather was adequate with free fatty acids contents of 0.58percent and 0.86percent for Bacillus sp. TTs1 and Bacillus sp. TTs2, respectively. Both isolates' lipases showed remarkable catalytic efficiency at pH and temperature of 7 and 40oC, respectively. The comparative analysis of residual lipids between pre-and post-fermentation indicated a 39.9 ± 7.8percent and 51.2 ± 20.2percent hydrolysis efficiency for Bacillus sp. TTs1 and Bacillus sp. TTs2, respectively. This study's findings indicated the lipolytic potentials of Bacillus spp. and suggest the possibility of a full bio-based approach for chicken feather lipid removal in the valorization of chicken feathers. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
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Electrochemical sensing based on functionalised carbon dots prepared by bottom-up approach
- Authors: Madikizela, Ziyanda https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0405-8464
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Electrochemical analysis , Electrodes, Carbon
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22545 , vital:52424
- Description: This research was aimed at preparing carbon dots using the microwave method as a bottomup synthetic approach. The prepared carbon dots were them to be used as an electrode modifier in electrochemical detection of metal ion. The structure of the carbon dots prepared were characterized using different techniques including the FTIR, TEM, UV-Vis, PL, XRD and Raman Spectroscopy. It was observed that the nanoparticles consisted of carboxylic acid, amine and alcohol functional groups at their core and surface. UV-Vis and PL revealed that the carbon dots absorb more light in the visible and ultraviolet region, and the sizes of the carbon dots prepared were less than 10 nm. The carbon dots were then utilized for electrochemical sensing of Cd2+ ion, which is considered as one of harmful heavy metal ion when not controlled. Glassy carbon electrode modified with the carbon dots was utilized for the detection of Cd2+ through square wave voltammetry. Effect of different experimental parameters was studied which include electrode preparation, frequency, and amplitude. The electrochemical characterization of the electrode was done using the cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), the modified electrode was found conductive with much improved electrochemical performances. The obtained detection limit for Cd2+ sensing was 9.39 ppb, the developed C-dots modified GCE electrode was also tested with tap water Cd2+ spiked solution to demonstrate its implementation in real sample analysis. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
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