Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) growth and nutritional contents as affected by nitrogen and potassium fertiliser and plant density
- Authors: Mamvura, Luckmore
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Weeds -- Control -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17249 , vital:40869
- Description: The research was conducted to determine the response of amaranth growth and development to different rates of nitrogen and potassium fertilizer, the effect of plant density on herbage yield and weed management, effect of leaf age and stems on nutritional value of amaranths. The research was conducted at the University of Fort Hare Research Farm and University of Fort Hare glasshouse. For the fertilizer trial, a 4 x 3 factorial experiment: nitrogen at four levels (50kg/ha; 100kg/ha; 150kg/ha; 200kg/ha) and potassium at three levels (50kg/ha; 75kg/ha; 100kg/ha) was applied. Phosphorus was applied at 50kg/ha. The experiment was laid as randomised complete block design (RCBD) with 4 blocks (replication). The results showed that application of nitrogen and potassium treatments significantly (P < 0.05) increased plant height, stem girth and number of leaves per plant which in turn increased the crop economic leaf vegetative yield. The results also showed that at high rates of nitrogen and potassium, high vegetative yields were achieved in most cases. There was no interaction (P < 0.05) between nitrogen and potassium. Second experiment, the twelve treatments used in fertilizer trial were imposed under four different amaranth plant densities (1 200 000, 1400 000, 1600 000 and 1800 000 pph) at field level to find out growth and development performance of amaranth. In addition, at the same time investigating the effectiveness of plant density on weeds management using split plot design. The different planting densities were allocated to the main plots laid-out in RCBD. The results showed that there was no significant difference (P < 0.05) on the number of weeds under four plant densities. The results showed that different plant densities did not prevent weeds germination but the amaranths tolerate the negative effects of weeds. The nutritional analysis results showed that amaranth synthesised close to above recommended nutritional level despite different treatments applied. The third experiment: stems, lower and upper leaves were harvested separately and their nutritional composition was analysed. The results showed that the nutritional composition of stems, lower leaves and upper leaves were significantly different (P < 0.05) in most cases. Lower leaves dominated nutritional content for: crude protein crude fibre, carbohydrates, and calcium. The stems recorded least nutritional content on crude protein, crude fat, carbohydrates, calcium, potassium and sodium
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mamvura, Luckmore
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Weeds -- Control -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17249 , vital:40869
- Description: The research was conducted to determine the response of amaranth growth and development to different rates of nitrogen and potassium fertilizer, the effect of plant density on herbage yield and weed management, effect of leaf age and stems on nutritional value of amaranths. The research was conducted at the University of Fort Hare Research Farm and University of Fort Hare glasshouse. For the fertilizer trial, a 4 x 3 factorial experiment: nitrogen at four levels (50kg/ha; 100kg/ha; 150kg/ha; 200kg/ha) and potassium at three levels (50kg/ha; 75kg/ha; 100kg/ha) was applied. Phosphorus was applied at 50kg/ha. The experiment was laid as randomised complete block design (RCBD) with 4 blocks (replication). The results showed that application of nitrogen and potassium treatments significantly (P < 0.05) increased plant height, stem girth and number of leaves per plant which in turn increased the crop economic leaf vegetative yield. The results also showed that at high rates of nitrogen and potassium, high vegetative yields were achieved in most cases. There was no interaction (P < 0.05) between nitrogen and potassium. Second experiment, the twelve treatments used in fertilizer trial were imposed under four different amaranth plant densities (1 200 000, 1400 000, 1600 000 and 1800 000 pph) at field level to find out growth and development performance of amaranth. In addition, at the same time investigating the effectiveness of plant density on weeds management using split plot design. The different planting densities were allocated to the main plots laid-out in RCBD. The results showed that there was no significant difference (P < 0.05) on the number of weeds under four plant densities. The results showed that different plant densities did not prevent weeds germination but the amaranths tolerate the negative effects of weeds. The nutritional analysis results showed that amaranth synthesised close to above recommended nutritional level despite different treatments applied. The third experiment: stems, lower and upper leaves were harvested separately and their nutritional composition was analysed. The results showed that the nutritional composition of stems, lower leaves and upper leaves were significantly different (P < 0.05) in most cases. Lower leaves dominated nutritional content for: crude protein crude fibre, carbohydrates, and calcium. The stems recorded least nutritional content on crude protein, crude fat, carbohydrates, calcium, potassium and sodium
- Full Text:
An Assessment of the Environmental Impacts of Urban Sprawl in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Matiza, Collins
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Cities and towns -- Growth -- Environmental aspects City planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17260 , vital:40870
- Description: Large industrial and residential developments near towns and along highways associated with public policies have transformed the pattern of development over the recent years, creating a new urbanisation phenomenon; urban sprawl. Indiscriminate population densities, discontinuous and fragmented settlements, largely define urban sprawl. The progression of urban sprawl can be described by transformation in pattern over time, like proportional increase in built-up surface to population leading to rapid urban spatial expansion. Stemming an understanding from the processes, causes and patterns of urban sprawl, the consequences of sprawl on land and vegetation can be analysed. Environmental impacts to both the rural and urban population emanate from such instances, creating an excessive liability to the government. With attention to this and recognising the lack of discussion on the matter, the research deliberates some of the impacts observed in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study makes use of Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing with the assistance of landscape metrics. The influence of urban sprawl in this municipality has revealed impacts on vegetation, green areas and land in general. The results disclose that urban sprawl is a multidimensional phenomenon that is better explained using various methods (indices). Buffalo City Metropolitan municipality is located in Eastern Cape amidst the thicket ecosystem, the municipality has grown and expanded over the recent past. The study spread over an 18-year period from 1994- 2012. Based on field surveys and SPOT imagery, built-up areas of BCMM was extracted for different periods. Data used for the study are census data for BCMM, 1994, 2000, 2006 and 2012 SPOT images, images of BCMM acquired from Google earth 2018. The rate of transformation of the area was calculated and it was higher compared to that of population growth. Based on this data urban growth are analysed with the assistance of landscape metrics that include Shannon entropy. The outcomes confirm that this metropolitan municipality has experienced sprawl and sprawl has done so at cumulative rate.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Matiza, Collins
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Cities and towns -- Growth -- Environmental aspects City planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17260 , vital:40870
- Description: Large industrial and residential developments near towns and along highways associated with public policies have transformed the pattern of development over the recent years, creating a new urbanisation phenomenon; urban sprawl. Indiscriminate population densities, discontinuous and fragmented settlements, largely define urban sprawl. The progression of urban sprawl can be described by transformation in pattern over time, like proportional increase in built-up surface to population leading to rapid urban spatial expansion. Stemming an understanding from the processes, causes and patterns of urban sprawl, the consequences of sprawl on land and vegetation can be analysed. Environmental impacts to both the rural and urban population emanate from such instances, creating an excessive liability to the government. With attention to this and recognising the lack of discussion on the matter, the research deliberates some of the impacts observed in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The study makes use of Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing with the assistance of landscape metrics. The influence of urban sprawl in this municipality has revealed impacts on vegetation, green areas and land in general. The results disclose that urban sprawl is a multidimensional phenomenon that is better explained using various methods (indices). Buffalo City Metropolitan municipality is located in Eastern Cape amidst the thicket ecosystem, the municipality has grown and expanded over the recent past. The study spread over an 18-year period from 1994- 2012. Based on field surveys and SPOT imagery, built-up areas of BCMM was extracted for different periods. Data used for the study are census data for BCMM, 1994, 2000, 2006 and 2012 SPOT images, images of BCMM acquired from Google earth 2018. The rate of transformation of the area was calculated and it was higher compared to that of population growth. Based on this data urban growth are analysed with the assistance of landscape metrics that include Shannon entropy. The outcomes confirm that this metropolitan municipality has experienced sprawl and sprawl has done so at cumulative rate.
- Full Text:
Analyses of Retail and Transport Geography of Liquefied Petroleum Products in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria
- Authors: Ajayi, Adeyinka Peter
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Petroleum products
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19065 , vital:40090
- Description: This study analyzed the effects that spatial arrangement of petroleum products retail outlets and the supply chain management techniques employed for products distribution (for both intra city and intercity shipments) have on the retailing dynamism of petroleum products within built environment and peripherals of Ibadan metropolis over the years. Specifically, the study investigated the differentials in the spatial configurations of petroleum products retail outlets between the core and periurban zones of the metropolis. An attempt was made to determine the explanatory variables that influence the spatial distributional decisions of petroleum products retail outlets in the metropolis. The study equally examined how the supply chain management (SCM) techniques by the different categories of the retail outlet owners influence the efficient and cost effective distribution of petroleum products. Lastly an attempt was made to analyze the relationship between the socio-economic attributes of the haulers and the achievement of compliance to the HSE stipulations guiding the conveyance of petroleum products. The theoretical underpinnings for the research were a derivative of the amalgamation of normative and psychological theories from geography, psychology, SCM and retailing science. Specifically, Expectation Disconfirmation Theory (EDT), Distributive Justice, Central Place Theory (CPT) Theories of Urban Impact (TUI) and Theory of Constraint (ToC) were the theories utilized in the study. For the achievement of the first objective which was to investigate the possible differential in the compliance rate between spatial pattern of fuel retail outlets in the core and peripheral zones of Ibadan metropolis, the first hypothesis of the study (which examined if there was no significant difference in the rate of compliance to the planning authority stipulations guiding the location pattern of petroleum product retail outlets between those located in the built up and xxiv peripheral zones of the city), was tested through the use of buffering and proximity analyses in the ArcMap environment of ArcGIS 10.1, while inferential statistical tool of an independent-samples t-test was conducted to compare the rate of compliance to the stipulations guiding the locations of these outlets in both the core and the peripheral zones. The result from the GIS analysis indicated that 33 (15.56%) out of the 220 outlets in the core zone of the metropolis complied with the planning stipulations guiding the location of fuel retail outlets. For the peripheral zone, out of the 220 fuel retail outlets 24 (10.90%) complied with the stipulations. The result from the t- test which was employed to test the hypothesis indicated that no significant difference existed in the rate of compliance t (263) =-2.66, p = 0.08 between fuel retail outlets in the core zone (M=3.9, SD=1.4) and peripheral zone (M=4.5, SD=1.79). The alternate hypothesis which stated that ―no significant difference existed in the compliance rate between fuel retail outlets located in the two zones‖ is accepted. For the achievement of the second objective of the study which was to analyze the factors which determine the location of fuel retail outlets both in the core and peripheral zones of Ibadan metropolis. All the managers/owners of the 432 fuel retail outlets in the metropolis were sampled out of which 256 questionnaires were retrieved for the purpose of this analysis. The breakdown of the socio-economic characteristics of the sampled respondents showed that the gender distribution showed that 194 (75.78%) of the respondents were males, while 64 (24.22 %) were females. The average age of the sampled population was 33.70 years. The mixed method was employed for the achievement of the second objective of this study. Logistic Regression Model (LRM) was employed to test the hypothesis and the result revealed that the inclusion of the independent variables in the model increased the overall level of it accuracy. The overall significance revealed that the Model Chi- xxv Square, derived from the likelihood fitted is also accurate (X2 = 43.47, df=5, p>.05). The model chi-square value of 43.47 (approximately 44% ) was significant. Thus, the indication is that the model has a good fit in predicting the possibility of a fuel retail outlet being located in the core or peripheral zone of the metropolis as determined by the explanatory variables (the independent variables accounted for about 44% of possible factors which determined whether a fuel retail outlets is located either within the core or peripheral zones of the metropolis. The remaining 56% are factors not considered in the study). The result gotten from the in depth interview sessions corroborated the findings from the tested hypothesis. The third objective was to examine the effects which the supply chain technique employed (either vertically integrated model or third-party arrangement) has on the achievement of efficient and effective distribution of the products. In order to achieve this objective, all the 389 registered members of Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) association who are members of the PTD in the metropolis were sampled, 265 (around 70%) of the distributed questionnaires were retrieved and used for the analysis. In depth interview sessions were also conducted with three different managers of the three major conglomerates in the downstream sector of the Nigerian petroleum sector. The result of one-way between subjects (ANOVA) which was conducted to compare differences in the management and performances of haulage services outsourced to the 3PLS and those run under VIM showed that there was a significant effect of ownership type on management performance (F (2,262) = 60.26, p<.05). The null hypothesis was therefore rejected while the alternate hypothesis was accepted. The findings from the interview sessions posted similar results. The fourth and final objective was to analyze the effect that the socio-economic attributes of the participants (haulers and managers of retail outlets) involved in the distribution of xxvi petroleum products has on the safe, efficient and cost-effective distribution of product and this was done through the use of descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and incisive analysis of the interview sessions. A total number of 265 (70%) out of the 389 registered members of Petroleum Tanker Driver Association (PTDA) participated in the study. Multiple regression analysis (MRA) was used to test this hypothesis. The result from the statistical analysis show that the use of stimulant, work condition, marital status and educational attainment/literacy level have joint influence on compliance (R2 = 0.31, F (4,260) = 29.72, p<.05). On the basis of the foregoing, the hypothesis is thus accepted. The result from the interview sessions confirmed the existence of strong relationship between the explanatory variables and the hypothetical dependant variable. The study recommended a review of the planning processes guiding the establishment of fuel retail outlets. The study also advocated that retailers should endeavour to have stronger control over the supply chain of their products this could done by investing more in VIM rather than outsourcing such functions to 3PLs. This will help in better business performances. Government agencies in charge of monitoring drug abuse among haulers are advised to be more proactive by the duo of prevention and punishment strategies. This should include advocacy campaign against drug abuse. Different ranges of punishments should also be meted out for individual haulers found culpable.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ajayi, Adeyinka Peter
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Petroleum products
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19065 , vital:40090
- Description: This study analyzed the effects that spatial arrangement of petroleum products retail outlets and the supply chain management techniques employed for products distribution (for both intra city and intercity shipments) have on the retailing dynamism of petroleum products within built environment and peripherals of Ibadan metropolis over the years. Specifically, the study investigated the differentials in the spatial configurations of petroleum products retail outlets between the core and periurban zones of the metropolis. An attempt was made to determine the explanatory variables that influence the spatial distributional decisions of petroleum products retail outlets in the metropolis. The study equally examined how the supply chain management (SCM) techniques by the different categories of the retail outlet owners influence the efficient and cost effective distribution of petroleum products. Lastly an attempt was made to analyze the relationship between the socio-economic attributes of the haulers and the achievement of compliance to the HSE stipulations guiding the conveyance of petroleum products. The theoretical underpinnings for the research were a derivative of the amalgamation of normative and psychological theories from geography, psychology, SCM and retailing science. Specifically, Expectation Disconfirmation Theory (EDT), Distributive Justice, Central Place Theory (CPT) Theories of Urban Impact (TUI) and Theory of Constraint (ToC) were the theories utilized in the study. For the achievement of the first objective which was to investigate the possible differential in the compliance rate between spatial pattern of fuel retail outlets in the core and peripheral zones of Ibadan metropolis, the first hypothesis of the study (which examined if there was no significant difference in the rate of compliance to the planning authority stipulations guiding the location pattern of petroleum product retail outlets between those located in the built up and xxiv peripheral zones of the city), was tested through the use of buffering and proximity analyses in the ArcMap environment of ArcGIS 10.1, while inferential statistical tool of an independent-samples t-test was conducted to compare the rate of compliance to the stipulations guiding the locations of these outlets in both the core and the peripheral zones. The result from the GIS analysis indicated that 33 (15.56%) out of the 220 outlets in the core zone of the metropolis complied with the planning stipulations guiding the location of fuel retail outlets. For the peripheral zone, out of the 220 fuel retail outlets 24 (10.90%) complied with the stipulations. The result from the t- test which was employed to test the hypothesis indicated that no significant difference existed in the rate of compliance t (263) =-2.66, p = 0.08 between fuel retail outlets in the core zone (M=3.9, SD=1.4) and peripheral zone (M=4.5, SD=1.79). The alternate hypothesis which stated that ―no significant difference existed in the compliance rate between fuel retail outlets located in the two zones‖ is accepted. For the achievement of the second objective of the study which was to analyze the factors which determine the location of fuel retail outlets both in the core and peripheral zones of Ibadan metropolis. All the managers/owners of the 432 fuel retail outlets in the metropolis were sampled out of which 256 questionnaires were retrieved for the purpose of this analysis. The breakdown of the socio-economic characteristics of the sampled respondents showed that the gender distribution showed that 194 (75.78%) of the respondents were males, while 64 (24.22 %) were females. The average age of the sampled population was 33.70 years. The mixed method was employed for the achievement of the second objective of this study. Logistic Regression Model (LRM) was employed to test the hypothesis and the result revealed that the inclusion of the independent variables in the model increased the overall level of it accuracy. The overall significance revealed that the Model Chi- xxv Square, derived from the likelihood fitted is also accurate (X2 = 43.47, df=5, p>.05). The model chi-square value of 43.47 (approximately 44% ) was significant. Thus, the indication is that the model has a good fit in predicting the possibility of a fuel retail outlet being located in the core or peripheral zone of the metropolis as determined by the explanatory variables (the independent variables accounted for about 44% of possible factors which determined whether a fuel retail outlets is located either within the core or peripheral zones of the metropolis. The remaining 56% are factors not considered in the study). The result gotten from the in depth interview sessions corroborated the findings from the tested hypothesis. The third objective was to examine the effects which the supply chain technique employed (either vertically integrated model or third-party arrangement) has on the achievement of efficient and effective distribution of the products. In order to achieve this objective, all the 389 registered members of Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) association who are members of the PTD in the metropolis were sampled, 265 (around 70%) of the distributed questionnaires were retrieved and used for the analysis. In depth interview sessions were also conducted with three different managers of the three major conglomerates in the downstream sector of the Nigerian petroleum sector. The result of one-way between subjects (ANOVA) which was conducted to compare differences in the management and performances of haulage services outsourced to the 3PLS and those run under VIM showed that there was a significant effect of ownership type on management performance (F (2,262) = 60.26, p<.05). The null hypothesis was therefore rejected while the alternate hypothesis was accepted. The findings from the interview sessions posted similar results. The fourth and final objective was to analyze the effect that the socio-economic attributes of the participants (haulers and managers of retail outlets) involved in the distribution of xxvi petroleum products has on the safe, efficient and cost-effective distribution of product and this was done through the use of descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and incisive analysis of the interview sessions. A total number of 265 (70%) out of the 389 registered members of Petroleum Tanker Driver Association (PTDA) participated in the study. Multiple regression analysis (MRA) was used to test this hypothesis. The result from the statistical analysis show that the use of stimulant, work condition, marital status and educational attainment/literacy level have joint influence on compliance (R2 = 0.31, F (4,260) = 29.72, p<.05). On the basis of the foregoing, the hypothesis is thus accepted. The result from the interview sessions confirmed the existence of strong relationship between the explanatory variables and the hypothetical dependant variable. The study recommended a review of the planning processes guiding the establishment of fuel retail outlets. The study also advocated that retailers should endeavour to have stronger control over the supply chain of their products this could done by investing more in VIM rather than outsourcing such functions to 3PLs. This will help in better business performances. Government agencies in charge of monitoring drug abuse among haulers are advised to be more proactive by the duo of prevention and punishment strategies. This should include advocacy campaign against drug abuse. Different ranges of punishments should also be meted out for individual haulers found culpable.
- Full Text:
Application of some missing data techniques in estimating missing data in high blood pressure covariates
- Authors: Odeyemi, A. S
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Missing observations (Statistics) Hypertension
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15189 , vital:40195
- Description: Cases recorded with high blood pressure are a major concern in both public and private hospitals. Adequate provision of health information of patients relating to high blood pressure in Eastern Cape Hospitals hinges so much on the outcome of statistical analysis results. The usual statistical methodologies become inadequate in handling statistical analysis of data collected due to incomplete patients’ information stored in the hospital database. From time to time, new methods are developed to address the problem of missing data. High blood pressure is linked to a lot of diseases such hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and stroke. In this study, we developed a new method for addressing the problem of missing data in assessing model used for estimating missing values in terms of minimum errors(using RMSE, MAE, and SE) and goodness-of-fits(using 2 R and adjusted 2 R ) of this model and P-value. . The study compared six different methods: Original data (OD), Listwise deletion (LD), Mean imputations (MEI), Mean above (MA), and Mean above below(MAB) and two steps nearest neighbour (2-NN).The comparison was performed using original data set, and missing values at 5%, 10%, 20%, 30% were simulated on Framingham risk scores under MCAR and MAR simulation on BMI values given some assumptions. Five performance indicators were used to describe the model minimum errors and goodness of fit for all the methods. The results showed that the 2-NN is the best replacement method at lower levels (5% and10%) of missing values while MA and MEI performed best at higher levels(15% and 20%) of missing values. All comparison was based on estimates closest to those of the original data where no value was missing. MAR results showed that 2-NN performed better than LD,MA,MAB, and MEI at 5%,10%, and 20% levels of missing data in terms of absolute difference in p-value to original data.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Odeyemi, A. S
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Missing observations (Statistics) Hypertension
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15189 , vital:40195
- Description: Cases recorded with high blood pressure are a major concern in both public and private hospitals. Adequate provision of health information of patients relating to high blood pressure in Eastern Cape Hospitals hinges so much on the outcome of statistical analysis results. The usual statistical methodologies become inadequate in handling statistical analysis of data collected due to incomplete patients’ information stored in the hospital database. From time to time, new methods are developed to address the problem of missing data. High blood pressure is linked to a lot of diseases such hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and stroke. In this study, we developed a new method for addressing the problem of missing data in assessing model used for estimating missing values in terms of minimum errors(using RMSE, MAE, and SE) and goodness-of-fits(using 2 R and adjusted 2 R ) of this model and P-value. . The study compared six different methods: Original data (OD), Listwise deletion (LD), Mean imputations (MEI), Mean above (MA), and Mean above below(MAB) and two steps nearest neighbour (2-NN).The comparison was performed using original data set, and missing values at 5%, 10%, 20%, 30% were simulated on Framingham risk scores under MCAR and MAR simulation on BMI values given some assumptions. Five performance indicators were used to describe the model minimum errors and goodness of fit for all the methods. The results showed that the 2-NN is the best replacement method at lower levels (5% and10%) of missing values while MA and MEI performed best at higher levels(15% and 20%) of missing values. All comparison was based on estimates closest to those of the original data where no value was missing. MAR results showed that 2-NN performed better than LD,MA,MAB, and MEI at 5%,10%, and 20% levels of missing data in terms of absolute difference in p-value to original data.
- Full Text:
Assessment of phytochemical constituents, antioxidant properties and cytotoxicity potentials of Leonutis leonurus and Boophone disticha extracts used in the management of Alzheimer’s disease in Hogsback, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Tonisi, Sipho
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medicinal plants Alzheimer's disease
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14726 , vital:40067
- Description: In this present study, the phytochemical compounds, antioxidant activities, and cytotoxicity potentials of solvent extracts (polar solvents) of Leonotis leonurus (L. leonurus) and Boophone disitcha (B. disticha) commonly used in the management of Alzheimer’s diseases in Hogsback, in the Eastern Cape, South Africa were investigated. The phytochemical compounds were determined by standard protocols of Folin–Ciocalteu method, aluminium chloride colorimetric method as well as Mayer’s and Wagner’s method. The antioxidant capabilities were assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and nitric oxide radical scavenging assays. The majority of extracts from both plant species exhibited free radical scavenging potential for oxidants they were tested against viz; DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, ABTS and nitric oxide. They further displayed good reducing potential against ferric iron. The results have shown a concentration-dependent dose of inhibition/scavenging activity (in DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, ABTS and nitric oxide assays) and reducing ability (in ferric reducing assay). However, leaf extracts of L. leonurus displayed ineffective scavenging activity against nitric oxide whereas extracts from L. leonurus flower and B. disticha bulb had higher scavenging potential against the production of nitric oxide radical. The GC-MS profiles of the plants extracts revealed the presence of numerous bioactive compounds that are known to possess excellent anti-inflammatory and most importantly antioxidant properties. Another interesting observation of GC-MS analysis data was the presence of compounds reported to inhibit Acetycholinesterase (AChE), which is a key enzyme targeted in the treatment of Alzheimers’ Disease (AD). The cytotoxicy tests for these extracts were carried out in order to assess the potentential detrimental effects on human health using Alamar Blue assay. It was noted that an increase in the extract concentration of both plant species resulted in a noticeable decline in cell population. These extracts were then declared xix to be quite toxic against HeLa (human cervix adenocarcinoma cells) cells as the cell viability in some extracts was quite low. Hence, toxicity testing of the studied plants’ extracts against normal cells is highly imperative in the future study. The results from this present study scientifically validated the use of the studied plants in folkoric medicine for the management of Alzheimer’s diseases.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tonisi, Sipho
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medicinal plants Alzheimer's disease
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14726 , vital:40067
- Description: In this present study, the phytochemical compounds, antioxidant activities, and cytotoxicity potentials of solvent extracts (polar solvents) of Leonotis leonurus (L. leonurus) and Boophone disitcha (B. disticha) commonly used in the management of Alzheimer’s diseases in Hogsback, in the Eastern Cape, South Africa were investigated. The phytochemical compounds were determined by standard protocols of Folin–Ciocalteu method, aluminium chloride colorimetric method as well as Mayer’s and Wagner’s method. The antioxidant capabilities were assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and nitric oxide radical scavenging assays. The majority of extracts from both plant species exhibited free radical scavenging potential for oxidants they were tested against viz; DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, ABTS and nitric oxide. They further displayed good reducing potential against ferric iron. The results have shown a concentration-dependent dose of inhibition/scavenging activity (in DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, ABTS and nitric oxide assays) and reducing ability (in ferric reducing assay). However, leaf extracts of L. leonurus displayed ineffective scavenging activity against nitric oxide whereas extracts from L. leonurus flower and B. disticha bulb had higher scavenging potential against the production of nitric oxide radical. The GC-MS profiles of the plants extracts revealed the presence of numerous bioactive compounds that are known to possess excellent anti-inflammatory and most importantly antioxidant properties. Another interesting observation of GC-MS analysis data was the presence of compounds reported to inhibit Acetycholinesterase (AChE), which is a key enzyme targeted in the treatment of Alzheimers’ Disease (AD). The cytotoxicy tests for these extracts were carried out in order to assess the potentential detrimental effects on human health using Alamar Blue assay. It was noted that an increase in the extract concentration of both plant species resulted in a noticeable decline in cell population. These extracts were then declared xix to be quite toxic against HeLa (human cervix adenocarcinoma cells) cells as the cell viability in some extracts was quite low. Hence, toxicity testing of the studied plants’ extracts against normal cells is highly imperative in the future study. The results from this present study scientifically validated the use of the studied plants in folkoric medicine for the management of Alzheimer’s diseases.
- Full Text:
Assessment of some bacteria species isolated from woodlands of Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality for high activity laccase production
- Authors: Gogotya, Asemahle
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Laccase
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19098 , vital:39879
- Description: The function of enzymes in keeping the earth clean is enormous; being executed in the biodegradation of different natural pollutants and biocatalysis of different responses by substituting the ecologically risky and harmful concoction impetuses offering a situation inviting option, laccases is an example of an enzyme described as it doesn’t produce harmful byproducts. Laccases are employed in several industrial processes that play a key responsibility in transformation of life and making the environment a better place. Bacteria have been described as best producers of laccases with a potential in the industrial scale processes. Laccase was produced from different bacterial isolates identified and named as Bacillus sp. strain GFN1 isolated from soil sample, Bacillus sp. strain GLN and Streptomyces sp. strain LAO both isolated from decaying wood samples in Raymond Mhlaba local municipality with accession numbers MK290988 to MK290990 respectively, as identified by partial sequencing, these were the best producers some of which were positive for Napthol and guaiacol; even upon quantitative screening they were better laccase producers. For quantitative laccase screening, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6- sulphonic acid) was utilised as the substrate for laccase assays. These laccase producing bacteria were subjected to optimization of growth conditions using submerged fermentation which increased the activity of the produced laccase in great amounts. In optimizing basal medium growth conditions where laccase was harvested after every 72 hours where optimal activity was 16 obtained, studying several factors such as pH which turned out to be pH 5 for all isolates, effect of supplemented carbon and nitrogen sources with the be best being lactose and urea respectively with their effective concentrations using lignin as the main carbon and nitrogen source. Copper sulfate was used as the main inducer and the species preferred guaiacol and ferullic acid and the Fe2+ asthe best supplemented metal ion. The time course was done investigating parameters such as cell growth which was determined by observing the optical density, laccase activity, protein concentration and pH and the presented results suggested that when there was an increase in cell growth, enzyme activity decreased pH had no much effect on the enzyme production as it was almost stable all the time with protein concentration exhibiting no direct effect on enzyme activity also. Characterization of the crude enzyme was done to check the stability of the enzyme produced in various parameters. The enzymes produced by the different strains were thermophilic as they were able to withstand elevated temperatures between 90 and 100 C, with pH stability within an extensive variety of alkaline pH, typical of most bacterial laccases. Various metal ions affected the stability of the enzyme with CuSO4 increasing the stability of two of the bacterial enzyme and appeared to slightly decrease the stability of one enzyme. The studied inhibitors only decreased the stability on the enzyme and couldn’t completely inhibit the enzyme, and the enzymes showed specificity towards varying substrates. The studied bacterial laccases exhibit tremendous characteristics which are of great significance in the industries and will add to the novelty of bacterial laccases and their stability amongst the most studied fungal laccases.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gogotya, Asemahle
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Laccase
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19098 , vital:39879
- Description: The function of enzymes in keeping the earth clean is enormous; being executed in the biodegradation of different natural pollutants and biocatalysis of different responses by substituting the ecologically risky and harmful concoction impetuses offering a situation inviting option, laccases is an example of an enzyme described as it doesn’t produce harmful byproducts. Laccases are employed in several industrial processes that play a key responsibility in transformation of life and making the environment a better place. Bacteria have been described as best producers of laccases with a potential in the industrial scale processes. Laccase was produced from different bacterial isolates identified and named as Bacillus sp. strain GFN1 isolated from soil sample, Bacillus sp. strain GLN and Streptomyces sp. strain LAO both isolated from decaying wood samples in Raymond Mhlaba local municipality with accession numbers MK290988 to MK290990 respectively, as identified by partial sequencing, these were the best producers some of which were positive for Napthol and guaiacol; even upon quantitative screening they were better laccase producers. For quantitative laccase screening, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6- sulphonic acid) was utilised as the substrate for laccase assays. These laccase producing bacteria were subjected to optimization of growth conditions using submerged fermentation which increased the activity of the produced laccase in great amounts. In optimizing basal medium growth conditions where laccase was harvested after every 72 hours where optimal activity was 16 obtained, studying several factors such as pH which turned out to be pH 5 for all isolates, effect of supplemented carbon and nitrogen sources with the be best being lactose and urea respectively with their effective concentrations using lignin as the main carbon and nitrogen source. Copper sulfate was used as the main inducer and the species preferred guaiacol and ferullic acid and the Fe2+ asthe best supplemented metal ion. The time course was done investigating parameters such as cell growth which was determined by observing the optical density, laccase activity, protein concentration and pH and the presented results suggested that when there was an increase in cell growth, enzyme activity decreased pH had no much effect on the enzyme production as it was almost stable all the time with protein concentration exhibiting no direct effect on enzyme activity also. Characterization of the crude enzyme was done to check the stability of the enzyme produced in various parameters. The enzymes produced by the different strains were thermophilic as they were able to withstand elevated temperatures between 90 and 100 C, with pH stability within an extensive variety of alkaline pH, typical of most bacterial laccases. Various metal ions affected the stability of the enzyme with CuSO4 increasing the stability of two of the bacterial enzyme and appeared to slightly decrease the stability of one enzyme. The studied inhibitors only decreased the stability on the enzyme and couldn’t completely inhibit the enzyme, and the enzymes showed specificity towards varying substrates. The studied bacterial laccases exhibit tremendous characteristics which are of great significance in the industries and will add to the novelty of bacterial laccases and their stability amongst the most studied fungal laccases.
- Full Text:
Bioavailability of nutrients in a diet enriched with moringa oleifera lam. Leaves using wistar rats
- Authors: Mhlomi, Yanga Nonelela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Moringa Medicinal plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14594 , vital:40018
- Description: This study investigated the nutritional composition and bioavailability of nutrients in Moringa oleifera leaf meal from South African ecotype. Nutritional evaluation (proximate, mineral, vitamins and antinutrients, amino acids and fatty acids analyses) was performed using AOAC, ICP-OES and GC+MS techniques respectively. Bioavailability of nutrients involved formulation of diets deficient in minerals and vitamins; and proteins supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) at 0, 3, 5 and 10% respectively. Growth performance, hematological, biochemical and histopathological evaluations were used to assess the effect of MOLM supplementation. Proximate and mineral evaluation revealed that the leaves were rich in protein (28.72%) and carbohydrate (28.84%), calcium content was (1603.33 mg/100g), potassium (1690 mg/100g), zinc (13.03 mg/100g) and iron (21.13 mg/100g). Vitamin E content was the highest (89.43 mg/100g) followed by vitamic C (24.9 mg/100g) and vitamin A (12.98 mg/100g). Fatty acids analysis detected were fifteen of which polyunsaturated fatty acid linoleic acid (56.36) and alpha-linolenic acid (687.58) were highest and behenic acid (22:0) characteristics of Moringa (4.11%) were detected. Seven of the detected fatty acids were saturated fatty acids, though relatively low, with stearic acid having the highest value. On the other hand fifteen of the amino acids, 7 were essential (valine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, threonine and phenylalanine) were detected; while alanine, proline, serine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, asparagine and tyrosine were non- essential amino acid. Moringa oleifera had low quantities of antinutrients in relation to minerals, thus nutrients will easily ne available. Amino and fatty acids profile of nutrient deficient diets supplemented with MOLM revealed that six essential amino acids were detected in the diets. However, the essential amino acid (EAA) in MOLM with the highest value was threonine (500.47±23.03mg/L), while the lowest was methionine (75.65±5.31mg/L). Leucine was highest in PD10 (234.32±27.98 mg/l) 15 and lowest in PD3. Predominant amino acid in VMD diet was glutamic acid (966.76±208.92 mg/l), while methionine was lowest (197.14±35.90). Caproic acid was the most prominent unsaturated fatty acid in the diets and was highest in the PD diet. Palmitoleic acid was highest in the control diet (8.19±0.56 mg/L) and lowest in PD3 but an increase was observed as the levels of MOLM increased in the diets. Linoleic acid values obtained were significantly higher in PD diet, lower in control diet, compared to other diets. Linolenic acid (C18-3n6) was higher in PD10 (63.48±3.84 mg/L) compared to the control diet (6.05±0.14 mg/L). The highest unsaturated fatty acid in all the feed samples was linoleic acids ranging from 54.48±5.61 to 296.26±7.20 mg/L. the highest omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid content (63.48±3.38 mg/L) was in PD10 and was almost 10 times higher than the value recorded for control. Rats treated on vitamin mineral deficient (VMD) diet showed no significant changes in growth performances and blood parameters except in certain indices. Rats on VMD diet had lowest haemoglobin levels, whereas haemoglobin increased with MOLM levels. No significant differences in haematocrit, MCH, MCHC, platelets, RDW and MPV were observed in all treatments and control. However, VMD rats showed decrease in haemoglobin, increase in WBC and platelets. Electrolytes and glucose for all treatments and control were not significantly different, but, control and VMD10 diets rats showed significantly higher values for creatinine compared to MOLM diets; total protein and albumin increased with MOLM and were higher than in VMD and control rats. Serum activities of liver, cardiac, adrenal marker enzymes were significantly lower in MOLM rats compared to VMD and control. Mild congestion in VMD and VMD3 rat’s liver and diffused congestion in the kidney of VMD diet fed rats was observed. Protein deficient diets supplemented with MOLM had a negative impact on feed intake and growth parameters. Rats fed PD and PD5 consumed significantly less diet than those fed PD10, PD3 diets respectively. White blood cells decreased with increasing levels of MOLM 16 supplementation. Differential white cell count (Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils) followed the same trend though not statistically significant (P>0.05). Furthermore, histopathological evaluation of organs revealed that no abnormalities were in heart and liver and kidney of rats fed on the control diet, while mild congestion in the liver and myocardium (heart) were observed in rats fed with protein deficient diet. No visible abnormalities were observed in the heart, kidney and liver of animals on the PD 10 diet, but myocardial fibres showing intense eosinophilia was detected in heart muscles of rats fed PD and PD3 diets. In this study, MOLM had a negative impact on feed intake and growth performance of animals and haematology. Blood biochemistry and histology suggest that MOLM has the potential of defending the body against infection with hematinic and blood enhancing qualities. Protein deficiency led to a significant elevation in the serum lipid profile of rats especially cholesterol even with increase in MOLM. PD10 had the highest triglycerides content when compared to the control but was lower (p>0.05) to that of PD. There was an increase in crude fat, ADF, NDF and protein in faecal samples of rats supplemented with MOLM diets while a decrease in moisture and ash was observed compared to the control.Vitamin and mineral deficiency resulted in significant decrease in serum cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL-C when compared to the control. There was a slight increase in excretion for all elements with increasing MOLM. Total removal of minerals and vitamins from the VMD experimental diets seemed not to have any visible negative impact on performance of the rats probably because of residual micronutrients present in other ingredients used in the feed formulation. MOLM could not replace protein in protein deficient diets.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mhlomi, Yanga Nonelela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Moringa Medicinal plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14594 , vital:40018
- Description: This study investigated the nutritional composition and bioavailability of nutrients in Moringa oleifera leaf meal from South African ecotype. Nutritional evaluation (proximate, mineral, vitamins and antinutrients, amino acids and fatty acids analyses) was performed using AOAC, ICP-OES and GC+MS techniques respectively. Bioavailability of nutrients involved formulation of diets deficient in minerals and vitamins; and proteins supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) at 0, 3, 5 and 10% respectively. Growth performance, hematological, biochemical and histopathological evaluations were used to assess the effect of MOLM supplementation. Proximate and mineral evaluation revealed that the leaves were rich in protein (28.72%) and carbohydrate (28.84%), calcium content was (1603.33 mg/100g), potassium (1690 mg/100g), zinc (13.03 mg/100g) and iron (21.13 mg/100g). Vitamin E content was the highest (89.43 mg/100g) followed by vitamic C (24.9 mg/100g) and vitamin A (12.98 mg/100g). Fatty acids analysis detected were fifteen of which polyunsaturated fatty acid linoleic acid (56.36) and alpha-linolenic acid (687.58) were highest and behenic acid (22:0) characteristics of Moringa (4.11%) were detected. Seven of the detected fatty acids were saturated fatty acids, though relatively low, with stearic acid having the highest value. On the other hand fifteen of the amino acids, 7 were essential (valine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, threonine and phenylalanine) were detected; while alanine, proline, serine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, asparagine and tyrosine were non- essential amino acid. Moringa oleifera had low quantities of antinutrients in relation to minerals, thus nutrients will easily ne available. Amino and fatty acids profile of nutrient deficient diets supplemented with MOLM revealed that six essential amino acids were detected in the diets. However, the essential amino acid (EAA) in MOLM with the highest value was threonine (500.47±23.03mg/L), while the lowest was methionine (75.65±5.31mg/L). Leucine was highest in PD10 (234.32±27.98 mg/l) 15 and lowest in PD3. Predominant amino acid in VMD diet was glutamic acid (966.76±208.92 mg/l), while methionine was lowest (197.14±35.90). Caproic acid was the most prominent unsaturated fatty acid in the diets and was highest in the PD diet. Palmitoleic acid was highest in the control diet (8.19±0.56 mg/L) and lowest in PD3 but an increase was observed as the levels of MOLM increased in the diets. Linoleic acid values obtained were significantly higher in PD diet, lower in control diet, compared to other diets. Linolenic acid (C18-3n6) was higher in PD10 (63.48±3.84 mg/L) compared to the control diet (6.05±0.14 mg/L). The highest unsaturated fatty acid in all the feed samples was linoleic acids ranging from 54.48±5.61 to 296.26±7.20 mg/L. the highest omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid content (63.48±3.38 mg/L) was in PD10 and was almost 10 times higher than the value recorded for control. Rats treated on vitamin mineral deficient (VMD) diet showed no significant changes in growth performances and blood parameters except in certain indices. Rats on VMD diet had lowest haemoglobin levels, whereas haemoglobin increased with MOLM levels. No significant differences in haematocrit, MCH, MCHC, platelets, RDW and MPV were observed in all treatments and control. However, VMD rats showed decrease in haemoglobin, increase in WBC and platelets. Electrolytes and glucose for all treatments and control were not significantly different, but, control and VMD10 diets rats showed significantly higher values for creatinine compared to MOLM diets; total protein and albumin increased with MOLM and were higher than in VMD and control rats. Serum activities of liver, cardiac, adrenal marker enzymes were significantly lower in MOLM rats compared to VMD and control. Mild congestion in VMD and VMD3 rat’s liver and diffused congestion in the kidney of VMD diet fed rats was observed. Protein deficient diets supplemented with MOLM had a negative impact on feed intake and growth parameters. Rats fed PD and PD5 consumed significantly less diet than those fed PD10, PD3 diets respectively. White blood cells decreased with increasing levels of MOLM 16 supplementation. Differential white cell count (Neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils) followed the same trend though not statistically significant (P>0.05). Furthermore, histopathological evaluation of organs revealed that no abnormalities were in heart and liver and kidney of rats fed on the control diet, while mild congestion in the liver and myocardium (heart) were observed in rats fed with protein deficient diet. No visible abnormalities were observed in the heart, kidney and liver of animals on the PD 10 diet, but myocardial fibres showing intense eosinophilia was detected in heart muscles of rats fed PD and PD3 diets. In this study, MOLM had a negative impact on feed intake and growth performance of animals and haematology. Blood biochemistry and histology suggest that MOLM has the potential of defending the body against infection with hematinic and blood enhancing qualities. Protein deficiency led to a significant elevation in the serum lipid profile of rats especially cholesterol even with increase in MOLM. PD10 had the highest triglycerides content when compared to the control but was lower (p>0.05) to that of PD. There was an increase in crude fat, ADF, NDF and protein in faecal samples of rats supplemented with MOLM diets while a decrease in moisture and ash was observed compared to the control.Vitamin and mineral deficiency resulted in significant decrease in serum cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL-C when compared to the control. There was a slight increase in excretion for all elements with increasing MOLM. Total removal of minerals and vitamins from the VMD experimental diets seemed not to have any visible negative impact on performance of the rats probably because of residual micronutrients present in other ingredients used in the feed formulation. MOLM could not replace protein in protein deficient diets.
- Full Text:
Bioinformatic analysis, isolation and kinetic characterisation of red algae (Gelidium capense) dehydrogenases
- Authors: Gogela, Yanga
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Bioinformatics Chondrus crispus
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19164 , vital:39878
- Description: Lactate and alcohol dehydrogenases have attracted much attention in various industries and scientific research for their ability to produce chirally pure compounds and be assayed for activity using more straightforward and reproducible assay methods. These enzymes have been previously isolated and purified from various plants, animals and microorganisms. So far, the molecular and biochemical properties of enzymes from these dehydrogenase families in red algae are mostly unknown. Red macroalgae have been used for centuries for the treatment of various diseases and as a source of ingredients in the food industry. The aim of this study was to identify genes in the sequenced red algae genomes that encode dehydrogenases, to use bioinformatic tools to confirm that the proteins encoded are dehydrogenases and to isolate and kinetically purify alcohol or lactate dehydrogenase from red algae species found along the coastline of the Eastern Cape Province. A combination of bioinformatics tools, molecular and biochemical techniques were used to identify, purify, and characterise ADH and LDH enzymes. Bioinformatics analysis revealed two alcohol dehydrogenase genes and two hypothetical genes encoding functional domains similar to D-lactate dehydrogenases from other species. The ADH and LDH-like genes shared low sequence identity at the protein level with medium-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (MDRs) and 2-hydroxy acid dehydrogenases, respectively. These two dehydrogenase genes showed a highly conserved NAD-binding motif (Rossmann-fold) similar to many other NAD-dependent dehydrogenases. The ADH and LDH proteins contained no signal peptides and may be located in the cytoplasm. The phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the two ADH genes belonged to cinnamyl and class III alcohol dehydrogenases, whereas the LDHlike genes were grouped with D-lactate dehydrogenases from other organisms. The ADH and LDH gene family showed cis-acting regulatory elements that are mostly involved in stress response and hormonal response. Structural analysis showed that the dehydrogenases 3D structure predicted models comprise of two domains, namely the substrate binding and the coenzyme binding domains that are rich in beta-strands secondary structure elements. The LDH from red algae was purified approximately 4-fold with a specific activity of 0.044 U/mg. The purified LDH enzyme had a molecular weight of approximately 37kDa. The LDH was active across a broad pH range from 5-9 with a pH optimum observed at 7.5. The LDH ii enzyme in red algae exhibits a temperature optimum of 40 ⁰C and heat stability up to 40 ⁰C. Above 50 °C the LDH activity rapidly decreased showing that the LDH in red algae is not thermostable. The LDH enzyme showed a Km value of 0.8 mM and Vmax of 0.0067 mM.min-1 when using sodium pyruvate as a substrate.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gogela, Yanga
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Bioinformatics Chondrus crispus
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19164 , vital:39878
- Description: Lactate and alcohol dehydrogenases have attracted much attention in various industries and scientific research for their ability to produce chirally pure compounds and be assayed for activity using more straightforward and reproducible assay methods. These enzymes have been previously isolated and purified from various plants, animals and microorganisms. So far, the molecular and biochemical properties of enzymes from these dehydrogenase families in red algae are mostly unknown. Red macroalgae have been used for centuries for the treatment of various diseases and as a source of ingredients in the food industry. The aim of this study was to identify genes in the sequenced red algae genomes that encode dehydrogenases, to use bioinformatic tools to confirm that the proteins encoded are dehydrogenases and to isolate and kinetically purify alcohol or lactate dehydrogenase from red algae species found along the coastline of the Eastern Cape Province. A combination of bioinformatics tools, molecular and biochemical techniques were used to identify, purify, and characterise ADH and LDH enzymes. Bioinformatics analysis revealed two alcohol dehydrogenase genes and two hypothetical genes encoding functional domains similar to D-lactate dehydrogenases from other species. The ADH and LDH-like genes shared low sequence identity at the protein level with medium-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (MDRs) and 2-hydroxy acid dehydrogenases, respectively. These two dehydrogenase genes showed a highly conserved NAD-binding motif (Rossmann-fold) similar to many other NAD-dependent dehydrogenases. The ADH and LDH proteins contained no signal peptides and may be located in the cytoplasm. The phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the two ADH genes belonged to cinnamyl and class III alcohol dehydrogenases, whereas the LDHlike genes were grouped with D-lactate dehydrogenases from other organisms. The ADH and LDH gene family showed cis-acting regulatory elements that are mostly involved in stress response and hormonal response. Structural analysis showed that the dehydrogenases 3D structure predicted models comprise of two domains, namely the substrate binding and the coenzyme binding domains that are rich in beta-strands secondary structure elements. The LDH from red algae was purified approximately 4-fold with a specific activity of 0.044 U/mg. The purified LDH enzyme had a molecular weight of approximately 37kDa. The LDH was active across a broad pH range from 5-9 with a pH optimum observed at 7.5. The LDH ii enzyme in red algae exhibits a temperature optimum of 40 ⁰C and heat stability up to 40 ⁰C. Above 50 °C the LDH activity rapidly decreased showing that the LDH in red algae is not thermostable. The LDH enzyme showed a Km value of 0.8 mM and Vmax of 0.0067 mM.min-1 when using sodium pyruvate as a substrate.
- Full Text:
Characterization and antibiogram fingerprints of Enterobacteriaceae and Listeria monocytogenes in irrigation water and agricultural soil samples collected from Amathole and Chris Hani District Municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Iwu, Chidozie Declan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Listeria monocytogenes Enterobacteriaceae
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17187 , vital:40864
- Description: Characterization and antibiogram fingerprints of Enterobacteriaceae and Listeria monocytogenes in irrigation water and agricultural soil samples collected from Amathole and Chris Hani District Municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Full Text:
- Authors: Iwu, Chidozie Declan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Listeria monocytogenes Enterobacteriaceae
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17187 , vital:40864
- Description: Characterization and antibiogram fingerprints of Enterobacteriaceae and Listeria monocytogenes in irrigation water and agricultural soil samples collected from Amathole and Chris Hani District Municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Full Text:
Characterization of the heat source of thermal aquifers within the Soutpansberg Basin in the Limpopo Province, South Africa: Evidence from geophysical and geological investigations
- Authors: Nyabeze, Peter Kushara
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Basins (Geology) -- Analysis Geology, Structural -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Geology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15167 , vital:40192
- Description: The research was conducted to contribute towards the knowledge base on the potential for geothermal energy in the Soutpansberg Basin, located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The focus area was Siloam, an area that hosts a hottest spring with the highest recorded temperature of 67.5°C. The research involved visits to the Soutpansberg Basin, water sampling, carrying out ground geophysical surveys, and high-level processing of airborne magnetic data to determine depths and temperatures of magnetic sources. The water samples from the hot springs were found to be enriched in sodium, bicarbonate and chlorine with very low concentrations of other element species. The chemical composition of the spring water indicated a source chemistry comprising of the Na-ClHCO3 water assemblage that is a typical signature for deep circulating groundwater of meteoric origin. The circulation depth was inferred to be 2.0 km. The increased resolution of the ground magnetic, electrical resistivity tomography, and electromagnetic conductivity methods data made it possible to delineate subsurface structures at the spring such as dykes, sills, faults and fractures from generated depth models. Modelling of ground magnetic data showed that the Siloam hot spring occurred between two interpreted north dipping dykes approximately 150 m apart. The minimum depth extent of the dykes was interpreted to be 650 m. The magnetic susceptibility values determined from rock measurements and modelling of magnetic data indicated the presence of volcanic and metamorphic rocks. Electromagnetic profiling data showed that there were three main high conductivity zones in the study area with values above 100 mS/m; A central zone associated with the spring; A zone to the south of the spring and a north zone associated with the Siloam Fault. Ground geophysics survey results confirmed the existence of the Siloam Fault. Two artesian boreholes with water warmer than 40 °C were identified to the south of the Siloam hot spring. Both electromagnetic conductivity and electrical resistivity tomography surveys delineated lateral and vertical variation in the bedrock to depths of 40 m to 60 m. Water bearing structures that could be faults, or fractures were identified. Layering due to weathering and water content was found to be in the depth range of 20 m to 40 m. The depths of the potential heat sources were computed from the radially averaged power spectrum of airborne magnetic data for square blocks with side dimensions L of 51 km, 103 km, and 129 km. Spectral analysis based approaches namely Centroid method, Spectral peak method, and the Fractal based approach were used for computing depth and temperatures to heat sources. Airborne magnetic data sets with larger window sizes were preferred for depth computations, as they preserved spectral signatures of deeper sources and reduced the contribution of shallower sources. The size of the data windows did not have a marked effect of depth and temperature values. Shallower magnetic sources depths of approximately 2.0 km were delineated using the Euler deconvolution method. An anticlinal feature at depths of 2.0 to 4.5 km was 4 Final Submission of Thesis, Dissertation or Research Report/Project, Conference or Exam Paper delineated in the central part of the basin. Spectral analysis results indicated that the depth to the top of magnetic sources was at 3.5 km to 6.2 km; the centroid of the basement at 7.92 km to 13.41 km, and the basal below 11.09 km and 14.08 km. The lower end depth spectrum was determined from application of the Centroid method with the deeper being results from the Fractal based approach. The Spectral peak method was useful for determining the depth to the top of magnetic sources. The temperature of the top of magnetic sources and basement centroid were computed to be in the range 234.00 °C to 281.34 °C. Magnetic source depths and basal temperatures that were in the Curie point range within which rocks lose magnetism due to heat were determined, using a computation approach that utilised fractal parameters, to be 21.39 km and 577.42 °C, respectively. Increasing the value of the fractal parameter β from 0 to 4, had an effect of retaining deeper depths and higher temperatures. The fractal parameter β range of 3 to 4 that gave the Curie point parameters indicated basal rock types with an igneous predisposition. The research highlighted evidence for the existence of the Soutpansberg Basin Geothermal Field (SBGF). The area around Siloam is a potential target for drilling exploration geothermal energy boreholes based on the occurrence of hot springs, shallow heat source depths, anticlinal structure, high formation temperatures, deep circulating water and the achieved Curie point temperature.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nyabeze, Peter Kushara
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Basins (Geology) -- Analysis Geology, Structural -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Geology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15167 , vital:40192
- Description: The research was conducted to contribute towards the knowledge base on the potential for geothermal energy in the Soutpansberg Basin, located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The focus area was Siloam, an area that hosts a hottest spring with the highest recorded temperature of 67.5°C. The research involved visits to the Soutpansberg Basin, water sampling, carrying out ground geophysical surveys, and high-level processing of airborne magnetic data to determine depths and temperatures of magnetic sources. The water samples from the hot springs were found to be enriched in sodium, bicarbonate and chlorine with very low concentrations of other element species. The chemical composition of the spring water indicated a source chemistry comprising of the Na-ClHCO3 water assemblage that is a typical signature for deep circulating groundwater of meteoric origin. The circulation depth was inferred to be 2.0 km. The increased resolution of the ground magnetic, electrical resistivity tomography, and electromagnetic conductivity methods data made it possible to delineate subsurface structures at the spring such as dykes, sills, faults and fractures from generated depth models. Modelling of ground magnetic data showed that the Siloam hot spring occurred between two interpreted north dipping dykes approximately 150 m apart. The minimum depth extent of the dykes was interpreted to be 650 m. The magnetic susceptibility values determined from rock measurements and modelling of magnetic data indicated the presence of volcanic and metamorphic rocks. Electromagnetic profiling data showed that there were three main high conductivity zones in the study area with values above 100 mS/m; A central zone associated with the spring; A zone to the south of the spring and a north zone associated with the Siloam Fault. Ground geophysics survey results confirmed the existence of the Siloam Fault. Two artesian boreholes with water warmer than 40 °C were identified to the south of the Siloam hot spring. Both electromagnetic conductivity and electrical resistivity tomography surveys delineated lateral and vertical variation in the bedrock to depths of 40 m to 60 m. Water bearing structures that could be faults, or fractures were identified. Layering due to weathering and water content was found to be in the depth range of 20 m to 40 m. The depths of the potential heat sources were computed from the radially averaged power spectrum of airborne magnetic data for square blocks with side dimensions L of 51 km, 103 km, and 129 km. Spectral analysis based approaches namely Centroid method, Spectral peak method, and the Fractal based approach were used for computing depth and temperatures to heat sources. Airborne magnetic data sets with larger window sizes were preferred for depth computations, as they preserved spectral signatures of deeper sources and reduced the contribution of shallower sources. The size of the data windows did not have a marked effect of depth and temperature values. Shallower magnetic sources depths of approximately 2.0 km were delineated using the Euler deconvolution method. An anticlinal feature at depths of 2.0 to 4.5 km was 4 Final Submission of Thesis, Dissertation or Research Report/Project, Conference or Exam Paper delineated in the central part of the basin. Spectral analysis results indicated that the depth to the top of magnetic sources was at 3.5 km to 6.2 km; the centroid of the basement at 7.92 km to 13.41 km, and the basal below 11.09 km and 14.08 km. The lower end depth spectrum was determined from application of the Centroid method with the deeper being results from the Fractal based approach. The Spectral peak method was useful for determining the depth to the top of magnetic sources. The temperature of the top of magnetic sources and basement centroid were computed to be in the range 234.00 °C to 281.34 °C. Magnetic source depths and basal temperatures that were in the Curie point range within which rocks lose magnetism due to heat were determined, using a computation approach that utilised fractal parameters, to be 21.39 km and 577.42 °C, respectively. Increasing the value of the fractal parameter β from 0 to 4, had an effect of retaining deeper depths and higher temperatures. The fractal parameter β range of 3 to 4 that gave the Curie point parameters indicated basal rock types with an igneous predisposition. The research highlighted evidence for the existence of the Soutpansberg Basin Geothermal Field (SBGF). The area around Siloam is a potential target for drilling exploration geothermal energy boreholes based on the occurrence of hot springs, shallow heat source depths, anticlinal structure, high formation temperatures, deep circulating water and the achieved Curie point temperature.
- Full Text:
Computational fluid dynamics design and performance testing of a cyclone heat exchanger used in a gasification plant
- Authors: George, Tomy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Computational fluid dynamics Renewable energy sources Biomass gasification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19087 , vital:39877
- Description: Renewable energy resources are considered to be the most promising source of energy in the coming centuries owing to its potential to get replenished by the nature itself. However, there are a number of challenges that are to be addressed prior to considering a particular resource as a reliable and effective one according to the energy demand fluctuations. Energy extracted from the biomass available in the nature has a lot of potential especially in the case of producing energy from syngas produced by the controlled burning of wood. This research deals with the minimisation of energy wastage in a gasification plant where syngas is produced from wood and transferred to an internal combustion engine to further generate electrical energy. The syngas produced from the wood is to be fed through a cyclone for purification before it can be fed into the IC engine, where the dust, carbon and other impurities are separated from the syngas by making use of the centrifugal force developed inside the cyclone. This syngas is further cooled and fed into the IC engine in its purest form as specified by the requirements of the engine. It is envisaged that if it is possible to recover the heat energy otherwise wasted in the cyclone and through the cooling circuit, it can be used for preheating the wood or for other minor heating purposes, and thereby the heat wastage can be minimised. Therefore, in this research, a series of numerical investigation conducted which involved the modelling of heat exchanger around a cyclone in order to extract heat from the surface of the cyclone. Two basic design of the Heat exchanger were considered in the study, a rectangular and a conical design. With a water flow rate of 2 l/min in conical design, the heat absorbed by the water was found to be 5.555 kJ/s and in rectangular design, the heat absorbed by the water was 4.872 kJ/s. An experimental analysis conducted to validate the simulation by a rectangular Heat exchanger shows the amount of heat absorbed by the water is 4.87 kJ/s. In a study with variable water flow rate through the jacket, it is observed that heat absorbed by the water in conical heat exchanger is more than heat absorbed by the water in rectangular jacket within the flow rate of 4 l/min. and the heat absorbed by the water in rectangular heat exchanger is higher than conical heat exchanger with water flow rate above 4 l/min.
- Full Text:
- Authors: George, Tomy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Computational fluid dynamics Renewable energy sources Biomass gasification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19087 , vital:39877
- Description: Renewable energy resources are considered to be the most promising source of energy in the coming centuries owing to its potential to get replenished by the nature itself. However, there are a number of challenges that are to be addressed prior to considering a particular resource as a reliable and effective one according to the energy demand fluctuations. Energy extracted from the biomass available in the nature has a lot of potential especially in the case of producing energy from syngas produced by the controlled burning of wood. This research deals with the minimisation of energy wastage in a gasification plant where syngas is produced from wood and transferred to an internal combustion engine to further generate electrical energy. The syngas produced from the wood is to be fed through a cyclone for purification before it can be fed into the IC engine, where the dust, carbon and other impurities are separated from the syngas by making use of the centrifugal force developed inside the cyclone. This syngas is further cooled and fed into the IC engine in its purest form as specified by the requirements of the engine. It is envisaged that if it is possible to recover the heat energy otherwise wasted in the cyclone and through the cooling circuit, it can be used for preheating the wood or for other minor heating purposes, and thereby the heat wastage can be minimised. Therefore, in this research, a series of numerical investigation conducted which involved the modelling of heat exchanger around a cyclone in order to extract heat from the surface of the cyclone. Two basic design of the Heat exchanger were considered in the study, a rectangular and a conical design. With a water flow rate of 2 l/min in conical design, the heat absorbed by the water was found to be 5.555 kJ/s and in rectangular design, the heat absorbed by the water was 4.872 kJ/s. An experimental analysis conducted to validate the simulation by a rectangular Heat exchanger shows the amount of heat absorbed by the water is 4.87 kJ/s. In a study with variable water flow rate through the jacket, it is observed that heat absorbed by the water in conical heat exchanger is more than heat absorbed by the water in rectangular jacket within the flow rate of 4 l/min. and the heat absorbed by the water in rectangular heat exchanger is higher than conical heat exchanger with water flow rate above 4 l/min.
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Design and Characterization of a 5 kw Xe-Lamp Solar Simulator
- Authors: Nwodo, Julian Chizoba
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Solar energy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14671 , vital:40042
- Description: The design and characterisation of a 5kW Xenon lamp solar simulator is presented. This was accomplished through considering the design features of an ellipsoidal reflector, Xe lamp characteristics and casing, and power supply; assembly of an ellipsoidal, Xe-lamp simulator; design and building of an automated control system capable of remotely controlling the operating mode of the simulator; establishing the 3 scenarios that must be met to conform to a AAA class simulator; characterization of the simulator in terms of temporal stability, irradiance uniformity and spectral match; and application of the simulator and comparing it with STC rated values. The considerations for the type of material used for housing the components of the solar simulator were made. A 5kW DC power supply and igniter for the Xe-lamp was carefully selected since they provide necessary power for running the simulator. The simulator has the ability to be used in either horizontal or vertical position by adjusting the reflector. An automated control system capable of remotely controlling the operating mode of the simulator was built for this study, this system enables the simulator to be operated in either auto or manual modes. It also incorporates an irradiance, temperature, current and voltage feedback. The characterisation of the solar simulator was over a 2.1 m X 1.6 m test plane. The area under which the characterisation was carried out within the test plane is 110 cm x 129.5 cm. At the end of the steady state large area solar simulator characterisation, a class A spectral match, class A spatial uniformity, and a class B temporal instability was obtained
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nwodo, Julian Chizoba
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Solar energy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14671 , vital:40042
- Description: The design and characterisation of a 5kW Xenon lamp solar simulator is presented. This was accomplished through considering the design features of an ellipsoidal reflector, Xe lamp characteristics and casing, and power supply; assembly of an ellipsoidal, Xe-lamp simulator; design and building of an automated control system capable of remotely controlling the operating mode of the simulator; establishing the 3 scenarios that must be met to conform to a AAA class simulator; characterization of the simulator in terms of temporal stability, irradiance uniformity and spectral match; and application of the simulator and comparing it with STC rated values. The considerations for the type of material used for housing the components of the solar simulator were made. A 5kW DC power supply and igniter for the Xe-lamp was carefully selected since they provide necessary power for running the simulator. The simulator has the ability to be used in either horizontal or vertical position by adjusting the reflector. An automated control system capable of remotely controlling the operating mode of the simulator was built for this study, this system enables the simulator to be operated in either auto or manual modes. It also incorporates an irradiance, temperature, current and voltage feedback. The characterisation of the solar simulator was over a 2.1 m X 1.6 m test plane. The area under which the characterisation was carried out within the test plane is 110 cm x 129.5 cm. At the end of the steady state large area solar simulator characterisation, a class A spectral match, class A spatial uniformity, and a class B temporal instability was obtained
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Development of an Extensible Framework for Easy Implementation of Image Processing Applications on Android Operating System
- Authors: Gunu, Bulelani
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Operating systems (Computers)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science )
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17201 , vital:40865
- Description: Image processing is a field that has been in existence for many years and it continues to grow with many other research areas adopting its use. One such research area is the area of mobile devices. Mobile devices have been equipped with image processing software and hardware so as to apply image processing features. While there are many applications of image processing and new applications have been developed, there are still many functionalities that these image processing software perform the same. The development of these software from scratch requires a lot of effort and can be time consuming. This becomes even worse for mobile device application developers, specifically Android developers, who have no knowledge of implementing image processing functionalities. This project offers a software framework which allows Android application developers to focus on their unique requirements while incorporating image processing features into their applications. The framework provides the common image processing functionalities and Android developers do not need to know the internal working of the framework in order to use it. This helps reduce application development time and effort. The framework also offers an extensibility feature which takes into consideration the future growth. This means that third party developers can keep the framework up to date with the technological advancements. The presented framework is shown to be requiring less technical expertise. Also, the way in which the system is design makes it easy to understand. This design can be adopted for other related projects that require extensible frameworks for the Android operating system.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gunu, Bulelani
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Operating systems (Computers)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Computer Science )
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17201 , vital:40865
- Description: Image processing is a field that has been in existence for many years and it continues to grow with many other research areas adopting its use. One such research area is the area of mobile devices. Mobile devices have been equipped with image processing software and hardware so as to apply image processing features. While there are many applications of image processing and new applications have been developed, there are still many functionalities that these image processing software perform the same. The development of these software from scratch requires a lot of effort and can be time consuming. This becomes even worse for mobile device application developers, specifically Android developers, who have no knowledge of implementing image processing functionalities. This project offers a software framework which allows Android application developers to focus on their unique requirements while incorporating image processing features into their applications. The framework provides the common image processing functionalities and Android developers do not need to know the internal working of the framework in order to use it. This helps reduce application development time and effort. The framework also offers an extensibility feature which takes into consideration the future growth. This means that third party developers can keep the framework up to date with the technological advancements. The presented framework is shown to be requiring less technical expertise. Also, the way in which the system is design makes it easy to understand. This design can be adopted for other related projects that require extensible frameworks for the Android operating system.
- Full Text:
Distribution of virulence determinants in some members of the ESKAPE pathogens isolated from selected hospital wastewater effluents in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mapipa, Qaqamba
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Effluent quality Water -- Purification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14704 , vital:40061
- Description: Members of ESKAPE pathogens are grouped under the acronymn made up of Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species. ESKAPE pathogens, isolated from hospitals and communities, have just been characterized for new pathogenesis and transmission patterns and overcoming the usefulness of available drugs, this leads to infections that tend to increase the rate of disease in a population and death rate and cost our society massively. The distribution of virulence determinants and the antibiotic susceptibility patterns in some members of the ESKAPE pathogens isolated from hospital wastewater facilities that were selected within the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa was evaluated. Water samples from the hospital wastewater facilities were collected fortnightly over a period of three (3) months (February to April). Spread plate technique was employed for the enumeration and isolation of the members of ESKAPE pathogens. A total of 725 presumptive ESKAPE isolates were collected, screened and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of target determinants was performed. Results showed that Klebsiella pneumoniae tested positive for ninety two (92=35.9%) samples, Enterobacter cloacae fifty seven (57=22.2%) samples tested positive, Pseudomonas aeruginosa fifty four (54=21.09%) isolates tested positive and fifty three (53=20.7%) isolates tested positive for Acinetobacter baumannii making a total of 256 isolates which tested positive for some members of ESKAPE pathogens. The detection of some members of the ESKAPE pathogens in these Hospitals is a cause of concern to public health. A total of 256 ESKAPE isolates that were obtained from the hospital wastewater facilities; were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test in order to determine their antibiotic-resistant profiles. ESKAPE isolates recovered from the three hospital effluents showing resistance to antimicrobial agents in this study were further evaluated for resistance determinants namely, sulfonamides resistance determinants (sulI and sulII), β-lactams (ampC, blaTEM and blaZ), tetracyclines (tetA, tetB, tetC and tetM), 10 chloramphenicol’s (catI and catII) and aminoglycoside resistance determinants (aacC2, apHAI and apHAII). The resistant determinants targeted have been evaluated through their prevalence and the following distributions were obtained: [β-Lactams; ampC (80%), blaTEM (77%)]; [Tetracyclines; tetA (87%)]; [Sulfonamides; sulI (79%)]; [Aminoglycosides; aacC2 (12%), aphA2 (52%) and aadA (18%)]. With the worldwide increase in these resistant occurrences, the execution of strict infection control policies and treatment with different antimicrobials needs hasty detection. Comprehensive data are therefore needed so that the history of infection, identification of genes present in organisms and monitoring of changes in infection patterns can be traced correctly.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mapipa, Qaqamba
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Effluent quality Water -- Purification
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Microbiology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/14704 , vital:40061
- Description: Members of ESKAPE pathogens are grouped under the acronymn made up of Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species. ESKAPE pathogens, isolated from hospitals and communities, have just been characterized for new pathogenesis and transmission patterns and overcoming the usefulness of available drugs, this leads to infections that tend to increase the rate of disease in a population and death rate and cost our society massively. The distribution of virulence determinants and the antibiotic susceptibility patterns in some members of the ESKAPE pathogens isolated from hospital wastewater facilities that were selected within the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa was evaluated. Water samples from the hospital wastewater facilities were collected fortnightly over a period of three (3) months (February to April). Spread plate technique was employed for the enumeration and isolation of the members of ESKAPE pathogens. A total of 725 presumptive ESKAPE isolates were collected, screened and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of target determinants was performed. Results showed that Klebsiella pneumoniae tested positive for ninety two (92=35.9%) samples, Enterobacter cloacae fifty seven (57=22.2%) samples tested positive, Pseudomonas aeruginosa fifty four (54=21.09%) isolates tested positive and fifty three (53=20.7%) isolates tested positive for Acinetobacter baumannii making a total of 256 isolates which tested positive for some members of ESKAPE pathogens. The detection of some members of the ESKAPE pathogens in these Hospitals is a cause of concern to public health. A total of 256 ESKAPE isolates that were obtained from the hospital wastewater facilities; were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test in order to determine their antibiotic-resistant profiles. ESKAPE isolates recovered from the three hospital effluents showing resistance to antimicrobial agents in this study were further evaluated for resistance determinants namely, sulfonamides resistance determinants (sulI and sulII), β-lactams (ampC, blaTEM and blaZ), tetracyclines (tetA, tetB, tetC and tetM), 10 chloramphenicol’s (catI and catII) and aminoglycoside resistance determinants (aacC2, apHAI and apHAII). The resistant determinants targeted have been evaluated through their prevalence and the following distributions were obtained: [β-Lactams; ampC (80%), blaTEM (77%)]; [Tetracyclines; tetA (87%)]; [Sulfonamides; sulI (79%)]; [Aminoglycosides; aacC2 (12%), aphA2 (52%) and aadA (18%)]. With the worldwide increase in these resistant occurrences, the execution of strict infection control policies and treatment with different antimicrobials needs hasty detection. Comprehensive data are therefore needed so that the history of infection, identification of genes present in organisms and monitoring of changes in infection patterns can be traced correctly.
- Full Text:
Diversity, host plant range and ecology of Lepidoptera stem borers in South Africa
- Authors: Stemele, Mxolisi Arnold
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Lepidoptera Host plants Stem borers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15409 , vital:40405
- Description: The biology and ecology of Lepidopteran pests stem borers has been extensively studied because of the economic importance of pest species such as Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Noctuidae), Sesamia calamistis (Hampson) (Noctuidae), Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Crambidae), and Eldana saccharina (Walker) (Pyralidae). Knowledge relating to diversity, infestation dynamics, and host plant range is readily available. In natural vegetation, the variety of stem borers is higher than that found in agroecosystems. However, there is a paucity of South African studies that explain the observed differences in diversity between the two systems. Stem borers are also known to exhibit species-specific ecological requirements, which influence their distribution between African countries. South African biomes are classified based on vegetation structure and climate, which happens to be the most critical factors that affect the distribution of phytophagous insects. This makes biomes an excellent model to investigate diversity and distribution of stem borer species. In this study, we investigated diversity, distribution and species composition in four biomes. The results showed that diversity and distribution of the stem borers in natural vegetation was determined by host plant distribution. Stem borer diversity correlated with high diversity of host plants. Thirty-two stem borer species were collected from 27 host plants and another three from light traps. Widely distributed host plants supported a higher diversity of stem borers, which is consistent with the resource availability hypotheses. Non-metric dimensional scale unfolding revealed disparity in host plant preference and plant species composition between the various stem borer families (Kruskal’s Stress = 0.16). Tortricidae species and Sesamia typhae (Le rü) (Noctuidae) feed exclusively on hydrophytic Cyperaceae species. The majority of Noctuidae, Crambidae and Phycitidae species collected were oligophagous on terrestrial Poaceae, with a few polyphagous exceptions feeding on hydrophytic Cyperaceae and Typhaceae. Additionally, species composition of Poaceae host plants differed between 8 Crambidae and the Phycitidae species. Stem borer species composition between biomes revealed the presence of distinct host plants (2D stress = 0.09) and stem borer (2D stress = 0.13) communities. The stem borer abundance and diversity were strongly correlated (R2 = 0.64), but species diversity (R2 = - 0.95) and host plant diversity (R2 = - 0.85) were inversely correlated to altitude. Based on these results it was concluded that stem borer diversity and distribution in natural vegetation was influenced by host plant diversity and distribution as well as climate associated with altitudinal gradients. In the last two decades, four stem borer species previously known on wild host plants; Busseola segeta (Bowden), Busseola phaia (Bowden), Pirateolea piscator (Fletcher) and Conicofrontia sesamoides (Hampson) have invaded cultivated crops. These invasions remained undetected because of a shortage of surveys, habitat transformation and misidentifications. Misidentifications are common among stem borers due to the considerable resemblance between morphospecies. In this study, we assessed the capacity of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome c oxidase (COI) to delineate closely related species to develop monitoring and early detection of invasive species and to assess migration patterns and gene flow between the populations. The results demonstrated that COI is an effective DNA marker for species delineation and assessment of intra- and interspecific genetic relationship. The K2P distances and phylogenetic tree defined boundaries between Noctuidae species with high resolution. No divergence distance was detected between intraspecific species, but for the congener species, divergence distance was 0.044%-0.111% with an average of 0.076%. The average interspecies K2P distance (0.57%) was 5-15 times higher than the congener species distances. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of two clades. Busseola and Sesamia species were connected in a monophyletic clade with a strong (93%) bootstrap. The second monophyletic clade comprised of a cluster of Pirateolea, Acrapex and Conicofrontia species, and this was also supported with 9 a strong bootstrap (100%). The gene flow study revealed low levels of genetic differentiation between the populations of B. fusca collected from different maize producing areas in South Africa. This low genetic differentiation was consistent with high gene flow. The number of effective migrants between the populations was between 8 and 99 individuals per generation. These results indicate high connectivity between the populations.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Stemele, Mxolisi Arnold
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Lepidoptera Host plants Stem borers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15409 , vital:40405
- Description: The biology and ecology of Lepidopteran pests stem borers has been extensively studied because of the economic importance of pest species such as Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Noctuidae), Sesamia calamistis (Hampson) (Noctuidae), Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Crambidae), and Eldana saccharina (Walker) (Pyralidae). Knowledge relating to diversity, infestation dynamics, and host plant range is readily available. In natural vegetation, the variety of stem borers is higher than that found in agroecosystems. However, there is a paucity of South African studies that explain the observed differences in diversity between the two systems. Stem borers are also known to exhibit species-specific ecological requirements, which influence their distribution between African countries. South African biomes are classified based on vegetation structure and climate, which happens to be the most critical factors that affect the distribution of phytophagous insects. This makes biomes an excellent model to investigate diversity and distribution of stem borer species. In this study, we investigated diversity, distribution and species composition in four biomes. The results showed that diversity and distribution of the stem borers in natural vegetation was determined by host plant distribution. Stem borer diversity correlated with high diversity of host plants. Thirty-two stem borer species were collected from 27 host plants and another three from light traps. Widely distributed host plants supported a higher diversity of stem borers, which is consistent with the resource availability hypotheses. Non-metric dimensional scale unfolding revealed disparity in host plant preference and plant species composition between the various stem borer families (Kruskal’s Stress = 0.16). Tortricidae species and Sesamia typhae (Le rü) (Noctuidae) feed exclusively on hydrophytic Cyperaceae species. The majority of Noctuidae, Crambidae and Phycitidae species collected were oligophagous on terrestrial Poaceae, with a few polyphagous exceptions feeding on hydrophytic Cyperaceae and Typhaceae. Additionally, species composition of Poaceae host plants differed between 8 Crambidae and the Phycitidae species. Stem borer species composition between biomes revealed the presence of distinct host plants (2D stress = 0.09) and stem borer (2D stress = 0.13) communities. The stem borer abundance and diversity were strongly correlated (R2 = 0.64), but species diversity (R2 = - 0.95) and host plant diversity (R2 = - 0.85) were inversely correlated to altitude. Based on these results it was concluded that stem borer diversity and distribution in natural vegetation was influenced by host plant diversity and distribution as well as climate associated with altitudinal gradients. In the last two decades, four stem borer species previously known on wild host plants; Busseola segeta (Bowden), Busseola phaia (Bowden), Pirateolea piscator (Fletcher) and Conicofrontia sesamoides (Hampson) have invaded cultivated crops. These invasions remained undetected because of a shortage of surveys, habitat transformation and misidentifications. Misidentifications are common among stem borers due to the considerable resemblance between morphospecies. In this study, we assessed the capacity of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome c oxidase (COI) to delineate closely related species to develop monitoring and early detection of invasive species and to assess migration patterns and gene flow between the populations. The results demonstrated that COI is an effective DNA marker for species delineation and assessment of intra- and interspecific genetic relationship. The K2P distances and phylogenetic tree defined boundaries between Noctuidae species with high resolution. No divergence distance was detected between intraspecific species, but for the congener species, divergence distance was 0.044%-0.111% with an average of 0.076%. The average interspecies K2P distance (0.57%) was 5-15 times higher than the congener species distances. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of two clades. Busseola and Sesamia species were connected in a monophyletic clade with a strong (93%) bootstrap. The second monophyletic clade comprised of a cluster of Pirateolea, Acrapex and Conicofrontia species, and this was also supported with 9 a strong bootstrap (100%). The gene flow study revealed low levels of genetic differentiation between the populations of B. fusca collected from different maize producing areas in South Africa. This low genetic differentiation was consistent with high gene flow. The number of effective migrants between the populations was between 8 and 99 individuals per generation. These results indicate high connectivity between the populations.
- Full Text:
Effect of dietary Mucuna pruriens seed meal on the serum lipid profile and bone quality traits of broiler chickens
- Authors: Hempe, Chumani
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Legumes Lipoproteins
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17213 , vital:40866
- Description: This study aimed at evaluating the effects of heated Mucuna pruriens seed meal on the blood serum lipid profile and bone quality parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 120 day-old unsexed Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly allocated for the 4 treatment diets (T1, T2, T3 and T4) containing 0, 10, 15, and 20% heated Mucuna pruriens seed meal. The birds were reared on wood shaving floor pens for 35 days. Birds were humanely slaughtered by severing the jugular vein using a sharp knife. Blood was collected into a tube, centrifuge and analyzed for a lipid profile analysis (total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), triglycerides (TCD) as well as aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT)) by enzymatic diagnostic kits (Diasys diagnostic kits). Both drumsticks severed using a sharp knife. After boiling in the water at 100°C for 10 mins the tibia bones were taken, air-dried for 96 hrs at room temperature and measured for weights. Bone length, strength, moisture and ash content as well as morphology were measured. The blood lipid profile of birds fed T1 was high (P < 0.05) for all the parameters measured, while T3 had the lowest (P < 0.05) profile. T2 and T4 had the same profile. ALT was found to be highest (P < 0.05) for T4 (5.27 ± 0.207/L) and lowest (P < 0.05) for T2 (4.67 ± 0.333/L) while AST was highest (P < 0.05) for T2 (320.13 ± 28.851/L) and lowest (P < 0.05) for T3 (208.47 ± 10.059/L). Treatment diet 3 (T3) was observed decreased bone quality among all diets; with the lowest (P < 0.05) bone strength (188.55 ± 12.039N), bone length (8.59 ± 0.131cm) and morphology (1.69 ± 0.058). Mucuna pruriens seed meal inclusion in broiler diets reduces blood serum lipids and 20% inclusion levels have no adverse effects on the bone quality attributes
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hempe, Chumani
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Legumes Lipoproteins
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17213 , vital:40866
- Description: This study aimed at evaluating the effects of heated Mucuna pruriens seed meal on the blood serum lipid profile and bone quality parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 120 day-old unsexed Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly allocated for the 4 treatment diets (T1, T2, T3 and T4) containing 0, 10, 15, and 20% heated Mucuna pruriens seed meal. The birds were reared on wood shaving floor pens for 35 days. Birds were humanely slaughtered by severing the jugular vein using a sharp knife. Blood was collected into a tube, centrifuge and analyzed for a lipid profile analysis (total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), triglycerides (TCD) as well as aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT)) by enzymatic diagnostic kits (Diasys diagnostic kits). Both drumsticks severed using a sharp knife. After boiling in the water at 100°C for 10 mins the tibia bones were taken, air-dried for 96 hrs at room temperature and measured for weights. Bone length, strength, moisture and ash content as well as morphology were measured. The blood lipid profile of birds fed T1 was high (P < 0.05) for all the parameters measured, while T3 had the lowest (P < 0.05) profile. T2 and T4 had the same profile. ALT was found to be highest (P < 0.05) for T4 (5.27 ± 0.207/L) and lowest (P < 0.05) for T2 (4.67 ± 0.333/L) while AST was highest (P < 0.05) for T2 (320.13 ± 28.851/L) and lowest (P < 0.05) for T3 (208.47 ± 10.059/L). Treatment diet 3 (T3) was observed decreased bone quality among all diets; with the lowest (P < 0.05) bone strength (188.55 ± 12.039N), bone length (8.59 ± 0.131cm) and morphology (1.69 ± 0.058). Mucuna pruriens seed meal inclusion in broiler diets reduces blood serum lipids and 20% inclusion levels have no adverse effects on the bone quality attributes
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Effect of grazing systems on growth performance, carcass characteristic, meat quality of beef cattle and economic performance of the enterprise
- Authors: Dayimani, Siyavuya
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Grazing -- Environmental aspects Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17294 , vital:40873
- Description: Under conditions of adaptive Holistic Management™, we tested whether rotational grazing approaches such as holistic planned grazing (HPG) and four-camp grazing (FCG) influence growth, carcass and meat quality attributes of beef steers compared to continuous, seasonlong (SLG) grazing. Thirty steers (250 ±19.56 kg, 16-17-month-old) were randomly assigned to SLG, HPG and FCG systems (10 steers/ treatment) at a private farm in Cedarville, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa where grazing was managed using an adaptive approach involving inter alia planned grazing charts, seasonal movement of cattle, and supplemental feeding. The steers were slaughtered at 40-41 months for carcass measurements and longissimus et lumborum was sampled for meat quality analyses. All the grazing systems had comparable live weights and average daily gain. All the investigated carcass attributes were also similar across grazing treatments (P > 0.05). Meat from steers on the SLG system had higher (P<0.05) drip loss, protein and fat contents and lower (P <0.05) shear force, moisture and ash contents than the two rotational grazing approaches (HPG and FCG). The HPG had higher (P < 0.05) total running and capital costs compared to SLG and FCG grazing systems. The SLG system had greater (P ≤ 0.05) gross and net income compared to FCG and HPG systems, respectively. Overall, all the grazing systems had comparable growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality but rotational grazing systems had lower gross income relative to the SLG grazing system.
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- Authors: Dayimani, Siyavuya
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Grazing -- Environmental aspects Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17294 , vital:40873
- Description: Under conditions of adaptive Holistic Management™, we tested whether rotational grazing approaches such as holistic planned grazing (HPG) and four-camp grazing (FCG) influence growth, carcass and meat quality attributes of beef steers compared to continuous, seasonlong (SLG) grazing. Thirty steers (250 ±19.56 kg, 16-17-month-old) were randomly assigned to SLG, HPG and FCG systems (10 steers/ treatment) at a private farm in Cedarville, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa where grazing was managed using an adaptive approach involving inter alia planned grazing charts, seasonal movement of cattle, and supplemental feeding. The steers were slaughtered at 40-41 months for carcass measurements and longissimus et lumborum was sampled for meat quality analyses. All the grazing systems had comparable live weights and average daily gain. All the investigated carcass attributes were also similar across grazing treatments (P > 0.05). Meat from steers on the SLG system had higher (P<0.05) drip loss, protein and fat contents and lower (P <0.05) shear force, moisture and ash contents than the two rotational grazing approaches (HPG and FCG). The HPG had higher (P < 0.05) total running and capital costs compared to SLG and FCG grazing systems. The SLG system had greater (P ≤ 0.05) gross and net income compared to FCG and HPG systems, respectively. Overall, all the grazing systems had comparable growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality but rotational grazing systems had lower gross income relative to the SLG grazing system.
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Effect of social capital and information acquisition on the adoption and benefits of conservation agriculture among cassava and maize smallholder farmers in South-West Nigeria
- Authors: Olawuyi, Seyi Olalekan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Agricultural conservation , Sustainable agriculture , Farms, Small
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15200 , vital:40200
- Description: Sustainable economic growth and development in developing economy like Nigeria is achievable through the agricultural sector and sub-sectors which are concentrated in rural areas. Rural areas represent a home to majority (about 75%) of the households practicing farming for family sustenance and/or to earn income from the sales of agricultural products (Oyakhilomen and Zibah, 2014). In addition to the persistent use of traditional farming practices, these rural farming households cultivate crops varieties that are low-yielding on small and scattered farmland holdings (smallholder farmers) (Oyakhilomen and Zibah, 2014). This act depletes the soil organic matter with devastating consequences on production output, income generation as well as the ecosystem. Similarly, non-access to agricultural credit and limited technical knowhow are parts of the challenges that are facing the development of farming activities in subSaharan Africa, including Nigeria (Kassie, Pender, Yesuf, Köhlin, Bluffstone and Mulugeta, 2008). These challenges call for holistic interventions such as conservative agricultural practices; which are sustainable, promote safe environment and ultimately increase production output.
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- Authors: Olawuyi, Seyi Olalekan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Agricultural conservation , Sustainable agriculture , Farms, Small
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15200 , vital:40200
- Description: Sustainable economic growth and development in developing economy like Nigeria is achievable through the agricultural sector and sub-sectors which are concentrated in rural areas. Rural areas represent a home to majority (about 75%) of the households practicing farming for family sustenance and/or to earn income from the sales of agricultural products (Oyakhilomen and Zibah, 2014). In addition to the persistent use of traditional farming practices, these rural farming households cultivate crops varieties that are low-yielding on small and scattered farmland holdings (smallholder farmers) (Oyakhilomen and Zibah, 2014). This act depletes the soil organic matter with devastating consequences on production output, income generation as well as the ecosystem. Similarly, non-access to agricultural credit and limited technical knowhow are parts of the challenges that are facing the development of farming activities in subSaharan Africa, including Nigeria (Kassie, Pender, Yesuf, Köhlin, Bluffstone and Mulugeta, 2008). These challenges call for holistic interventions such as conservative agricultural practices; which are sustainable, promote safe environment and ultimately increase production output.
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Effects of herbicide application and phosphorous fertilization on forage production and plant density of abandoned lands planted with pasture legumes
- Authors: Mashece , Wandile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Forage plants Grazing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Pasture Science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11950 , vital:39121
- Description: The study was conducted in two communal abandoned grazing lands, namely; Sinqumeni and Kubedlana (referred hereafter as sites) located in the Eastern Cape Province (ECP) where legume pastures have been successfully established for the last ten years. The objectives of the study were to investigate the effects of five different herbicide treatments and four different phosphorus fertilizer application rates on forage production and plant density of abandoned lands. At each site, an area previously planted with legume species and well established with an even stand of legumes were selected. For both experimental sites, experimental design consisted of plot size of 50 m × 50 m for herbicide plot and 25 m ×25 m for phosphorus plot with 5 m×10 m of sub-plot planted with an even stand of pasture legumes arranged in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) in two blocks. The legumes that were planted in these sites were: Lotus corniculatus, White clover, Arrow leaf clover, Yellow serradella, Pitman serradella, Biserrula and Lespedeza cuneata. Prior to planting, the legume seeds were mixed with the appropriate inoculant by hand. Planting was done by over sowing legumes into the natural pastures (grasses) using an Aitchison Mini seeder. In each small plot, data was collected on forage biomass and plant density (species count). Data was analysed using the SAS programme and the significance of differences between means were tested with Fisher’s test for the LSD. On herbicide study, results showed that there were no significant (p > 0.05) difference in forage dry matter (DM) among the herbicide treatments in both years at Kubedlana. Results further showed that all five herbicides did not significantly (p > 0.05) increase the DM yield over control treatment. At Sinqumeni, results displayed no significant (p > 0.05) difference in forage DM among treatments during year 1, whereas in year 2, but all herbicide treatments except Haloxyfop-R methyl & Bendioxide (HBE) yielded greater (p < 0.05) DM yield than the control treatment. Comparing years, forage DM yield only under Bendioxide (BEN) and Paraquat (PAR) treatments had greater DM yield in year 2 than years 1. In Kubedlana, Bendioxide (BEN) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) treatments showed an IV increase in total density (TD), whereas Glyphosate (GLY) produced the lowest total density (TD) and Paraquat (PAR) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) resulted in an increased in density of total legumes (TL) relative to control treatment. There was a decline (p < 0.05) in the densities of total plants and forbs from year 1 to year 2. In Sinqumeni, herbicide applications resulted in higher density of total legumes than the control treatment, but results varied among herbicide treatments, greatest density being obtained at Haloxyfop-R methyl & Bendioxide (HBE) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) treatments. On phosphorus study, result showed a significant (p < 0.05) differences in dry matter (DM) yield among Phosphorus (P) treatments during year 2 of the study at Kubedlana site. All P treatments showed significantly greater dry matter (DM) yield in forage harvested in year 2 compared to year 1. At Sinqumeni, results showed Phosphorus (P) application did not have significance (p > 0.05) effect on forage dry matter (DM) yield on both years. In Kubedlana, there were indications of increased densities of total grasses, legumes and total plants in response to some levels of phosphorus (P) treatments. Treatment Phosphorus at 20 kg ha-1 (P20) yielded the highest total density (TD) and total legumes (TL) numbers and P10 had the lowest total density (TD). Both treatment and year interacted significantly (p < 0.05) to influence the mean density of some plant variables. At Sinqumeni, there were no significant differences due to phosphorus (P) treatments in the densities of total plants, grasses and forbs. Both years interacted significantly (p < 0.05) with treatments to influence the plant density mean, with Lespedeza cuneate (LESP) producing the highest plant density during year 1 and year 2, whereas BSERRL produced the lowest plant density during year 1 and year 2 periods. Therefore, findings of this study suggest that application of both Bendioxide (BEN) & Haloxyfop-R methyl & Bendioxide (HBE) treatments result in a decrease in dry matter (DM) yield, whereas Glyphosate (GLY) herbicide resulted in a decrease in both total density (TD) and total legumes (TL) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) herbicide application resulted in an increase of total density (TD) and total legumes (TL) V relative to control plot. On phosphorus study, results suggest that at Phosphorus at 40 kg ha-1 (P40) fertilization dry matter (DM) yield will be increased and at both Phosphorus at 20 kg ha1 (P20) and Phosphorus at 40 kg ha-1 (P40) high total density (TD) will be recorded where’s Phosphorus at 20 kg ha-1 (P20) fertilization result in high total legumes (TL).
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- Authors: Mashece , Wandile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Forage plants Grazing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Pasture Science)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11950 , vital:39121
- Description: The study was conducted in two communal abandoned grazing lands, namely; Sinqumeni and Kubedlana (referred hereafter as sites) located in the Eastern Cape Province (ECP) where legume pastures have been successfully established for the last ten years. The objectives of the study were to investigate the effects of five different herbicide treatments and four different phosphorus fertilizer application rates on forage production and plant density of abandoned lands. At each site, an area previously planted with legume species and well established with an even stand of legumes were selected. For both experimental sites, experimental design consisted of plot size of 50 m × 50 m for herbicide plot and 25 m ×25 m for phosphorus plot with 5 m×10 m of sub-plot planted with an even stand of pasture legumes arranged in a randomised complete block design (RCBD) in two blocks. The legumes that were planted in these sites were: Lotus corniculatus, White clover, Arrow leaf clover, Yellow serradella, Pitman serradella, Biserrula and Lespedeza cuneata. Prior to planting, the legume seeds were mixed with the appropriate inoculant by hand. Planting was done by over sowing legumes into the natural pastures (grasses) using an Aitchison Mini seeder. In each small plot, data was collected on forage biomass and plant density (species count). Data was analysed using the SAS programme and the significance of differences between means were tested with Fisher’s test for the LSD. On herbicide study, results showed that there were no significant (p > 0.05) difference in forage dry matter (DM) among the herbicide treatments in both years at Kubedlana. Results further showed that all five herbicides did not significantly (p > 0.05) increase the DM yield over control treatment. At Sinqumeni, results displayed no significant (p > 0.05) difference in forage DM among treatments during year 1, whereas in year 2, but all herbicide treatments except Haloxyfop-R methyl & Bendioxide (HBE) yielded greater (p < 0.05) DM yield than the control treatment. Comparing years, forage DM yield only under Bendioxide (BEN) and Paraquat (PAR) treatments had greater DM yield in year 2 than years 1. In Kubedlana, Bendioxide (BEN) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) treatments showed an IV increase in total density (TD), whereas Glyphosate (GLY) produced the lowest total density (TD) and Paraquat (PAR) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) resulted in an increased in density of total legumes (TL) relative to control treatment. There was a decline (p < 0.05) in the densities of total plants and forbs from year 1 to year 2. In Sinqumeni, herbicide applications resulted in higher density of total legumes than the control treatment, but results varied among herbicide treatments, greatest density being obtained at Haloxyfop-R methyl & Bendioxide (HBE) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) treatments. On phosphorus study, result showed a significant (p < 0.05) differences in dry matter (DM) yield among Phosphorus (P) treatments during year 2 of the study at Kubedlana site. All P treatments showed significantly greater dry matter (DM) yield in forage harvested in year 2 compared to year 1. At Sinqumeni, results showed Phosphorus (P) application did not have significance (p > 0.05) effect on forage dry matter (DM) yield on both years. In Kubedlana, there were indications of increased densities of total grasses, legumes and total plants in response to some levels of phosphorus (P) treatments. Treatment Phosphorus at 20 kg ha-1 (P20) yielded the highest total density (TD) and total legumes (TL) numbers and P10 had the lowest total density (TD). Both treatment and year interacted significantly (p < 0.05) to influence the mean density of some plant variables. At Sinqumeni, there were no significant differences due to phosphorus (P) treatments in the densities of total plants, grasses and forbs. Both years interacted significantly (p < 0.05) with treatments to influence the plant density mean, with Lespedeza cuneate (LESP) producing the highest plant density during year 1 and year 2, whereas BSERRL produced the lowest plant density during year 1 and year 2 periods. Therefore, findings of this study suggest that application of both Bendioxide (BEN) & Haloxyfop-R methyl & Bendioxide (HBE) treatments result in a decrease in dry matter (DM) yield, whereas Glyphosate (GLY) herbicide resulted in a decrease in both total density (TD) and total legumes (TL) and Haloxyfop-R methyl (HAL) herbicide application resulted in an increase of total density (TD) and total legumes (TL) V relative to control plot. On phosphorus study, results suggest that at Phosphorus at 40 kg ha-1 (P40) fertilization dry matter (DM) yield will be increased and at both Phosphorus at 20 kg ha1 (P20) and Phosphorus at 40 kg ha-1 (P40) high total density (TD) will be recorded where’s Phosphorus at 20 kg ha-1 (P20) fertilization result in high total legumes (TL).
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Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus rates, leaf age and drying technique on growth and nutritional contents of Moringa oleifera
- Authors: Sokombela, Asanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Moringa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12117 , vital:39153
- Description: In general, smallholder farmers tend to use large quantities of soil nutrients without replenishment with manure, compost and fertiliser in order to replace the soil nutrients that are lost. Considering the low soil fertility status of soils in South Africa, this study was conducted with an aim of developing agronomic protocols for the production of moringa in order to fight malnutrition and produce supplement feed for animals. Moringa contains various nutrients and chemicals, such as, protein, which are sensitive to heat, and there is therefore a need to establish the best drying method which does not affect the nutrient content and quality of moringa. Physiological age is probably the most important factor influencing the mineral composition of plants. The relationship between nutrient concentration and leaf age is not fundamentally altered by crop load, soil type, climate or cultural practices, such that nutrients may be displaced vertically by the level of supply. Leaf age is one of the factors that affect the distribution of nutrients in the leaves of plants. Therefore, studies were conducted to evaluate the response of Moringa oleifera leaf yield and nutritional content to nitrogen and phosphorus rates, leaf age/position, and drying techniques. The experiments were conducted at the University of Fort Hare Alice Campus research farm. The experiment that investigated the effect of N and P rates was carried out in potted plants filled fine silica sand. The seeds were sown on black polythene bags, filled with a mixture of soil, pine bark and goat manure (at 1:2:1 ratio, respectively) at a depth of 2 cm. At 30 cm height, the seedlings were transplanted into 5-liter pots, which were filled with building sand as growing media. The experiment was a 4 x 3 factorial, with four levels of nitrogen (100, 200, 300 and 400 kg/ha) and three levels of phosphorus (40, 80 and 120 kg/ha). The experiment was laid-out as randomised complete block design (RCBD), with 12 treatment combinations replicated four times. All experimental units received the same amount of potassium (731kg/ha) in the form of KCl. Nitrogen treatments which were applied were split in two equal applications, at transplanting stage and 4 weeks later. The phosphorus rates were applied as superphosphate once mixed to the potting media before transplanting. Growth parameters such as plant height, root collar diameters, number of leaves, dry and fresh leaf masses were measured. Powdered dry leaves were also analysed to determine iv metabolite such as crude protein, ash, moisture, fat and fibre constituents (ADF and NDF). Micro and macro mineral nutrients were also determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy technique (AAS). The results showed that growth of moringa significantly increased through the application of fertilizer. The results from the (ANOVA) table showed no interaction between phosphorus and nitrogen on growth parameters such as number of leaves, stem width and plant height of moringa in this study. Nitrogen levels, as treatments, have significantly affected the growth of the plant. However, phosphorus, as a treatment, showed no significant difference on growth parameteres of Moringa. It was evident that trees that received the highest nitrogen rate (400 kg/ha) resulted in thickest stem girth, tallest trees and the highest number of leaves. The overall results revealed that moringa leaf powder contained appreciable amount nutrients. Crude protein was notably high (38.23%) in the trees that received the highest phosphorus and nitrogen combination treatment (400 kg/ha N x 120 kg/ha P treatment combination. The highest ash content of (14.17%) and (14.21%) were recorded from the trees that received treatment combination of 200 kg/ha N x 80 kg/ha P and 100 kg/ha N x 120 kg/ha P, and significantly differed from the rest of the other treatment combinations. The fat content steadily increased with an increase in nitrogen rate. Increase in P level resulted in a decrease in fat content. The overall findings confirm that combinations of the higher levels of N and P result in a decrease in fat content. The variation in the metabolite nutrients and mineral nutrient values may be due to differences in age of the leaves or positions and possibly due to different stages of maturity of leaves. The second experiment was conducted in the field at the research farm. The aim was to evaluate the effect of leaf age/position on nutrient distribution of moringa. The seeds were sown in black polythene bags at a depth of 2 cm. The bags were filled with a mixture of 1 part of soil, 2 parts of pine bark: and 1 part of manure. The seedlings were transplanted into the field when they reached the height of 30cm. Plants were laid-out as a CRD design with 5 replications. Three leaf positions, upper, middle and basal leaves, were used as treatments to determine the nutrient variation within a parent plant. Leaves of each position were harvested separately, washed with tap water and air-dried in shade condition. The dried leaves were analysed for metabolite and mineral content. The Association of official agricultural chemists (AOAC) methods were used to determine protein, fat, fibre, and ash. Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) technique was used to analyse minerals v such as iron, zinc, copper, manganese and macro-minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and phosphorus. The study showed that ash, fat, NDF and ADF contents were significantly higher in the basal leaves as compared to that in the middle and upper leaves. However, moisture and crude protein contents were significantly higher in the upper leaves compared to both in the middle and basal leaves. The basal leaves accumulated significantly higher Ca, Mg, K, Na and Mn contents. The concentrations of P, Zn, Cu and Fe were, on the other hand, significantly higher in the younger leaves compared to that in the middle and basal leaves. It can be concluded that the upper (younger) leaves contain enough nutrition to satisfy the dietary requirements. In addition, these leaves have low levels of oxalate, cyanide and nitrate, which can cause health problems. To determine the effect of drying method on nutrition content of moringa leaves, three drying methods (shade-, sun- and oven-drying methods) were applied as treatments. Moringa plants were grown at the Research Farm of the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus. The leaves were harvested, thoroughly mixed, washed with tap water and put into 15 brown paper bags. The 15 samples (paper bags) were distributed to the three drying treatments (each treatment replicated 5 times). The dried samples were analysed for metabolites and mineral content as per AOAC and AAS methods, respectively. The study showed that shade-drying method retained higher metabolites. Thus, this study recommends the shade-drying method in preserving moringa leaves.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sokombela, Asanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Moringa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12117 , vital:39153
- Description: In general, smallholder farmers tend to use large quantities of soil nutrients without replenishment with manure, compost and fertiliser in order to replace the soil nutrients that are lost. Considering the low soil fertility status of soils in South Africa, this study was conducted with an aim of developing agronomic protocols for the production of moringa in order to fight malnutrition and produce supplement feed for animals. Moringa contains various nutrients and chemicals, such as, protein, which are sensitive to heat, and there is therefore a need to establish the best drying method which does not affect the nutrient content and quality of moringa. Physiological age is probably the most important factor influencing the mineral composition of plants. The relationship between nutrient concentration and leaf age is not fundamentally altered by crop load, soil type, climate or cultural practices, such that nutrients may be displaced vertically by the level of supply. Leaf age is one of the factors that affect the distribution of nutrients in the leaves of plants. Therefore, studies were conducted to evaluate the response of Moringa oleifera leaf yield and nutritional content to nitrogen and phosphorus rates, leaf age/position, and drying techniques. The experiments were conducted at the University of Fort Hare Alice Campus research farm. The experiment that investigated the effect of N and P rates was carried out in potted plants filled fine silica sand. The seeds were sown on black polythene bags, filled with a mixture of soil, pine bark and goat manure (at 1:2:1 ratio, respectively) at a depth of 2 cm. At 30 cm height, the seedlings were transplanted into 5-liter pots, which were filled with building sand as growing media. The experiment was a 4 x 3 factorial, with four levels of nitrogen (100, 200, 300 and 400 kg/ha) and three levels of phosphorus (40, 80 and 120 kg/ha). The experiment was laid-out as randomised complete block design (RCBD), with 12 treatment combinations replicated four times. All experimental units received the same amount of potassium (731kg/ha) in the form of KCl. Nitrogen treatments which were applied were split in two equal applications, at transplanting stage and 4 weeks later. The phosphorus rates were applied as superphosphate once mixed to the potting media before transplanting. Growth parameters such as plant height, root collar diameters, number of leaves, dry and fresh leaf masses were measured. Powdered dry leaves were also analysed to determine iv metabolite such as crude protein, ash, moisture, fat and fibre constituents (ADF and NDF). Micro and macro mineral nutrients were also determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy technique (AAS). The results showed that growth of moringa significantly increased through the application of fertilizer. The results from the (ANOVA) table showed no interaction between phosphorus and nitrogen on growth parameters such as number of leaves, stem width and plant height of moringa in this study. Nitrogen levels, as treatments, have significantly affected the growth of the plant. However, phosphorus, as a treatment, showed no significant difference on growth parameteres of Moringa. It was evident that trees that received the highest nitrogen rate (400 kg/ha) resulted in thickest stem girth, tallest trees and the highest number of leaves. The overall results revealed that moringa leaf powder contained appreciable amount nutrients. Crude protein was notably high (38.23%) in the trees that received the highest phosphorus and nitrogen combination treatment (400 kg/ha N x 120 kg/ha P treatment combination. The highest ash content of (14.17%) and (14.21%) were recorded from the trees that received treatment combination of 200 kg/ha N x 80 kg/ha P and 100 kg/ha N x 120 kg/ha P, and significantly differed from the rest of the other treatment combinations. The fat content steadily increased with an increase in nitrogen rate. Increase in P level resulted in a decrease in fat content. The overall findings confirm that combinations of the higher levels of N and P result in a decrease in fat content. The variation in the metabolite nutrients and mineral nutrient values may be due to differences in age of the leaves or positions and possibly due to different stages of maturity of leaves. The second experiment was conducted in the field at the research farm. The aim was to evaluate the effect of leaf age/position on nutrient distribution of moringa. The seeds were sown in black polythene bags at a depth of 2 cm. The bags were filled with a mixture of 1 part of soil, 2 parts of pine bark: and 1 part of manure. The seedlings were transplanted into the field when they reached the height of 30cm. Plants were laid-out as a CRD design with 5 replications. Three leaf positions, upper, middle and basal leaves, were used as treatments to determine the nutrient variation within a parent plant. Leaves of each position were harvested separately, washed with tap water and air-dried in shade condition. The dried leaves were analysed for metabolite and mineral content. The Association of official agricultural chemists (AOAC) methods were used to determine protein, fat, fibre, and ash. Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) technique was used to analyse minerals v such as iron, zinc, copper, manganese and macro-minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and phosphorus. The study showed that ash, fat, NDF and ADF contents were significantly higher in the basal leaves as compared to that in the middle and upper leaves. However, moisture and crude protein contents were significantly higher in the upper leaves compared to both in the middle and basal leaves. The basal leaves accumulated significantly higher Ca, Mg, K, Na and Mn contents. The concentrations of P, Zn, Cu and Fe were, on the other hand, significantly higher in the younger leaves compared to that in the middle and basal leaves. It can be concluded that the upper (younger) leaves contain enough nutrition to satisfy the dietary requirements. In addition, these leaves have low levels of oxalate, cyanide and nitrate, which can cause health problems. To determine the effect of drying method on nutrition content of moringa leaves, three drying methods (shade-, sun- and oven-drying methods) were applied as treatments. Moringa plants were grown at the Research Farm of the University of Fort Hare, Alice campus. The leaves were harvested, thoroughly mixed, washed with tap water and put into 15 brown paper bags. The 15 samples (paper bags) were distributed to the three drying treatments (each treatment replicated 5 times). The dried samples were analysed for metabolites and mineral content as per AOAC and AAS methods, respectively. The study showed that shade-drying method retained higher metabolites. Thus, this study recommends the shade-drying method in preserving moringa leaves.
- Full Text: