Chemical composition and in vitro ruminal degradation of diets containing Vachellia karro leaf meal and their effect on physiological responses of indigenous Xhosa lop-eared goats
- Authors: Mfisi, Khanyisa
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Ruminants--Feeding and feeds , Animal nutrition
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20719 , vital:46460
- Description: The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition and in vitro ruminal dry matter degradation (DMD) of Vachellia karro leaf meal-containing diets and their effect on feed intake and physiological responses of indigenous Xhosa lop-eared goats. Experimental diets containing 0 percent (Treatment 1), 15 percent (Treatment 2) and 30 percent (Treatment 3) Vachellia karroo leaf meal were mixed with grass hay and crushed maize. Samples of each diet were analysed for chemical composition and in vitro ruminal DM degradability. A total of 18 eight-month-old indigenous Xhosa lop-eared goats, initially weighing 20.81 ± 1.83 kg were randomly assigned to each diet in a Completely Randomized Design. The goats were confined in individual well-ventilated roofed pens and each dietary treatment had a total of 6 goats. The feed was offered at a rate of 3 percent of live weight twice a day, at 08:00 in the morning and at 16:00 in the afternoon. The experimental feeding trial lasted for 80 days, where 10 days was allowed for adaptation. Goat live weight, Average daily feed intake (ADFI), and Body condition scores (BCS) were recorded weekly FAMACHA scores and fecal eggs counts were also determined weekly. Blood samples were collected via vein puncture on the last day of the feeding trial for determination of glucose, total cholesterol, albumin and blood urea. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) crude protein (CP) and condensed tannins (CT) levels were observed in Vachellia karroo containing diets., while acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the control diet. During early hours of incubation, DMD was similar (P > 0.05) across all dietary treatments. At 12 to 72 hours, the DMD was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Vachellia karroo containing diets except at 48 hours. Correlation between DMD and NDF, ADF and fat was only visible at 24 hours. Fibre (ADF and NDF) were negatively related to DMD, while fat was positively related. A positive correlation was observed between DMD and DM, CP and ADFI. The body weight and BCS of goats was similar (P > 0.05) in all dietary treatments (P > 0.05). The ADFI was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Vachellia karroo supplemented goats. Faecal egg count and FAMACHA scores were significantly higher (P< 0.05) in the control group compared to the Vachellia karroo supplemented treatments; while glucose levels were significantly higher in goats supplemented with Vachellia karroo compared to non-supplemented goats. Cholesterol levels were similar (P > 0.05) across all experimental groups. Goats consuming 30 percent of Vachellia karroo leaf meal had higher (P < 0.05) creatinine levels than the non-supplemented treatment. Urea levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in goats fed 30 percent of Vachellia karroo leaf meal than other treatments. It was concluded that the inclusion of Vachellia karroo leaves improves diet quality, diet degradability, average daily feed intake and physiological responses. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mfisi, Khanyisa
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Ruminants--Feeding and feeds , Animal nutrition
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20719 , vital:46460
- Description: The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition and in vitro ruminal dry matter degradation (DMD) of Vachellia karro leaf meal-containing diets and their effect on feed intake and physiological responses of indigenous Xhosa lop-eared goats. Experimental diets containing 0 percent (Treatment 1), 15 percent (Treatment 2) and 30 percent (Treatment 3) Vachellia karroo leaf meal were mixed with grass hay and crushed maize. Samples of each diet were analysed for chemical composition and in vitro ruminal DM degradability. A total of 18 eight-month-old indigenous Xhosa lop-eared goats, initially weighing 20.81 ± 1.83 kg were randomly assigned to each diet in a Completely Randomized Design. The goats were confined in individual well-ventilated roofed pens and each dietary treatment had a total of 6 goats. The feed was offered at a rate of 3 percent of live weight twice a day, at 08:00 in the morning and at 16:00 in the afternoon. The experimental feeding trial lasted for 80 days, where 10 days was allowed for adaptation. Goat live weight, Average daily feed intake (ADFI), and Body condition scores (BCS) were recorded weekly FAMACHA scores and fecal eggs counts were also determined weekly. Blood samples were collected via vein puncture on the last day of the feeding trial for determination of glucose, total cholesterol, albumin and blood urea. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) crude protein (CP) and condensed tannins (CT) levels were observed in Vachellia karroo containing diets., while acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the control diet. During early hours of incubation, DMD was similar (P > 0.05) across all dietary treatments. At 12 to 72 hours, the DMD was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Vachellia karroo containing diets except at 48 hours. Correlation between DMD and NDF, ADF and fat was only visible at 24 hours. Fibre (ADF and NDF) were negatively related to DMD, while fat was positively related. A positive correlation was observed between DMD and DM, CP and ADFI. The body weight and BCS of goats was similar (P > 0.05) in all dietary treatments (P > 0.05). The ADFI was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Vachellia karroo supplemented goats. Faecal egg count and FAMACHA scores were significantly higher (P< 0.05) in the control group compared to the Vachellia karroo supplemented treatments; while glucose levels were significantly higher in goats supplemented with Vachellia karroo compared to non-supplemented goats. Cholesterol levels were similar (P > 0.05) across all experimental groups. Goats consuming 30 percent of Vachellia karroo leaf meal had higher (P < 0.05) creatinine levels than the non-supplemented treatment. Urea levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in goats fed 30 percent of Vachellia karroo leaf meal than other treatments. It was concluded that the inclusion of Vachellia karroo leaves improves diet quality, diet degradability, average daily feed intake and physiological responses. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
Compartmentalization of mineral elements, nutritional factors, biological potentials and phytochemical profiles in the fruits of Musa sinensis L.(Banana) and Musa paradisiaca L.(Plantain): A comparison among soft flesh, peel and boiled peel extract
- Oyeyinka, Barnabas Oluwatomide https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1191-9365
- Authors: Oyeyinka, Barnabas Oluwatomide https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1191-9365
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Bananas , Plantain banana
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23655 , vital:58274
- Description: Fruits are key contributors to human nutrition and health. However, banana and plantain are typical examples of fruits that have nutritionally under-utilized peel by-products. This study was thus carried out to investigate the compartmental distribution (soft flesh, peel, and boiled peel extract) of mineral elements, nutritional factors, biological potentials, and phytochemical profiles in M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca fruits (ripening stage 4-5), with focus on the peels. Proximal and and antinutritive analyses were done with standard methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), while mineral element composition in the fruit components was analyzed with the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The pharmacological potential of M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca fruit components was investigated spectrophotometrically by evaluating the polyphenolic constituents (total phenol, proanthocyanidin, flavonoid) and in vitro radical scavenging activities of the aqueous, acetone and ethanol extracts, using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assay models. The correlational evaluation of the polyphenolics and antioxidant activity in the components of both fruits using Pearson’s correlational coefficient (r). The proximal assays revealed that moisture content, fiber content, and carbohydratecontent were substantially present in the flesh and peel of M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca, while lipid content was low. The antinutritive results revealed safe levels of alkaloid, oxalate, phytate, and saponin factors in the flesh and peel by-products. Mineral analysis results indicated substantial levels of the macroelements K, Mg, Ca, and P in the peels. Other results revealed that acetone extracts had the highest phenolic, proanthocyanidin and flavonoid constituents respectively, across the soft flesh components ofM. sinensis (119.05 ± 5.80 mgGAE/g; 337.48 ± 13.16 mgCE/g; 602.64 ± 3.65 mgQE/g), M. paradisiaca (114.80 ± 1.49 mgGAE/g; 436.09 ± 36.44 mgCE/g; 777.35 ± 150.95mgQE/g) and the peel component of M. paradisiaca (136.87 ± 5.69 mgGAE/g; 530.06 ± 53.51 mgCE/g; 750.87 ± 55.61 mgQE/g), with an exception of the phenolic content of M. sinensis peel, where it was highest in the ethanol extract (157.19 ± 4.76 mgGAE/g). The ABTS (0.03 mg/mL) and DPPH (0.03 mg/mL) activities were at their highest in the boiled peel extracts of M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca, while ferric reducing power was highest in ethanol extracts across M. sinensis soft flesh, peel, and M. paradisiaca flesh. Acetone extract of M. paradisiaca peel had the highest ferric reducing capacity at peak concentration (0.1 mg/mL). Correlational analysis revealed a negative correlation between respective phenolic, proanthocyanidin, and flavonoid content and the IC50DPPH antioxidant capacity in M. sinensis flesh, M. sinensis peel and M. paradisiaca flesh. Conversely, there was positive correlation between IC50 DPPH with proanthocyanidin and flavonoid in M. paradisiaca peel. Negative correlation was detected between the phenolic, proanthocyanidin and flavonoid contents and IC50ABTS in M. sinensis flesh. Positive correlation was observed between respective phenolic, proanthocyanidin and flavonoid contentwith IC50 ABTS in M. sinensis peel, M. paradisiaca flesh and M. paradisiaca peel. There was negative correlation between the respective phenolic, proanthocyanidin and flavonoid contents and IC50 FRAP in the flesh of M. sinensis, while positive correlation was observed in M. sinensis peel. M. paradisiaca flesh on the other hand, showed positive correlation between the IC50 FRAP and the respective phytochemical contents. However, the peel, there was negative correlation. The correlational evaluation in this study revealed general positive and negative correlational patterns, which implies that no polyphenolic constituent contributed exclusively to antioxidant activity, but rather in combination. Ultrastructure and elemental spectra of M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca exocarps were analysed with electron microscopy (SEM)and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX). Microstructures such as interlocked, polyhedral epidermal cells, ellipsoid-shaped stomata, guard cells, intercellular space, anticlinal-patterned walls, and subsidiary cells were observed. The elemental spectra revealed the presence of elements such as potassium, iron, carbon, oxygen, silicon, and gold, with consistently high to relatively high carbon and oxygen peaks in M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca exocarps. The relative similarity observed in the constituents of a number of the elemental spectra in M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca peels, reflects some degree of relatedness. These outcomes indicate that banana and plantain peel and boiled peel extracts are nutritive, medicinal and potential nutraceuticals, with food preservative, shelf-life and quality enhancement potentials. The instrumentation in this study also have potential relevance in industrial food product analysis. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Oyeyinka, Barnabas Oluwatomide https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1191-9365
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Bananas , Plantain banana
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23655 , vital:58274
- Description: Fruits are key contributors to human nutrition and health. However, banana and plantain are typical examples of fruits that have nutritionally under-utilized peel by-products. This study was thus carried out to investigate the compartmental distribution (soft flesh, peel, and boiled peel extract) of mineral elements, nutritional factors, biological potentials, and phytochemical profiles in M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca fruits (ripening stage 4-5), with focus on the peels. Proximal and and antinutritive analyses were done with standard methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), while mineral element composition in the fruit components was analyzed with the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The pharmacological potential of M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca fruit components was investigated spectrophotometrically by evaluating the polyphenolic constituents (total phenol, proanthocyanidin, flavonoid) and in vitro radical scavenging activities of the aqueous, acetone and ethanol extracts, using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assay models. The correlational evaluation of the polyphenolics and antioxidant activity in the components of both fruits using Pearson’s correlational coefficient (r). The proximal assays revealed that moisture content, fiber content, and carbohydratecontent were substantially present in the flesh and peel of M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca, while lipid content was low. The antinutritive results revealed safe levels of alkaloid, oxalate, phytate, and saponin factors in the flesh and peel by-products. Mineral analysis results indicated substantial levels of the macroelements K, Mg, Ca, and P in the peels. Other results revealed that acetone extracts had the highest phenolic, proanthocyanidin and flavonoid constituents respectively, across the soft flesh components ofM. sinensis (119.05 ± 5.80 mgGAE/g; 337.48 ± 13.16 mgCE/g; 602.64 ± 3.65 mgQE/g), M. paradisiaca (114.80 ± 1.49 mgGAE/g; 436.09 ± 36.44 mgCE/g; 777.35 ± 150.95mgQE/g) and the peel component of M. paradisiaca (136.87 ± 5.69 mgGAE/g; 530.06 ± 53.51 mgCE/g; 750.87 ± 55.61 mgQE/g), with an exception of the phenolic content of M. sinensis peel, where it was highest in the ethanol extract (157.19 ± 4.76 mgGAE/g). The ABTS (0.03 mg/mL) and DPPH (0.03 mg/mL) activities were at their highest in the boiled peel extracts of M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca, while ferric reducing power was highest in ethanol extracts across M. sinensis soft flesh, peel, and M. paradisiaca flesh. Acetone extract of M. paradisiaca peel had the highest ferric reducing capacity at peak concentration (0.1 mg/mL). Correlational analysis revealed a negative correlation between respective phenolic, proanthocyanidin, and flavonoid content and the IC50DPPH antioxidant capacity in M. sinensis flesh, M. sinensis peel and M. paradisiaca flesh. Conversely, there was positive correlation between IC50 DPPH with proanthocyanidin and flavonoid in M. paradisiaca peel. Negative correlation was detected between the phenolic, proanthocyanidin and flavonoid contents and IC50ABTS in M. sinensis flesh. Positive correlation was observed between respective phenolic, proanthocyanidin and flavonoid contentwith IC50 ABTS in M. sinensis peel, M. paradisiaca flesh and M. paradisiaca peel. There was negative correlation between the respective phenolic, proanthocyanidin and flavonoid contents and IC50 FRAP in the flesh of M. sinensis, while positive correlation was observed in M. sinensis peel. M. paradisiaca flesh on the other hand, showed positive correlation between the IC50 FRAP and the respective phytochemical contents. However, the peel, there was negative correlation. The correlational evaluation in this study revealed general positive and negative correlational patterns, which implies that no polyphenolic constituent contributed exclusively to antioxidant activity, but rather in combination. Ultrastructure and elemental spectra of M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca exocarps were analysed with electron microscopy (SEM)and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX). Microstructures such as interlocked, polyhedral epidermal cells, ellipsoid-shaped stomata, guard cells, intercellular space, anticlinal-patterned walls, and subsidiary cells were observed. The elemental spectra revealed the presence of elements such as potassium, iron, carbon, oxygen, silicon, and gold, with consistently high to relatively high carbon and oxygen peaks in M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca exocarps. The relative similarity observed in the constituents of a number of the elemental spectra in M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca peels, reflects some degree of relatedness. These outcomes indicate that banana and plantain peel and boiled peel extracts are nutritive, medicinal and potential nutraceuticals, with food preservative, shelf-life and quality enhancement potentials. The instrumentation in this study also have potential relevance in industrial food product analysis. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
Conflict-induced displacement: a study of risk and support for the older refugees in South Africa
- Yusuf, Mohammed Sanusi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6871-0186
- Authors: Yusuf, Mohammed Sanusi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6871-0186
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Migration, Internal , Displacement (Psychology) , Refugees -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22231 , vital:52001
- Description: With the exponential rise in conflict scenarios globally, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees in foreign countries continues to grow. Although there has been several international efforts and conventions aimed at alleviating the global refugee crisis, the international community has not found a sustainable answer to this knotty problem. In Africa, with some of the worst conflict situations, the scourge of social displacement resulting in migrations have caused different levels of risks and vulnerability for the refugees, as well as capacity constraints for the host communities, governments of host countries and non-governmental bodies working with refugees. In South Africa, with one of the highest numbers of refugees in Africa, especially those coming from African countries, contention for socio-economic space and cultural differences occasionally result in violence between refugees and local people. For the older refugees, the level of risk exposure and hardship have generated interests for both scholars and officials. This thesis explores the risks and support systems for older refugees in South Africa, with specific focus on the Eastern Cape province. Various stakeholders (such as government, NGOs, host communities and the older refugees) in refugee management in South Africa have argued differently on ‘how best’ to manage older refugees in the country. Using qualitative data gathered from refugee communities in the Eastern Cape province and documentary analysis, the study found that the experiences of older refugees in the Eastern Cape province are nuanced. The dominant narrative on the experiences of older refugees indicate peaceful coexistence and resilient organic community support systems, with minor conflicts – often associated with contestations for scarce economic opportunities. Although the study focuses on one province of South Africa, this finding challenges the often-overgeneralised perception of South Africa as ‘xenophobic’. It unpacks the hidden resilient social systems and networks of relationships that bind local populations and the refugees, especially the older ones. In the search for national, regional and global answers on the best way to manage refugee crisis, this study provides insights into community-level structures and dynamics that would benefit policymaking at the national and international levels , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Yusuf, Mohammed Sanusi https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6871-0186
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Migration, Internal , Displacement (Psychology) , Refugees -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22231 , vital:52001
- Description: With the exponential rise in conflict scenarios globally, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees in foreign countries continues to grow. Although there has been several international efforts and conventions aimed at alleviating the global refugee crisis, the international community has not found a sustainable answer to this knotty problem. In Africa, with some of the worst conflict situations, the scourge of social displacement resulting in migrations have caused different levels of risks and vulnerability for the refugees, as well as capacity constraints for the host communities, governments of host countries and non-governmental bodies working with refugees. In South Africa, with one of the highest numbers of refugees in Africa, especially those coming from African countries, contention for socio-economic space and cultural differences occasionally result in violence between refugees and local people. For the older refugees, the level of risk exposure and hardship have generated interests for both scholars and officials. This thesis explores the risks and support systems for older refugees in South Africa, with specific focus on the Eastern Cape province. Various stakeholders (such as government, NGOs, host communities and the older refugees) in refugee management in South Africa have argued differently on ‘how best’ to manage older refugees in the country. Using qualitative data gathered from refugee communities in the Eastern Cape province and documentary analysis, the study found that the experiences of older refugees in the Eastern Cape province are nuanced. The dominant narrative on the experiences of older refugees indicate peaceful coexistence and resilient organic community support systems, with minor conflicts – often associated with contestations for scarce economic opportunities. Although the study focuses on one province of South Africa, this finding challenges the often-overgeneralised perception of South Africa as ‘xenophobic’. It unpacks the hidden resilient social systems and networks of relationships that bind local populations and the refugees, especially the older ones. In the search for national, regional and global answers on the best way to manage refugee crisis, this study provides insights into community-level structures and dynamics that would benefit policymaking at the national and international levels , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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Determination of acaricide resistance profiles, and geographic range of boophilid Rhipicephalus tick spp. (Acari: Ixodidae), and sero-status of tick-borne pathogens on communal cattle in the north-eastern regions of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Yawa, Mandla https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2402-298X
- Authors: Yawa, Mandla https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2402-298X
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Cattle -- Diseases , Ticks as carriers of disease , Ticks
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21590 , vital:49356
- Description: Cattle industry improves livelihoods for many developing farmers in South Africa, however, ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose a detriment impact on cattle success; this is due to their resistance to acaricide application. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the extent of acaricide resistance, serostatus of tick-borne pathogens, and geographic range of boophilid ticks in communal grazing cattle in the north-eastern regions of the Eastern Cape Province (ECP), South Africa. A total of 160 structured questionnaires were prepared and randomly administered to cattle farmers to investigate their knowledge, attitudes, and practice on ticks and TBDs affecting cattle, tick control methods used, and their knowledge of acaricide resistance. Engorged visible cattle ticks were collected seasonally from 10 randomly selected cattle from the community cattle herds during dipping days between October 2018 and September 2019, and stored into the labelled test tubes containing 70 percent ethanol. For TBDs determination, a total of 240 cattle from Elundini and Senqu Municipalities were seasonally used to investigate the prevalence of ticks and TBDs, packed cell volume (PCV), and body condition scores (BCS). Shaw Larval Immersion Test (SLIT) method was used to determine the resistance of Rhipicephalus decoloratus larvae to various acaricides such as amidines, organophosphate, and synthetic pyrethroids. This study indicates that approximately 59 percent of the interviewed cattle farmers had no knowledge of the effect of TBDs affecting cattle production, and 78 percent of respondents considered ticks are the major challenge to the success of their cattle farming. Pour-on (61 percent) was the most commonly used acaricidal treatment system with fortnightly (40 percent and 31percent) treatment frequencies during the summer and winter seasons respectively. Synthetic pyrethroids (73 percent) were the most used acaricide compounds to control ticks. Moreover, approximately 85 percent of respondents perceived that they do not practice acaricide rotation, and 88 percent of the respondents had no knowledge of acaricide resistance. Interestingly, the current study record Rhipicephalus microplus for the first time at Elundini, Senqu, and Walter Sisulu. Based on the morphological traits, a total of 6176 ticks belonging to two boophilid tick species of Rhipicephalus were identified: R. decoloratus (98 percent) and R. microplus (2 percent). Rhipicephalus decoloratus was significantly higher (P<0.05) in Elundini during the hot-dry (3.37±0.121) and hot-wet (3.35±0.121) seasons compared to other localit ies. In Senqu, R. microplus had high counts (P<0.05) during the post-rainy season (1.06±0.027) compared to other localities. From this present study, it was observed that Ehrlichia ruminantium was the most prevalent at Elundini (16 percent) and (14 percent) during post-rainy and hot-dry seasons respectively and 15 percent at Senqu during the post-rainy season. Babesia bigemina was more frequent at Elundini (18 percent) and Senqu (16 percent) during the post-rainy season and hot-wet season, respectively. Cattle BCS were significantly negatively correlated with E. ruminantium (P<0.01; r = -0.203), B. bovis (P<0.01; r = -0.125), and A. marginale (P < 0.01; r = -0.122). On the other hand, PCV was significantly negatively correlated with B. bigemina (P<0.01; r =-0.138). E. ruminantium was strongly positively correlated with Amblyomma hebraeum (P<0.05; r = 0.112), while B. bovis (P<0.05; r = 0.134) and B. bigemina (P<0.05; r = 0.188) were strong positively correlated with Rhipicephalus microplus infestation and B. bigemina (P<0.05; r = 0.077) with Rhipicephalus decoloratus. During acaricide resistance testing, Shaw Larvae Immersion Testing (SLIT) was only performed on R. decoloratus larvae as engorged R. microplus ticks could not meet the required sample size for resistance testing. The current study found that the majority of the tick were susceptible at exposure to differe nt acaricide field concentrations of amidines (49 percent at 250ppm), organophosphates (33 percent and 47 percent at 300ppm and 500ppm, respectively), and synthetic pyrethroids (44 percent and 23 percent at 150ppm and 300ppm, respectively). In conclusion, less knowledge of cattle farmers on the threat pose by ticks on their cattle production results in the spatio-temporal spread of boophilid tick from region to region and from season to season thus increases incidence and risk for tick resistance. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Yawa, Mandla https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2402-298X
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Cattle -- Diseases , Ticks as carriers of disease , Ticks
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21590 , vital:49356
- Description: Cattle industry improves livelihoods for many developing farmers in South Africa, however, ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose a detriment impact on cattle success; this is due to their resistance to acaricide application. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the extent of acaricide resistance, serostatus of tick-borne pathogens, and geographic range of boophilid ticks in communal grazing cattle in the north-eastern regions of the Eastern Cape Province (ECP), South Africa. A total of 160 structured questionnaires were prepared and randomly administered to cattle farmers to investigate their knowledge, attitudes, and practice on ticks and TBDs affecting cattle, tick control methods used, and their knowledge of acaricide resistance. Engorged visible cattle ticks were collected seasonally from 10 randomly selected cattle from the community cattle herds during dipping days between October 2018 and September 2019, and stored into the labelled test tubes containing 70 percent ethanol. For TBDs determination, a total of 240 cattle from Elundini and Senqu Municipalities were seasonally used to investigate the prevalence of ticks and TBDs, packed cell volume (PCV), and body condition scores (BCS). Shaw Larval Immersion Test (SLIT) method was used to determine the resistance of Rhipicephalus decoloratus larvae to various acaricides such as amidines, organophosphate, and synthetic pyrethroids. This study indicates that approximately 59 percent of the interviewed cattle farmers had no knowledge of the effect of TBDs affecting cattle production, and 78 percent of respondents considered ticks are the major challenge to the success of their cattle farming. Pour-on (61 percent) was the most commonly used acaricidal treatment system with fortnightly (40 percent and 31percent) treatment frequencies during the summer and winter seasons respectively. Synthetic pyrethroids (73 percent) were the most used acaricide compounds to control ticks. Moreover, approximately 85 percent of respondents perceived that they do not practice acaricide rotation, and 88 percent of the respondents had no knowledge of acaricide resistance. Interestingly, the current study record Rhipicephalus microplus for the first time at Elundini, Senqu, and Walter Sisulu. Based on the morphological traits, a total of 6176 ticks belonging to two boophilid tick species of Rhipicephalus were identified: R. decoloratus (98 percent) and R. microplus (2 percent). Rhipicephalus decoloratus was significantly higher (P<0.05) in Elundini during the hot-dry (3.37±0.121) and hot-wet (3.35±0.121) seasons compared to other localit ies. In Senqu, R. microplus had high counts (P<0.05) during the post-rainy season (1.06±0.027) compared to other localities. From this present study, it was observed that Ehrlichia ruminantium was the most prevalent at Elundini (16 percent) and (14 percent) during post-rainy and hot-dry seasons respectively and 15 percent at Senqu during the post-rainy season. Babesia bigemina was more frequent at Elundini (18 percent) and Senqu (16 percent) during the post-rainy season and hot-wet season, respectively. Cattle BCS were significantly negatively correlated with E. ruminantium (P<0.01; r = -0.203), B. bovis (P<0.01; r = -0.125), and A. marginale (P < 0.01; r = -0.122). On the other hand, PCV was significantly negatively correlated with B. bigemina (P<0.01; r =-0.138). E. ruminantium was strongly positively correlated with Amblyomma hebraeum (P<0.05; r = 0.112), while B. bovis (P<0.05; r = 0.134) and B. bigemina (P<0.05; r = 0.188) were strong positively correlated with Rhipicephalus microplus infestation and B. bigemina (P<0.05; r = 0.077) with Rhipicephalus decoloratus. During acaricide resistance testing, Shaw Larvae Immersion Testing (SLIT) was only performed on R. decoloratus larvae as engorged R. microplus ticks could not meet the required sample size for resistance testing. The current study found that the majority of the tick were susceptible at exposure to differe nt acaricide field concentrations of amidines (49 percent at 250ppm), organophosphates (33 percent and 47 percent at 300ppm and 500ppm, respectively), and synthetic pyrethroids (44 percent and 23 percent at 150ppm and 300ppm, respectively). In conclusion, less knowledge of cattle farmers on the threat pose by ticks on their cattle production results in the spatio-temporal spread of boophilid tick from region to region and from season to season thus increases incidence and risk for tick resistance. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
Effect of environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme on secondary school learners in environmental education knowledge, attitudes and practices in Nigeria
- Authors: Olagbaju, Oluwaseun Olaitan
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Environmental education , Education, Secondary
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20284 , vital:45647
- Description: The depletion of the environment compelled researchers to investigate Environmental Education issues, the methods of imparting knowledge and the creation of awareness about environmental problems. However, youths have knowledge of environmental concepts but lack the skills, intentions, and action competence to exhibit positive environmentally responsible behaviour. There is, therefore, a need for a change in human behaviour to overcome current environmental problems. This study determines the effect of an environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme on Junior Secondary School learners in environmental education. It also explores the moderating effects of gender and school location. The study adopted a pre-test, post-test, control group and quasi-experimental design. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed. Eight (8) coeducational secondary schools in Ibadan, Nigeria, were selected based on environmental challenges in their immediate environment. There were four (4) schools from Ibadan city (urban area of Ibadan) and four (4) from Ibadan less city (rural area of Ibadan). Seven hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 level of significance. Five research instruments were used for this study. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used in testing the seven formulated hypotheses. Estimated Marginal mean analysis was used to determine the source of significant effect of treatment. A significant interaction effect was described using a graphical representation. All hypotheses were tested at P< .05 level of significance. The result reveals that there was a significant main effect of treatment (Environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme on Junior Secondary School learners’ environmental knowledge (F(1,715) = 40.62, p < 0.05, Partial , 2 .054). There was also significant main effect of treatment (environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme on junior secondary school students’ environmental attitude. (F(1,715) = 32.36, p < 0.05. partial 2 = 0.043). The effect of treatment (Environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme) on students’ environmental practices was statistically significant, F(1,715) = 17.02, p < 0.05. partial 2 = 0.023). The findings shows that there was a significant main effect of school location (Urban and Rural) on Junior Secondary School students’ environmental knowledge (F(1,716) = 71.62 p< 0.05. partial 2 =0.091). There was no significant main effect of gender (male / female) F(1,715) =0.27, p> 0.05, partial 2 = 0.000. The findings further shows that there was significant main effect of school location on students’ environmental attitude, (F(1,175) =39.21, p< 0.05 partial 2 = 0.052) Shows that there was no significant main effect of gender on students’ environmental attitude F(1,715) =2.1, p> 0.05. partial 2 =0.003 There was significant main effect of school location on students’ environmental practices, F(1,715) = 17.02, p< 0.05 partial 2 = 0.019 but there was no significant main effect of gender on students’ environmental practices, (F(1,715) = 1.17, p> 0.05. partial 2 = 0.002). Based on these findings, it is recommended that teachers should use an environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme in teaching environmental concepts in the classroom. To support this, group/teamwork should be encouraged amongst students. Students should be allowed to construct knowledge in order to bring about their active participation with a view to making learning realistic and effective and to enable the exhibition of environmentally friendly behaviour. , Thesis (PhD)(Education)-- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Olagbaju, Oluwaseun Olaitan
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Environmental education , Education, Secondary
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20284 , vital:45647
- Description: The depletion of the environment compelled researchers to investigate Environmental Education issues, the methods of imparting knowledge and the creation of awareness about environmental problems. However, youths have knowledge of environmental concepts but lack the skills, intentions, and action competence to exhibit positive environmentally responsible behaviour. There is, therefore, a need for a change in human behaviour to overcome current environmental problems. This study determines the effect of an environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme on Junior Secondary School learners in environmental education. It also explores the moderating effects of gender and school location. The study adopted a pre-test, post-test, control group and quasi-experimental design. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed. Eight (8) coeducational secondary schools in Ibadan, Nigeria, were selected based on environmental challenges in their immediate environment. There were four (4) schools from Ibadan city (urban area of Ibadan) and four (4) from Ibadan less city (rural area of Ibadan). Seven hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 level of significance. Five research instruments were used for this study. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used in testing the seven formulated hypotheses. Estimated Marginal mean analysis was used to determine the source of significant effect of treatment. A significant interaction effect was described using a graphical representation. All hypotheses were tested at P< .05 level of significance. The result reveals that there was a significant main effect of treatment (Environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme on Junior Secondary School learners’ environmental knowledge (F(1,715) = 40.62, p < 0.05, Partial , 2 .054). There was also significant main effect of treatment (environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme on junior secondary school students’ environmental attitude. (F(1,715) = 32.36, p < 0.05. partial 2 = 0.043). The effect of treatment (Environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme) on students’ environmental practices was statistically significant, F(1,715) = 17.02, p < 0.05. partial 2 = 0.023). The findings shows that there was a significant main effect of school location (Urban and Rural) on Junior Secondary School students’ environmental knowledge (F(1,716) = 71.62 p< 0.05. partial 2 =0.091). There was no significant main effect of gender (male / female) F(1,715) =0.27, p> 0.05, partial 2 = 0.000. The findings further shows that there was significant main effect of school location on students’ environmental attitude, (F(1,175) =39.21, p< 0.05 partial 2 = 0.052) Shows that there was no significant main effect of gender on students’ environmental attitude F(1,715) =2.1, p> 0.05. partial 2 =0.003 There was significant main effect of school location on students’ environmental practices, F(1,715) = 17.02, p< 0.05 partial 2 = 0.019 but there was no significant main effect of gender on students’ environmental practices, (F(1,715) = 1.17, p> 0.05. partial 2 = 0.002). Based on these findings, it is recommended that teachers should use an environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme in teaching environmental concepts in the classroom. To support this, group/teamwork should be encouraged amongst students. Students should be allowed to construct knowledge in order to bring about their active participation with a view to making learning realistic and effective and to enable the exhibition of environmentally friendly behaviour. , Thesis (PhD)(Education)-- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
Effect of grazing systems and age on enteric methane production and performance plus grazing system effect on ruminal fermentation parameters of Nguni and Bonsmara beef cows
- Authors: Kayima, Denis
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Grazing , Pastures--Management , Ruminants--Feeding and feeds
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20583 , vital:46153
- Description: Beef breeds of cattle are predominantly raised through extensive grazing and produce the highest levels of enteric methane (CH4) through ruminal fermentation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of breed, grazing, and age on enteric methane production and performance of beef cows as well as effect of breed and grazing system on ruminal fermentation parameters. Two separate studies were conducted; the first study evaluated the effect of grazing system, breed, and age on ruminal enteric methane production and performance of selected beef breeds. The second study evaluated the effect of the grazing system and breed on ruminal fermentation. In the first study, two breeds (Nguni and Bonsmara) raised under two grazing systems (communal and commercial) in a random complete block design were grouped into 3 age categories. Eighty-four cows aged between 24-120 months were randomly selected and grouped by age: group A (young adult cow, n = 7, 24-48 months old), group B (adult, n = 7, 60-80 months old), and group C (old adult, n = 7, 90-120 months) in either grazing system. Data were collected on methane production per day, body condition, and weight used to estimate dry matter intake (DMI), methane per DMI, and methane per body weight. In the second study, 40 cows of the same age group, parity, and physiological status were used. Ten cows per breed (Bonsmara and Nguni) in either grazing system (communal and commercial) were used in a random complete block design. Rumen fluid collection was done by the stomach tube method. Data were collected on ruminal ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), pH, Temperature, volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Older animals produced higher methane per head in the order of C > B > A; (P<0.0001). Performance parameters like Body condition score (BCS), body weight (BW), dry matter intake (DMI), and daily methane were higher (P<0.05) in Bonsmara. However, Methane per BW was higher in Nguni (P<0.05), and methane per DMI did not differ among breeds (P>0.05). Body condition, BW, and DMI were higher (P<0.05) in commercial grazing system. Contrary, daily methane production, methane production per DMI, and methane produced per BW were higher in communal grazing. In the second study, Ruminal NH3-N concentration ranged between 69.05 - 96.78 mg/L and was higher (P<0.05) in Nguni. It was also higher (P<0.05) in the commercial grazing system. Ruminal pH, temperature, total VFAs, and certain individual VFAs (iso-butyrate, valeric and iso-valeric) did not differ (P>0.05) among breeds and grazing systems. However, total VFAs were slightly lower in communal grazing (78.87 mmol/L) than commercial grazing (89.80 mmol/L). Acetate, propionate, butyrate proportions, and acetate to propionate ratio did not differ (P>0.05) among breeds but differed (P<0.05) between grazing systems. Acetate (P<0.05) and acetate to propionate ratio (P<0.05) were higher in the communal grazing system, while the reverse was true for propionate (P<0.05) and butyrate (P<0.05). Bonsmara produced more methane than Nguni under similar conditions, with Nguni uniquely producing more methane per BW, indicating host genetics influence. Communal animals and older animals produced more CH4 than commercial and younger cows regardless of the breed, indicating ruminal inefficiencies in very old cows. These results emphasize the idea that host genetics or breed, grazing system, and age influence methane output and performance. Hence, breeding strategies for hard-to-measure traits like methane production need to put all these factors into consideration. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kayima, Denis
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Grazing , Pastures--Management , Ruminants--Feeding and feeds
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20583 , vital:46153
- Description: Beef breeds of cattle are predominantly raised through extensive grazing and produce the highest levels of enteric methane (CH4) through ruminal fermentation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of breed, grazing, and age on enteric methane production and performance of beef cows as well as effect of breed and grazing system on ruminal fermentation parameters. Two separate studies were conducted; the first study evaluated the effect of grazing system, breed, and age on ruminal enteric methane production and performance of selected beef breeds. The second study evaluated the effect of the grazing system and breed on ruminal fermentation. In the first study, two breeds (Nguni and Bonsmara) raised under two grazing systems (communal and commercial) in a random complete block design were grouped into 3 age categories. Eighty-four cows aged between 24-120 months were randomly selected and grouped by age: group A (young adult cow, n = 7, 24-48 months old), group B (adult, n = 7, 60-80 months old), and group C (old adult, n = 7, 90-120 months) in either grazing system. Data were collected on methane production per day, body condition, and weight used to estimate dry matter intake (DMI), methane per DMI, and methane per body weight. In the second study, 40 cows of the same age group, parity, and physiological status were used. Ten cows per breed (Bonsmara and Nguni) in either grazing system (communal and commercial) were used in a random complete block design. Rumen fluid collection was done by the stomach tube method. Data were collected on ruminal ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), pH, Temperature, volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Older animals produced higher methane per head in the order of C > B > A; (P<0.0001). Performance parameters like Body condition score (BCS), body weight (BW), dry matter intake (DMI), and daily methane were higher (P<0.05) in Bonsmara. However, Methane per BW was higher in Nguni (P<0.05), and methane per DMI did not differ among breeds (P>0.05). Body condition, BW, and DMI were higher (P<0.05) in commercial grazing system. Contrary, daily methane production, methane production per DMI, and methane produced per BW were higher in communal grazing. In the second study, Ruminal NH3-N concentration ranged between 69.05 - 96.78 mg/L and was higher (P<0.05) in Nguni. It was also higher (P<0.05) in the commercial grazing system. Ruminal pH, temperature, total VFAs, and certain individual VFAs (iso-butyrate, valeric and iso-valeric) did not differ (P>0.05) among breeds and grazing systems. However, total VFAs were slightly lower in communal grazing (78.87 mmol/L) than commercial grazing (89.80 mmol/L). Acetate, propionate, butyrate proportions, and acetate to propionate ratio did not differ (P>0.05) among breeds but differed (P<0.05) between grazing systems. Acetate (P<0.05) and acetate to propionate ratio (P<0.05) were higher in the communal grazing system, while the reverse was true for propionate (P<0.05) and butyrate (P<0.05). Bonsmara produced more methane than Nguni under similar conditions, with Nguni uniquely producing more methane per BW, indicating host genetics influence. Communal animals and older animals produced more CH4 than commercial and younger cows regardless of the breed, indicating ruminal inefficiencies in very old cows. These results emphasize the idea that host genetics or breed, grazing system, and age influence methane output and performance. Hence, breeding strategies for hard-to-measure traits like methane production need to put all these factors into consideration. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
Evaluation of bacteria laccase hybrid biosensor and application in the detection of phenolic contaminants in water
- Edoamodu, Chiedu Epiphany https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9254-3955
- Authors: Edoamodu, Chiedu Epiphany https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9254-3955
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Laccase , Water -- Purification
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22820 , vital:52802
- Description: The continuous outpour of aromatic pollutants in diverse groups, emanating from the industrial and domestic system due to population density, industrialisation and technological advancement is alarming. The increasing strength in wastewater discharge constitutes the main cause of the natural water pollution load, causing scarcity of potable water for consumption with an increasing health challenge. The physiochemical treatment approach has faced a series of limitations with little or no success. Hindrance to wastewater management can cause a point source contamination problem that might increase treatment cost and release a broad range of chemical contaminants in the environment. Hence, green, eco-friendly and cost-effective tools are imperative. The application of laccase has received much attention in bioremediation and bioprocessing matters owing to the oxidising capacity of a wide range of substrates. The process requires available molecular oxygen for its activation, releasing water as a by-product thus, establishing this research. This study was devised to examine the bioprocessing potentials of hybrid and amalgamated laccases extracted from the diverse environmental milieu of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Bacteria producing laccase were isolated from marine sediment, cow dung, and wastewater samples via selective enrichment with some aromatic compounds. The axenic cultures were screened for laccase activity on various phenolic and non-phenolic substrates. The isolates were identified via molecular techniques and they belonged to the gammaproteobacteria and Bacilli classes under the following genera, Enterobacter and Bacillus. They were deposited in the NCBI database as Enterobacter asburiae ES1, Enterobacter sp. Kamsi, Enterobacter sp. AI1, and Bacillus sp. NU2 with the assigned accession number MN686602, MN686603, MN686605, MN686607, respectively. Optimisation of the laccase production via one factor at a time technique (OFAT) from the four bacteria species showed more enzyme yield in all lignocellulosic agro-waste media. However, wheat bran and mandarin peel maximally enhanced laccase production. In addition, xylose, galactose, fructose, and sorbitol were the best carbon sources utilised while (NH₄)₂SO8, KNO3 and NaNO3 were noted as the best nitrogen sources employed. Laccase yields were increased at pH 4 and 5, at temperatures 45 and 55 o C, and at 50 and 100 rpm, and precisely, at day eight of the incubation period. Further purification of the crude laccase yielded a purification fold of 4.18, 4.39, 2.78, 8.11, and the SDS-PAGE analysis showed a molecular size of 90, 55, 75 and 50 kDa for ES1, Kamsi, AI1, and NU2 laccases, respectively. The characterised purified laccase demonstrated polyextremotolerant potentials. The laccases were active through a wide temperature regime (30-90 o C) with maximum activity at 50 o C (ES1/AI1 and Kamsi/NU2) 60 o C (AI1), 70 o C (ES1, Kamsi, NU2); and were stable at 60 o C (ES1, AI1, NU2), 70 o C (ES1/AI1), 80 o C (Kamsi and Kamsi/NU2). Also, the laccases remained active through pH 3 - 8 and optimal at pH 4 (AI1, NU2), pH 5 (Kamsi, ES1/AI1), pH 7 (ES1), pH 8 (Kamsi/NU2), and the individual stability was measured at pH 4 (Kamsi, NU2), pH 5 (AI1), pH 6 (ES1), pH 7 (Kamsi/NU2), pH 10 (ES1/AI1). The purified laccases were either enhanced or left unchanged by a variable concentration of metallic salts, inhibitors, chelating agents and organic solvents. Clearly, the activities of the laccase were enhanced when pre-incubated with 1, 3, and 6 mm of CuCl2, FeCl3, MgCl2, ZnCl2 and AgCl, and 1, 2, 3 mm of Triton x-100, PMSF, EDTA, Tween 20, and NaCl. Additionally, 20, 30, and 10 percent v/v of acetone and DMSO were prominent organic solvents that also stimulated both the hybrid and amalgamated laccase activity. The gene of the purified laccases targeted showed a clear band size of 690 bp for the Enterobacter species laccases and 775 bp for the laccase from Bacillus sp. The protein sequence was deposited in NCBI database with the assigned accession numbers, MW251989, MW25990, MW251992, and MW251994 for ES1, Kamsi, AI1, and NU2 laccases, respectively. The optimised pH and temperature parameter examined on the decolourising potential of the bacteria laccases showed an effective dye removal on the five synthetic dyes (Congo Red (CR), Methyl Orange (MO), Malachite Green (MG), Reactive Blue 4 (RB4), Ramazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR)) applied. The purified laccases were successfully immobilised in Na-alginate with cca. 88.49, 70.91, 76.04, 76.13, 90.07, and 91.99 laccase yield for the hybrid (ES1, ES1, Kamsi, AI1, NU2) and amalgamated (ES1/AI1 and Kamsi/NU2) laccases. The immobilised laccases were able to retain an average activity of 32 – 52 percent after eight dye decolourising cycles, exhibiting strong catalytic activity than the free laccases. Nonetheless, no significant difference was examined between the hybrid and amalgamated laccase activity. Also, the immobilised laccases were shown to be more efficient in biotechnological application than the free laccases. The result suggests that immobilising an enzyme in a carrier matrix served effectively as the remediation approach than the hybrid and the amalgamation of the free enzymes. Also, the application of lignocellulosic waste served as a cheaper substrate for commercial production of laccase and could help s in promoting es the biotechnology application and the bioeconomy. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Edoamodu, Chiedu Epiphany https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9254-3955
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Laccase , Water -- Purification
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22820 , vital:52802
- Description: The continuous outpour of aromatic pollutants in diverse groups, emanating from the industrial and domestic system due to population density, industrialisation and technological advancement is alarming. The increasing strength in wastewater discharge constitutes the main cause of the natural water pollution load, causing scarcity of potable water for consumption with an increasing health challenge. The physiochemical treatment approach has faced a series of limitations with little or no success. Hindrance to wastewater management can cause a point source contamination problem that might increase treatment cost and release a broad range of chemical contaminants in the environment. Hence, green, eco-friendly and cost-effective tools are imperative. The application of laccase has received much attention in bioremediation and bioprocessing matters owing to the oxidising capacity of a wide range of substrates. The process requires available molecular oxygen for its activation, releasing water as a by-product thus, establishing this research. This study was devised to examine the bioprocessing potentials of hybrid and amalgamated laccases extracted from the diverse environmental milieu of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Bacteria producing laccase were isolated from marine sediment, cow dung, and wastewater samples via selective enrichment with some aromatic compounds. The axenic cultures were screened for laccase activity on various phenolic and non-phenolic substrates. The isolates were identified via molecular techniques and they belonged to the gammaproteobacteria and Bacilli classes under the following genera, Enterobacter and Bacillus. They were deposited in the NCBI database as Enterobacter asburiae ES1, Enterobacter sp. Kamsi, Enterobacter sp. AI1, and Bacillus sp. NU2 with the assigned accession number MN686602, MN686603, MN686605, MN686607, respectively. Optimisation of the laccase production via one factor at a time technique (OFAT) from the four bacteria species showed more enzyme yield in all lignocellulosic agro-waste media. However, wheat bran and mandarin peel maximally enhanced laccase production. In addition, xylose, galactose, fructose, and sorbitol were the best carbon sources utilised while (NH₄)₂SO8, KNO3 and NaNO3 were noted as the best nitrogen sources employed. Laccase yields were increased at pH 4 and 5, at temperatures 45 and 55 o C, and at 50 and 100 rpm, and precisely, at day eight of the incubation period. Further purification of the crude laccase yielded a purification fold of 4.18, 4.39, 2.78, 8.11, and the SDS-PAGE analysis showed a molecular size of 90, 55, 75 and 50 kDa for ES1, Kamsi, AI1, and NU2 laccases, respectively. The characterised purified laccase demonstrated polyextremotolerant potentials. The laccases were active through a wide temperature regime (30-90 o C) with maximum activity at 50 o C (ES1/AI1 and Kamsi/NU2) 60 o C (AI1), 70 o C (ES1, Kamsi, NU2); and were stable at 60 o C (ES1, AI1, NU2), 70 o C (ES1/AI1), 80 o C (Kamsi and Kamsi/NU2). Also, the laccases remained active through pH 3 - 8 and optimal at pH 4 (AI1, NU2), pH 5 (Kamsi, ES1/AI1), pH 7 (ES1), pH 8 (Kamsi/NU2), and the individual stability was measured at pH 4 (Kamsi, NU2), pH 5 (AI1), pH 6 (ES1), pH 7 (Kamsi/NU2), pH 10 (ES1/AI1). The purified laccases were either enhanced or left unchanged by a variable concentration of metallic salts, inhibitors, chelating agents and organic solvents. Clearly, the activities of the laccase were enhanced when pre-incubated with 1, 3, and 6 mm of CuCl2, FeCl3, MgCl2, ZnCl2 and AgCl, and 1, 2, 3 mm of Triton x-100, PMSF, EDTA, Tween 20, and NaCl. Additionally, 20, 30, and 10 percent v/v of acetone and DMSO were prominent organic solvents that also stimulated both the hybrid and amalgamated laccase activity. The gene of the purified laccases targeted showed a clear band size of 690 bp for the Enterobacter species laccases and 775 bp for the laccase from Bacillus sp. The protein sequence was deposited in NCBI database with the assigned accession numbers, MW251989, MW25990, MW251992, and MW251994 for ES1, Kamsi, AI1, and NU2 laccases, respectively. The optimised pH and temperature parameter examined on the decolourising potential of the bacteria laccases showed an effective dye removal on the five synthetic dyes (Congo Red (CR), Methyl Orange (MO), Malachite Green (MG), Reactive Blue 4 (RB4), Ramazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR)) applied. The purified laccases were successfully immobilised in Na-alginate with cca. 88.49, 70.91, 76.04, 76.13, 90.07, and 91.99 laccase yield for the hybrid (ES1, ES1, Kamsi, AI1, NU2) and amalgamated (ES1/AI1 and Kamsi/NU2) laccases. The immobilised laccases were able to retain an average activity of 32 – 52 percent after eight dye decolourising cycles, exhibiting strong catalytic activity than the free laccases. Nonetheless, no significant difference was examined between the hybrid and amalgamated laccase activity. Also, the immobilised laccases were shown to be more efficient in biotechnological application than the free laccases. The result suggests that immobilising an enzyme in a carrier matrix served effectively as the remediation approach than the hybrid and the amalgamation of the free enzymes. Also, the application of lignocellulosic waste served as a cheaper substrate for commercial production of laccase and could help s in promoting es the biotechnology application and the bioeconomy. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
Evaluation of medicinal potential of Boophone disticha (L.f.) Herb. used by the indigenous people in the Raymond Mhlaba Municipality Eastern Cape
- Authors: Gwayi, Yamkela
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Bulbs (Plants) , Bulbs (Plant anatomy)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20612 , vital:46375
- Description: Boophone disticha (L.f.) Herb. is a bulbous plant native to southern African areas of the continent and spreads to tropical Africa. The plant has been noted in literature for its high toxicity and has a long lineage of its use in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Due to high demand in the conventional trade market, the plant's conservation status has been shown to be declining. The plant has been reported to cause human poisoning, which can lead to death, but the plant is still administered by an indigenous community to treat various diseases. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of B. disticha used by the people of Raymond Mhlaba municipality to show and verify its use in traditional medicine and how it can be used as a possible drug ingredient. This study was also set out to investigate the anti-mycobacterial activity of the plant for the first time for the B. disticha growing in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. The phytochemical analysis of B. disticha was carried out on four different plant parts (i.e., roots, leaves, bulb inner and outer scales) and the plant was extracted using methanol and distilled water. The qualitative phytochemical analysis displayed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, phenols and alkaloids in all plant parts for both extraction solvents. Anthraquinones were absent in all the plant extracts. The detected phytochemicals (tannins, flavonoids, phenols and alkaloids) were quantified. The roots had the highest phytochemical content for methanol extract for each phytochemical tested [439.67±1.53 mg/g (QE) flavonoids, 2414.67±1.53 mg/g (GAE) phenols and 527.33±2.08 mg/g (GAE) alkaloids] compared to all the plant parts. Methanol extracts from B. disticha revealed highest phenolic contents (2414.67±1.53 mg/g GAE) for the roots, 1395.33±2.52 mg/g (GAE) for the bulb inner scales, 1560±1 mg/g (GAE) for the leaves and 1550.7±18.9 mg/g (GAE) for the bulb outer scales). The total flavonoid content of the bulb outer scales aqueous extract was not detected. The presence of significant amounts of phytochemical compounds indicates that B. disticha has a higher medicinal value and can be extensively investigated to extract bioactive ingredients that are useful to the society, and that could be sold for higher production than using synthetic drugs with side effects. The antimicrobial activity of B. disticha extracts (methanol and distilled water) was evaluated using micro-dilution bioassay in 96-well micro-plates against nine disease-causing bacterial strains (5 Gram-negative and 4 Gram-positive) and three fungal isolates. The results revealed that methanol and aqueous extract of B. disticha demonstrated very good activity, with Gram-positive strains being more sensitive than Gram-negative ones. Boophone disticha aqueous extracts displayed the best activity against Staphylococcus aureus with MIC and MBC values ranging from 0.39 to 0.78 mg/ml. The methanolic extract of B. disticha leaves and outer scales of bulb displayed good activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae at MIC 0.78 mg/ml. The methanolic extract of B. disticha bulb outer scales also displayed good inhibition against Proteus vulgaris at MIC 0.78 mg/ml, with the root extract exhibiting activity against Shigella flexineri (MIC value of 0.078 mg/ml). Concerning antifungal activity, B. disticha extracts showed very poor inhibition properties against the fungal isolates. Anti-mycobacterium potential of B. disticha extracts (methanol and distilled water) was evaluated using micro-dilution bioassay in 96-well microtiter plates. The plant parts tested were the roots, bulb inner scales, leaves and the bulb outer scales. The highest activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis was observed with the root methanol extract at MIC 0.78 mg/ml. The anti-inflammatory properties of B. disticha were investigated using the 5-lypoxygenase (5- LOX) assay. The overall anti-inflammatory activity results for the B. disticha extracts were poor; at low concentrations, the plant displayed negative results. The leaves methanol extracts did show little activity at 0.4 mg/ml. , Thesis (MSc) (Botany) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gwayi, Yamkela
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Bulbs (Plants) , Bulbs (Plant anatomy)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20612 , vital:46375
- Description: Boophone disticha (L.f.) Herb. is a bulbous plant native to southern African areas of the continent and spreads to tropical Africa. The plant has been noted in literature for its high toxicity and has a long lineage of its use in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Due to high demand in the conventional trade market, the plant's conservation status has been shown to be declining. The plant has been reported to cause human poisoning, which can lead to death, but the plant is still administered by an indigenous community to treat various diseases. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of B. disticha used by the people of Raymond Mhlaba municipality to show and verify its use in traditional medicine and how it can be used as a possible drug ingredient. This study was also set out to investigate the anti-mycobacterial activity of the plant for the first time for the B. disticha growing in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. The phytochemical analysis of B. disticha was carried out on four different plant parts (i.e., roots, leaves, bulb inner and outer scales) and the plant was extracted using methanol and distilled water. The qualitative phytochemical analysis displayed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, phenols and alkaloids in all plant parts for both extraction solvents. Anthraquinones were absent in all the plant extracts. The detected phytochemicals (tannins, flavonoids, phenols and alkaloids) were quantified. The roots had the highest phytochemical content for methanol extract for each phytochemical tested [439.67±1.53 mg/g (QE) flavonoids, 2414.67±1.53 mg/g (GAE) phenols and 527.33±2.08 mg/g (GAE) alkaloids] compared to all the plant parts. Methanol extracts from B. disticha revealed highest phenolic contents (2414.67±1.53 mg/g GAE) for the roots, 1395.33±2.52 mg/g (GAE) for the bulb inner scales, 1560±1 mg/g (GAE) for the leaves and 1550.7±18.9 mg/g (GAE) for the bulb outer scales). The total flavonoid content of the bulb outer scales aqueous extract was not detected. The presence of significant amounts of phytochemical compounds indicates that B. disticha has a higher medicinal value and can be extensively investigated to extract bioactive ingredients that are useful to the society, and that could be sold for higher production than using synthetic drugs with side effects. The antimicrobial activity of B. disticha extracts (methanol and distilled water) was evaluated using micro-dilution bioassay in 96-well micro-plates against nine disease-causing bacterial strains (5 Gram-negative and 4 Gram-positive) and three fungal isolates. The results revealed that methanol and aqueous extract of B. disticha demonstrated very good activity, with Gram-positive strains being more sensitive than Gram-negative ones. Boophone disticha aqueous extracts displayed the best activity against Staphylococcus aureus with MIC and MBC values ranging from 0.39 to 0.78 mg/ml. The methanolic extract of B. disticha leaves and outer scales of bulb displayed good activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae at MIC 0.78 mg/ml. The methanolic extract of B. disticha bulb outer scales also displayed good inhibition against Proteus vulgaris at MIC 0.78 mg/ml, with the root extract exhibiting activity against Shigella flexineri (MIC value of 0.078 mg/ml). Concerning antifungal activity, B. disticha extracts showed very poor inhibition properties against the fungal isolates. Anti-mycobacterium potential of B. disticha extracts (methanol and distilled water) was evaluated using micro-dilution bioassay in 96-well microtiter plates. The plant parts tested were the roots, bulb inner scales, leaves and the bulb outer scales. The highest activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis was observed with the root methanol extract at MIC 0.78 mg/ml. The anti-inflammatory properties of B. disticha were investigated using the 5-lypoxygenase (5- LOX) assay. The overall anti-inflammatory activity results for the B. disticha extracts were poor; at low concentrations, the plant displayed negative results. The leaves methanol extracts did show little activity at 0.4 mg/ml. , Thesis (MSc) (Botany) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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Experiences of patients with cancer regarding decentralization of oncology services at a selected tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Jojo, Lumkile
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Cancer -- Nursing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26907 , vital:66080
- Description: Background: Cancer burden is a global public health concern. It is associated with high morbidities and mortalities worldwide. Over the past decade, there has been a constant increase in the incidence of cancer cases affecting mostly low-income countries and middle- income countries. South Africa as a middle-income country is also affected by this cancer rise. The limited access to oncology services contributed to the late presentation and late diagnosis. In the Eastern Cape, oncology services were previously offered in Port Elizabeth and East London only. Oncology unit was recently opened in Mthatha to decentralize oncology services in the province. The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of patients with cancer regarding decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Objectives were to describe experiences of patients with cancer regarding decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape, and to describe the quality of oncology services provided by a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape. Methods: a qualitative research approach with a descriptive, explorative, and contextual design was undertaken in this study, to get the perspective of the oncology healthcare service recipients on the decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital. An interview guide was used to get experiences of the cancer patients attending oncology clinic. Interviews were conducted to 19 participants on a one-to-one basis. With ethical consideration, all COVID-19 protocols were observed. All interviews were transcribed carefully against their audio-recordings. Field notes were also taken by the researcher on what was heard, observed, thought and experienced during the interview process. The concept of trustworthiness was used to ensure rigour throughout this study. Data was analysed by means of thematic analysis. Data was organized into themes using the Tesch’s approach to open coding in qualitative research. Results: seven themes emerged: 1) experience related to a high level of satisfaction with services provided and desired expectations, 2) waiting time, 3) availability of human and material resources, 4) attitude of health care workers, 5) appropriate treatment and care, 6) access to services, and 7) need for improved infrastructural facilities Many patients had positive experiences about decentralization of oncology services in the province. Most patients were happy about travelling short distances, a smaller number of days, using less money and the time it takes to see a doctor. They also expressed their satisfaction on the quality of oncology services rendered in the unit. The waiting times were acceptable, medicines available and staff had positive attitudes towards the patients. The study revealed that, there were complaints about infrastructure, poor hospital record keeping, and lack of resources. The themes which emanated from the recordings of the study showed that patients with cancer, attending oncology clinic at a public tertiary hospital had positive experiences in this decentralized oncology unit. The services rendered at the facility were of acceptable quality. Staff had positive attitude towards their patients. All patients were seen by the doctors within acceptable waiting time, and they all got their prescribed medication. Access to services was much improved in terms of distance, number of days travelled by patients to access the service and time taken to see the doctor for appointments. Conclusion: The hospital must improve its infrastructure, record keeping, security, and expand the services. Put more focus on cancer awareness programs. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Jojo, Lumkile
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Cancer -- Nursing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26907 , vital:66080
- Description: Background: Cancer burden is a global public health concern. It is associated with high morbidities and mortalities worldwide. Over the past decade, there has been a constant increase in the incidence of cancer cases affecting mostly low-income countries and middle- income countries. South Africa as a middle-income country is also affected by this cancer rise. The limited access to oncology services contributed to the late presentation and late diagnosis. In the Eastern Cape, oncology services were previously offered in Port Elizabeth and East London only. Oncology unit was recently opened in Mthatha to decentralize oncology services in the province. The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of patients with cancer regarding decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Objectives were to describe experiences of patients with cancer regarding decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape, and to describe the quality of oncology services provided by a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape. Methods: a qualitative research approach with a descriptive, explorative, and contextual design was undertaken in this study, to get the perspective of the oncology healthcare service recipients on the decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital. An interview guide was used to get experiences of the cancer patients attending oncology clinic. Interviews were conducted to 19 participants on a one-to-one basis. With ethical consideration, all COVID-19 protocols were observed. All interviews were transcribed carefully against their audio-recordings. Field notes were also taken by the researcher on what was heard, observed, thought and experienced during the interview process. The concept of trustworthiness was used to ensure rigour throughout this study. Data was analysed by means of thematic analysis. Data was organized into themes using the Tesch’s approach to open coding in qualitative research. Results: seven themes emerged: 1) experience related to a high level of satisfaction with services provided and desired expectations, 2) waiting time, 3) availability of human and material resources, 4) attitude of health care workers, 5) appropriate treatment and care, 6) access to services, and 7) need for improved infrastructural facilities Many patients had positive experiences about decentralization of oncology services in the province. Most patients were happy about travelling short distances, a smaller number of days, using less money and the time it takes to see a doctor. They also expressed their satisfaction on the quality of oncology services rendered in the unit. The waiting times were acceptable, medicines available and staff had positive attitudes towards the patients. The study revealed that, there were complaints about infrastructure, poor hospital record keeping, and lack of resources. The themes which emanated from the recordings of the study showed that patients with cancer, attending oncology clinic at a public tertiary hospital had positive experiences in this decentralized oncology unit. The services rendered at the facility were of acceptable quality. Staff had positive attitude towards their patients. All patients were seen by the doctors within acceptable waiting time, and they all got their prescribed medication. Access to services was much improved in terms of distance, number of days travelled by patients to access the service and time taken to see the doctor for appointments. Conclusion: The hospital must improve its infrastructure, record keeping, security, and expand the services. Put more focus on cancer awareness programs. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
Experiences of patients with cancer regarding decentralization of oncology services at a selected tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Jojo, Lumkile Wilmot
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Cancer -- Patients , Oncology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23510 , vital:58074
- Description: Background: Cancer burden is a global public health concern. It is associated with high morbidities and mortalities worldwide. Over the past decade, there has been a constant increase in the incidence of cancer cases affecting mostly low-income countries and middle- income countries. South Africa as a middle-income country is also affected by this cancer rise. The limited access to oncology services contributed to the late presentation and late diagnosis. In the Eastern Cape, oncology services were previously offered in Port Elizabeth and East London only. Oncology unit was recently opened in Mthatha to decentralize oncology services in the province. The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of patients with cancer regarding decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Objectives were to describe experiences of patients with cancer regarding decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape, and to describe the quality of oncology services provided by a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape. Methods: a qualitative research approach with a descriptive, explorative, and contextual design was undertaken in this study, to get the perspective of the oncology healthcare service recipients on the decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital. An interview guide was used to get experiences of the cancer patients attending oncology clinic. Interviews were conducted to 19 participants on a one-to-one basis. With ethical consideration, all COVID-19 protocols were observed. All interviews were transcribed carefully against their audio-recordings. Field notes were also taken by the researcher on what was heard, observed, thought and experienced during the interview process. The concept of trustworthiness was used to ensure rigour throughout this study. Data was analysed by means of thematic analysis. Data was organized into themes using the Tesch’s approach to open coding in qualitative research. Results: seven themes emerged: 1) experience related to a high level of satisfaction with services provided and desired expectations, 2) waiting time, 3) availability of human and material resources, 4) attitude of health care workers, 5) appropriate treatment and care, 6) access to services, and 7) need for improved infrastructural facilities. Many patients had positive experiences about decentralization of oncology services in the province. Most patients were happy about travelling short distances, a smaller number of days, using less money and the time it takes to see a doctor. They also expressed their satisfaction on the quality of oncology services rendered in the unit. The waiting times were acceptable, medicines available and staff had positive attitudes towards the patients. The study revealed that, there were complaints about infrastructure, poor hospital record keeping, and lack of resources. The themes which emanated from the recordings of the study showed that patients with cancer, attending oncology clinic at a public tertiary hospital had positive experiences in this decentralized oncology unit. The services rendered at the facility were of acceptable quality. Staff had positive attitude towards their patients. All patients were seen by the doctors within acceptable waiting time, and they all got their prescribed medication. Access to services was much improved in terms of distance, number of days travelled by patients to access the service and time taken to see the doctor for appointments. Conclusion: The hospital must improve its infrastructure, record keeping, security, and expand the services. Put more focus on cancer awareness programs. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Jojo, Lumkile Wilmot
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Cancer -- Patients , Oncology
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/23510 , vital:58074
- Description: Background: Cancer burden is a global public health concern. It is associated with high morbidities and mortalities worldwide. Over the past decade, there has been a constant increase in the incidence of cancer cases affecting mostly low-income countries and middle- income countries. South Africa as a middle-income country is also affected by this cancer rise. The limited access to oncology services contributed to the late presentation and late diagnosis. In the Eastern Cape, oncology services were previously offered in Port Elizabeth and East London only. Oncology unit was recently opened in Mthatha to decentralize oncology services in the province. The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of patients with cancer regarding decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Objectives were to describe experiences of patients with cancer regarding decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape, and to describe the quality of oncology services provided by a public tertiary hospital in the Eastern Cape. Methods: a qualitative research approach with a descriptive, explorative, and contextual design was undertaken in this study, to get the perspective of the oncology healthcare service recipients on the decentralization of oncology services at a public tertiary hospital. An interview guide was used to get experiences of the cancer patients attending oncology clinic. Interviews were conducted to 19 participants on a one-to-one basis. With ethical consideration, all COVID-19 protocols were observed. All interviews were transcribed carefully against their audio-recordings. Field notes were also taken by the researcher on what was heard, observed, thought and experienced during the interview process. The concept of trustworthiness was used to ensure rigour throughout this study. Data was analysed by means of thematic analysis. Data was organized into themes using the Tesch’s approach to open coding in qualitative research. Results: seven themes emerged: 1) experience related to a high level of satisfaction with services provided and desired expectations, 2) waiting time, 3) availability of human and material resources, 4) attitude of health care workers, 5) appropriate treatment and care, 6) access to services, and 7) need for improved infrastructural facilities. Many patients had positive experiences about decentralization of oncology services in the province. Most patients were happy about travelling short distances, a smaller number of days, using less money and the time it takes to see a doctor. They also expressed their satisfaction on the quality of oncology services rendered in the unit. The waiting times were acceptable, medicines available and staff had positive attitudes towards the patients. The study revealed that, there were complaints about infrastructure, poor hospital record keeping, and lack of resources. The themes which emanated from the recordings of the study showed that patients with cancer, attending oncology clinic at a public tertiary hospital had positive experiences in this decentralized oncology unit. The services rendered at the facility were of acceptable quality. Staff had positive attitude towards their patients. All patients were seen by the doctors within acceptable waiting time, and they all got their prescribed medication. Access to services was much improved in terms of distance, number of days travelled by patients to access the service and time taken to see the doctor for appointments. Conclusion: The hospital must improve its infrastructure, record keeping, security, and expand the services. Put more focus on cancer awareness programs. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 2021
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Experiences of unmarried fathers who are denied access to their biological children among amaXhosa communities in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape province
- Nguma, Aphiwe https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9421-1279
- Authors: Nguma, Aphiwe https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9421-1279
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Unmarried fathers , Fatherhood responsibility movement
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22412 , vital:52052
- Description: This study aimed to explore the experiences of unmarried fathers who are denied access to their biological children among amaXhosa communities in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape Province. This study also endeavoured to answer the following research questions: (i). what are the challenges encountered by unmarried fathers who are denied access to their biological children among amaXhosa communities in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape Province? (ii). what are government official's perceptions on experiences of unmarried fathers who are denied access to their biological children among amaXhosa communities in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape? (iii) What are the implications of denial of access of unmarried fathers to their biological children among amaXhosa communities in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape Province? This study adopted a qualitative approach within a phenomenological case study research design. A sample of forty participants comprising twenty unmarried biological fathers, seven statutory social workers, three presiding officers of children's court and ten cultural custodians was interviewed. The study revealed the following challenges: payment of pregnancy damages and bride price, unemployment, conflict with the maternal family, poverty, psycho-emotional breakdown, cultural responsibilities, terminated intimate partner relationship with the mother of the child, financial constraints, and lack of emotional and moral intelligence. The study recommends the development of a new 'family policy' to ensure integration of customary cultural practices and the legislative frameworks to provide a detailed parental-document to assist the new generation of parents in maintaining good parenting relations. Further, the study recommends the establishment of champions against absent and uninvolved fathers, where young men will explore fatherhood roles and develop educational and preventative strategies. , Thesis (MSW) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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- Authors: Nguma, Aphiwe https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9421-1279
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Unmarried fathers , Fatherhood responsibility movement
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22412 , vital:52052
- Description: This study aimed to explore the experiences of unmarried fathers who are denied access to their biological children among amaXhosa communities in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape Province. This study also endeavoured to answer the following research questions: (i). what are the challenges encountered by unmarried fathers who are denied access to their biological children among amaXhosa communities in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape Province? (ii). what are government official's perceptions on experiences of unmarried fathers who are denied access to their biological children among amaXhosa communities in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape? (iii) What are the implications of denial of access of unmarried fathers to their biological children among amaXhosa communities in Mqanduli, Eastern Cape Province? This study adopted a qualitative approach within a phenomenological case study research design. A sample of forty participants comprising twenty unmarried biological fathers, seven statutory social workers, three presiding officers of children's court and ten cultural custodians was interviewed. The study revealed the following challenges: payment of pregnancy damages and bride price, unemployment, conflict with the maternal family, poverty, psycho-emotional breakdown, cultural responsibilities, terminated intimate partner relationship with the mother of the child, financial constraints, and lack of emotional and moral intelligence. The study recommends the development of a new 'family policy' to ensure integration of customary cultural practices and the legislative frameworks to provide a detailed parental-document to assist the new generation of parents in maintaining good parenting relations. Further, the study recommends the establishment of champions against absent and uninvolved fathers, where young men will explore fatherhood roles and develop educational and preventative strategies. , Thesis (MSW) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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Experiences of Xhosa elderly persons in using public transport and how it effects their quality of life: a case study of Mdantsane township.
- Authors: Sinkintana, Xolisile
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Transportation--Social aspects , Older people--Transportation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21256 , vital:47437
- Description: This research study was motivated by the fact that little is known about the topic and that older persons living in Mdantsane Township are heavily reliant on public transport such as taxis, trains, mini-taxis and buses which are, arguably, not suitable for transporting older persons. Through this research project, the researcher hoped to provide information which may contribute to better understanding of this phenomena, identify barriers in the transport system and get a better understanding thereof. This study utilized a qualitative research approach with an exploratory research design. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from 30 elderly persons living in Mdantsane Township, and thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Three themes and sub-themes were generated and later linked to the research questions namely: What are the experiences faced by older persons in using public transport? How do these experiences and challenges affect the quality of life of older persons using public transport? What do older persons view as potential barriers in using public transport? The findings highlighted that elderly people living in Mdantsane Township rely on public transport for participation in social and economic activities of the community as well as access to essential services. Consequently, lack of sufficient income among older persons affect their quality of life in relation to using public transport in that they cannot access all the services they need. They also indicated that there are several barriers for older persons against using public transport which include, concerns about personal safety, safety of items, public transport running late, behaviour of younger passengers and taxi conductors and lack of cleanliness among some drivers, to name a few. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) (Social Work) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sinkintana, Xolisile
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Transportation--Social aspects , Older people--Transportation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21256 , vital:47437
- Description: This research study was motivated by the fact that little is known about the topic and that older persons living in Mdantsane Township are heavily reliant on public transport such as taxis, trains, mini-taxis and buses which are, arguably, not suitable for transporting older persons. Through this research project, the researcher hoped to provide information which may contribute to better understanding of this phenomena, identify barriers in the transport system and get a better understanding thereof. This study utilized a qualitative research approach with an exploratory research design. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from 30 elderly persons living in Mdantsane Township, and thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Three themes and sub-themes were generated and later linked to the research questions namely: What are the experiences faced by older persons in using public transport? How do these experiences and challenges affect the quality of life of older persons using public transport? What do older persons view as potential barriers in using public transport? The findings highlighted that elderly people living in Mdantsane Township rely on public transport for participation in social and economic activities of the community as well as access to essential services. Consequently, lack of sufficient income among older persons affect their quality of life in relation to using public transport in that they cannot access all the services they need. They also indicated that there are several barriers for older persons against using public transport which include, concerns about personal safety, safety of items, public transport running late, behaviour of younger passengers and taxi conductors and lack of cleanliness among some drivers, to name a few. , Thesis (MSoc Sci) (Social Work) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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Factors influencing the adoption of mobile health monitoring and care systems by the elderly living at home in South Africa: a case of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
- Authors: Fotoyi, Yolande Odwa
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Medical informatics , Wireless communication systems in medical care
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/ theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20406 , vital:45662
- Description: The gradual increase of elderly people around the globe necessitates intensive dialogue amongst government, the healthcare sector and elderly communities as per MPAA 2002 resolutions. Literature identifies technology as the enabler to drive the facilitation of improved living conditions beginning with an affordable, accessible and integrated health information system (HIS). The attainment of a better quality of care to meet the elderly’s needs requires the re-engineering of current modalities. The diverse nature of South Africa is more suited to a people-based rather than a process-centric approach currently in existence. Access barriers, affordability, the digital divide, lack of government buy-in, and fragmented HIS are considered major impediments to adoption of mobile monitoring and care systems (MMCs) for the elderly’s healthcare. Given the complications brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, the adoption of MMCs cannot be more pronounced. However, despite available literature regarding elderly issues in both developed and developing countries, the elderly plight has still not been considered a national priority. The main purpose of this research was to investigate why elderly people do not adopt MMCs to improve their quality of life, with MMC technologies as a general area of research. The main objective of the study was to develop critical success factors to improve the adoption of MMCs by the elderly living at home. This would potentially alleviate the burden on healthcare resources and also improve the elderly’s quality of life. Primary data collection took place from 21 February to 28 February 2020 in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants comprising one male and 14 females who represented the elderly Black, Coloured, Indian and White people. This qualitative research tool and purposive sampling method were chosen in order to fully capture the participants’ experiences in the home environment, which excluded those living in frail care or step-down facilities or state institutions. Despite the sample size being small and not being generalizable, it delivered rich information which provided a deeper understanding and fresh insights into the landscape of the elderly and their healthcare needs. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. The study found that elderly communities are not entirely averse to adoption of MMCs but challenges like affordability and chronic shortage of technical skills prove to be impediments to adoption of MMCs for the elderly’s healthcare. The lack of standardisation and data governance pertaining to data sharing in HISs also serve to exacerbate the matter. The study, therefore, recommends collaborative engagements amongst government, business and the elderly to facilitate the availability of affordable and accessible ICT infrastructure for the elderly communities. Improved adoption of MMCs carry the potential benefit which emanates from the assumption of a pro-active role by the elderly and optimising available MMCs thus reducing strain and freeing-up healthcare workers to concentrate on core duties. The onus thus falls on the healthcare sector to revise the available strategies which seek to enhance the quality of life of the elderly people living in the home environment. , Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Fotoyi, Yolande Odwa
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Medical informatics , Wireless communication systems in medical care
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/ theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20406 , vital:45662
- Description: The gradual increase of elderly people around the globe necessitates intensive dialogue amongst government, the healthcare sector and elderly communities as per MPAA 2002 resolutions. Literature identifies technology as the enabler to drive the facilitation of improved living conditions beginning with an affordable, accessible and integrated health information system (HIS). The attainment of a better quality of care to meet the elderly’s needs requires the re-engineering of current modalities. The diverse nature of South Africa is more suited to a people-based rather than a process-centric approach currently in existence. Access barriers, affordability, the digital divide, lack of government buy-in, and fragmented HIS are considered major impediments to adoption of mobile monitoring and care systems (MMCs) for the elderly’s healthcare. Given the complications brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, the adoption of MMCs cannot be more pronounced. However, despite available literature regarding elderly issues in both developed and developing countries, the elderly plight has still not been considered a national priority. The main purpose of this research was to investigate why elderly people do not adopt MMCs to improve their quality of life, with MMC technologies as a general area of research. The main objective of the study was to develop critical success factors to improve the adoption of MMCs by the elderly living at home. This would potentially alleviate the burden on healthcare resources and also improve the elderly’s quality of life. Primary data collection took place from 21 February to 28 February 2020 in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants comprising one male and 14 females who represented the elderly Black, Coloured, Indian and White people. This qualitative research tool and purposive sampling method were chosen in order to fully capture the participants’ experiences in the home environment, which excluded those living in frail care or step-down facilities or state institutions. Despite the sample size being small and not being generalizable, it delivered rich information which provided a deeper understanding and fresh insights into the landscape of the elderly and their healthcare needs. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. The study found that elderly communities are not entirely averse to adoption of MMCs but challenges like affordability and chronic shortage of technical skills prove to be impediments to adoption of MMCs for the elderly’s healthcare. The lack of standardisation and data governance pertaining to data sharing in HISs also serve to exacerbate the matter. The study, therefore, recommends collaborative engagements amongst government, business and the elderly to facilitate the availability of affordable and accessible ICT infrastructure for the elderly communities. Improved adoption of MMCs carry the potential benefit which emanates from the assumption of a pro-active role by the elderly and optimising available MMCs thus reducing strain and freeing-up healthcare workers to concentrate on core duties. The onus thus falls on the healthcare sector to revise the available strategies which seek to enhance the quality of life of the elderly people living in the home environment. , Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021.
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In vitro investigation of the anti-hyperglycemic and chemical composition of Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham leaf extracts used in the management of diabetes mellitus
- Abifarin, Taiwo Oluwafunmilola https://orcid.org/00000003-4994-4638
- Authors: Abifarin, Taiwo Oluwafunmilola https://orcid.org/00000003-4994-4638
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Diabetes
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22798 , vital:52760
- Description: Diabetes mellitus is currently a major threat all over the world. It is a chronic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and disturbance in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism which often times leads to several complications such as, atherosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy. Due to the side effects associated with synthetic oral hypoglycemic drugs, herbal remedies have become the alternative in the management of diabetes mellitus. Heteromorpha arborescens is one of the many plants used as herbal remedies for the management of diabetes mellitus in South Africa. In addition, the roots, barks and leaves are used in other parts of Southern Africa for the treatment of mental problems, asthma, cough, dysentery and tuberculosis. The roots are fed to malnourished children in Botswana and Swaziland. However, despite the high medicinal importance, there is little or no scientificinformation to prove this claim. Therefore, the basis of this study is to determine the chemical composition as well as perform and invitro investigation of the antihyperglycemic potential of H. arborescens leaf extracts to provide information that could validate the ethno-medicinal claims for the use of this plant in the management of diabetes mellitus. Phytochemical contents and antioxidant activity of the leaf extracts were determined. Phytochemical analysis of the acetone, ethanol, aqueous and blanched extracts of H. arborescens leaves indicated that the total phenol content of the extracts ranged between 15.10 mg GAE/g- 42.50 mg QAE/g, proanthocyanidin, 459-8402.1 mg QE/g and the flavonoid content, 109.24- 235.79 mg QE/g. In addition, alkaloids (7.65percent) and saponin (25.33percent) were present in significantamounts. Based on the IC50 values, the ethanol extract exhibited the highest total antioxidant activity (0.0125 mg/mL) with highest inhibition against DPPH and ABTS radicals (0.06 and 0.049 mg/mL respectively). Relatively high antioxidant activity may be attributed to the polyphenolic contents which possess hypoglycemic potentials. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) of H. arborescens leaf extracts against Bacillus pumilus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebselia pneumoniae was also determined and results indicated considerable antibacterial activity in the acetone, ethanol and blanched extracts with MIC values ranging from 1.563-12.5 mg/mL; however, the aqueous extract was inactive against all the bacteria strains. The antibacterial activity of the leaf extracts could be advantageous against diabetic related infections. The cytotoxicity, anti-obesity and antidiabetic potentials of blanched, aqueous and ethanol extracts of Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham leaves were also investigated. The results revealed that both ethanol and aqueous extracts indicated considerable inhibition against α-glucosidase (IC50 of 627.29 ± 4.33 μg/mL and 576.46 ± 3.21 μg/mL respectively) while the blanched extract showed weak α- glucosidase inhibition (IC50; 855.38 ± 4.29 μg/mL). The aqueous extract showed the best α- amylase inhibition (IC50; 583.74 ± 5.87 μg/mL) among the assessed extracts. However, weak α- amylase inhibition was observed in the ethanol (IC50; 724.60 ± 4.33 μg/mL) and blanched extracts (IC50; 791.63 ± 3.76 μg/mL) of H. arborescens leaves. Some level of glucose utilization in both C3A and L6 cells was also observed for the aqueous and ethanol extracts which may be attributed to the relatively lower toxicity levels present in them, however, glucose utilization was very weak for the blanched extract, which may be due to higher level of cytotoxicity it possessed. Relatively weak lipase inhibition was observed for the ethanol (IC50; 699.3 ± 1.33 μg/mL), aqueous (IC50; 811.52 ± 3.52 μg/mL) and blanched extract (IC50; 1152.7 ± 4.61 μg/mL) as compared to orlistat (IC50; 56.88 ± 0.11 μg/mL). However, there was no reasonable reduction in lipid accumulation observed in all the extract treated cells. The results obtained suggest that H.arborescens leaf extracts can serve as a potential tool for the development of new strategies for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. However, further analysis is required to ascertain its anti- obesity potential. Also, caution should be taken in the use of the plant at high concentrations in order to ensure safety and efficacy. Analyses were also carried out to determine the nutritional and antinutritional constituents of the plant for possible inclusion in the diet of diabetic patients. Proximate analysis revealed the presence of 8.5 percent total ash, 4.92 percent crude fat, 8.41 percent moisture, 15.74 percent crude protein, 21.48 percent crude fiber, 40.95 percent carbohydrates and 271.04 kcal/100g energy value. Mineral analysis showed that H. arborescens leaves are very rich in K, Ca, and Fe. Considerable amounts of Mg, Mn, Na, P, Cu and Zn were also present. Vitamin analysis showed that the plant has a high content of vitamins A, C and E. The anti-nutrients evaluated were phytate, oxalate, saponin, and alkaloids, all of which were below toxic levels except for saponin which was observed in moderately high level. This study revealed that H. arborescens leaves are a good source of nutrients and mineral elements, (with low anti-nutrient content) that are highly beneficial to human health especially in diabetic individuals, therefore, encouraging its possible inclusion as a vegetable. Essential oil composition of fresh Heteromorphaarborescens leaves were also determined by Solvent-Free-Microwave-Extraction (SFME) and Hydrodistillation (HD) methods and the compositions of both mehods were compared in terms of their chemical compositions, yield, CO2 emission and energy consumption. Solvent Free Microwave extraction method indicated higher oil yield of 0.7 mL/200 g (0.35 percent) as compared to 0.59 mL/200 g (0.295 percent), lower energy consumption and CO2 emission as compared to the hydrodistillation method. In conclusion, H. arborescens leaves indicated considerable potential efficacy in the management for diabetes mellitus and may require further structural elucidation and characterization in order to identify the bioactive constituents. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Abifarin, Taiwo Oluwafunmilola https://orcid.org/00000003-4994-4638
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Diabetes
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22798 , vital:52760
- Description: Diabetes mellitus is currently a major threat all over the world. It is a chronic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and disturbance in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism which often times leads to several complications such as, atherosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy. Due to the side effects associated with synthetic oral hypoglycemic drugs, herbal remedies have become the alternative in the management of diabetes mellitus. Heteromorpha arborescens is one of the many plants used as herbal remedies for the management of diabetes mellitus in South Africa. In addition, the roots, barks and leaves are used in other parts of Southern Africa for the treatment of mental problems, asthma, cough, dysentery and tuberculosis. The roots are fed to malnourished children in Botswana and Swaziland. However, despite the high medicinal importance, there is little or no scientificinformation to prove this claim. Therefore, the basis of this study is to determine the chemical composition as well as perform and invitro investigation of the antihyperglycemic potential of H. arborescens leaf extracts to provide information that could validate the ethno-medicinal claims for the use of this plant in the management of diabetes mellitus. Phytochemical contents and antioxidant activity of the leaf extracts were determined. Phytochemical analysis of the acetone, ethanol, aqueous and blanched extracts of H. arborescens leaves indicated that the total phenol content of the extracts ranged between 15.10 mg GAE/g- 42.50 mg QAE/g, proanthocyanidin, 459-8402.1 mg QE/g and the flavonoid content, 109.24- 235.79 mg QE/g. In addition, alkaloids (7.65percent) and saponin (25.33percent) were present in significantamounts. Based on the IC50 values, the ethanol extract exhibited the highest total antioxidant activity (0.0125 mg/mL) with highest inhibition against DPPH and ABTS radicals (0.06 and 0.049 mg/mL respectively). Relatively high antioxidant activity may be attributed to the polyphenolic contents which possess hypoglycemic potentials. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) of H. arborescens leaf extracts against Bacillus pumilus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebselia pneumoniae was also determined and results indicated considerable antibacterial activity in the acetone, ethanol and blanched extracts with MIC values ranging from 1.563-12.5 mg/mL; however, the aqueous extract was inactive against all the bacteria strains. The antibacterial activity of the leaf extracts could be advantageous against diabetic related infections. The cytotoxicity, anti-obesity and antidiabetic potentials of blanched, aqueous and ethanol extracts of Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham leaves were also investigated. The results revealed that both ethanol and aqueous extracts indicated considerable inhibition against α-glucosidase (IC50 of 627.29 ± 4.33 μg/mL and 576.46 ± 3.21 μg/mL respectively) while the blanched extract showed weak α- glucosidase inhibition (IC50; 855.38 ± 4.29 μg/mL). The aqueous extract showed the best α- amylase inhibition (IC50; 583.74 ± 5.87 μg/mL) among the assessed extracts. However, weak α- amylase inhibition was observed in the ethanol (IC50; 724.60 ± 4.33 μg/mL) and blanched extracts (IC50; 791.63 ± 3.76 μg/mL) of H. arborescens leaves. Some level of glucose utilization in both C3A and L6 cells was also observed for the aqueous and ethanol extracts which may be attributed to the relatively lower toxicity levels present in them, however, glucose utilization was very weak for the blanched extract, which may be due to higher level of cytotoxicity it possessed. Relatively weak lipase inhibition was observed for the ethanol (IC50; 699.3 ± 1.33 μg/mL), aqueous (IC50; 811.52 ± 3.52 μg/mL) and blanched extract (IC50; 1152.7 ± 4.61 μg/mL) as compared to orlistat (IC50; 56.88 ± 0.11 μg/mL). However, there was no reasonable reduction in lipid accumulation observed in all the extract treated cells. The results obtained suggest that H.arborescens leaf extracts can serve as a potential tool for the development of new strategies for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. However, further analysis is required to ascertain its anti- obesity potential. Also, caution should be taken in the use of the plant at high concentrations in order to ensure safety and efficacy. Analyses were also carried out to determine the nutritional and antinutritional constituents of the plant for possible inclusion in the diet of diabetic patients. Proximate analysis revealed the presence of 8.5 percent total ash, 4.92 percent crude fat, 8.41 percent moisture, 15.74 percent crude protein, 21.48 percent crude fiber, 40.95 percent carbohydrates and 271.04 kcal/100g energy value. Mineral analysis showed that H. arborescens leaves are very rich in K, Ca, and Fe. Considerable amounts of Mg, Mn, Na, P, Cu and Zn were also present. Vitamin analysis showed that the plant has a high content of vitamins A, C and E. The anti-nutrients evaluated were phytate, oxalate, saponin, and alkaloids, all of which were below toxic levels except for saponin which was observed in moderately high level. This study revealed that H. arborescens leaves are a good source of nutrients and mineral elements, (with low anti-nutrient content) that are highly beneficial to human health especially in diabetic individuals, therefore, encouraging its possible inclusion as a vegetable. Essential oil composition of fresh Heteromorphaarborescens leaves were also determined by Solvent-Free-Microwave-Extraction (SFME) and Hydrodistillation (HD) methods and the compositions of both mehods were compared in terms of their chemical compositions, yield, CO2 emission and energy consumption. Solvent Free Microwave extraction method indicated higher oil yield of 0.7 mL/200 g (0.35 percent) as compared to 0.59 mL/200 g (0.295 percent), lower energy consumption and CO2 emission as compared to the hydrodistillation method. In conclusion, H. arborescens leaves indicated considerable potential efficacy in the management for diabetes mellitus and may require further structural elucidation and characterization in order to identify the bioactive constituents. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
Investigation of pharmaceutical residues and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in selected river estuaries and canal in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Ohoro, Chinemerem Ruth https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-8167-6314
- Authors: Ohoro, Chinemerem Ruth https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-8167-6314
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Marine pharmacology
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21545 , vital:48878
- Description: The increasing global pollution by contaminants of emerging concern due to industrialization, development, and improper handling of industrial and domestic waste is alarming. Some of these emerging contaminants are endocrine disruptors and persistent organic pollutants. Two groups of compounds (pharmaceuticals and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)) were considered for this study. Pharmaceuticals are drugs which we take to cure and nourish human and animal bodies, ranging from antibiotics, stimulants, psychiatric, to hormonal recipes among others. They are potentially toxic and comprise chemicals or active ingredients capable of disrupting hormones. They have been related to human and aquatic organisms' ecological risks, such as feminization and masculinization of fish, cancer, and disruption of the immune system. In recent times, pharmaceuticals are being tested in the Rivers of South Africa. PBDEs are human influential chemicals usually incorporated into products such as flame retardants, which can travel over a long distance. They are hydrophobic, lipophilic, environmentally persistent, and easily absorbed by aquatic organisms. About 209 congeners exist, and BDE- 17, 47, 66, 100, 153, 154, and 183 are frequently detected in the environment. The higher brominated congeners can debrominate to more toxic and lower congeners. Though they have low acute toxicity, their effect of interfering with the thyroid gland is long-term. They pose a risk such as immunological, neurological, carcinogenicity, and reproductive disruption. Water and sediment samples considered for investigation were collected from five different sites (Buffalo River Estuary, Sundays River Estuary, Swartkops River Estuary, Nahoon River Estuary, and Markman Canal stormwater). These sites are located in the two major cities hosting the two major Ports (East London and Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Five sampling points were chosen for the collection of both water and sediment samples across three seasons that span from August to December in each of the mentioned sites. Nahoon River Estuary that was not sampled in winter seasons due to logistics and the global pandemic of year 2020; sediment sample was not collected at point NH5 for the spring season because of inaccessibility and topography of the sampling point. Ultrasonic extraction was utilized for sediment samples while SPE method with C-18 cartridges, was used to extract pharmaceuticals in water samples and for the purification of sediment extracts. A chromatographic column was employed for sediment purification. Analytes considered in this study were carbamazepine, caffeine, trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, and testosterone. Nahoon River Estuary and Markman canal were considered for investigation of water and sediments for PBDEs. The samples were processed for analysis immediately on arrival to the laboratory after being stored in an ice chest at 4 oC. Physicochemical properties of water samples were taken on site. The temperature ranges from 15.5-24.5 oC for Markman and 24.5- 26.6 oC. Nahoon River Estuary. There was a correlation among the congeners except for BDE-153, which do not correlate with BDE- 17, 47, and 183 in Markman. However, BDE- 153 correlated with BDE-66 in Markman. The Ʃ5PBDE for water and Ʃ6PBDE sediment for all seasons were BDL – 1357 ng/L and BDL – 408.14 ng/g, respectively. The PBDEs mean concentrations in Nahoon water samples ranges from BDL-247 ng/L (spring). The dominant congeners in Nahoon Estuary and Markman Canal samples were BDE- 17 and BDE – 66. The temperature and pH of Swartkops River Estuary range from 16.66 – 25.15 oC, and 8.1 – 10.4, respectively. The pH of the Estuary was higher than that of the Markman Canal. The concentrations of pharmaceuticals in water samples were below detection limit. However, carbamazepine gave the highest concentration in sediment samples (23.86 μg/kg). SLF was not detected in sediment samples. The range of temperature for Buffalo River Estuary was lower than the other sites (18.10 – 20.22 oC); however, the pH showed no difference. Human and ecotoxicological risks were estimated for Markman Canal, Nahoon, Swartkops, Buffalo and Sundays River estuaries. The concentrations obtained for the two classes of contaminants in this study showed that PBDEs in Markman Canal sediment could pose a potential risk to humans, while Nahoon River Estuary poses no risk from PBDEs. Furthermore, the concentrations of caffeine in surface water of Sundays Estuary indicates low ecotoxicological risk to aquatic organisms (fish). Also, carbamazepine and trimethoprim levels (BDL – 9.50 and 1.39-2.00 μg/kg, respectively) suggest a high risk to aquatic organisms (bacteria, invertebrate, algae) in sediment of Buffalo, Sundays, and Swartkops estuaries, as well as Markman Canal. The situation report shows that the estuaries and canal in East London and Port Elizabeth are polluted by organic pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Measures has to be taken to monitor the pollution of these rivers that are of economic value to South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ohoro, Chinemerem Ruth https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-8167-6314
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Marine pharmacology
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21545 , vital:48878
- Description: The increasing global pollution by contaminants of emerging concern due to industrialization, development, and improper handling of industrial and domestic waste is alarming. Some of these emerging contaminants are endocrine disruptors and persistent organic pollutants. Two groups of compounds (pharmaceuticals and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)) were considered for this study. Pharmaceuticals are drugs which we take to cure and nourish human and animal bodies, ranging from antibiotics, stimulants, psychiatric, to hormonal recipes among others. They are potentially toxic and comprise chemicals or active ingredients capable of disrupting hormones. They have been related to human and aquatic organisms' ecological risks, such as feminization and masculinization of fish, cancer, and disruption of the immune system. In recent times, pharmaceuticals are being tested in the Rivers of South Africa. PBDEs are human influential chemicals usually incorporated into products such as flame retardants, which can travel over a long distance. They are hydrophobic, lipophilic, environmentally persistent, and easily absorbed by aquatic organisms. About 209 congeners exist, and BDE- 17, 47, 66, 100, 153, 154, and 183 are frequently detected in the environment. The higher brominated congeners can debrominate to more toxic and lower congeners. Though they have low acute toxicity, their effect of interfering with the thyroid gland is long-term. They pose a risk such as immunological, neurological, carcinogenicity, and reproductive disruption. Water and sediment samples considered for investigation were collected from five different sites (Buffalo River Estuary, Sundays River Estuary, Swartkops River Estuary, Nahoon River Estuary, and Markman Canal stormwater). These sites are located in the two major cities hosting the two major Ports (East London and Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Five sampling points were chosen for the collection of both water and sediment samples across three seasons that span from August to December in each of the mentioned sites. Nahoon River Estuary that was not sampled in winter seasons due to logistics and the global pandemic of year 2020; sediment sample was not collected at point NH5 for the spring season because of inaccessibility and topography of the sampling point. Ultrasonic extraction was utilized for sediment samples while SPE method with C-18 cartridges, was used to extract pharmaceuticals in water samples and for the purification of sediment extracts. A chromatographic column was employed for sediment purification. Analytes considered in this study were carbamazepine, caffeine, trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, and testosterone. Nahoon River Estuary and Markman canal were considered for investigation of water and sediments for PBDEs. The samples were processed for analysis immediately on arrival to the laboratory after being stored in an ice chest at 4 oC. Physicochemical properties of water samples were taken on site. The temperature ranges from 15.5-24.5 oC for Markman and 24.5- 26.6 oC. Nahoon River Estuary. There was a correlation among the congeners except for BDE-153, which do not correlate with BDE- 17, 47, and 183 in Markman. However, BDE- 153 correlated with BDE-66 in Markman. The Ʃ5PBDE for water and Ʃ6PBDE sediment for all seasons were BDL – 1357 ng/L and BDL – 408.14 ng/g, respectively. The PBDEs mean concentrations in Nahoon water samples ranges from BDL-247 ng/L (spring). The dominant congeners in Nahoon Estuary and Markman Canal samples were BDE- 17 and BDE – 66. The temperature and pH of Swartkops River Estuary range from 16.66 – 25.15 oC, and 8.1 – 10.4, respectively. The pH of the Estuary was higher than that of the Markman Canal. The concentrations of pharmaceuticals in water samples were below detection limit. However, carbamazepine gave the highest concentration in sediment samples (23.86 μg/kg). SLF was not detected in sediment samples. The range of temperature for Buffalo River Estuary was lower than the other sites (18.10 – 20.22 oC); however, the pH showed no difference. Human and ecotoxicological risks were estimated for Markman Canal, Nahoon, Swartkops, Buffalo and Sundays River estuaries. The concentrations obtained for the two classes of contaminants in this study showed that PBDEs in Markman Canal sediment could pose a potential risk to humans, while Nahoon River Estuary poses no risk from PBDEs. Furthermore, the concentrations of caffeine in surface water of Sundays Estuary indicates low ecotoxicological risk to aquatic organisms (fish). Also, carbamazepine and trimethoprim levels (BDL – 9.50 and 1.39-2.00 μg/kg, respectively) suggest a high risk to aquatic organisms (bacteria, invertebrate, algae) in sediment of Buffalo, Sundays, and Swartkops estuaries, as well as Markman Canal. The situation report shows that the estuaries and canal in East London and Port Elizabeth are polluted by organic pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Measures has to be taken to monitor the pollution of these rivers that are of economic value to South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
Knowledge and attitude towards mastitis, culling and mortality among dairy farmworkers, and factors associated with culling and mortality among dairy cattle in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Diniso, Yanga Simamkele
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Food security , Dairying--Economic aspects , Milking
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20686 , vital:46425
- Description: Globally, food security is under threat from escalating population growth, new variants of diseases, climate change and livestock loss. Africa is vulnerable to food insecurity, with majority of the estimated 800 million suffering from hunger based in Africa. Intensification of production is a common strategy to counter the increasing demand for nutritional food to maintain and improve food security. The dairy industry is one of the leading agriculture sectors that has adopted intensification of production. The current study had two specific objectives; the first objective was to evaluate the dairy farmworkers’ knowledge and attitude towards mastitis, culling, and mortality in the southern part of the Eastern Cape Province. The data was collected from 106 dairy farm workers of different farm hierarchy in 5 out of 6 districts using questionnaire. In cases whereby a majority correctly answered a question, a point was awarded and a zero for incorrectly answered questions by the majority. A less than 50 percent pass rate was considered a poor level of knowledge, 51-69 percent pass rate was considered an average level of knowledge, and anything higher than that considered a good level of knowledge. The majority of the participants (64.2 percent) indicated that they consume unpasteurised milk even though they know its risks. There was no association (P>0.05) between workplace position, educational level, work experience, and consumption of unpasteurised milk. This study found that participants had a deficient level of knowledge of mastitis causing pathogens by attaining a pass mark of 1.60 out of a possible 10 (16 percent), and educational level was significantly associated with knowledge of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus spp. However, the participants (64.9 percent) showed good knowledge of clinical signs of mastitis, and this was attributed to the regular mastitis detection with California Mastitis Test (CMT, 60.4 percent) and a strip cup (83.0 percent). The participants had varying perceptions and limited knowledge (28.3 percent pass rate) about the major contributing factors of culling and mortality. The lack of dairy training courses and minimal use of other sources of information such as the internet might contribute to this poor knowledge and perceptions. The second objective involved identifying and describing the factors responsible for culling and mortality in dairy farms in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. The factors were grouped into seven (7) major factors namely lameness and poor growth (2.33 percent), reproduction problems (35.86 percent), health factors (6.72 percent), production factors (7.11 percent), udder-related factors (3.42 percent), voluntary culls (4.86 percent) and miscellaneous factors (26.03 percent). The most frequent reason for culling dairy cows was reproduction problems which was mainly made up of infertility (7.9 percent), reproductive failure (89.9 percent), and dystocia (1 percent). Miscellaneous factors which mainly consisted of indigenous breeds (8.2 percent), and age (2.7 percent) accounted for the second most prevalent factors for the culling of dairy cows. All the farms recorded stock-theft as part of involuntary culling and accounted for 3.6 percent dairy cows that were culled. Poor milk yield and health-related factors such as red-water (33.8 percent), milk-fever (23.3 percent), and heart-water (6.8 percent) were amongst the major factors responsible for the culling of dairy cows. There were 1774 (13.67 percent) dairy cows that died in the study farms from 2015 to 2019 and causes of death were not specified except for drowning (0.01 percent) and snake bite (1 percent). This study exposed a gap in knowledge about the causes of mastitis, culling and mortality among dairy farmworkers in the southern part of the Eastern Cape Province. Furthermore, this study provided with a baseline information on the leading causes of culling and mortality. There is a need for further research on strategies of enhancing the knowledge of dairy farmworkers about pathogens of mastitis and specific causes of culling and mortality to mitigate the challenge they pose to food security. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Diniso, Yanga Simamkele
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Food security , Dairying--Economic aspects , Milking
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20686 , vital:46425
- Description: Globally, food security is under threat from escalating population growth, new variants of diseases, climate change and livestock loss. Africa is vulnerable to food insecurity, with majority of the estimated 800 million suffering from hunger based in Africa. Intensification of production is a common strategy to counter the increasing demand for nutritional food to maintain and improve food security. The dairy industry is one of the leading agriculture sectors that has adopted intensification of production. The current study had two specific objectives; the first objective was to evaluate the dairy farmworkers’ knowledge and attitude towards mastitis, culling, and mortality in the southern part of the Eastern Cape Province. The data was collected from 106 dairy farm workers of different farm hierarchy in 5 out of 6 districts using questionnaire. In cases whereby a majority correctly answered a question, a point was awarded and a zero for incorrectly answered questions by the majority. A less than 50 percent pass rate was considered a poor level of knowledge, 51-69 percent pass rate was considered an average level of knowledge, and anything higher than that considered a good level of knowledge. The majority of the participants (64.2 percent) indicated that they consume unpasteurised milk even though they know its risks. There was no association (P>0.05) between workplace position, educational level, work experience, and consumption of unpasteurised milk. This study found that participants had a deficient level of knowledge of mastitis causing pathogens by attaining a pass mark of 1.60 out of a possible 10 (16 percent), and educational level was significantly associated with knowledge of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus spp. However, the participants (64.9 percent) showed good knowledge of clinical signs of mastitis, and this was attributed to the regular mastitis detection with California Mastitis Test (CMT, 60.4 percent) and a strip cup (83.0 percent). The participants had varying perceptions and limited knowledge (28.3 percent pass rate) about the major contributing factors of culling and mortality. The lack of dairy training courses and minimal use of other sources of information such as the internet might contribute to this poor knowledge and perceptions. The second objective involved identifying and describing the factors responsible for culling and mortality in dairy farms in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. The factors were grouped into seven (7) major factors namely lameness and poor growth (2.33 percent), reproduction problems (35.86 percent), health factors (6.72 percent), production factors (7.11 percent), udder-related factors (3.42 percent), voluntary culls (4.86 percent) and miscellaneous factors (26.03 percent). The most frequent reason for culling dairy cows was reproduction problems which was mainly made up of infertility (7.9 percent), reproductive failure (89.9 percent), and dystocia (1 percent). Miscellaneous factors which mainly consisted of indigenous breeds (8.2 percent), and age (2.7 percent) accounted for the second most prevalent factors for the culling of dairy cows. All the farms recorded stock-theft as part of involuntary culling and accounted for 3.6 percent dairy cows that were culled. Poor milk yield and health-related factors such as red-water (33.8 percent), milk-fever (23.3 percent), and heart-water (6.8 percent) were amongst the major factors responsible for the culling of dairy cows. There were 1774 (13.67 percent) dairy cows that died in the study farms from 2015 to 2019 and causes of death were not specified except for drowning (0.01 percent) and snake bite (1 percent). This study exposed a gap in knowledge about the causes of mastitis, culling and mortality among dairy farmworkers in the southern part of the Eastern Cape Province. Furthermore, this study provided with a baseline information on the leading causes of culling and mortality. There is a need for further research on strategies of enhancing the knowledge of dairy farmworkers about pathogens of mastitis and specific causes of culling and mortality to mitigate the challenge they pose to food security. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
Participation of smallholder farmers in the production of high-value commodities: The case of smallholder tobacco farmers in
- Authors: Mugande, Unity
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21533 , vital:48864
- Description: Participation in the production of high-value export commodities is important in increasing incomes and in enhancing smallholder farmers’ livelihoods. However, the level of their participation may be limited by several factors. Despite the limiting factors, smallholder tobacco farming has gained popularity, especially for the Zimbabwean tobacco industry. Since the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP), the tobacco industry in Zimbabwe has seen an influx of smallholder farmers who have since dominated the industry producing over half of the national total tobacco output. The participation by smallholder farmers in tobacco production can be influenced by many factors, the main being income realisation. However, for farmers to realise reasonable incomes, they should be able to produce reasonable levels of good quality tobacco otherwise their farming would be in vain. It has been shown in the literature that smallholder farmers can be constrained by several factors to produce high levels of produce and these factors may include one or more of the following; lack of capital, lack of productive assets, lack of tobacco production skills, lack of financial resources to finance productive activities properly, lack of access to land to expand production among others. Given this background, this study sought to assess the participation of smallholder farmers in tobacco production in terms of quantities and qualities produced given the differences in their productive capacities. The study utilised both primary and secondary data for analysis. Primary data were collected from individual farmers and contract firms’ representatives. The unit of analysis was the smallholder farmer. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and a semi-structured interview guide for the contract representatives. Secondary data for the 2018 season were obtained from TIMB. Descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyse the data. The descriptive statistics results showed that; the majority of the tobacco farmers had low levels of education and they relied mainly on farm incomes for survival. Concerning farm assets, the results showed that; on average, farmers own at least one of the following traditional assets; plough, scotch cart, cattle, storage facility, tobacco curing barn, (athough among the farmers some had indicated that they do not own curing facilities but used hired facilities to cure tobacco). Modern assets like tractors, ox-drawn ridgers and truck motor vehicles were owned by only a few farmers. The results further showed that contracted farmers were more productive and produced better quality tobacco than independent tobacco producers. The binary regression results showed that Ox-drawn ridgers, ploughs, having had a contract before, pricing, distance to the market, age of the farmer, type of curing facility, number of extension visits, number of bales produced and access to credit were significant factors influencing farmers’ participation in contract farming. However, four of the tested factors; tractors, cattle, number of hectares utilised for tobacco farming and number of years in tobacco farming were insignificant in influencing participation in contract farming. The results from the multiple linear regression analysis showed that the number of hectares utilised, the number of bales produced, market preferred, household size, tobacco production training, tractors, and type of curing facility were significant factors influencing the quality of tobacco produce. The other four variables that were tested; farmer category, type of energy used, being a member of a peer group and the number of years in tobacco farming; had no significant effect on the quality of tobacco produced by smallholder farmers. The study recommended that farmers should try and invest in commercial assets such as tractors, modern curing facilities, irrigation systems and other modern equipment that have potential to highly boost production rather than traditional assets like ox-drawn ploughs. The study also recommended that farmers should aim at maximising quantity per hectare of tobacco planted rather than planting larger crop areas they are unable to finance properly. Finally, it is recommended that farmers should get training on tobacco grading to avoid product quality loses that come with improper grading. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mugande, Unity
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21533 , vital:48864
- Description: Participation in the production of high-value export commodities is important in increasing incomes and in enhancing smallholder farmers’ livelihoods. However, the level of their participation may be limited by several factors. Despite the limiting factors, smallholder tobacco farming has gained popularity, especially for the Zimbabwean tobacco industry. Since the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP), the tobacco industry in Zimbabwe has seen an influx of smallholder farmers who have since dominated the industry producing over half of the national total tobacco output. The participation by smallholder farmers in tobacco production can be influenced by many factors, the main being income realisation. However, for farmers to realise reasonable incomes, they should be able to produce reasonable levels of good quality tobacco otherwise their farming would be in vain. It has been shown in the literature that smallholder farmers can be constrained by several factors to produce high levels of produce and these factors may include one or more of the following; lack of capital, lack of productive assets, lack of tobacco production skills, lack of financial resources to finance productive activities properly, lack of access to land to expand production among others. Given this background, this study sought to assess the participation of smallholder farmers in tobacco production in terms of quantities and qualities produced given the differences in their productive capacities. The study utilised both primary and secondary data for analysis. Primary data were collected from individual farmers and contract firms’ representatives. The unit of analysis was the smallholder farmer. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and a semi-structured interview guide for the contract representatives. Secondary data for the 2018 season were obtained from TIMB. Descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyse the data. The descriptive statistics results showed that; the majority of the tobacco farmers had low levels of education and they relied mainly on farm incomes for survival. Concerning farm assets, the results showed that; on average, farmers own at least one of the following traditional assets; plough, scotch cart, cattle, storage facility, tobacco curing barn, (athough among the farmers some had indicated that they do not own curing facilities but used hired facilities to cure tobacco). Modern assets like tractors, ox-drawn ridgers and truck motor vehicles were owned by only a few farmers. The results further showed that contracted farmers were more productive and produced better quality tobacco than independent tobacco producers. The binary regression results showed that Ox-drawn ridgers, ploughs, having had a contract before, pricing, distance to the market, age of the farmer, type of curing facility, number of extension visits, number of bales produced and access to credit were significant factors influencing farmers’ participation in contract farming. However, four of the tested factors; tractors, cattle, number of hectares utilised for tobacco farming and number of years in tobacco farming were insignificant in influencing participation in contract farming. The results from the multiple linear regression analysis showed that the number of hectares utilised, the number of bales produced, market preferred, household size, tobacco production training, tractors, and type of curing facility were significant factors influencing the quality of tobacco produce. The other four variables that were tested; farmer category, type of energy used, being a member of a peer group and the number of years in tobacco farming; had no significant effect on the quality of tobacco produced by smallholder farmers. The study recommended that farmers should try and invest in commercial assets such as tractors, modern curing facilities, irrigation systems and other modern equipment that have potential to highly boost production rather than traditional assets like ox-drawn ploughs. The study also recommended that farmers should aim at maximising quantity per hectare of tobacco planted rather than planting larger crop areas they are unable to finance properly. Finally, it is recommended that farmers should get training on tobacco grading to avoid product quality loses that come with improper grading. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, 2021
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Prevalence and geo-mapping of livestock disease in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Phingilili, Wanga-Ungeviwa (https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-7227-6813)
- Authors: Phingilili, Wanga-Ungeviwa (https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-7227-6813)
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Parasitology , Veterinary medicine , Veterinary tropical medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20959 , vital:46865
- Description: Livestock disease poses a threat to the livestock production industry due to ban on the exportation of live animals and animal by-products. Information on disease surveillance and mapping of disease prevalence and distribution in the Eastern Cape is very scarce. Therefore, two objectives were set to determine the prevalence and distribution of livestock disease in the Eastern Cape Province (ECP) through retrospective investigation. A retrospective data of animal diseases in the ECP from 2013-2018 was obtained from the veterinary unit of the Department of Rural and Agrarian Reform (DrDAR) database, decoded, analysed, and interpreted. The first objective was to determine the prevalence and seasonal distribution of viral and bacterial diseases in ECP from 2013-2018. The second objective was to conduct a spatio-temporal analysis of parasitic diseases of livestock in ECP from 2013-2018. Significant associations (P< 0.05) were found between local municipality, season, year, and livestock species. The highest prevalence of viral disease was found in the Lukhanji (29.4 percent) and Mbhashe (17.5 percent), while bacterial diseases were found in Nelson Mandela Bay (27.7 percent) and Raymond Mhlaba (34.9 percent) municipalities. Viral infections were more common in autumn (53.8 percent), while bacterial infections were more in spring (58. 5 percent). The highest proportions of bacterial and viral diseases were in caprine (97.2 percent) and bovine (41.4 percent) species. Odds of disease occurrence were highest in Intsika yethu local municipality (OR= 3.279; 95 percent CI= 0.043-263.6; P<0.05) in autumn (OR = 2.131; 95 percent CI= 0.815-5.569; P<0.05) and in bovine (OR= 58.825; 95 percent CI= 16.283-205.591; P<0.05). Internal parasites (75 percent) were the highest reported in the year 2015), whereas external parasites (38.1 percent), and fly parasites (30.4 percent) were mostly reported in the year 2016. The highest prevalence of fly parasites and internal parasites was found in autumn (87 percent) and spring (75 percent), respectively. The Local municipality with the highest prevalence was Amahlathi (fly parasites, 91.3 percent), Dr Beyers Naude (external 3 parasite, 43.6 percent), Intsika yethu (internal parasite, 75 percent), Makana (protozoa, 5.8 percent), Mbhashe (haemoparasite, 40 percent percent), Raymond Mhlaba municipality (haemoparasite, 12.5 percent), and Lukhanji (fly parasite, 8.7 percent). Parasitic diseases with the highest prevalence in the province between 2013 to 2018 were babesiosis, anaplasmosis, cowdriosis, Bovine malignant catarrhal fever, and sheep scab. Livestock diseases are prevalent and unevenly distributed in the Eastern Cape Province. The diseases were mostly diagnosed in autumn and spring. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Production Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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- Authors: Phingilili, Wanga-Ungeviwa (https://orcid.org/ 0000-0001-7227-6813)
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Parasitology , Veterinary medicine , Veterinary tropical medicine
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20959 , vital:46865
- Description: Livestock disease poses a threat to the livestock production industry due to ban on the exportation of live animals and animal by-products. Information on disease surveillance and mapping of disease prevalence and distribution in the Eastern Cape is very scarce. Therefore, two objectives were set to determine the prevalence and distribution of livestock disease in the Eastern Cape Province (ECP) through retrospective investigation. A retrospective data of animal diseases in the ECP from 2013-2018 was obtained from the veterinary unit of the Department of Rural and Agrarian Reform (DrDAR) database, decoded, analysed, and interpreted. The first objective was to determine the prevalence and seasonal distribution of viral and bacterial diseases in ECP from 2013-2018. The second objective was to conduct a spatio-temporal analysis of parasitic diseases of livestock in ECP from 2013-2018. Significant associations (P< 0.05) were found between local municipality, season, year, and livestock species. The highest prevalence of viral disease was found in the Lukhanji (29.4 percent) and Mbhashe (17.5 percent), while bacterial diseases were found in Nelson Mandela Bay (27.7 percent) and Raymond Mhlaba (34.9 percent) municipalities. Viral infections were more common in autumn (53.8 percent), while bacterial infections were more in spring (58. 5 percent). The highest proportions of bacterial and viral diseases were in caprine (97.2 percent) and bovine (41.4 percent) species. Odds of disease occurrence were highest in Intsika yethu local municipality (OR= 3.279; 95 percent CI= 0.043-263.6; P<0.05) in autumn (OR = 2.131; 95 percent CI= 0.815-5.569; P<0.05) and in bovine (OR= 58.825; 95 percent CI= 16.283-205.591; P<0.05). Internal parasites (75 percent) were the highest reported in the year 2015), whereas external parasites (38.1 percent), and fly parasites (30.4 percent) were mostly reported in the year 2016. The highest prevalence of fly parasites and internal parasites was found in autumn (87 percent) and spring (75 percent), respectively. The Local municipality with the highest prevalence was Amahlathi (fly parasites, 91.3 percent), Dr Beyers Naude (external 3 parasite, 43.6 percent), Intsika yethu (internal parasite, 75 percent), Makana (protozoa, 5.8 percent), Mbhashe (haemoparasite, 40 percent percent), Raymond Mhlaba municipality (haemoparasite, 12.5 percent), and Lukhanji (fly parasite, 8.7 percent). Parasitic diseases with the highest prevalence in the province between 2013 to 2018 were babesiosis, anaplasmosis, cowdriosis, Bovine malignant catarrhal fever, and sheep scab. Livestock diseases are prevalent and unevenly distributed in the Eastern Cape Province. The diseases were mostly diagnosed in autumn and spring. , Thesis (MSc) (Animal Production Science) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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Social media influence on graduateness skills and employability: the case of historically disadvantaged institutions.
- Authors: Murire, Obrain T
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Social media--Influence
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20383 , vital:45660
- Description: Orientation: The graduate labour force is increasing as more students are graduating from historically disadvantaged institutions (HDIs). The lack of graduateness attributes amongst final year students has in part contributed to the high rate of graduate unemployment in South Africa. Social media have been identified as a solution as more than 95percent of young adults enrolled at historically disadvantaged institutions in South Africa are using mobile technology. Research Purpose: The purpose of the study was to develop a model to enhance graduateness skills and employability through the use of social media amongst final year students at HDIs in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Motivation for the study: The study is of utmost importance as it has developed an artefact that investigated the influence of social media use on graduateness skills and employability amongst students at HDIs in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Additionally, students at HDIs are an interesting theoretical sample due to them being an under-researched sample. The HDIs context has received scant focus and attention. In theory, the link between psychological constructs (such as graduateness skills and employability) with a technology dimension especially within our South African context and internationally remains unexplored. Research approach/design and method: Social Media Integration and Career EDGE models were used as a theoretical foundation in this study. This study adopted design science as a research method, where a mixed-method technique was used to collect data from final year students and human resource practitioners. The sequential exploratory design was chosen as it offers an iterative process of developing an artefact that can be tested within a larger population. The questionnaire for interviews and the survey were developed after a thorough literature review and pilot study had been conducted. The questionnaire was distributed to all the participants, of which 411 responded, resulting in a response rate of 93percent; and 15 interviews were conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data and correlations test were used to determine associations between variables. Main findings: The study found that there is a significant direct effect of social media use on graduateness skills; there is a significant direct effect of graduateness skills on perceived employability. Graduateness skills have a significant mediating effect on the relationship between social media use and perceived employability. The results also revealed that the direct effect of social media use on perceived employability does not exist. Practical/managerial implications: The study shows that there is a need for the government to devise policies that set guidelines for HR practitioners to follow when recruiting and selecting graduates. Contribution/value-add: The research study contributes to the growing body of research as it utilised a mixed-method approach to explore lived experiences. The Graduate Employability Social Media Model (GESM Model) is the main contribution made by this study to the body of knowledge in both the fields of Information Systems and Business Management. , Thesis (PhD) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021.
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- Authors: Murire, Obrain T
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Social media--Influence
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20383 , vital:45660
- Description: Orientation: The graduate labour force is increasing as more students are graduating from historically disadvantaged institutions (HDIs). The lack of graduateness attributes amongst final year students has in part contributed to the high rate of graduate unemployment in South Africa. Social media have been identified as a solution as more than 95percent of young adults enrolled at historically disadvantaged institutions in South Africa are using mobile technology. Research Purpose: The purpose of the study was to develop a model to enhance graduateness skills and employability through the use of social media amongst final year students at HDIs in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Motivation for the study: The study is of utmost importance as it has developed an artefact that investigated the influence of social media use on graduateness skills and employability amongst students at HDIs in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Additionally, students at HDIs are an interesting theoretical sample due to them being an under-researched sample. The HDIs context has received scant focus and attention. In theory, the link between psychological constructs (such as graduateness skills and employability) with a technology dimension especially within our South African context and internationally remains unexplored. Research approach/design and method: Social Media Integration and Career EDGE models were used as a theoretical foundation in this study. This study adopted design science as a research method, where a mixed-method technique was used to collect data from final year students and human resource practitioners. The sequential exploratory design was chosen as it offers an iterative process of developing an artefact that can be tested within a larger population. The questionnaire for interviews and the survey were developed after a thorough literature review and pilot study had been conducted. The questionnaire was distributed to all the participants, of which 411 responded, resulting in a response rate of 93percent; and 15 interviews were conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data and correlations test were used to determine associations between variables. Main findings: The study found that there is a significant direct effect of social media use on graduateness skills; there is a significant direct effect of graduateness skills on perceived employability. Graduateness skills have a significant mediating effect on the relationship between social media use and perceived employability. The results also revealed that the direct effect of social media use on perceived employability does not exist. Practical/managerial implications: The study shows that there is a need for the government to devise policies that set guidelines for HR practitioners to follow when recruiting and selecting graduates. Contribution/value-add: The research study contributes to the growing body of research as it utilised a mixed-method approach to explore lived experiences. The Graduate Employability Social Media Model (GESM Model) is the main contribution made by this study to the body of knowledge in both the fields of Information Systems and Business Management. , Thesis (PhD) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021.
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The adoption of the twin peaks model in the regulation of South African financial markets : a comparative analysis.
- Marange, Patience https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-4405-2702
- Authors: Marange, Patience https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-4405-2702
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Financial services industry , Financial services industry--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21278 , vital:48175
- Description: Over two decades ago, a number of countries have changed their financial regulatory models. The growing complexity of financial products, the increasing challenge of regulating large financial conglomerates, and the repercussions of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, amongst other factors, have made regulatory reform a key priority for many economies. A move towards the Twin Peaks model of financial regulation has been one of the trends in recent years. This model sees regulation split into two broad functions which are market conduct regulation and prudential regulation. South Africa adopted the Twin Peaks financial regulatory model in 2017 as a way of strengthening its financial regulatory model. By adopting the Twin Peaks model, South Africa has become the eighth and the first developing country to adopt the financial regulatory model. The adoption of the Twin Peaks financial regulatory model in South Africa was mainly inspired by the effects of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. This study undertakes a comparison of the Twin Peaks model structure in South Africa with the structure of its counterparts, which are Australia, United Kingdom and the Netherlands. In doing so, the study identifies the strengths and possible weaknesses of the model in South Africa. The study discusses the extent to which the South African Twin Peaks model reflects international experience. The study traces the evolution of the financial markets and its regulation. It also delves into the main models of the regulation of financial services industry including the Twin Peaks model, which is the focus of the study. The rationale of South Africa’s adoption of the Twin Peaks model is also considered. The Twin Peaks model was introduced in South Africa through the enactment of the Financial Sector Regulatory Act. This legislation reveals that South Africa has drawn increasingly on international experience, particularly the structural design and the cooperation and collaboration of the regulators. It also reveals similarities, notable differences as well as characteristics that might be regarded as unique to South Africa. The similarities reveal that the South African Twin Peaks greatly aligns with that of its counterparts. This is exemplified through the cooperation and coordination between the regulators and the relationship between the regulators and the government amongst others. The study explores insights and lessons to South Africa which can be learnt from its counterparts like the need for effective coordination amongst the Twin Peak regulators. Thereafter, the study puts forward recommendations for reform, which can enable the effective implementation of the Twin Peaks financial regulatory architecture. , Thesis (MA) (Laws) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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- Authors: Marange, Patience https://orcid.org/ 0000-0003-4405-2702
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Financial services industry , Financial services industry--Law and legislation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21278 , vital:48175
- Description: Over two decades ago, a number of countries have changed their financial regulatory models. The growing complexity of financial products, the increasing challenge of regulating large financial conglomerates, and the repercussions of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, amongst other factors, have made regulatory reform a key priority for many economies. A move towards the Twin Peaks model of financial regulation has been one of the trends in recent years. This model sees regulation split into two broad functions which are market conduct regulation and prudential regulation. South Africa adopted the Twin Peaks financial regulatory model in 2017 as a way of strengthening its financial regulatory model. By adopting the Twin Peaks model, South Africa has become the eighth and the first developing country to adopt the financial regulatory model. The adoption of the Twin Peaks financial regulatory model in South Africa was mainly inspired by the effects of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. This study undertakes a comparison of the Twin Peaks model structure in South Africa with the structure of its counterparts, which are Australia, United Kingdom and the Netherlands. In doing so, the study identifies the strengths and possible weaknesses of the model in South Africa. The study discusses the extent to which the South African Twin Peaks model reflects international experience. The study traces the evolution of the financial markets and its regulation. It also delves into the main models of the regulation of financial services industry including the Twin Peaks model, which is the focus of the study. The rationale of South Africa’s adoption of the Twin Peaks model is also considered. The Twin Peaks model was introduced in South Africa through the enactment of the Financial Sector Regulatory Act. This legislation reveals that South Africa has drawn increasingly on international experience, particularly the structural design and the cooperation and collaboration of the regulators. It also reveals similarities, notable differences as well as characteristics that might be regarded as unique to South Africa. The similarities reveal that the South African Twin Peaks greatly aligns with that of its counterparts. This is exemplified through the cooperation and coordination between the regulators and the relationship between the regulators and the government amongst others. The study explores insights and lessons to South Africa which can be learnt from its counterparts like the need for effective coordination amongst the Twin Peak regulators. Thereafter, the study puts forward recommendations for reform, which can enable the effective implementation of the Twin Peaks financial regulatory architecture. , Thesis (MA) (Laws) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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