Evaluation of the medicinal potentials of Bulbine Abyssinica A. rich in the management of diabetes mellitus in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Kibiti, Cromwell Mwiti
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Diabetes -- Alternative treatment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3077 , vital:28252
- Description: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic physiological carbohydrate metabolic disorder with significant impact on the economy, quality of life and life expectancy in South Africa. Herbal medicine has become the alternative therapy in the management of this disease. However, their safety and effectiveness have not been investigated. To address this, one of the plants used in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, Bulbine abyssinica A. Rich (Asphodelaceae), was evaluated. Bulbine abyssinica is one of the species used in the management of diabetes mellitus. This plant was mentioned during an ethnobotanical survey conducted in Nkonkobe municipality of the Eastern Cape Province. Though a decoction prepared from the whole plant is used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, the mechanism of action and its safety has not been elucidated. Thus, this research work was designed to contribute to the understanding of the possible mechanism of action of B. abyssinica as an antidiabetic medicinal plant and its toxic potentials to the users. The aqueous extract exhibited remarkable inhibitory activity onα-amylase (estimated inhibitory concentration (IC)50 value of 3.28 μg/ml), while the acetone extract exhibited weak inhibitory activity. The acetone extract exhibited notable α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 value of 4.27 μg/ml) while aqueous extract had significantly weak activity. The Lineweaver-Burk double reciprocal plots revealed that the aqueous extract exerts noncompetitive inhibition on the α-amylase activity while the acetone extract exerts a near competitive inhibitory pattern on the α-glucosidase activity. The extracts from the plant possessed high free radical scavenging activities, with acetone extract exhibiting the highest activities in all assay models used except with ferric reducing power and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging ability. The aqueous extract exhibited the highest ferric reducing power and nitric oxide radical mopping strength while the essential oil exhibited the highest scavenging activities with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and relatively high ferric reducing power and nitric oxide scavenging ability. The acetone extract and the essential oil of this species exhibited higher albumin denaturation inhibition than the aqueous extract while the latter showed the greatest membrane lysis protection. The essential oil, acetone and aqueous extracts from this plant significantly inhibited the growth of Shigelle flexneri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus vulgaris and Streptococcus pyogens growth were inhibited by acetone and aqueous extracts. The essential oil also showed inhibitory activity against Proteus vulgaris. However, the extracts were active against the growth of only three fungi species. The essential oil showed significant inhibitory activity against Trichophyton rubrum. The aqueous extract inhibited the growth of Microsporum gypseum while the acetone extract was active against Microsporum canis, and Microsporum gypseum. The carbohydrate, crude fibre, moisture, ash, crude protein and crude fat of approximately 74.8 percent, 8.9 percent, 8.8 percent, 8 percent, 7.7 percent and 0.6 percent, respectively, were detected in this plant. The species is characterized by moderate levels of oxalates, phytic acids, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Potassium and calcium were present in highest levels, while magnesium, iron, sodium, aluminium and phosphorus were moderately present. Manganese, zinc and copper where in low amounts. These vitamins and mineral elements were within their recommended daily allowance (RDA) in humans. The investigation also revealed appreciable amounts of total phenols, flavonoids, flavanols, proanthocyanidins and alkaloids in both acetone and aqueous extracts while saponins and tannins were in trace amounts. The essential oil was characterized by large quantities of terpenes (91.9 percent) and small fraction of esters (8.01 percent).
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kibiti, Cromwell Mwiti
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Diabetes -- Alternative treatment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3077 , vital:28252
- Description: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic physiological carbohydrate metabolic disorder with significant impact on the economy, quality of life and life expectancy in South Africa. Herbal medicine has become the alternative therapy in the management of this disease. However, their safety and effectiveness have not been investigated. To address this, one of the plants used in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, Bulbine abyssinica A. Rich (Asphodelaceae), was evaluated. Bulbine abyssinica is one of the species used in the management of diabetes mellitus. This plant was mentioned during an ethnobotanical survey conducted in Nkonkobe municipality of the Eastern Cape Province. Though a decoction prepared from the whole plant is used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, the mechanism of action and its safety has not been elucidated. Thus, this research work was designed to contribute to the understanding of the possible mechanism of action of B. abyssinica as an antidiabetic medicinal plant and its toxic potentials to the users. The aqueous extract exhibited remarkable inhibitory activity onα-amylase (estimated inhibitory concentration (IC)50 value of 3.28 μg/ml), while the acetone extract exhibited weak inhibitory activity. The acetone extract exhibited notable α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 value of 4.27 μg/ml) while aqueous extract had significantly weak activity. The Lineweaver-Burk double reciprocal plots revealed that the aqueous extract exerts noncompetitive inhibition on the α-amylase activity while the acetone extract exerts a near competitive inhibitory pattern on the α-glucosidase activity. The extracts from the plant possessed high free radical scavenging activities, with acetone extract exhibiting the highest activities in all assay models used except with ferric reducing power and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging ability. The aqueous extract exhibited the highest ferric reducing power and nitric oxide radical mopping strength while the essential oil exhibited the highest scavenging activities with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and relatively high ferric reducing power and nitric oxide scavenging ability. The acetone extract and the essential oil of this species exhibited higher albumin denaturation inhibition than the aqueous extract while the latter showed the greatest membrane lysis protection. The essential oil, acetone and aqueous extracts from this plant significantly inhibited the growth of Shigelle flexneri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus vulgaris and Streptococcus pyogens growth were inhibited by acetone and aqueous extracts. The essential oil also showed inhibitory activity against Proteus vulgaris. However, the extracts were active against the growth of only three fungi species. The essential oil showed significant inhibitory activity against Trichophyton rubrum. The aqueous extract inhibited the growth of Microsporum gypseum while the acetone extract was active against Microsporum canis, and Microsporum gypseum. The carbohydrate, crude fibre, moisture, ash, crude protein and crude fat of approximately 74.8 percent, 8.9 percent, 8.8 percent, 8 percent, 7.7 percent and 0.6 percent, respectively, were detected in this plant. The species is characterized by moderate levels of oxalates, phytic acids, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Potassium and calcium were present in highest levels, while magnesium, iron, sodium, aluminium and phosphorus were moderately present. Manganese, zinc and copper where in low amounts. These vitamins and mineral elements were within their recommended daily allowance (RDA) in humans. The investigation also revealed appreciable amounts of total phenols, flavonoids, flavanols, proanthocyanidins and alkaloids in both acetone and aqueous extracts while saponins and tannins were in trace amounts. The essential oil was characterized by large quantities of terpenes (91.9 percent) and small fraction of esters (8.01 percent).
- Full Text:
Exploration of Nahoon beach milieu for lignocellulose degrading bacteria and optimizing fermentation conditions for holocellulase production by selected strains
- Authors: Fatokun, Evelyn
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Lignocellulose Lignocellulose -- Biodegradation Water -- Purification -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1529 , vital:27413
- Description: A significant trend in the modern day industrial biotechnology is the utilization and application of renewable resources, and ecofriendly approach to industrial processes and waste management. As a consequence thereof, the biotechnology of holocellulases: cellulase and xylanase and, enzymatic hydrolysis of renewable and abundant lignocellulosic biomass to energy and value added products are rapidly increasing; hence, cost effective enzyme system is imperative. In that context, exploration of microbiota for strains and enzymes with novel industrial properties is vital for efficient and commercially viable enzyme biotechnology. Consequent on the complex characteristics of high salinity, variable pressure, temperature and nutritional conditions, bacterial strains from the marine environment are equipped with enzyme machinery of industrial importance for adaptation and survival. In this study, bacterial strains were isolated form Nahoon beach and optimized for holocellulase production. Three isolates selected for lignocellulolytic potential were identified by 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) sequence analysis. Isolate FS1k had 98 percent similarity with Streptomyces albidoflavus strain AIH12, was designated as Streptomyces albidoflavus strain SAMRC-UFH5 and deposited in the GenBank with accession number KU171373. Similarly, isolates CS14b and CS22d with respective percentage similarity of 98 and 99 (percent) with Bacillus cereus strains and Streptomyces sp. strain WMMB251 were named Bacillus cereus strain SAMRC-UFH9 and Streptomyces sp. strain SAMRC-UFH6; and were deposited in the GenBank with accession number KX524510 and KU171374 respectively. Optimal pH, temperature and agitation speed for cellulase production by S. albidoflavus strain SAMRC-UFH5, and B. cereus strain SAMRC-UFH9 were 6 and 7; 40 and 30 (°C); and 100 and 150 (rpm) respectively; while xylanase production was optimal at pH, temperature and agitation speed of 8 and 7; 40 and 30 (°C); and 150 and 50 (rpm) respectively. Maximum cellulase activity of 0.26 and 0.061(U/mL) by S. albidoflavus strain SAMRC-UFH5 and B. cereus strain SAMRC-UFH9 were attained at 60 h respectively, while maximal xylanase activity of 18.54 and 16.6 (U/mL) was produced by S. albidoflavus strain SAMRC-UFH5 and B. cereus strain SAMRC-UFH9 at 48 h and 60 h respectively. Furthermore, xylanase production by S. albidoflavus strain SAMRC-UFH5 and B. cereus strain SAMRC-UFH9 was maximally induced by wheat straw and xylan respectively, while cellulase production was best induced by mannose and carboxymethyl cellulose respectively. On the other hand, cellulase and xylanase production by Streptomyces sp. strain SAMRC-UFH6 was optimal at pH, temperature and agitation speed of 7 and 8, 40 °C and 100 rpm, respectively. Highest production of cellulase and xylanase was attained at 84 and 60 h with respective activity of 0.065 and 6.34 (U/mL). In addition, cellulase and xylanase production by the strain was best induced by beechwood xylan. Moreover, xylanase produced by Streptomyces sp. strain SAMRC-UFH6 at optimal conditions was characterized by optimal pH and temperature of 8 and 80-90 °C respectively; retaining over 70 percent activity at pH 5-10 after 1 h and 60 percent of initial activity at 90 °C after 90 min of incubation. In all, optimization improved cellulase and xylanase production yields, being 40 and 95.5, 10.89 and 72.17, and 10 and 115- fold increase by S. albidoflavus strain SAMRC-UFH5, B. cereus strain SAMRC-UFH9 and Streptomyces sp. SAMRC-UFH6 respectively. The results of this study suggest that the marine bacterial strains are resource for holocellulase with industrial applications.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Fatokun, Evelyn
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Lignocellulose Lignocellulose -- Biodegradation Water -- Purification -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1529 , vital:27413
- Description: A significant trend in the modern day industrial biotechnology is the utilization and application of renewable resources, and ecofriendly approach to industrial processes and waste management. As a consequence thereof, the biotechnology of holocellulases: cellulase and xylanase and, enzymatic hydrolysis of renewable and abundant lignocellulosic biomass to energy and value added products are rapidly increasing; hence, cost effective enzyme system is imperative. In that context, exploration of microbiota for strains and enzymes with novel industrial properties is vital for efficient and commercially viable enzyme biotechnology. Consequent on the complex characteristics of high salinity, variable pressure, temperature and nutritional conditions, bacterial strains from the marine environment are equipped with enzyme machinery of industrial importance for adaptation and survival. In this study, bacterial strains were isolated form Nahoon beach and optimized for holocellulase production. Three isolates selected for lignocellulolytic potential were identified by 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) sequence analysis. Isolate FS1k had 98 percent similarity with Streptomyces albidoflavus strain AIH12, was designated as Streptomyces albidoflavus strain SAMRC-UFH5 and deposited in the GenBank with accession number KU171373. Similarly, isolates CS14b and CS22d with respective percentage similarity of 98 and 99 (percent) with Bacillus cereus strains and Streptomyces sp. strain WMMB251 were named Bacillus cereus strain SAMRC-UFH9 and Streptomyces sp. strain SAMRC-UFH6; and were deposited in the GenBank with accession number KX524510 and KU171374 respectively. Optimal pH, temperature and agitation speed for cellulase production by S. albidoflavus strain SAMRC-UFH5, and B. cereus strain SAMRC-UFH9 were 6 and 7; 40 and 30 (°C); and 100 and 150 (rpm) respectively; while xylanase production was optimal at pH, temperature and agitation speed of 8 and 7; 40 and 30 (°C); and 150 and 50 (rpm) respectively. Maximum cellulase activity of 0.26 and 0.061(U/mL) by S. albidoflavus strain SAMRC-UFH5 and B. cereus strain SAMRC-UFH9 were attained at 60 h respectively, while maximal xylanase activity of 18.54 and 16.6 (U/mL) was produced by S. albidoflavus strain SAMRC-UFH5 and B. cereus strain SAMRC-UFH9 at 48 h and 60 h respectively. Furthermore, xylanase production by S. albidoflavus strain SAMRC-UFH5 and B. cereus strain SAMRC-UFH9 was maximally induced by wheat straw and xylan respectively, while cellulase production was best induced by mannose and carboxymethyl cellulose respectively. On the other hand, cellulase and xylanase production by Streptomyces sp. strain SAMRC-UFH6 was optimal at pH, temperature and agitation speed of 7 and 8, 40 °C and 100 rpm, respectively. Highest production of cellulase and xylanase was attained at 84 and 60 h with respective activity of 0.065 and 6.34 (U/mL). In addition, cellulase and xylanase production by the strain was best induced by beechwood xylan. Moreover, xylanase produced by Streptomyces sp. strain SAMRC-UFH6 at optimal conditions was characterized by optimal pH and temperature of 8 and 80-90 °C respectively; retaining over 70 percent activity at pH 5-10 after 1 h and 60 percent of initial activity at 90 °C after 90 min of incubation. In all, optimization improved cellulase and xylanase production yields, being 40 and 95.5, 10.89 and 72.17, and 10 and 115- fold increase by S. albidoflavus strain SAMRC-UFH5, B. cereus strain SAMRC-UFH9 and Streptomyces sp. SAMRC-UFH6 respectively. The results of this study suggest that the marine bacterial strains are resource for holocellulase with industrial applications.
- Full Text:
Factors influencing attendance by diabetic patients for their yearly ophthalmic reviews at a private ophthalmic practice in East London, South Africa
- Authors: Arnolds, Nadine Chrystal
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11928 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021321
- Description: Diabetic retinopathies is a complication of diabetes mellitus causing blindness globally, and as patients live longer, cases of diabetic retinopathy increases. Despite efforts to educate patients at their eye visits, yearly follow up visits is still a major challenge. Key words: Diabetes, Diabetic retinopathy, health systems, non-attendance, knowledge, attitude, behaviour, gender, fear and anxiety Objectives: The objectives of the study were to investigate the reasons for non-compliance by determining the relationship among the selected factors (knowledge/ confidence/ fear and anxiety) and adherence to yearly reviews. Methods: Data were collected from adult diabetic patients who attended the private practice for an eye review by the ophthalmologist. The instrument used was a semi- structured questionnaire with sections covering demographics, statements regarding diabetes and diabetic eye care and one section with an open ended question to determine the reasons for non- attendance. Data analysis: Measures of central tendency were checked and expressed in terms of percentages and tables. The inferential statistics was also conducted to determine the relationship amongst variables. Chi square tests were used to determine the relationship amongst the categorical variables and eye reviews. Spearman’s correlation analysis was carried out to determine the association amongst variables, (behaviour, control, stigma and satisfaction). The open ended question was used to analyse the reason for non-compliance. Results: A total of 300 diabetic patients were randomly selected for the study. The participants were sampled in a stratified way such that each level of compliance is equally represented. The dataset was acceptably complete with very few missing values. The distribution of the participants across the different biographical variables was cross tabulated by compliance with annual reviews. Of the 300 participants, 151 (50.3%) were compliant. The results show that there were more females than males 166 (56.3%), more Africans than any other ethnic group 168 (57.1%), more married people than any other marital status group 183 (61.0%), more Christians than any other religion 227 (92.3%), and more living with their families than any other living arrangement 223 (74.8%). Of these variables 5 (1.7%) missing values were recorded for gender, 6 (2%) for ethnicity, and 2 (0.7%) for living arrangements, while marital status and religion were complete. The majority of the participants had a secondary school education 130 (43.3%), and most felt that they were in good health 148 (49.3%). As for payment of medical expenses, 255 (87%) had a medical aid, and yet 147 (51.6%) last visited a doctor more than a year from the date of data collection. Conclusion: Compliance with doctor’s visits was found to be associated with positive behaviour and more knowledge and control. Knowledgeable patients were more satisfied with the medical services. Fear of stigma associated with diabetes mellitus was found to be associated with demographic variables such as gender, race, marital status, employment status and educational level. The main reasons for non-compliance were lack of information, negligence, busy work schedules and lack of finance. These results suggested there is a need to raise awareness of eye health and access to affordable medical services.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Arnolds, Nadine Chrystal
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11928 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021321
- Description: Diabetic retinopathies is a complication of diabetes mellitus causing blindness globally, and as patients live longer, cases of diabetic retinopathy increases. Despite efforts to educate patients at their eye visits, yearly follow up visits is still a major challenge. Key words: Diabetes, Diabetic retinopathy, health systems, non-attendance, knowledge, attitude, behaviour, gender, fear and anxiety Objectives: The objectives of the study were to investigate the reasons for non-compliance by determining the relationship among the selected factors (knowledge/ confidence/ fear and anxiety) and adherence to yearly reviews. Methods: Data were collected from adult diabetic patients who attended the private practice for an eye review by the ophthalmologist. The instrument used was a semi- structured questionnaire with sections covering demographics, statements regarding diabetes and diabetic eye care and one section with an open ended question to determine the reasons for non- attendance. Data analysis: Measures of central tendency were checked and expressed in terms of percentages and tables. The inferential statistics was also conducted to determine the relationship amongst variables. Chi square tests were used to determine the relationship amongst the categorical variables and eye reviews. Spearman’s correlation analysis was carried out to determine the association amongst variables, (behaviour, control, stigma and satisfaction). The open ended question was used to analyse the reason for non-compliance. Results: A total of 300 diabetic patients were randomly selected for the study. The participants were sampled in a stratified way such that each level of compliance is equally represented. The dataset was acceptably complete with very few missing values. The distribution of the participants across the different biographical variables was cross tabulated by compliance with annual reviews. Of the 300 participants, 151 (50.3%) were compliant. The results show that there were more females than males 166 (56.3%), more Africans than any other ethnic group 168 (57.1%), more married people than any other marital status group 183 (61.0%), more Christians than any other religion 227 (92.3%), and more living with their families than any other living arrangement 223 (74.8%). Of these variables 5 (1.7%) missing values were recorded for gender, 6 (2%) for ethnicity, and 2 (0.7%) for living arrangements, while marital status and religion were complete. The majority of the participants had a secondary school education 130 (43.3%), and most felt that they were in good health 148 (49.3%). As for payment of medical expenses, 255 (87%) had a medical aid, and yet 147 (51.6%) last visited a doctor more than a year from the date of data collection. Conclusion: Compliance with doctor’s visits was found to be associated with positive behaviour and more knowledge and control. Knowledgeable patients were more satisfied with the medical services. Fear of stigma associated with diabetes mellitus was found to be associated with demographic variables such as gender, race, marital status, employment status and educational level. The main reasons for non-compliance were lack of information, negligence, busy work schedules and lack of finance. These results suggested there is a need to raise awareness of eye health and access to affordable medical services.
- Full Text:
Factors that influence smallholder farmers maize varietal choice: the case of Mhlontlo Local Municipality Eastern Cape
- Authors: Nkohla, Siviwe
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Agricultural productivity , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture extension work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3121 , vital:28263
- Description: In South Africa, maize is grown all over the country under various environments including both dry and irrigated agriculture. The majority of maize farmers are smallholders farming on small pieces of land with low input technologies. Additionally, South Africa`s smallholder maize farmers are characterised by low maize productivity, this is despite of the availability of many improved maize varieties on the market. It is clear that professional maize breeders are continuously developing many superior maize varieties with traits more suitable for the commercial farming sector than the smallholder sector. Against this background, this study used a descriptive statistics approach to find out maize varieties and traits preferred by smallholder farmers. The study also evaluated factors that influence smallholder farmers` maize varietal selection choice using descriptive statistics and multinomial regression. The data used for the empirical analysis was obtained from a survey of 200 smallholder farmers in Mhlontlo Local Municipality, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nkohla, Siviwe
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Agricultural productivity , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture extension work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3121 , vital:28263
- Description: In South Africa, maize is grown all over the country under various environments including both dry and irrigated agriculture. The majority of maize farmers are smallholders farming on small pieces of land with low input technologies. Additionally, South Africa`s smallholder maize farmers are characterised by low maize productivity, this is despite of the availability of many improved maize varieties on the market. It is clear that professional maize breeders are continuously developing many superior maize varieties with traits more suitable for the commercial farming sector than the smallholder sector. Against this background, this study used a descriptive statistics approach to find out maize varieties and traits preferred by smallholder farmers. The study also evaluated factors that influence smallholder farmers` maize varietal selection choice using descriptive statistics and multinomial regression. The data used for the empirical analysis was obtained from a survey of 200 smallholder farmers in Mhlontlo Local Municipality, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.
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Farm to abattoir conditions and their subsequent effects on behavioural and physiological changes and the quality of beef from extensively-reared Nguni and non-descript steers
- Authors: Njisane, Yonela Zifikile
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Nguni cattle Beef cattle breeds Beef -- Quality -- South Africa , Slaughtering and slaughter-houses -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3143 , vital:28324
- Description: The main objective of the study was to determine the effect of farm to abattoir environmental conditions and their subsequent effects on behavioural and physiological responses, as well as the quality of meat from Nguni (NG) and non-descript (ND) beef steers reared extensively on natural pastures. The forty 16 – 19 months old steers (20 ND and 20 NG) used in the current study were grouped together, medically treated, allowed three weeks acclimatizing period and were used in this trial over a four-month period. The weather and periodical variations influence on time budgets and body weights of these steers were determined. Furthermore, the effects of on-farm successive handling on behavioural scores and physiological responses of the same steers were determined. Later in the trial, some pre-slaughter effects on response-behaviour, bleed-out times and selected blood physiological responses were determined. Finally, the effect of genotype, muscle type, lairage duration, slaughter order and stress responsiveness on pH24, temperature, colour (L*, a*, b*, C, HA), thawing (TL) and cooking (CL) losses and Warner Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF) of the meat harvested from the same steers were determined. The daily time budgets of steers in natural pastures changed with temperature, humidity, observation week and time of the day. The grazing behaviour was observed throughout the observation days (> 37 percent); though it was reduced (26.9±2.64 percent) on days with higher temperatures and low humidity. Higher proportions of drinking (1.5±1.04 percent) and standing (20.8±4.63 percent) behaviours prolonged in such weather conditions, which were mostly during midday. The avoidance-related behaviour of the steers during handling varies, with the steers showing more avoidance and aggression in other weeks than some. These variations could however be traced back to the events of that particular day/time of handling. Only Weighing Box (WBS) and stepping (SS) scores differed (P<0.05) with genotype; with more calm NG steers (> 40 percent) and not kicking than the ND steers that were more vocal (20–60 percent) and kicking (> 5 percent). In addition, the weekly behavioural responses were reflected (P<0.05) in the measured cortisol, glucose and lactate. However, regardless of the prominent negative behaviour seen over time, the levels of the measured blood constituents continued to drop. Furthermore, steers of different genotypes displayed similar (P>0.05) response to the identical pre-slaughter conditions they were exposed to. However, steers that were Transport Group 1 (TG1) showed more avoidance (63.2 percent) pre-slaughter than those in TG2 (23.9 percent). Furthermore, all the steers that were in slaughter Group 2 (SG2) showed less avoidance behaviour than those in other groups. Vocalization was observed only for ND steers (5 percent), in TG1 and SG2. Some connections between the observed pre-slaughter activities and some behavioural and physiological changes of these steers were established; with TG1 and SG1 steers showing higher cortisol (140±14.50 and 175.9±17.24 nmol/L, respectively) and lactate (12.4±0.83 and 13.5±1.12 mmolL) levels than the other groups. Lastly, the muscle type, genotype, lairage duration, slaughter order and stress responsiveness have an effect on some meat quality characteristics of the two genotypes; with the L. dorsi muscle having highest WBSF (38.0±1.35N) than the Superficial pectoral muscle (Brisket muscle) (30.7±1.35N). Additionally, steers lairaged for a shorter time produced a L. dorsi with higher WBSF (41.6±2.34N) and a Brisket with lower TL (2.7±0.24 percent). It can therefore be concluded that the conditions and activities at the farm, during transportation, lairaging and slaughter at the abattoir have an influence on some behavioural and physiological changes and the quality of beef harvested from the Nguni and non-descript steers that were extensively-reared in natural pastures. However, the relationship patterns between these different conditions are not clear.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Njisane, Yonela Zifikile
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Nguni cattle Beef cattle breeds Beef -- Quality -- South Africa , Slaughtering and slaughter-houses -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/3143 , vital:28324
- Description: The main objective of the study was to determine the effect of farm to abattoir environmental conditions and their subsequent effects on behavioural and physiological responses, as well as the quality of meat from Nguni (NG) and non-descript (ND) beef steers reared extensively on natural pastures. The forty 16 – 19 months old steers (20 ND and 20 NG) used in the current study were grouped together, medically treated, allowed three weeks acclimatizing period and were used in this trial over a four-month period. The weather and periodical variations influence on time budgets and body weights of these steers were determined. Furthermore, the effects of on-farm successive handling on behavioural scores and physiological responses of the same steers were determined. Later in the trial, some pre-slaughter effects on response-behaviour, bleed-out times and selected blood physiological responses were determined. Finally, the effect of genotype, muscle type, lairage duration, slaughter order and stress responsiveness on pH24, temperature, colour (L*, a*, b*, C, HA), thawing (TL) and cooking (CL) losses and Warner Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF) of the meat harvested from the same steers were determined. The daily time budgets of steers in natural pastures changed with temperature, humidity, observation week and time of the day. The grazing behaviour was observed throughout the observation days (> 37 percent); though it was reduced (26.9±2.64 percent) on days with higher temperatures and low humidity. Higher proportions of drinking (1.5±1.04 percent) and standing (20.8±4.63 percent) behaviours prolonged in such weather conditions, which were mostly during midday. The avoidance-related behaviour of the steers during handling varies, with the steers showing more avoidance and aggression in other weeks than some. These variations could however be traced back to the events of that particular day/time of handling. Only Weighing Box (WBS) and stepping (SS) scores differed (P<0.05) with genotype; with more calm NG steers (> 40 percent) and not kicking than the ND steers that were more vocal (20–60 percent) and kicking (> 5 percent). In addition, the weekly behavioural responses were reflected (P<0.05) in the measured cortisol, glucose and lactate. However, regardless of the prominent negative behaviour seen over time, the levels of the measured blood constituents continued to drop. Furthermore, steers of different genotypes displayed similar (P>0.05) response to the identical pre-slaughter conditions they were exposed to. However, steers that were Transport Group 1 (TG1) showed more avoidance (63.2 percent) pre-slaughter than those in TG2 (23.9 percent). Furthermore, all the steers that were in slaughter Group 2 (SG2) showed less avoidance behaviour than those in other groups. Vocalization was observed only for ND steers (5 percent), in TG1 and SG2. Some connections between the observed pre-slaughter activities and some behavioural and physiological changes of these steers were established; with TG1 and SG1 steers showing higher cortisol (140±14.50 and 175.9±17.24 nmol/L, respectively) and lactate (12.4±0.83 and 13.5±1.12 mmolL) levels than the other groups. Lastly, the muscle type, genotype, lairage duration, slaughter order and stress responsiveness have an effect on some meat quality characteristics of the two genotypes; with the L. dorsi muscle having highest WBSF (38.0±1.35N) than the Superficial pectoral muscle (Brisket muscle) (30.7±1.35N). Additionally, steers lairaged for a shorter time produced a L. dorsi with higher WBSF (41.6±2.34N) and a Brisket with lower TL (2.7±0.24 percent). It can therefore be concluded that the conditions and activities at the farm, during transportation, lairaging and slaughter at the abattoir have an influence on some behavioural and physiological changes and the quality of beef harvested from the Nguni and non-descript steers that were extensively-reared in natural pastures. However, the relationship patterns between these different conditions are not clear.
- Full Text:
Fatty acid composition, colour stability and lipid oxidation of mince produced from fresh and frozen/thawed fallow deer meat
- Authors: Chido, Chakanya
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Lipids -- Oxidation Meat -- Preservation Mincemeat
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2479 , vital:27874
- Description: The aim of the study was to determine the fatty acid composition, colour stability and lipid oxidation of fresh mince produced from fallow deer and to evaluate the effect of frozen storage duration on the retail display shelf life of the mince. A total of 31 fallow deer carcasses were used in the study. After cooling for 24hrs, the carcasses were deboned, external fat from the fore and hindquarter muscles removed and individually vacuum packed. For the first trial, seven fallow deer carcasses were used. Meat from the hind and fore-quarters of each carcass was divided into two equal batches per animal. One batch was minced (through a 5 mm die) and packed into oxygen permeable overwraps and refrigerated at 4°C for a period of eight days under retail display conditions. The second batch was vacuum packed and frozen at -20°C for 2 months at the end of which mince was also produced and monitored over an eight-day period under the same conditions that were used for the fresh mince. Colour, pH, lipid and myoglobin stability was determined. Proximate and fatty acid composition was also determined. No differences (P>0.05) were noted between proximate composition of fresh and frozen/thawed minced meat. The lipid content of fallow deer was 2.4 percent (±0.04). Total n3 fatty acids differed (P<0.05) between treatments and decreased with increased storage and display day. There were significant (P<0.05) treatment and time interactions on all measured colour parameters, TBARS and myoglobin forms. Fresh mince was lighter and had higher redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values than mince from two months frozen stored meat. Hue angle for fresh mince remained stable throughout display whereas it increased for frozen/thawed mince. Fresh mince had lower TBARS values than frozen/thawed mince. Minced meat produced from frozen/thawed deer meat had higher surface met-myoglobin and total met-myoglobin percentages. Surface and total oxy-myoglobin percentage was higher in fresh mince. The first trial clearly showed colour and lipid stability differences between fresh mince and mince from frozen/thawed meat. It also showed that fresh mince has a longer retail display life than mince produced from frozen/thawed meat (six days and four days, respectively). In the second trial, the effects of frozen storage duration on colour and lipid stability were investigated. Twenty-four fallow deer were used. Twelve were harvested in June (6male 6female) and the other twelve in August (6 male 6female) of the same year.Twenty four hours after harvesting, the fore and hindquarter muscles of the carcasses were deboned, vacuum packed and kept at -20°C until October (i.e. 2months and 4months frozen storage period). Upon thawing, the meat was processed into mince following the same procedure used for the first trialand displayed for a fiveday period under retail display conditions. Frozen duration and gender had no effect (P>0.05) on the proximate composition of fallow deer meat. The total amount of saturated fatty acids (SFA) increased and total amount of poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) decreased as frozen duration and display day increased (P<0.05). Frozen duration affected (P<0.01) lipid oxidation and percentage oxy-myoglobin. Mince pH and all colour parameters (L*, a*, b*,hue and chroma) differed (P<0.05) between treatments on day zero and three. Display day was a significant factor (P<0.05) on all measured parameters. By day three all parameters except pH showed signs of extended oxidation and discolouration as evidenced by reduced redness, decreased colour intensity and high TBARS values. This study showed that prolonged frozen storage negatively affects the colour and lipid stability of meat and increases oxidation of PUFAs during frozen storage. However, the study also suggests that although frozen/thawed meat has a shorter retail display shelf life; the proximate composition of the meat remains unchanged.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chido, Chakanya
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Lipids -- Oxidation Meat -- Preservation Mincemeat
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2479 , vital:27874
- Description: The aim of the study was to determine the fatty acid composition, colour stability and lipid oxidation of fresh mince produced from fallow deer and to evaluate the effect of frozen storage duration on the retail display shelf life of the mince. A total of 31 fallow deer carcasses were used in the study. After cooling for 24hrs, the carcasses were deboned, external fat from the fore and hindquarter muscles removed and individually vacuum packed. For the first trial, seven fallow deer carcasses were used. Meat from the hind and fore-quarters of each carcass was divided into two equal batches per animal. One batch was minced (through a 5 mm die) and packed into oxygen permeable overwraps and refrigerated at 4°C for a period of eight days under retail display conditions. The second batch was vacuum packed and frozen at -20°C for 2 months at the end of which mince was also produced and monitored over an eight-day period under the same conditions that were used for the fresh mince. Colour, pH, lipid and myoglobin stability was determined. Proximate and fatty acid composition was also determined. No differences (P>0.05) were noted between proximate composition of fresh and frozen/thawed minced meat. The lipid content of fallow deer was 2.4 percent (±0.04). Total n3 fatty acids differed (P<0.05) between treatments and decreased with increased storage and display day. There were significant (P<0.05) treatment and time interactions on all measured colour parameters, TBARS and myoglobin forms. Fresh mince was lighter and had higher redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) values than mince from two months frozen stored meat. Hue angle for fresh mince remained stable throughout display whereas it increased for frozen/thawed mince. Fresh mince had lower TBARS values than frozen/thawed mince. Minced meat produced from frozen/thawed deer meat had higher surface met-myoglobin and total met-myoglobin percentages. Surface and total oxy-myoglobin percentage was higher in fresh mince. The first trial clearly showed colour and lipid stability differences between fresh mince and mince from frozen/thawed meat. It also showed that fresh mince has a longer retail display life than mince produced from frozen/thawed meat (six days and four days, respectively). In the second trial, the effects of frozen storage duration on colour and lipid stability were investigated. Twenty-four fallow deer were used. Twelve were harvested in June (6male 6female) and the other twelve in August (6 male 6female) of the same year.Twenty four hours after harvesting, the fore and hindquarter muscles of the carcasses were deboned, vacuum packed and kept at -20°C until October (i.e. 2months and 4months frozen storage period). Upon thawing, the meat was processed into mince following the same procedure used for the first trialand displayed for a fiveday period under retail display conditions. Frozen duration and gender had no effect (P>0.05) on the proximate composition of fallow deer meat. The total amount of saturated fatty acids (SFA) increased and total amount of poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) decreased as frozen duration and display day increased (P<0.05). Frozen duration affected (P<0.01) lipid oxidation and percentage oxy-myoglobin. Mince pH and all colour parameters (L*, a*, b*,hue and chroma) differed (P<0.05) between treatments on day zero and three. Display day was a significant factor (P<0.05) on all measured parameters. By day three all parameters except pH showed signs of extended oxidation and discolouration as evidenced by reduced redness, decreased colour intensity and high TBARS values. This study showed that prolonged frozen storage negatively affects the colour and lipid stability of meat and increases oxidation of PUFAs during frozen storage. However, the study also suggests that although frozen/thawed meat has a shorter retail display shelf life; the proximate composition of the meat remains unchanged.
- Full Text:
Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of enterococci from cow dung and environmental water sources in three selected dairy farms in Amathole District
- Authors: Tanih, Godfred Ngu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Enterobacteriaceae Water -- Microbiology Enterococcus faecalis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2348 , vital:27755
- Description: Enterococcus species are integral members of the gastrointestinal microfloral of humans, animals, birds, as well as insects. Their presence in water and food has been greatly associated with faecal contamination. This study was aimed at evaluating the incidence of Enterococcus species in cow dung and environmental water sources in three commercial dairy farms. In addition, their antibiotic profiles were determined as well as resistance and virulence genes. Furthermore, the genetic relatedness of the isolates was determined by molecular typing method (RAPD PCR). Three hundred and thirty four water and faecal samples consisting of 117, 116 and 101 were collected from Seven Star Middle Drift and Fort Hare Dairy trusts respectively. Of the 334 samples collected, 289 were of faecal origin and 45 from water sources within the farms. All samples were screened for enterococci using culture base growth media and molecular methods targeting the tuf gene. Speciation was done using species-specific primers and the incidences of various species within the farms determined. Furthermore resistance to antibiotics and multidrug-resistant phenotypes were established using the disk diffusion method. Genes coding for virulence and resistance were also determined. From the samples collected, 313 (289 faecal and 24 water) presumptive enteroccocci were isolated, 305 of 313 (97.45 percent) were confirmed as Enterococcus of which 239 of 305 (78.38 percent) were identified as E. hirae, 15 of 305 (4.92 percent) as E. faecium, 12/305 (3.93 percent) as E. durans, 6 of 305 (1.97 percent) as E. faecalis and 33 of 305 (10.82 percent) were unidentified. Out of the five virulence genes that were targeted in the study only gelE (71.80 percent of 219/305) and ace (27.2 percent 83/305) were present in the isolates. Phenotypic resistance to antibiotics was observed is in all twelve antibiotics tested with multidrug resistance phenotypes detected in some enterococcal isolates most predominant in Seven Star and Middledrift dairy trust. Finally RAPD profiles of the isolates showed high relatedness between the strains from water and cow dung sources in all three commercial dairy farms suggesting possible contamination from cow dung to the water sources or vice versa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tanih, Godfred Ngu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Enterobacteriaceae Water -- Microbiology Enterococcus faecalis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2348 , vital:27755
- Description: Enterococcus species are integral members of the gastrointestinal microfloral of humans, animals, birds, as well as insects. Their presence in water and food has been greatly associated with faecal contamination. This study was aimed at evaluating the incidence of Enterococcus species in cow dung and environmental water sources in three commercial dairy farms. In addition, their antibiotic profiles were determined as well as resistance and virulence genes. Furthermore, the genetic relatedness of the isolates was determined by molecular typing method (RAPD PCR). Three hundred and thirty four water and faecal samples consisting of 117, 116 and 101 were collected from Seven Star Middle Drift and Fort Hare Dairy trusts respectively. Of the 334 samples collected, 289 were of faecal origin and 45 from water sources within the farms. All samples were screened for enterococci using culture base growth media and molecular methods targeting the tuf gene. Speciation was done using species-specific primers and the incidences of various species within the farms determined. Furthermore resistance to antibiotics and multidrug-resistant phenotypes were established using the disk diffusion method. Genes coding for virulence and resistance were also determined. From the samples collected, 313 (289 faecal and 24 water) presumptive enteroccocci were isolated, 305 of 313 (97.45 percent) were confirmed as Enterococcus of which 239 of 305 (78.38 percent) were identified as E. hirae, 15 of 305 (4.92 percent) as E. faecium, 12/305 (3.93 percent) as E. durans, 6 of 305 (1.97 percent) as E. faecalis and 33 of 305 (10.82 percent) were unidentified. Out of the five virulence genes that were targeted in the study only gelE (71.80 percent of 219/305) and ace (27.2 percent 83/305) were present in the isolates. Phenotypic resistance to antibiotics was observed is in all twelve antibiotics tested with multidrug resistance phenotypes detected in some enterococcal isolates most predominant in Seven Star and Middledrift dairy trust. Finally RAPD profiles of the isolates showed high relatedness between the strains from water and cow dung sources in all three commercial dairy farms suggesting possible contamination from cow dung to the water sources or vice versa.
- Full Text:
Heavy mineral characterization and provenance interpretation of the Ecca Group of geological formations in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Sinuka, Sikhulule
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Minerals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Classification Geology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Formations (Geology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2911 , vital:28125
- Description: The aim of the research focuses on characterizing heavy mineral assemblages and interpretation of the provenance of the Ecca Group of in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. In South Africa, the Ecca Group outcrops extensively in the Main Karoo Basin. Mudstone, siltstone, sandstone, minor conglomerate and coal are the major constituent lithologies within the group. For descriptive purposes, the Ecca is categorized into three different geographical areas: the southern area, the western and northwestern area and the northeastern area. Six of the sixteen geological formations, namely the Prince Albert, Whitehill, Collingham, Ripon, Fort Brown, Waterford and Koonap Formations are present in the study area and are best exposed in road cuttings. For purposes of comparison, the underlying Witteberg Group, the Dwyka (which has Formation status here), and the overlying Koonap Formation of the Beaufort Group, are included in the study. This study is motivated by the relatively little information that is available on the heavy minerals of the Ecca Group, and that research of this nature had not been undertaken in the study area before. Another contributing motivation was to determine whether heavy mineral assemblages could be used to identify formations of the Ecca Group and for correlating between different localities in accordance with studies done elsewhere. Additionally, diagnostic heavy mineral assemblages could aid with stratigraphic selection of future boreholes in the Ecca Group. Heavy minerals are natural provenance tracers because of their stable nature and hydrodynamic behaviour. They are both non-opaque and opaque, with apatite, epidote, garnet, rutile, staurolite, tourmaline and zircon being good examples of non-opaque grains while ilmenite and magnetite are the most common opaques. Heavies are either derived from stable minor accessory minerals or from abundant but unstable mafic components of the host rock. They are very useful in interpreting the provenance due to the fact that some minerals are diagnostic of certain source rocks. However, sediments are exposed to several factors (conditions) such as weathering, erosion, breakage due to abrasion, mixing and recycling during transportation from the source to the depositional area. This implies that there are parameters other than the parent lithology that determine their final composition.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sinuka, Sikhulule
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Minerals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Classification Geology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Formations (Geology) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2911 , vital:28125
- Description: The aim of the research focuses on characterizing heavy mineral assemblages and interpretation of the provenance of the Ecca Group of in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. In South Africa, the Ecca Group outcrops extensively in the Main Karoo Basin. Mudstone, siltstone, sandstone, minor conglomerate and coal are the major constituent lithologies within the group. For descriptive purposes, the Ecca is categorized into three different geographical areas: the southern area, the western and northwestern area and the northeastern area. Six of the sixteen geological formations, namely the Prince Albert, Whitehill, Collingham, Ripon, Fort Brown, Waterford and Koonap Formations are present in the study area and are best exposed in road cuttings. For purposes of comparison, the underlying Witteberg Group, the Dwyka (which has Formation status here), and the overlying Koonap Formation of the Beaufort Group, are included in the study. This study is motivated by the relatively little information that is available on the heavy minerals of the Ecca Group, and that research of this nature had not been undertaken in the study area before. Another contributing motivation was to determine whether heavy mineral assemblages could be used to identify formations of the Ecca Group and for correlating between different localities in accordance with studies done elsewhere. Additionally, diagnostic heavy mineral assemblages could aid with stratigraphic selection of future boreholes in the Ecca Group. Heavy minerals are natural provenance tracers because of their stable nature and hydrodynamic behaviour. They are both non-opaque and opaque, with apatite, epidote, garnet, rutile, staurolite, tourmaline and zircon being good examples of non-opaque grains while ilmenite and magnetite are the most common opaques. Heavies are either derived from stable minor accessory minerals or from abundant but unstable mafic components of the host rock. They are very useful in interpreting the provenance due to the fact that some minerals are diagnostic of certain source rocks. However, sediments are exposed to several factors (conditions) such as weathering, erosion, breakage due to abrasion, mixing and recycling during transportation from the source to the depositional area. This implies that there are parameters other than the parent lithology that determine their final composition.
- Full Text:
Impact of smallholder irrigation schemes on rural livelihoods of farmers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: the case of Melani Irrigation Scheme
- Authors: Magqibelo, Sinovuyo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Irrigation farming -- Economic aspects Irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1774 , vital:27557
- Description: Irrigation farming is one of the most important rural development investments that can have both direct and indirect impacts on poverty and food security. The irregular and unreliable rainfall in the Eastern Cape Province has caused the smallholder farmers to deepen the irrigation farming systems as a strategy to cope with food shortage, income and poverty. South Africa has invested substantially in smallholder irrigation to benefit smallholder farmers in the less developed areas. Although the investment on small scale irrigation was to improve the welfare of the people, the performance and welfare impact of smallholder irrigation schemes has been poor and fall far short of the expectations of many stakeholders. The broad objective of the study was to examine the contribution of smallholder irrigation scheme on rural livelihoods of smallholder farmers at the project area. The null hypothesis was that smallholder irrigation schemes have no impact on farmer’s livelihoods. The alternative hypothesis for this study was that Melani irrigation scheme is contributing in improving rural livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the area. Cross study research design was used in the methodology. The purposive sampling was applied in order to choose a sample of 107 respondents that were interviewed using questionnaires, including both irrigating and non-irrigating farmers. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to find out whether the performance of the two groups of farmers is different and to what extent. To determine the specific role of irrigation an Independent T-Test was ran. Out of the selected sample 68 percent of households were farmers, 7.5 percent informal employed and 27 percent unemployed. It was found that the majority of participants were males and were uneducated. They depended on social grants for a living. The findings from the study showed that 84 percent of the respondents agreed that there is no market available in the village and farmers had limited access to credits. The crop income was the most contributing factor to household income. The results showed that whether the farmer is a non-irrigator or an irrigator the performance is not significant. Irrigation scheme improvement attained by smallholder farmers need to be maintained.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Magqibelo, Sinovuyo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Irrigation farming -- Economic aspects Irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1774 , vital:27557
- Description: Irrigation farming is one of the most important rural development investments that can have both direct and indirect impacts on poverty and food security. The irregular and unreliable rainfall in the Eastern Cape Province has caused the smallholder farmers to deepen the irrigation farming systems as a strategy to cope with food shortage, income and poverty. South Africa has invested substantially in smallholder irrigation to benefit smallholder farmers in the less developed areas. Although the investment on small scale irrigation was to improve the welfare of the people, the performance and welfare impact of smallholder irrigation schemes has been poor and fall far short of the expectations of many stakeholders. The broad objective of the study was to examine the contribution of smallholder irrigation scheme on rural livelihoods of smallholder farmers at the project area. The null hypothesis was that smallholder irrigation schemes have no impact on farmer’s livelihoods. The alternative hypothesis for this study was that Melani irrigation scheme is contributing in improving rural livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the area. Cross study research design was used in the methodology. The purposive sampling was applied in order to choose a sample of 107 respondents that were interviewed using questionnaires, including both irrigating and non-irrigating farmers. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to find out whether the performance of the two groups of farmers is different and to what extent. To determine the specific role of irrigation an Independent T-Test was ran. Out of the selected sample 68 percent of households were farmers, 7.5 percent informal employed and 27 percent unemployed. It was found that the majority of participants were males and were uneducated. They depended on social grants for a living. The findings from the study showed that 84 percent of the respondents agreed that there is no market available in the village and farmers had limited access to credits. The crop income was the most contributing factor to household income. The results showed that whether the farmer is a non-irrigator or an irrigator the performance is not significant. Irrigation scheme improvement attained by smallholder farmers need to be maintained.
- Full Text:
In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of olea europaea subsp. africana and euryops brevipapposus used by Cala community folkloric medicine for the management of infections associated with chronic non-communicable diseases
- Authors: Adegborioye, Abiodun
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Antioxidants , Medicinal plants , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4869 , vital:28624
- Description: Chronic non-communicable diseses are a global public health challenge that continuously threatens the development and health of humans. Risk factors such as unbalanced diet-the high consumption of processed food or food from animal origin are responsible for NCDs. NCDs result in weakened immune system, making the host susceptible to opportunistic infections. Thus, the NCDs burden is most times chronic and multiple with the illness and suffering of the affected person numerous. The lack of cure for NCDs, the high cost of drugs, their high side-effects, and the emergence of multiple drug resistance has given rise to the investigation of other sources for therapeutic cure such as medicinal plants. The ethanol, n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of Olea europaea were analysed for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The essential oil was also analysed for their chemical constituents. The n-hexane extracts of O. europaea exhibited no inhibition against all of the microorganisms tested, while the ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts exhibited inhibition, with minimum inhibitory concentration values between 0.625 mg/ml to 1.25 mg/ml. The ethanol leaf and ethyl acetate stem extracts exhibited significant activity in the inhibition of 2, 2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazolin - 6-sulfonic acid diammonium salt (ABTS) free radical, the n-hexane leaf extract had the overall significant lipid peroxidation inhibition activity, while in the inhibition of 2, 2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), the ethanol and ethyl acetate leaf extracts had strong activity. Nonanal, phytol, α-Pinene, α-Phellandrene, spatulenol and farnesol were some of chemical components identified after the GC-MS analysis of O. europaea oil. In the final part of the dissertation, Euryops brevipapposus essential oil was assessed for the antioxidant activities using free radical scavenging assays. In addition to this, the antimicrobial activities were assessed and the chemical composition was analysed using GC-MS. The essential oil demonstrated significant antioxidant activity against 2, 2-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl free radical (DPPH), 2, 2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and lipid peroxides with IC50 value of 0.0000000671 mg/ml, 1.05 mg/ml, and 1.170 mg/ml respectively. The essential oil also showed significant activity against all microorganisms tested with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values between 0.055 mg/ml to 0.5 mg/ml. α-pinene, α- Phellandrene, germacrene D, β-pinene, trans- β.-Ocimene, bicyclogermacrene and β -Phellandrene were some of the chemical compounds identified in E. brevipapposus oil. The study has shown that E. brevipapposus and O. europaea are abundant in phytochemical compounds which were thought to be the root cause for the activities demonstrated. Therefore, these therapeutic properties observed validate and elucidate the traditional usage of the both plants in the treatment /management of diseases.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Adegborioye, Abiodun
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Antioxidants , Medicinal plants , Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4869 , vital:28624
- Description: Chronic non-communicable diseses are a global public health challenge that continuously threatens the development and health of humans. Risk factors such as unbalanced diet-the high consumption of processed food or food from animal origin are responsible for NCDs. NCDs result in weakened immune system, making the host susceptible to opportunistic infections. Thus, the NCDs burden is most times chronic and multiple with the illness and suffering of the affected person numerous. The lack of cure for NCDs, the high cost of drugs, their high side-effects, and the emergence of multiple drug resistance has given rise to the investigation of other sources for therapeutic cure such as medicinal plants. The ethanol, n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of Olea europaea were analysed for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The essential oil was also analysed for their chemical constituents. The n-hexane extracts of O. europaea exhibited no inhibition against all of the microorganisms tested, while the ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts exhibited inhibition, with minimum inhibitory concentration values between 0.625 mg/ml to 1.25 mg/ml. The ethanol leaf and ethyl acetate stem extracts exhibited significant activity in the inhibition of 2, 2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazolin - 6-sulfonic acid diammonium salt (ABTS) free radical, the n-hexane leaf extract had the overall significant lipid peroxidation inhibition activity, while in the inhibition of 2, 2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), the ethanol and ethyl acetate leaf extracts had strong activity. Nonanal, phytol, α-Pinene, α-Phellandrene, spatulenol and farnesol were some of chemical components identified after the GC-MS analysis of O. europaea oil. In the final part of the dissertation, Euryops brevipapposus essential oil was assessed for the antioxidant activities using free radical scavenging assays. In addition to this, the antimicrobial activities were assessed and the chemical composition was analysed using GC-MS. The essential oil demonstrated significant antioxidant activity against 2, 2-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl free radical (DPPH), 2, 2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and lipid peroxides with IC50 value of 0.0000000671 mg/ml, 1.05 mg/ml, and 1.170 mg/ml respectively. The essential oil also showed significant activity against all microorganisms tested with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values between 0.055 mg/ml to 0.5 mg/ml. α-pinene, α- Phellandrene, germacrene D, β-pinene, trans- β.-Ocimene, bicyclogermacrene and β -Phellandrene were some of the chemical compounds identified in E. brevipapposus oil. The study has shown that E. brevipapposus and O. europaea are abundant in phytochemical compounds which were thought to be the root cause for the activities demonstrated. Therefore, these therapeutic properties observed validate and elucidate the traditional usage of the both plants in the treatment /management of diseases.
- Full Text:
Indigenous forests level of deforestation, forest dependency and factors determining willingness to participate in indigenous forest conservation: evidence from resettled farmers of Shamva, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chivheya, Renias V
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Forest conservation -- Zimbabwe Forests and forestry -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe Deforestation -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2370 , vital:27786
- Description: This study first explored the rate of forest deforestation in Shamva resettlement areas. It then identified and estimated the extent to which these resettled farmers depend on forest for their livelihoods. Evaluation of farmer perceptions on management issues and willingness to participate in indigenous forest conservation and the socio-economic and institutional factors which affect their willingness to participate were also done. Finally the study sought to identify incentives for forests conservation. The study was conducted in Shamva district in Mashonaland Central province. And the respondents were stratified into three groups: A1, A2 and Old resettlement models. The three models differ on how they were implemented and supported which might render them to have different deforestation rates, livelihood strategies and forest dependency. A total of 247 respondents were surveyed, consisting of 98 A1 farmers, 50 A2 farmers and 99 Old resettled farmers. The data was collected using GIS and remote sensing, structured questionnaire interviews and direct observation. The data was analysed using descriptive analysis, KAP analytic framework and binary logistic regression analysis. The land cover/changes results revealed that both deforestation and afforestation are taking place in Shamva resettlement. Woodland and bushland were decreasing, croplands were also decreasing. However woodland dense and grasslands were increasing. Deforestation was found to be as a result of the resettled farmers’ livelihood strategies which were found to be diverse and agriculture being dominant in all models. All the farmers depended on the forest but at varying levels of 19 percent for Old and 14 percent forA1 and 0.02 percent for A2 resettle farmers. 84 percent of the interviewed farmers however, indicated that they are willing to conserve forest with A1 farmers being the highest followed by A2 86 percent and lastly Old resettled farmers at 76.8 percent. Results of the binary regression model revealed that the significant factors which explain willingness to participate in indigenous forest conservation are age, marital status, education, gender, institution, culture and belief, employment and household size. The highest preferred incentive was the provision of free seedlings and the lowest was out grower scheme. The study recommends that GIS and remote sensing should be used to monitor deforestation, off farm projects be encouraged, exotic and indigenous trees be promoted and forest conservation education be promoted in resettlement areas.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chivheya, Renias V
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Forest conservation -- Zimbabwe Forests and forestry -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe Deforestation -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2370 , vital:27786
- Description: This study first explored the rate of forest deforestation in Shamva resettlement areas. It then identified and estimated the extent to which these resettled farmers depend on forest for their livelihoods. Evaluation of farmer perceptions on management issues and willingness to participate in indigenous forest conservation and the socio-economic and institutional factors which affect their willingness to participate were also done. Finally the study sought to identify incentives for forests conservation. The study was conducted in Shamva district in Mashonaland Central province. And the respondents were stratified into three groups: A1, A2 and Old resettlement models. The three models differ on how they were implemented and supported which might render them to have different deforestation rates, livelihood strategies and forest dependency. A total of 247 respondents were surveyed, consisting of 98 A1 farmers, 50 A2 farmers and 99 Old resettled farmers. The data was collected using GIS and remote sensing, structured questionnaire interviews and direct observation. The data was analysed using descriptive analysis, KAP analytic framework and binary logistic regression analysis. The land cover/changes results revealed that both deforestation and afforestation are taking place in Shamva resettlement. Woodland and bushland were decreasing, croplands were also decreasing. However woodland dense and grasslands were increasing. Deforestation was found to be as a result of the resettled farmers’ livelihood strategies which were found to be diverse and agriculture being dominant in all models. All the farmers depended on the forest but at varying levels of 19 percent for Old and 14 percent forA1 and 0.02 percent for A2 resettle farmers. 84 percent of the interviewed farmers however, indicated that they are willing to conserve forest with A1 farmers being the highest followed by A2 86 percent and lastly Old resettled farmers at 76.8 percent. Results of the binary regression model revealed that the significant factors which explain willingness to participate in indigenous forest conservation are age, marital status, education, gender, institution, culture and belief, employment and household size. The highest preferred incentive was the provision of free seedlings and the lowest was out grower scheme. The study recommends that GIS and remote sensing should be used to monitor deforestation, off farm projects be encouraged, exotic and indigenous trees be promoted and forest conservation education be promoted in resettlement areas.
- Full Text:
Mechanism and synchronicity of wheat (Triticum aestivum) resistance to leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) and Russian wheat aphid (Duiraphis noxia) SA1
- Authors: Njom, Henry Akum
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Wheat -- Disease and pest resistance Bacterial diseases of plants Russian wheat aphid
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2700 , vital:28056
- Description: Wheat (Triticum aestivum and T. Durum) is an extremely important agronomic crop produced worldwide. Wheat consumption has doubled in the last 30 years with approximately 600 million tons consumed per annum. According to the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, worldwide wheat demand will increase over 40 percent by 2020, while land as well as resources available for the production will decrease significantly if the current trend prevails. The wheat industry is challenged with abiotic and biotic stressors that lead to reduction in crop yields. Increase knowledge of wheat’s biochemical constitution and functional biology is of paramount importance to improve wheat so as to meet with this demand. Pesticides and fungicides are being used to control biotic stress imposed by insect pest and fungi pathogens but these chemicals pose a risk to the environment and human health. To this effect, there is re-evaluation of pesticides currently in use by the Environmental Protection Agency, via mandates of the 1996 Food Quality Protection Act and those with higher perceived risks are banned. Genetic resistance is now a more environmental friendly and effective method of controlling insect pest and rust diseases of wheat than the costly spraying with pesticides and fungicides. Although, resistant cultivars effectively prevent current prevailing pathotypes of leaf rust and biotypes of Russian wheat aphid from attacking wheat, new pathotypes and biotypes of the pathogen/pest may develop and infect resistant cultivars. Therefore, breeders are continually searching for new sources of resistance. Proteomic approaches can be utilised to ascertain target enzymes and proteins from resistant lines that could be utilised to augment the natural tolerance of agronomically favourable varieties of wheat. With this ultimate goal in mind, the aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism and synchronicity of wheat resistance to leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) and Russian wheat aphid (Duiraphis noxia) SA1. To determine the resistance mechanism of the wheat cultivars to leaf rust infection and Russian wheat aphid infestation, a proteomics approach using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was used in order to determine the effect of RWA SA1 on the wheat cultivars proteome. Differentially expressed proteins that were up or down regulated (appearing or disappearing) were identified using PDQuestTM Basic 2-DE Gel analysis software. Proteins bands of interest were in-gel trypsin digested as per the protocol described in Schevchenko et al. (2007) and analysed using a Dionex Ultimate 3000 RSLC system coupled to an AB Sciex 6600 TripleTOF mass spectrometer. Protein pilot v5 using Paragon search engine (AB Sciex) was used for comparison of the obtained MS/MS spectra with a custom database containing sequences of Puccinia triticina (Uniprot Swissprot), Triticum aestivum (Uniprot TrEMBL) and Russian wheat aphid (Uniprot TrEMBL) as well as a list of sequences from common contaminating proteins. Proteins with a threshold of ≥99.9 percent confidence were reported. A total of 72 proteins were putatively identified from the 37 protein spots excised originating from either leaf rust or Russian wheat aphid experiments. Sixty-three of these proteins were associated with wheat response to stress imposed by RWA SA1 feeding while 39 were associated with infection by Puccinia triticina. Several enzymes involved in the Calvin cycle, electron transport and ATP synthesis were observed to be differentially regulated suggesting greater metabolic requirements in the wheat plants following aphid infestation and leaf rust infection. Proteins directly associated with photosynthesis were also differentially regulated following RWA SA1 infestation and P.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Njom, Henry Akum
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Wheat -- Disease and pest resistance Bacterial diseases of plants Russian wheat aphid
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2700 , vital:28056
- Description: Wheat (Triticum aestivum and T. Durum) is an extremely important agronomic crop produced worldwide. Wheat consumption has doubled in the last 30 years with approximately 600 million tons consumed per annum. According to the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, worldwide wheat demand will increase over 40 percent by 2020, while land as well as resources available for the production will decrease significantly if the current trend prevails. The wheat industry is challenged with abiotic and biotic stressors that lead to reduction in crop yields. Increase knowledge of wheat’s biochemical constitution and functional biology is of paramount importance to improve wheat so as to meet with this demand. Pesticides and fungicides are being used to control biotic stress imposed by insect pest and fungi pathogens but these chemicals pose a risk to the environment and human health. To this effect, there is re-evaluation of pesticides currently in use by the Environmental Protection Agency, via mandates of the 1996 Food Quality Protection Act and those with higher perceived risks are banned. Genetic resistance is now a more environmental friendly and effective method of controlling insect pest and rust diseases of wheat than the costly spraying with pesticides and fungicides. Although, resistant cultivars effectively prevent current prevailing pathotypes of leaf rust and biotypes of Russian wheat aphid from attacking wheat, new pathotypes and biotypes of the pathogen/pest may develop and infect resistant cultivars. Therefore, breeders are continually searching for new sources of resistance. Proteomic approaches can be utilised to ascertain target enzymes and proteins from resistant lines that could be utilised to augment the natural tolerance of agronomically favourable varieties of wheat. With this ultimate goal in mind, the aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism and synchronicity of wheat resistance to leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) and Russian wheat aphid (Duiraphis noxia) SA1. To determine the resistance mechanism of the wheat cultivars to leaf rust infection and Russian wheat aphid infestation, a proteomics approach using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was used in order to determine the effect of RWA SA1 on the wheat cultivars proteome. Differentially expressed proteins that were up or down regulated (appearing or disappearing) were identified using PDQuestTM Basic 2-DE Gel analysis software. Proteins bands of interest were in-gel trypsin digested as per the protocol described in Schevchenko et al. (2007) and analysed using a Dionex Ultimate 3000 RSLC system coupled to an AB Sciex 6600 TripleTOF mass spectrometer. Protein pilot v5 using Paragon search engine (AB Sciex) was used for comparison of the obtained MS/MS spectra with a custom database containing sequences of Puccinia triticina (Uniprot Swissprot), Triticum aestivum (Uniprot TrEMBL) and Russian wheat aphid (Uniprot TrEMBL) as well as a list of sequences from common contaminating proteins. Proteins with a threshold of ≥99.9 percent confidence were reported. A total of 72 proteins were putatively identified from the 37 protein spots excised originating from either leaf rust or Russian wheat aphid experiments. Sixty-three of these proteins were associated with wheat response to stress imposed by RWA SA1 feeding while 39 were associated with infection by Puccinia triticina. Several enzymes involved in the Calvin cycle, electron transport and ATP synthesis were observed to be differentially regulated suggesting greater metabolic requirements in the wheat plants following aphid infestation and leaf rust infection. Proteins directly associated with photosynthesis were also differentially regulated following RWA SA1 infestation and P.
- Full Text:
Monitoring changes in vegetation distribution to ascertain the extent of degradation in the savannas of Nkonkobe Local Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Masiza, Wonga
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Savanna ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Land degradation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Vegetation management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2027 , vital:27598
- Description: Savanna degradation is an environmental problem occurring in most countries around the world and it poses threats to biodiversity conservation, the food industry, and other economic sectors. According to FAO, South Africa’s rangelands exhibit the highest rate of fragmentation in comparison to range ecosystems in neighbouring countries including Lesotho and Swaziland, and consensus among researchers is that communal rangelands are more degraded than commercial rangelands. Although researchers and communities have identified the occurrence of land degradation in communal savannas at a local scale, land degradation has been poorly estimated because little has been done to quantify the extent and dynamics of perceived and observed changes associated with land degradation. The main goal of this study is to provide empirical insights on the direction of changes in the communal savannas of Nkonkobe Local Municipality in order to inform policy formulation and implementation. Additional to the communal sites is a private farm included for comparative analysis of trends in communal and commercial savannas. Landsat imagery was used to map, assess, and quantify the extent of land degradation in Nkonkobe Local Municipality, over a period of 30 years between 1984 and 2014. Field investigations were undertaken in June 2015 to acquire reference data to guide supervised classification of Landsat images. Three algorithms (Mahalanobis-distance, Minimum-distance, and Maximum likelihood classification) were compared to identify a classifier that produced the best results. The maximum likelihood classifier produced the best results with classification accuracy levels of 95.24 percent, 89.66 percent, and 95.65 percent for Honeydale Farm, Thyume, and Sheshegu respectively. Regression analysis revealed that both communal and private lands have experienced statistically significant increases in bush encroachment and decreases in surface water. Communal savannas have been confronted more by expansion of built-up area, decrease in open grassland, abandonment of arable land, soil erosion, and a steady invasion by Acacia Karroo compared to the privately owned commercial farm. The land cover changes measured through this investigation suggest an environmental shift that threatens biodiversity and agricultural activity. The study provides empirically informed insights about the direction to which these savannas are changing with the hope that the findings will prompt formulation and implementation of effective policies.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Masiza, Wonga
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Savanna ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Land degradation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Vegetation management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2027 , vital:27598
- Description: Savanna degradation is an environmental problem occurring in most countries around the world and it poses threats to biodiversity conservation, the food industry, and other economic sectors. According to FAO, South Africa’s rangelands exhibit the highest rate of fragmentation in comparison to range ecosystems in neighbouring countries including Lesotho and Swaziland, and consensus among researchers is that communal rangelands are more degraded than commercial rangelands. Although researchers and communities have identified the occurrence of land degradation in communal savannas at a local scale, land degradation has been poorly estimated because little has been done to quantify the extent and dynamics of perceived and observed changes associated with land degradation. The main goal of this study is to provide empirical insights on the direction of changes in the communal savannas of Nkonkobe Local Municipality in order to inform policy formulation and implementation. Additional to the communal sites is a private farm included for comparative analysis of trends in communal and commercial savannas. Landsat imagery was used to map, assess, and quantify the extent of land degradation in Nkonkobe Local Municipality, over a period of 30 years between 1984 and 2014. Field investigations were undertaken in June 2015 to acquire reference data to guide supervised classification of Landsat images. Three algorithms (Mahalanobis-distance, Minimum-distance, and Maximum likelihood classification) were compared to identify a classifier that produced the best results. The maximum likelihood classifier produced the best results with classification accuracy levels of 95.24 percent, 89.66 percent, and 95.65 percent for Honeydale Farm, Thyume, and Sheshegu respectively. Regression analysis revealed that both communal and private lands have experienced statistically significant increases in bush encroachment and decreases in surface water. Communal savannas have been confronted more by expansion of built-up area, decrease in open grassland, abandonment of arable land, soil erosion, and a steady invasion by Acacia Karroo compared to the privately owned commercial farm. The land cover changes measured through this investigation suggest an environmental shift that threatens biodiversity and agricultural activity. The study provides empirically informed insights about the direction to which these savannas are changing with the hope that the findings will prompt formulation and implementation of effective policies.
- Full Text:
Perceptions of indigenous people regarding mental illness at Cacadu district in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
- Authors: Tilolo, Lwazi
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11930 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021323
- Description: Indigenous people tend to consult traditional healers when a family member manifests change in behaviour, whilst conventional treatment disregards spirituality when preserving mental health. The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of indigenous people and the role of traditional healers in the management of mentally ill persons within the Cacadu District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study has adopted a qualitative approach which was exploratory and descriptive in nature. The sample consisted of nine relatives of mental health care users (MHCUs) and six traditional healers. Ethical principles were also taken into consideration by the researcher during the process of conducting the study. Data were collected from two strata, namely, relatives of the MHCUs and the traditional healers and an interview guide was used to conduct in-depth face-to-face interviews. Data were analysed using Tesch’s method of data analysis. Four themes emerged from the data categories and sub categories were identified. According to the themes participants indicated the negative impact of mental illness; as a result they portrayed great desperation regarding the means of accessing a cure for mental illness. Some participants showed insufficient knowledge regarding mental illness and had different perceptions and beliefs regarding the origin of mental illness. Available literature was used to emphasise and support the views that were expressed by both traditional healers and relatives of MHCUs. It has been highlighted from this study that indigenous people of Cacadu District view mental illness as spiritual in origin but they include Western medication for the benefit of the mentally ill. In addition, the relatives of the MHCUs highlighted the economic burden as the major problem that results from mental illness.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tilolo, Lwazi
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11930 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021323
- Description: Indigenous people tend to consult traditional healers when a family member manifests change in behaviour, whilst conventional treatment disregards spirituality when preserving mental health. The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of indigenous people and the role of traditional healers in the management of mentally ill persons within the Cacadu District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study has adopted a qualitative approach which was exploratory and descriptive in nature. The sample consisted of nine relatives of mental health care users (MHCUs) and six traditional healers. Ethical principles were also taken into consideration by the researcher during the process of conducting the study. Data were collected from two strata, namely, relatives of the MHCUs and the traditional healers and an interview guide was used to conduct in-depth face-to-face interviews. Data were analysed using Tesch’s method of data analysis. Four themes emerged from the data categories and sub categories were identified. According to the themes participants indicated the negative impact of mental illness; as a result they portrayed great desperation regarding the means of accessing a cure for mental illness. Some participants showed insufficient knowledge regarding mental illness and had different perceptions and beliefs regarding the origin of mental illness. Available literature was used to emphasise and support the views that were expressed by both traditional healers and relatives of MHCUs. It has been highlighted from this study that indigenous people of Cacadu District view mental illness as spiritual in origin but they include Western medication for the benefit of the mentally ill. In addition, the relatives of the MHCUs highlighted the economic burden as the major problem that results from mental illness.
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Pharmacological studies of Foeniculum Vulgare (Mill.) and Lippia Javanica (Burm.F.) spreng. used as spices in Nkonkobe Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Asowata-Ayodele, Abiola Mojisola
- Authors: Asowata-Ayodele, Abiola Mojisola
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Fennel -- Utilization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Ethnopharmacology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2777 , vital:28085
- Description: Spices are of great importance in the indigenous culinary and traditional medicine systems of the people of Nkonkobe Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The present investigation evaluated the ethnopharmacological potentials of two indigenous South African spices- Foeniculum vulgare and Lippia javanica. The pharmacological investigations on these two plant species include ultra-morphology, nutrient and mineral analysis, evaluation of the essential oil, phytochemical and antioxidant assays, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory as well as anti-urolithiatic assay of the acetone and aqueous extracts of the two plants. The species were selected for study as the most cited plants after an ethnobotanical survey conducted on the indigenous knowledge of plants used as spices and medicine in Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape of South Africa. Among the plants cited Foeniculum vulgare(Apiaceae) and Lippia javanica (Verbenaceae) stood out as the most commonly used spices. Others were members of the families; Solanaceae, Apiaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Amaranthaceae and Lamiaceae. Ultra-morphological studies conducted on the leaves of the two selected plants using scanning electron microscope revealed the presence of non-glandular and glandular trichomes, stomata and crystals. The leaf surfaces of these herbs may serve as secretory sites where aromatic secondary metabolites are produced. Analyses of the proximate, mineral, vitamin and anti-nutrients contents of these two spices showed that both species are good sources of these phytochemicals and may be used to enrich the human diet. Lippia javanica possesses lower lipid (0.50 percent), fibre (5 percent) and carbohydrate (64.96 percent) contents than Foeniculum vulgare. On the other hand, protein (20.54 percent), ash (11.60 percent) and moisture content (11.69 percent) were higher in Foeniculum vulgare than in Lippia javanica. Foeniculum vulgare showed higher N (3286 mg/100g), Mg (386.7 mg/100g), K (3187 mg/100g) and Na (1383 mg/100g) content while Lippia javanica was higher in Ca (1833 mg/100g), Zn (4.7 mg/100g), Cu (0.9 mg/100g) and Fe (78.4 mg/100g). Vitamins Aand E were also higher in Lippia javanica (1.31 mg/100g; 2.52 mg/100g) while Foeniculum vulgare (0.45 mg/100g) had higher vitamin C content. No significant differences were observed in the phytate, oxalate and tannin contents of the two spices, but saponin and cyanide were significantly lower in Lippia javanica (268.5 mg/100g; 8.45 mg/100g) than in Foeniculum vulgare (1855 mg/100g; 10.5 mg/100g) Evaluation of the essential oil component, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activities of both fresh and dried leaves of Lippia javanica and Foeniculum vulgare revealed that the dried samples yielded more oil and also contain more chemical than the fresh samples of both plants. The overall antimicrobial activity evaluated using susceptibility and microdilution assays revealed that the oils of F. vulgare and L. javanica exhibited high antifungal and antibacterial activity, compared to the reference drugs. In addition, essential oil from fresh leaves of both spices was less toxic compared to the oil from the dried leaves. Polyphenolic evaluation of the aqueous and acetone extracts of the plants revealed that the acetone extract had higher phenol, flavanol, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin contents than the aqueous extracts. The total phenolic content of acetone and aqueous extracts were 4.49 ± 0.411 mg/g and 3.73 ± 0.498 mg/g tannic acid equivalent (TAE) respectively for Lippia javanica. The same trend was also observed in Foeniculum vulgare with total phenolic content of acetone and aqueous extracts were 4.22 ± 0.325 mg/g and 4.17 ± 0.651 mg/g tannic acid equivalent (TAE) respectively. Further assessment of the antioxidant activity of the solvent extracts revealed that both plants exhibited promising free radical scavenging potentials against 1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2’-azino-bis(3- ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), reducing power, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, phosphomolybdate and hydrogen peroxide. Antimicrobial activities of the acetone and aqueous extracts of the two plants revealed moderate antibacterial and antifungal activities. They inhibited the growth of Microsporium canis and Trichophyton rubrum that were not susceptible to the standard antifungal drug used as control.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Asowata-Ayodele, Abiola Mojisola
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Fennel -- Utilization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Ethnopharmacology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2777 , vital:28085
- Description: Spices are of great importance in the indigenous culinary and traditional medicine systems of the people of Nkonkobe Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The present investigation evaluated the ethnopharmacological potentials of two indigenous South African spices- Foeniculum vulgare and Lippia javanica. The pharmacological investigations on these two plant species include ultra-morphology, nutrient and mineral analysis, evaluation of the essential oil, phytochemical and antioxidant assays, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory as well as anti-urolithiatic assay of the acetone and aqueous extracts of the two plants. The species were selected for study as the most cited plants after an ethnobotanical survey conducted on the indigenous knowledge of plants used as spices and medicine in Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape of South Africa. Among the plants cited Foeniculum vulgare(Apiaceae) and Lippia javanica (Verbenaceae) stood out as the most commonly used spices. Others were members of the families; Solanaceae, Apiaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Amaranthaceae and Lamiaceae. Ultra-morphological studies conducted on the leaves of the two selected plants using scanning electron microscope revealed the presence of non-glandular and glandular trichomes, stomata and crystals. The leaf surfaces of these herbs may serve as secretory sites where aromatic secondary metabolites are produced. Analyses of the proximate, mineral, vitamin and anti-nutrients contents of these two spices showed that both species are good sources of these phytochemicals and may be used to enrich the human diet. Lippia javanica possesses lower lipid (0.50 percent), fibre (5 percent) and carbohydrate (64.96 percent) contents than Foeniculum vulgare. On the other hand, protein (20.54 percent), ash (11.60 percent) and moisture content (11.69 percent) were higher in Foeniculum vulgare than in Lippia javanica. Foeniculum vulgare showed higher N (3286 mg/100g), Mg (386.7 mg/100g), K (3187 mg/100g) and Na (1383 mg/100g) content while Lippia javanica was higher in Ca (1833 mg/100g), Zn (4.7 mg/100g), Cu (0.9 mg/100g) and Fe (78.4 mg/100g). Vitamins Aand E were also higher in Lippia javanica (1.31 mg/100g; 2.52 mg/100g) while Foeniculum vulgare (0.45 mg/100g) had higher vitamin C content. No significant differences were observed in the phytate, oxalate and tannin contents of the two spices, but saponin and cyanide were significantly lower in Lippia javanica (268.5 mg/100g; 8.45 mg/100g) than in Foeniculum vulgare (1855 mg/100g; 10.5 mg/100g) Evaluation of the essential oil component, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activities of both fresh and dried leaves of Lippia javanica and Foeniculum vulgare revealed that the dried samples yielded more oil and also contain more chemical than the fresh samples of both plants. The overall antimicrobial activity evaluated using susceptibility and microdilution assays revealed that the oils of F. vulgare and L. javanica exhibited high antifungal and antibacterial activity, compared to the reference drugs. In addition, essential oil from fresh leaves of both spices was less toxic compared to the oil from the dried leaves. Polyphenolic evaluation of the aqueous and acetone extracts of the plants revealed that the acetone extract had higher phenol, flavanol, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin contents than the aqueous extracts. The total phenolic content of acetone and aqueous extracts were 4.49 ± 0.411 mg/g and 3.73 ± 0.498 mg/g tannic acid equivalent (TAE) respectively for Lippia javanica. The same trend was also observed in Foeniculum vulgare with total phenolic content of acetone and aqueous extracts were 4.22 ± 0.325 mg/g and 4.17 ± 0.651 mg/g tannic acid equivalent (TAE) respectively. Further assessment of the antioxidant activity of the solvent extracts revealed that both plants exhibited promising free radical scavenging potentials against 1,1 diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2, 2’-azino-bis(3- ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), reducing power, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, phosphomolybdate and hydrogen peroxide. Antimicrobial activities of the acetone and aqueous extracts of the two plants revealed moderate antibacterial and antifungal activities. They inhibited the growth of Microsporium canis and Trichophyton rubrum that were not susceptible to the standard antifungal drug used as control.
- Full Text:
Preparation and application of plasmon metal enhanced titanium dioxide photocatalyst for the removal of organics in water
- Authors: Nyamukamba, Pardon
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Water -- Purification -- Photocatalysis Titanium dioxide Water chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2765 , vital:28074
- Description: Advanced oxidation processes are capable of removing organic compounds that cannot be removed by conventional water treatment methods. Among the oxidation processes, photo-catalysis using titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a promising method but suffers from rapid electron-hole recombination rates and only absorbs UV light which is a small percentage (5 percent) of the total solar radiation. Therefore there is a need to reduce the recombination rates and also extend the absorption of the photo-catalyst into the visible region which constitutes 55 percent of the total solar radiation. The major aims of this study were to prepare plasmon metal decorated and doped TiO2 photo-catalysts immobilized on quartz substrates and test their photo-catalytic and antimicrobial activities. The effect of film thickness (loading) and use of different shapes of plasmon metal nanostructures was investigated. TiO2 thin films were prepared by a sputter coating technique while plasmon metal (Au & Ag)/carbon co-doped TiO2 by a simple sol gel process and plasmon metal films were prepared by the thermal evaporation technique. Different plasmon metal nanostructures (nanorods, dendrites, nanowires and spherical nanoparticles) were prepared using a wet chemical technique using sodium borohydride as the reducing agent. Nanocomposites of co-doped TiO2 photo-catalyst and plasmon elements of different proportions were also prepared. The prepared photo-catalysts were coated onto etched and MPTMS (3-Mercaptopropyl trimethoxysliane) treated quartz glass substrate which is a stable support favouring easy recovery. The prepared materials were characterized by XRD, HRTEM, TEM, HRSEM, FT-IR, SEM, PIXE and TGA while the doped TiO2 was characterized by XPS, BET, CHNS and Raman Spectroscopy. The effect of pH of solution, presence of other contaminants and salts in solution, initial concentration of the model pollutant and type of the plasmonic elements on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 towards 4-(4-sulfophenylazo)-N,N-dimethyl aniline (methyl orange) were also investigated. The selected TiO2 photo-catalyst films were tested for antimicrobial properties. The effect of different types of plasmon elements on the antimicrobial activity of TiO2 against E. coli ATCC 3695 was evaluated under both sunlight and weak UV light. Under UV light, Ag showed the highest enhancement in photo-catalytic activity of TiO2 than Au and Cu. The photo-catalytic activity of TiO2 increased with an increase in Ag content to an optimum loading and then started to decrease with a further increase in loading. For Cu and Au, photo-activity activity increased with an increase in plasmon metal content. Under sunlight, Cu showed the highest enhancement of TiO2 photocatalytic compared to Ag and Au. The change in order of deposition showed that Au films enhanced the photo-activity better when they were deposited underneath rather than on top of TiO2 on quartz supports but Ag films performed better in enhancing photo-activity when they were deposited on top of TiO2. The use of bimetallic layers and three layer systems of different plasmon elements enhanced photo-catalytic activity better than the use of a monometallic layer. The presence of other organic contaminants and salts in solutions was found to reduce the photo-degradation of methyl orange due to preferential adsorption of other contaminants. When the pH was increased, the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 towards methyl orange was reduced. In antimicrobial studies, it was found that the plasmon elements greatly improved the antibacterial action of TiO2 against Escherichia coli ATCC 3695 in water and the best antibacterial action was observed with silver/carbon co-doped TiO2 photo-catalyst under sunlight The doped samples consisted of polydisperse nanoparticles which were found to be beneficial for photo-catalytic activity enhancement under sunlight.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nyamukamba, Pardon
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Water -- Purification -- Photocatalysis Titanium dioxide Water chemistry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2765 , vital:28074
- Description: Advanced oxidation processes are capable of removing organic compounds that cannot be removed by conventional water treatment methods. Among the oxidation processes, photo-catalysis using titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a promising method but suffers from rapid electron-hole recombination rates and only absorbs UV light which is a small percentage (5 percent) of the total solar radiation. Therefore there is a need to reduce the recombination rates and also extend the absorption of the photo-catalyst into the visible region which constitutes 55 percent of the total solar radiation. The major aims of this study were to prepare plasmon metal decorated and doped TiO2 photo-catalysts immobilized on quartz substrates and test their photo-catalytic and antimicrobial activities. The effect of film thickness (loading) and use of different shapes of plasmon metal nanostructures was investigated. TiO2 thin films were prepared by a sputter coating technique while plasmon metal (Au & Ag)/carbon co-doped TiO2 by a simple sol gel process and plasmon metal films were prepared by the thermal evaporation technique. Different plasmon metal nanostructures (nanorods, dendrites, nanowires and spherical nanoparticles) were prepared using a wet chemical technique using sodium borohydride as the reducing agent. Nanocomposites of co-doped TiO2 photo-catalyst and plasmon elements of different proportions were also prepared. The prepared photo-catalysts were coated onto etched and MPTMS (3-Mercaptopropyl trimethoxysliane) treated quartz glass substrate which is a stable support favouring easy recovery. The prepared materials were characterized by XRD, HRTEM, TEM, HRSEM, FT-IR, SEM, PIXE and TGA while the doped TiO2 was characterized by XPS, BET, CHNS and Raman Spectroscopy. The effect of pH of solution, presence of other contaminants and salts in solution, initial concentration of the model pollutant and type of the plasmonic elements on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 towards 4-(4-sulfophenylazo)-N,N-dimethyl aniline (methyl orange) were also investigated. The selected TiO2 photo-catalyst films were tested for antimicrobial properties. The effect of different types of plasmon elements on the antimicrobial activity of TiO2 against E. coli ATCC 3695 was evaluated under both sunlight and weak UV light. Under UV light, Ag showed the highest enhancement in photo-catalytic activity of TiO2 than Au and Cu. The photo-catalytic activity of TiO2 increased with an increase in Ag content to an optimum loading and then started to decrease with a further increase in loading. For Cu and Au, photo-activity activity increased with an increase in plasmon metal content. Under sunlight, Cu showed the highest enhancement of TiO2 photocatalytic compared to Ag and Au. The change in order of deposition showed that Au films enhanced the photo-activity better when they were deposited underneath rather than on top of TiO2 on quartz supports but Ag films performed better in enhancing photo-activity when they were deposited on top of TiO2. The use of bimetallic layers and three layer systems of different plasmon elements enhanced photo-catalytic activity better than the use of a monometallic layer. The presence of other organic contaminants and salts in solutions was found to reduce the photo-degradation of methyl orange due to preferential adsorption of other contaminants. When the pH was increased, the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 towards methyl orange was reduced. In antimicrobial studies, it was found that the plasmon elements greatly improved the antibacterial action of TiO2 against Escherichia coli ATCC 3695 in water and the best antibacterial action was observed with silver/carbon co-doped TiO2 photo-catalyst under sunlight The doped samples consisted of polydisperse nanoparticles which were found to be beneficial for photo-catalytic activity enhancement under sunlight.
- Full Text:
Production of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables (ILVs) and their contribution to household food security: evidence from Coffee Bay, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Mayekiso Anele
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Food security , Edible greens , Vegetable gardening -- South Africa , Food -- Preservation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/712 , vital:26490 , Food security , Edible greens , Vegetable gardening -- South Africa , Food -- Preservation
- Description: This study used cross-sectional survey data to estimate farmers` perceptions of, and commonly cultivated ILVs, factors that influence the participation of smallholder famers in the production of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables and its contribution to household food security]. With regard to farmers` perceptions of ILVs, descriptive results reveal that a majority of the people from the study area share positive perceptions with respect to ILVs. Regression estimates for determinants of participation indicate that the production of ILVs is primarily conditioned by shared perceptions and institutional factors rather than the socio-economic attributes of farmers. Public policies that address the institutional framework (extension, credit, market and social networks) in favour of ILVs are more likely to promote production. Also, more research on the documentation and benefits of ILVs, supported by investments targeting educational campaigns towards promoting positive attitudes and dispelling fears and myths surrounding ILVs, will further promote production. With reference to the contribution of ILVs to food security, descriptive results indicate that participation in the production of ILVs leads to a higher HDDS and a lower HFIAS. Regression estimates further revealed that participation positively contributes to a higher HDDS and a lower HFIAS, suggesting that households who participate in the production of ILVs are more likely to be food secure than non-participants. Therefore, participation in the production of ILVs has significant potential to address household food security.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mayekiso Anele
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Food security , Edible greens , Vegetable gardening -- South Africa , Food -- Preservation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/712 , vital:26490 , Food security , Edible greens , Vegetable gardening -- South Africa , Food -- Preservation
- Description: This study used cross-sectional survey data to estimate farmers` perceptions of, and commonly cultivated ILVs, factors that influence the participation of smallholder famers in the production of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables and its contribution to household food security]. With regard to farmers` perceptions of ILVs, descriptive results reveal that a majority of the people from the study area share positive perceptions with respect to ILVs. Regression estimates for determinants of participation indicate that the production of ILVs is primarily conditioned by shared perceptions and institutional factors rather than the socio-economic attributes of farmers. Public policies that address the institutional framework (extension, credit, market and social networks) in favour of ILVs are more likely to promote production. Also, more research on the documentation and benefits of ILVs, supported by investments targeting educational campaigns towards promoting positive attitudes and dispelling fears and myths surrounding ILVs, will further promote production. With reference to the contribution of ILVs to food security, descriptive results indicate that participation in the production of ILVs leads to a higher HDDS and a lower HFIAS. Regression estimates further revealed that participation positively contributes to a higher HDDS and a lower HFIAS, suggesting that households who participate in the production of ILVs are more likely to be food secure than non-participants. Therefore, participation in the production of ILVs has significant potential to address household food security.
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Professional behaviour among nursing students at a college in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Magopeni, Sibongile Nomvuyo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Nursing students -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nursing -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2566 , vital:27896
- Description: The focus of the study was to explore and describe reasons for poor professional behaviour among nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape. The objectives of the study were to explore and describe the reasons for poor professional behaviour among nursing students and to describe strategies to improve poor professional behaviour. The study has significance for the college management, staff, nursing students, registered nurses and everyone involved in professional development of nursing students. The population for this study consisted of third-year nursing students following the four-year comprehensive basic course for registration leading to the Diploma in Nursing (General, Community & Psychiatry) and Midwifery at a public nursing college. The research questions were: What do you understand by professional behaviour? What are the reasons for poor professional behaviour among nursing students? What could be done to improve professionalism among college nursing students? A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was used as a framework for the study. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the University of Fort Hare ethics committee and other relevant authorities as indicated in the study. Ethical principles were maintained and informed consent obtained. Data collection was done using focus groups and an audiotape with a purposefully sampling of 30 third-year nursing students at the public college of nursing. Data were analysed using Tesch’s method of analysis for qualitative research. Three major themes emerged: students’ understanding of professional behaviour, reasons for poor professional behaviour and methods to improve poor professional behaviour. It was concluded that poor professional behaviour has an effect on professionalism and it should be addressed and corrected for protecting the professional image. Recommendations: Policies regarding inappropriate professional behaviour at the college should be in place and easily accessible to every staff member and nursing student. Department of Health should conduct reflective courses and seminars on professionalism and these should begin at the same time as the academic programme.
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- Authors: Magopeni, Sibongile Nomvuyo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Nursing students -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nursing -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nursing -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCur
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2566 , vital:27896
- Description: The focus of the study was to explore and describe reasons for poor professional behaviour among nursing students at a public nursing college in the Eastern Cape. The objectives of the study were to explore and describe the reasons for poor professional behaviour among nursing students and to describe strategies to improve poor professional behaviour. The study has significance for the college management, staff, nursing students, registered nurses and everyone involved in professional development of nursing students. The population for this study consisted of third-year nursing students following the four-year comprehensive basic course for registration leading to the Diploma in Nursing (General, Community & Psychiatry) and Midwifery at a public nursing college. The research questions were: What do you understand by professional behaviour? What are the reasons for poor professional behaviour among nursing students? What could be done to improve professionalism among college nursing students? A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was used as a framework for the study. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the University of Fort Hare ethics committee and other relevant authorities as indicated in the study. Ethical principles were maintained and informed consent obtained. Data collection was done using focus groups and an audiotape with a purposefully sampling of 30 third-year nursing students at the public college of nursing. Data were analysed using Tesch’s method of analysis for qualitative research. Three major themes emerged: students’ understanding of professional behaviour, reasons for poor professional behaviour and methods to improve poor professional behaviour. It was concluded that poor professional behaviour has an effect on professionalism and it should be addressed and corrected for protecting the professional image. Recommendations: Policies regarding inappropriate professional behaviour at the college should be in place and easily accessible to every staff member and nursing student. Department of Health should conduct reflective courses and seminars on professionalism and these should begin at the same time as the academic programme.
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Remediation of metal ions in aqueous solution using activated carbon from Zea may stem
- Authors: Matandabuzo, Mzukisi
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11360 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021328
- Description: Zea mays stem and its activated carbon were prepared through chemical activation method using four different activating reagents (NaOH, H₃PO₄, H₂SO₄, KOH) and were used as adsorbents for the removal of Pb(II), Cu(II), Hg(II) and Cr(III) from aqueous solution. The results shows that activated carbon has high surface area and pore volume compared to the powdered raw Zea mays stem. Prepared activated carbon was characterized using physico-chemical properties such as carbon yield, iodine number, moisture content, percentage adsorption, and analytical instruments such as Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS), powder X-ray Diffraction (pXRD). The adsorption of Pb(II), Cu(II), and Cr(III) ions were pH, contact time, and concentration dependent. Based on the results obtained from the batch experiments, activated carbon prepared from Zea mays stem is not good enough for the removal of Hg(II) from aqueous solution. Adsorption ability was calculated and found to be 66.67% for activated carbon obtained from H₂SO₄, 21.21% for activated carbon obtained from KOH, and 20% for activated carbons obtained from NaOH and H₃PO₄. The pH 5-6 was chosen for all experiments, contact time was 2 hours, and adsorbent dosage was 2 g, initial concentration range from 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 ppm at room temperature. The metal ion removal trend was found in the order Pb(II)>Cu(II)>Cr(III)>>Hg(II). The Langmuir model fitted well in most of the cases with > 0.99. Consequently, the adsorption of Pb(II) and Cu(II) followed Langmuir isotherm model while that of Cr(III) best fitted the Freundlich isotherm model. The results indicated that the adsorption process followed two possible mechanisms. (I) Metal ion – adsorbent complex model and (II) Metal ion – ion-exchange adsorbent complex model.
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- Authors: Matandabuzo, Mzukisi
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Chemistry)
- Identifier: vital:11360 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021328
- Description: Zea mays stem and its activated carbon were prepared through chemical activation method using four different activating reagents (NaOH, H₃PO₄, H₂SO₄, KOH) and were used as adsorbents for the removal of Pb(II), Cu(II), Hg(II) and Cr(III) from aqueous solution. The results shows that activated carbon has high surface area and pore volume compared to the powdered raw Zea mays stem. Prepared activated carbon was characterized using physico-chemical properties such as carbon yield, iodine number, moisture content, percentage adsorption, and analytical instruments such as Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS), powder X-ray Diffraction (pXRD). The adsorption of Pb(II), Cu(II), and Cr(III) ions were pH, contact time, and concentration dependent. Based on the results obtained from the batch experiments, activated carbon prepared from Zea mays stem is not good enough for the removal of Hg(II) from aqueous solution. Adsorption ability was calculated and found to be 66.67% for activated carbon obtained from H₂SO₄, 21.21% for activated carbon obtained from KOH, and 20% for activated carbons obtained from NaOH and H₃PO₄. The pH 5-6 was chosen for all experiments, contact time was 2 hours, and adsorbent dosage was 2 g, initial concentration range from 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 ppm at room temperature. The metal ion removal trend was found in the order Pb(II)>Cu(II)>Cr(III)>>Hg(II). The Langmuir model fitted well in most of the cases with > 0.99. Consequently, the adsorption of Pb(II) and Cu(II) followed Langmuir isotherm model while that of Cr(III) best fitted the Freundlich isotherm model. The results indicated that the adsorption process followed two possible mechanisms. (I) Metal ion – adsorbent complex model and (II) Metal ion – ion-exchange adsorbent complex model.
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Smallholder farmer's adoption decision-making processes in the utilisation of soil conservation practices in South Africa: the case of Qamata Irrigation Scheme, in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: David, Ighodaro Ikponmwosa
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Qamata Irrigation Scheme (South Africa) Irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Farm management -- South Africa -- Decision making , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1740 , vital:27554
- Description: The goal of this study was to determine the nature and factors influencing smallholder farmers in their adoption decision-making regarding the use of soil conservation practices introduced by extension practitioners in South Africa, using the case of farming at Qamata Irrigation Scheme, Eastern Cape. Using a central argument (thesis statement), the study argued that an adequate understanding and definition of smallholder farmers’ adoption decision-making process is very crucial to solving the problem of soil erosion/ degradation problem amongst smallholder farmers. Adopting the case study research design, information from 70 crop farmers (in a farmer focus group interviews) form the basis of the study. Basic models of analysis were the multiple, probit and logit, as well as the binary logistic regression analyses. According to the empirical results, perception was found very relevant in adoption decision-making, interacting positively and significantly with eight of the seventeen adoption variables chosen for the study. The indication therefore is that age (p<0.050), education (p<0.0030), and marriage (p<0.036), have more potentials to improve farmers’ perception. Similarly, higher farmer incomes (from crops [p<0.017], off-farm [p<0.038] and overall [p<0.011] income) also have a likelihood to improve farmers’ perception regarding soil conservation, for improved adoption. Further indication is that farmers who are aware (p<0.015) of the soil practices introduced by extension are also those who participate in their use (p<0.041). Employing the binary logistic, probit and logit regression models, results suggest that the nature of adoption decision-making processes of smallholder farmers is complex (not straight), being influenced by multiple factors. While age (p<0.099), gender (p<0.031), total income (p<0.081) impacted positively significant on smallholder farmers’ adoption decision-making, marital status (p<0.025), sources of land (p<0.063), length of continuously farming on same piece of land (p<0.013), and level of crop production (p<0.002) impacted negatively. The indication therefore was that older farmers preferred their own practices to the recommended practices by extension, which is in line with literature. Also as expected, more females preferred their own practices to extension recommended, while more males preferred the recommended practices. Similarly, marriage, land ownership, farming continuously on a spot for a long period, as well as increase in the level of crop production, all had a propensity to influence farmers toward the adoption of extension recommended practices as against farmers’ practices. Further results indicate, that farmers’ education (p<0.032), household size (p<0.37), and income (off-farm [p<0.036] and total [p<0.004]), measures used to measure farmers’ livelihood standards in the study, were positively significant in association with adoption. The indication was that, adoption decision-making is potentially capable of improving education level of farmers; increase the size of household, thus providing easy family labour; and as well improve level of income for the farmer. Based on the foregoing, the suggestion therefore is that any technology intervention programme that will succeed must begin with a clear understanding and analysis of farmers’ adoption process. This is better achieved when the adoption process is seen as a four-stage process, where the farmer first forms a view about the innovation (perception stage), and then decides whether or not to use it (adoption stage), as well as how much of the innovation to adopt (level of adoption stage), and finally how much is this innovation going to affect my livelihood (impact of adoption stage). Also, due to the particular relevance of perception in the adoption decision-making process, technology disseminators (extension), researchers and policy makers alike must never conclude on the rejection of any technology, not until factors determining perception of individuals have been well studied. The notion here is that, even at the confirmation stage of the adoption process of an individual adopter, when a rejection is confirmed, for an example, analysing factors of the adopter’s perception at play at the particular time of the innovation in question, could go a long way to redirecting the course of the adoption process of the said individual.
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- Authors: David, Ighodaro Ikponmwosa
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Qamata Irrigation Scheme (South Africa) Irrigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Farm management -- South Africa -- Decision making , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1740 , vital:27554
- Description: The goal of this study was to determine the nature and factors influencing smallholder farmers in their adoption decision-making regarding the use of soil conservation practices introduced by extension practitioners in South Africa, using the case of farming at Qamata Irrigation Scheme, Eastern Cape. Using a central argument (thesis statement), the study argued that an adequate understanding and definition of smallholder farmers’ adoption decision-making process is very crucial to solving the problem of soil erosion/ degradation problem amongst smallholder farmers. Adopting the case study research design, information from 70 crop farmers (in a farmer focus group interviews) form the basis of the study. Basic models of analysis were the multiple, probit and logit, as well as the binary logistic regression analyses. According to the empirical results, perception was found very relevant in adoption decision-making, interacting positively and significantly with eight of the seventeen adoption variables chosen for the study. The indication therefore is that age (p<0.050), education (p<0.0030), and marriage (p<0.036), have more potentials to improve farmers’ perception. Similarly, higher farmer incomes (from crops [p<0.017], off-farm [p<0.038] and overall [p<0.011] income) also have a likelihood to improve farmers’ perception regarding soil conservation, for improved adoption. Further indication is that farmers who are aware (p<0.015) of the soil practices introduced by extension are also those who participate in their use (p<0.041). Employing the binary logistic, probit and logit regression models, results suggest that the nature of adoption decision-making processes of smallholder farmers is complex (not straight), being influenced by multiple factors. While age (p<0.099), gender (p<0.031), total income (p<0.081) impacted positively significant on smallholder farmers’ adoption decision-making, marital status (p<0.025), sources of land (p<0.063), length of continuously farming on same piece of land (p<0.013), and level of crop production (p<0.002) impacted negatively. The indication therefore was that older farmers preferred their own practices to the recommended practices by extension, which is in line with literature. Also as expected, more females preferred their own practices to extension recommended, while more males preferred the recommended practices. Similarly, marriage, land ownership, farming continuously on a spot for a long period, as well as increase in the level of crop production, all had a propensity to influence farmers toward the adoption of extension recommended practices as against farmers’ practices. Further results indicate, that farmers’ education (p<0.032), household size (p<0.37), and income (off-farm [p<0.036] and total [p<0.004]), measures used to measure farmers’ livelihood standards in the study, were positively significant in association with adoption. The indication was that, adoption decision-making is potentially capable of improving education level of farmers; increase the size of household, thus providing easy family labour; and as well improve level of income for the farmer. Based on the foregoing, the suggestion therefore is that any technology intervention programme that will succeed must begin with a clear understanding and analysis of farmers’ adoption process. This is better achieved when the adoption process is seen as a four-stage process, where the farmer first forms a view about the innovation (perception stage), and then decides whether or not to use it (adoption stage), as well as how much of the innovation to adopt (level of adoption stage), and finally how much is this innovation going to affect my livelihood (impact of adoption stage). Also, due to the particular relevance of perception in the adoption decision-making process, technology disseminators (extension), researchers and policy makers alike must never conclude on the rejection of any technology, not until factors determining perception of individuals have been well studied. The notion here is that, even at the confirmation stage of the adoption process of an individual adopter, when a rejection is confirmed, for an example, analysing factors of the adopter’s perception at play at the particular time of the innovation in question, could go a long way to redirecting the course of the adoption process of the said individual.
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