Analyses of the simple harmonic oscillator and its variations
- Authors: Bambiso, Noludwe Patience
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Harmonic analysis Vibration -- Mathematical models Oscillations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8132 , vital:31530
- Description: Vibratory motion is fundamental to all natural phenomena. It occurs everywhere in nature, from fundamental particles to the complexity of the life of the smallest cell, to the properties of the cosmos. Its frequency ranges from those of gammarays down the spectrum of X-rays, microwave, optical and radio waves. These are common concepts in everyday life, but their origin and nature are seldom comprehended. In this thesis we look at the mathematical fundamentals and how to apply them. We start with fundamental concepts and extend them to more complicated systems. We consider methods of analysis and applications. In Chapter 2 we consider simple harmonic oscillators and their mathematical analyses and in Chapter 3 we look at applications. Chapter 4 discusses the general form of simple harmonic motion, i.e. damped and forced harmonic motion. We consider simple coupled systems and their analysis. In Chapter 5 we introduce the method of complex functions and its application to complicated compound systems. Chapter 6 introduces a novel application, that of how SHM can be used as a model for advanced effects, or acausality. Chapter 7 presents a summary and conclusion.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bambiso, Noludwe Patience
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Harmonic analysis Vibration -- Mathematical models Oscillations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8132 , vital:31530
- Description: Vibratory motion is fundamental to all natural phenomena. It occurs everywhere in nature, from fundamental particles to the complexity of the life of the smallest cell, to the properties of the cosmos. Its frequency ranges from those of gammarays down the spectrum of X-rays, microwave, optical and radio waves. These are common concepts in everyday life, but their origin and nature are seldom comprehended. In this thesis we look at the mathematical fundamentals and how to apply them. We start with fundamental concepts and extend them to more complicated systems. We consider methods of analysis and applications. In Chapter 2 we consider simple harmonic oscillators and their mathematical analyses and in Chapter 3 we look at applications. Chapter 4 discusses the general form of simple harmonic motion, i.e. damped and forced harmonic motion. We consider simple coupled systems and their analysis. In Chapter 5 we introduce the method of complex functions and its application to complicated compound systems. Chapter 6 introduces a novel application, that of how SHM can be used as a model for advanced effects, or acausality. Chapter 7 presents a summary and conclusion.
- Full Text:
Antidiabetic activity and mechanism of action of extracts of Brachylaena elliptica (Thurb.) DC. and Brachylaena ilicifolia (Lam) Phill & Schweick
- Authors: Sagbo, Idowu Jonas
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Herbs -- Therapeutic use Pharmacognosy Diabetes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8154 , vital:31624
- Description: International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimated that there are 415 million people globally that are suffering from diabetes and this figure is likely to double by 2040. In South Africa, the number of people suffering from diabetes is believed to be rising steadily and the current antidiabetic therapies include the use of expensive pharmaceutical drugs which after display numerous adverse side effects. Herbal medicine is an alternative treatment strategy used by many rural populations for the management of diabetes, which is cost-effective and with minimal reported side effects. The aim of this study was to validate the antidiabetic activity and to elucidate the possible mechanisms of action of the aqueous leaf extracts prepared from two plants, Brachylaena elliptica and Brachylaena ilicifolia, used by traditional healers in the Eastern Cape, South Africa for the treatment of diabetes. The current pharmaceutical drugs target site, including carbohydrate digestion, regulation of blood glucose levels through insulin levels or activating glucose uptake in liver and muscle. The plants extracts were therefore evaluated for their potential to mimic or replace these drugs. The inhibibitory effects on alpha amylase, alpha glucosidase, DPP-IV activity and pancreatic lipase were evaluated at various concentrations of the plant extracts. To evaluate the suitability of these extracts for cell based in vitro assay as well as to determine the safety of the plant extracts for human consumption, cytotoxicity towards HepG2 cells was assessed using the MTT assay. The effect of both plant extracts on glucose uptake in HepG2 and L6 cells, lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and NO production in RAW macrophages were investigated. Both plant extracts were also tested for INS-1 proliferation using the imageXpress®Micro XLS analysis. The MTT reduction assay was also used to investigate the effect of extracts on INS-1 glucose metabolism and as a reflection of insulin secretion. The inhibitory activity of the crude extracts of both plants on protein glycation, collagenase activity and CYP3A4 interaction were also evaluated The crude extracts of both plants displayed no significant inhibition on alpha amylase, alpha glucosidase, dipeptidyl peptidase-IV, lipase, protein glycation and collagenase compared to relevant standard inhibitors, acarbose, EGCG, Diprotin A, Orlistart and aminoguanidine. The mild inhibition of B. elliptica on alpha glucosidase activity at the highest concentration of the extract tested, was considered as not physiologically relevant. The aqueous extracts of bothplants showed < 40 percent cell death in HepG2 cells even at high concentration and hence support the use of the plants by traditional healers. The extracts of B. ellipticaat 25 µg/ml, displayed a proliferative effect on INS-1 cells when compared to the negative control and B. ilicifolia at 25 μg/ml. The treatment of HepG2 cells with 100 µg/mlB. elliptica and B. ilicifolia extracts revealed a higher glucose uptake of 121 percent and 123 percent respectively when compared to the pharmaceutical drug berberine. However, both plants extracts displayed weak significant glucose uptake in L6 muscle cell line at all the tested concentrations when compared to insulin at 6 μg/ml. The crude extracts of both plants demonstrated no significant effect on 3T3-L1 lipid accumulation and INS-1 glucose metabolism. The extracts of both plants strongly reduced NO production in RAW macrophages at the highest concentration (100 μg/ml) tested in this study, which at least in part, may be explained by the flavanoids and phenols content of these plants. In addition, the crude extracts of both plants displayed weak significant inhibition on the CYP3A4 activity indicating that both plant extracts do not interfere with the cytochrome P450 activation or metabolism of anti-diabetic drugs, that may be taken together with the plant extracts. In conclusion, the results obtained from this study revealed that both plants could possibly exert their hypoglycemic effect via interactions with insulin receptor, thereby enhancing glucose metabolism as well as maintaining and repairing the health state and function of the pancreatic beta cells. The findings in this study, therefore provide evidence that B. elliptica and B. ilicifolia possess antidiabetic properties, and support their folkloric use for the management of diabetes. However, due to the potential toxicity of both plant extracts, they must be prescribed with caution.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sagbo, Idowu Jonas
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Herbs -- Therapeutic use Pharmacognosy Diabetes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8154 , vital:31624
- Description: International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimated that there are 415 million people globally that are suffering from diabetes and this figure is likely to double by 2040. In South Africa, the number of people suffering from diabetes is believed to be rising steadily and the current antidiabetic therapies include the use of expensive pharmaceutical drugs which after display numerous adverse side effects. Herbal medicine is an alternative treatment strategy used by many rural populations for the management of diabetes, which is cost-effective and with minimal reported side effects. The aim of this study was to validate the antidiabetic activity and to elucidate the possible mechanisms of action of the aqueous leaf extracts prepared from two plants, Brachylaena elliptica and Brachylaena ilicifolia, used by traditional healers in the Eastern Cape, South Africa for the treatment of diabetes. The current pharmaceutical drugs target site, including carbohydrate digestion, regulation of blood glucose levels through insulin levels or activating glucose uptake in liver and muscle. The plants extracts were therefore evaluated for their potential to mimic or replace these drugs. The inhibibitory effects on alpha amylase, alpha glucosidase, DPP-IV activity and pancreatic lipase were evaluated at various concentrations of the plant extracts. To evaluate the suitability of these extracts for cell based in vitro assay as well as to determine the safety of the plant extracts for human consumption, cytotoxicity towards HepG2 cells was assessed using the MTT assay. The effect of both plant extracts on glucose uptake in HepG2 and L6 cells, lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and NO production in RAW macrophages were investigated. Both plant extracts were also tested for INS-1 proliferation using the imageXpress®Micro XLS analysis. The MTT reduction assay was also used to investigate the effect of extracts on INS-1 glucose metabolism and as a reflection of insulin secretion. The inhibitory activity of the crude extracts of both plants on protein glycation, collagenase activity and CYP3A4 interaction were also evaluated The crude extracts of both plants displayed no significant inhibition on alpha amylase, alpha glucosidase, dipeptidyl peptidase-IV, lipase, protein glycation and collagenase compared to relevant standard inhibitors, acarbose, EGCG, Diprotin A, Orlistart and aminoguanidine. The mild inhibition of B. elliptica on alpha glucosidase activity at the highest concentration of the extract tested, was considered as not physiologically relevant. The aqueous extracts of bothplants showed < 40 percent cell death in HepG2 cells even at high concentration and hence support the use of the plants by traditional healers. The extracts of B. ellipticaat 25 µg/ml, displayed a proliferative effect on INS-1 cells when compared to the negative control and B. ilicifolia at 25 μg/ml. The treatment of HepG2 cells with 100 µg/mlB. elliptica and B. ilicifolia extracts revealed a higher glucose uptake of 121 percent and 123 percent respectively when compared to the pharmaceutical drug berberine. However, both plants extracts displayed weak significant glucose uptake in L6 muscle cell line at all the tested concentrations when compared to insulin at 6 μg/ml. The crude extracts of both plants demonstrated no significant effect on 3T3-L1 lipid accumulation and INS-1 glucose metabolism. The extracts of both plants strongly reduced NO production in RAW macrophages at the highest concentration (100 μg/ml) tested in this study, which at least in part, may be explained by the flavanoids and phenols content of these plants. In addition, the crude extracts of both plants displayed weak significant inhibition on the CYP3A4 activity indicating that both plant extracts do not interfere with the cytochrome P450 activation or metabolism of anti-diabetic drugs, that may be taken together with the plant extracts. In conclusion, the results obtained from this study revealed that both plants could possibly exert their hypoglycemic effect via interactions with insulin receptor, thereby enhancing glucose metabolism as well as maintaining and repairing the health state and function of the pancreatic beta cells. The findings in this study, therefore provide evidence that B. elliptica and B. ilicifolia possess antidiabetic properties, and support their folkloric use for the management of diabetes. However, due to the potential toxicity of both plant extracts, they must be prescribed with caution.
- Full Text:
Antidiabetic and toxicological properties of Dianthus thunbergii (Caryophyllaceae) roots and Hypoxis argentea (Hypoxidaceae) corms
- Authors: Akinrinde, Akinleye Stephen
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Medicinal plants--South Africa--Eastern Cape Traditional medicine--South Africa--Eastern Cape Diabetics--Alternative treatment--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Biochemistry
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16036 , vital:40606
- Description: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder primarily characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. Its rapidly increasing prevalence as a major non-communicable disease is now a growing concern for both developed and developing countries. The development of safe, cost-effective and pharmacologically-effective medications continues to a major challenge of antidiabetic management. Since most conventional antidiabetic drugs are costly and present with numerous adverse effects, alternatives are increasingly being sought from natural sources, most notably medicinal plants, as viable approaches to tackling the scourge of this disease. In the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, the roots of Dianthus thunbergii and corms of Hypoxis argentea are frequently used traditionally for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, although no scientific evidence exists to validate their effectiveness for diabetes management. The studies conducted in the resent research were, therefore, aimed at investigating the antidiabetic and toxicological properties of these plants, in an attempt to providing data towards validating their use in traditional management of diabetes mellitus. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of the underground parts of D. thunbergii and H. argentea were initially subjected to analysis of their phytochemical composition, relative to standard compounds, and the nature of their in-vitro antioxidant activities using standard spectrophotometric methods. The potentials of these extracts for cytotoxicity and/or cell proliferation were evaluated using MTT assay in HepG2 cells and Crystal violet assay in INS-1 cells. These activities were further examined in INS-1 cells using live cell fluorescence imaging techniques. To evaluate the antidiabetic properties of the extracts, they were screened for their inhibitory effects on the activities of different enzymes including α-amylase, α-glucosidase, porcine pancreatic lipase, Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV), collagenase and the drug metabolizing enzyme, CYP3A4, while also assessing their effects on protein glycation using in- vitro visible and fluorescence spectrophotometric approaches. Cell culture procedures were carried out to evaluate the effects of the extracts on glucose utilization in HepG2 cells and L6 myotubes; nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages; glucose metabolism in INS-1 cells, as well as triglyceride accumulation in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. Furthermore, identification of compounds present in the aqueous and ethanol extracts was carried out by Liquid chromatography- Mass spectrometry (LC-MS), while volatile oils extracted from fresh and dried parts of the two plants by hydrodistillation were also analyzed by Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The ethanol extracts of both D. thunbergii and H. argentea contained higher amounts of total phenols, flavonoids, tannins, proanthocyanidins and alkaloids, when compared with the aqueous extracts. This finding was in direct correlation with the antioxidant activities of the extracts, with the ethanol extracts of both plants demonstrating stronger scavenging activities against hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, ABTS and DPPH radicals, while also exhibiting higher ferric reducing antioxidant potentials, when compared with the aqueous extracts, and in some cases, the standard antioxidants, Vitamin C, butylated hydroxytoluene and rutin. The aqueous extracts of D. thunbergii exhibited the highest toxicity in HepG2 cells with IC50 < 50 μg/ml, while also producing a concentration-dependent reduction in the viability of INS-1 cells up to 41.81percent at 50 μg/ml. Both extracts of H. argentea, however, did not produce any significant toxicity in these cells. Fluorescence imaging of live INS-1 cells using Hoechst and propidium iodide staining revealed stimulation of cell proliferation by H. argentea, while the cytotoxicity of D. thunbergii was further confirmed. H. argentea caused stimulation of glucose uptake in HepG2 cells up to 119.58 percent at 100 μg/ml and as much as 116.96 percent in L6 myotubes at 50 μg/ml, without showing toxicity to these cells. D. thunbergii produced 18.39 percent increase in L6 glucose uptake above untreated control; although its effect on HepG2 glucose uptake was irrelevant as significant toxicity was produced in these cells. H. argentea produced a concentration-dependent reduction in nitric oxide production in RAW macrophages, although not as effectively as the positive control, aminoguanidine. Again, the toxicity of D. thunbergii to this cell line precludes the relevance of nitric oxide inhibition as an antidiabetic mechanism for this plant. D. thunbergii produced a concentration-dependent increase in 3T3-L1 triglyceride accumulation, as measured by Oil red O staining, compared to untreated cells, while H. argentea exerted no significant alterations in pre- adipocyte differentiation. Generally, the two plants produced weak inhibition of the activities of the various enzymes measured, suggesting that this mechanism may not play a major role in the activities of these plants as possible antidiabetic agents. GC-MS analysis revealed major differences in the volatile oil composition between fresh and dried plant parts for both plants. Most notably, total terpenoid content of D. thunbergii oils reduced significantly from 77.17 percent in the fresh root oil to 47.58 percent in the dried root oil. Total terpenoid content was much lower in H. argentea oils, but similarly reduced from 10.58 percent in the fresh corm oil to 4.00 percent in the dried corm oil. LC-MS analysis enabled the tentative identification of compounds including phenolic glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids saponins and sapogenins, many of which have been reported in literature to exert bioactivities relevant to the ones elucidated in the present study. Overall, H. argentea exhibited antidiabetic properties that may be mediated by its stimulation of glucose uptake in HepG2 and L6 cells; stimulation of proliferation in INS-1 cells; lack of stimulation of 3T3-L1 triglyceride accumulation and a tendency to reduce nitric oxide production in RAW macrophages. These activities suggest that H. argentea has promise for further investigations as an antidiabetic agent. On the contrary, D. thunbergii exhibited significant toxicity to HepG2 cells, INS-1 cells and RAW macrophages. Its cytotoxicity at the concentrations investigated in the present studies raises significant concerns about any potential antidiabetic applications for this plant.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Akinrinde, Akinleye Stephen
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Medicinal plants--South Africa--Eastern Cape Traditional medicine--South Africa--Eastern Cape Diabetics--Alternative treatment--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Biochemistry
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16036 , vital:40606
- Description: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder primarily characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. Its rapidly increasing prevalence as a major non-communicable disease is now a growing concern for both developed and developing countries. The development of safe, cost-effective and pharmacologically-effective medications continues to a major challenge of antidiabetic management. Since most conventional antidiabetic drugs are costly and present with numerous adverse effects, alternatives are increasingly being sought from natural sources, most notably medicinal plants, as viable approaches to tackling the scourge of this disease. In the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, the roots of Dianthus thunbergii and corms of Hypoxis argentea are frequently used traditionally for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, although no scientific evidence exists to validate their effectiveness for diabetes management. The studies conducted in the resent research were, therefore, aimed at investigating the antidiabetic and toxicological properties of these plants, in an attempt to providing data towards validating their use in traditional management of diabetes mellitus. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of the underground parts of D. thunbergii and H. argentea were initially subjected to analysis of their phytochemical composition, relative to standard compounds, and the nature of their in-vitro antioxidant activities using standard spectrophotometric methods. The potentials of these extracts for cytotoxicity and/or cell proliferation were evaluated using MTT assay in HepG2 cells and Crystal violet assay in INS-1 cells. These activities were further examined in INS-1 cells using live cell fluorescence imaging techniques. To evaluate the antidiabetic properties of the extracts, they were screened for their inhibitory effects on the activities of different enzymes including α-amylase, α-glucosidase, porcine pancreatic lipase, Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV), collagenase and the drug metabolizing enzyme, CYP3A4, while also assessing their effects on protein glycation using in- vitro visible and fluorescence spectrophotometric approaches. Cell culture procedures were carried out to evaluate the effects of the extracts on glucose utilization in HepG2 cells and L6 myotubes; nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages; glucose metabolism in INS-1 cells, as well as triglyceride accumulation in 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. Furthermore, identification of compounds present in the aqueous and ethanol extracts was carried out by Liquid chromatography- Mass spectrometry (LC-MS), while volatile oils extracted from fresh and dried parts of the two plants by hydrodistillation were also analyzed by Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The ethanol extracts of both D. thunbergii and H. argentea contained higher amounts of total phenols, flavonoids, tannins, proanthocyanidins and alkaloids, when compared with the aqueous extracts. This finding was in direct correlation with the antioxidant activities of the extracts, with the ethanol extracts of both plants demonstrating stronger scavenging activities against hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, ABTS and DPPH radicals, while also exhibiting higher ferric reducing antioxidant potentials, when compared with the aqueous extracts, and in some cases, the standard antioxidants, Vitamin C, butylated hydroxytoluene and rutin. The aqueous extracts of D. thunbergii exhibited the highest toxicity in HepG2 cells with IC50 < 50 μg/ml, while also producing a concentration-dependent reduction in the viability of INS-1 cells up to 41.81percent at 50 μg/ml. Both extracts of H. argentea, however, did not produce any significant toxicity in these cells. Fluorescence imaging of live INS-1 cells using Hoechst and propidium iodide staining revealed stimulation of cell proliferation by H. argentea, while the cytotoxicity of D. thunbergii was further confirmed. H. argentea caused stimulation of glucose uptake in HepG2 cells up to 119.58 percent at 100 μg/ml and as much as 116.96 percent in L6 myotubes at 50 μg/ml, without showing toxicity to these cells. D. thunbergii produced 18.39 percent increase in L6 glucose uptake above untreated control; although its effect on HepG2 glucose uptake was irrelevant as significant toxicity was produced in these cells. H. argentea produced a concentration-dependent reduction in nitric oxide production in RAW macrophages, although not as effectively as the positive control, aminoguanidine. Again, the toxicity of D. thunbergii to this cell line precludes the relevance of nitric oxide inhibition as an antidiabetic mechanism for this plant. D. thunbergii produced a concentration-dependent increase in 3T3-L1 triglyceride accumulation, as measured by Oil red O staining, compared to untreated cells, while H. argentea exerted no significant alterations in pre- adipocyte differentiation. Generally, the two plants produced weak inhibition of the activities of the various enzymes measured, suggesting that this mechanism may not play a major role in the activities of these plants as possible antidiabetic agents. GC-MS analysis revealed major differences in the volatile oil composition between fresh and dried plant parts for both plants. Most notably, total terpenoid content of D. thunbergii oils reduced significantly from 77.17 percent in the fresh root oil to 47.58 percent in the dried root oil. Total terpenoid content was much lower in H. argentea oils, but similarly reduced from 10.58 percent in the fresh corm oil to 4.00 percent in the dried corm oil. LC-MS analysis enabled the tentative identification of compounds including phenolic glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids saponins and sapogenins, many of which have been reported in literature to exert bioactivities relevant to the ones elucidated in the present study. Overall, H. argentea exhibited antidiabetic properties that may be mediated by its stimulation of glucose uptake in HepG2 and L6 cells; stimulation of proliferation in INS-1 cells; lack of stimulation of 3T3-L1 triglyceride accumulation and a tendency to reduce nitric oxide production in RAW macrophages. These activities suggest that H. argentea has promise for further investigations as an antidiabetic agent. On the contrary, D. thunbergii exhibited significant toxicity to HepG2 cells, INS-1 cells and RAW macrophages. Its cytotoxicity at the concentrations investigated in the present studies raises significant concerns about any potential antidiabetic applications for this plant.
- Full Text:
Applicability of putative probiotic bacteria to replace antibiotics as growth promoters in commercial and indigenous piglets
- Authors: Dlamini, Ziyanda Confidence
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Antibiotics , Dietary supplements , Piglets
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11428 , vital:39071
- Description: Antibiotic use in pig production contributes to development of antimicrobial resistance in food animals and risk of antibiotic residues in animal food products. The use of probiotics appears to be the potential alternative to antibiotics. This work is designed to validate the applicability of administered direct-fed putative probiotic strains of Lactobacillus reuteri ZJ625, Lactobacillus reuteri VB4, Lactobacillus salivarius ZJ614 and Streptococcus salivarius NBCR 13956 on growth performance, hematological parameters, and antibody stimulation in weaned commercial and indigenous pigs. Forty-five weaned piglets were divided into five treatment experimental groups as follows: Diet with: antibiotic (PC), No antibiotic and no probiotic (NC), Probiotic (P1) (P2) combination of probiotics (P3). Piglets’ performance were monitored during the trial. Faecal and ileum samples were collected for microbial count analysis. Blood samples were collected from the sacrificed piglets at the end of the trial, for the hematological and biochemical analysis and probiotics ability to stimulate immunoglobulin G (IgG). Four probiotic strains were tested for cell surface hydrophobicity against xylene, chloroform and ethyl acetate. The strains were also tested for auto-aggregation and co-aggregation abilities. Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 was used as a control pathogen in the co-aggregation ability test. The probiotic strains were also screened for presence of virulence and resistance genes. DNA was extracted from all the four probiotic strains using ZR Fungal/Bacterial DNA MiniPepTM (Zymo Research, USA) following manufacturer’s instructions. The DNA samples were later amplified in PCR reactions with specific primers to detect virulence genes of adhesion collagen protein (ace), aggregation substances (agg and asa); antibiotic resistance genes of: Vancomycin vanA, Vancomycin vanC1 and Vancomycin vanC2/3. The data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA using SAS statistics software (SAS 9.3) (2003). Results from the study revealed that supplementation of probiotics had no effect on feed intake (FI) in all of the experimental groups. However, supplementation of probiotics in P3 treatment resulted in greater average daily gain (ADG) and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) of weaned piglets (p < 0.05). Microbial count of fecal samples from all the treatment groups did not differ while ileum samples had lower enteric bacteria in P3 group as compared to other treatments. Concentration of albumin, globulin, neutrophils and basophils were high in NC treatment compared to other treatments. (p < 0.05). IgG concentration was highest in P3 compared to other treatment (p < 0.05). All probiotics strains showed high hydrophobicity to all solvents used in the test. Cell Surface Hydrophobic was highest in xylene (78percent – 84percent), followed by chloroform (68percent – 75percent) and lowest in ethyl acetate (52percent - 60percent). All of the test strains showed high auto-aggregation ability after 4 hr of incubation. L .reuteri VB4 exhibited highest auto-aggregation ability of 70percent, while the least auto-aggregation ability of 60percent was observed for L. salivarius ZJ614. In the co-aggregation assays, all probiotic bacterial strains exhibited a strong co-aggregation of 45percent to 56percent after 4 hr of incubation at 37 °C. L. reuteri VB4 exhibited highest co-aggregation ability while L. salivarius ZJ614 exhibited the lowest co-aggregation ability. No presence of virulence genes ace and asa was detected in all of the putative probiotic strains, but agg virulence gene was detected in L. reuteri VB4 strains. L. reuteri VB4 and S. salivarius NBRC13956 had resistance genes vanC 2/3 and vanC1, respectively. Overall, the results from this study, suggest that the candidate probiotics strains have enhanced the growth and measured blood parameters of the weaned piglets used in these experiments, and also, the probiotic strains have the abilities to initiate the stimulation of IgG. Probiotics could be used as a novel alternative to antibiotics in the animal nutrition and production, with the abilities to confer health benefits and promote growth. The outcome of the research advocates that these probiotics will be beneficial to pig production, and might outcompete the current antibiotics in use as growth promoters. One of the major advantages of probiotics to pig industry is the production of antibiotic free and good quality pork meat to local and international consumers, thus, enhancing South African Pork industry.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dlamini, Ziyanda Confidence
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Antibiotics , Dietary supplements , Piglets
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11428 , vital:39071
- Description: Antibiotic use in pig production contributes to development of antimicrobial resistance in food animals and risk of antibiotic residues in animal food products. The use of probiotics appears to be the potential alternative to antibiotics. This work is designed to validate the applicability of administered direct-fed putative probiotic strains of Lactobacillus reuteri ZJ625, Lactobacillus reuteri VB4, Lactobacillus salivarius ZJ614 and Streptococcus salivarius NBCR 13956 on growth performance, hematological parameters, and antibody stimulation in weaned commercial and indigenous pigs. Forty-five weaned piglets were divided into five treatment experimental groups as follows: Diet with: antibiotic (PC), No antibiotic and no probiotic (NC), Probiotic (P1) (P2) combination of probiotics (P3). Piglets’ performance were monitored during the trial. Faecal and ileum samples were collected for microbial count analysis. Blood samples were collected from the sacrificed piglets at the end of the trial, for the hematological and biochemical analysis and probiotics ability to stimulate immunoglobulin G (IgG). Four probiotic strains were tested for cell surface hydrophobicity against xylene, chloroform and ethyl acetate. The strains were also tested for auto-aggregation and co-aggregation abilities. Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 was used as a control pathogen in the co-aggregation ability test. The probiotic strains were also screened for presence of virulence and resistance genes. DNA was extracted from all the four probiotic strains using ZR Fungal/Bacterial DNA MiniPepTM (Zymo Research, USA) following manufacturer’s instructions. The DNA samples were later amplified in PCR reactions with specific primers to detect virulence genes of adhesion collagen protein (ace), aggregation substances (agg and asa); antibiotic resistance genes of: Vancomycin vanA, Vancomycin vanC1 and Vancomycin vanC2/3. The data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA using SAS statistics software (SAS 9.3) (2003). Results from the study revealed that supplementation of probiotics had no effect on feed intake (FI) in all of the experimental groups. However, supplementation of probiotics in P3 treatment resulted in greater average daily gain (ADG) and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) of weaned piglets (p < 0.05). Microbial count of fecal samples from all the treatment groups did not differ while ileum samples had lower enteric bacteria in P3 group as compared to other treatments. Concentration of albumin, globulin, neutrophils and basophils were high in NC treatment compared to other treatments. (p < 0.05). IgG concentration was highest in P3 compared to other treatment (p < 0.05). All probiotics strains showed high hydrophobicity to all solvents used in the test. Cell Surface Hydrophobic was highest in xylene (78percent – 84percent), followed by chloroform (68percent – 75percent) and lowest in ethyl acetate (52percent - 60percent). All of the test strains showed high auto-aggregation ability after 4 hr of incubation. L .reuteri VB4 exhibited highest auto-aggregation ability of 70percent, while the least auto-aggregation ability of 60percent was observed for L. salivarius ZJ614. In the co-aggregation assays, all probiotic bacterial strains exhibited a strong co-aggregation of 45percent to 56percent after 4 hr of incubation at 37 °C. L. reuteri VB4 exhibited highest co-aggregation ability while L. salivarius ZJ614 exhibited the lowest co-aggregation ability. No presence of virulence genes ace and asa was detected in all of the putative probiotic strains, but agg virulence gene was detected in L. reuteri VB4 strains. L. reuteri VB4 and S. salivarius NBRC13956 had resistance genes vanC 2/3 and vanC1, respectively. Overall, the results from this study, suggest that the candidate probiotics strains have enhanced the growth and measured blood parameters of the weaned piglets used in these experiments, and also, the probiotic strains have the abilities to initiate the stimulation of IgG. Probiotics could be used as a novel alternative to antibiotics in the animal nutrition and production, with the abilities to confer health benefits and promote growth. The outcome of the research advocates that these probiotics will be beneficial to pig production, and might outcompete the current antibiotics in use as growth promoters. One of the major advantages of probiotics to pig industry is the production of antibiotic free and good quality pork meat to local and international consumers, thus, enhancing South African Pork industry.
- Full Text:
Assessment of anti-urease and consequential inhibitory potential of South African honey extracts on the multiplication of drug-resistant, vacA and cagA positive helicobacter pylori strains under acidic conditions
- Authors: Dube, Callote
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Helicobacter pylori Drug resistance in microorganisms Honey -- Therapeutic use
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/7787 , vital:30764
- Description: Helicobacter pylori, a neutralophile chronically infects the gastric stomach of more than half of the world’s population. Infection with the organism is associated with acute or chronic duodenal/gastric ulcer disease, gastritis, gastric adenocarcinoma, mucosa-associated tissue lymphoma (MALT) and primary B-cell gastric lymphoma and has been grouped as a class one carcinogen by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Prevalence of this organism is very high in developing countries especially in Africa, including South Africa. H. pylori treatment using the common first and second line regimens, triple therapy with two antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is showing inefficiency due to increasing drug resistance. However, newly developed treatment regimens seem to be more expensive and are accompanied by more side effects. Honey contains phytochemicals which are a wealthy source of biologically active compounds some of which have been put into good use in the pharmaceutical industry. Pathogenesis of H. pylori infection in the human stomach relies on several virulence factors which include the urease enzyme, cagA and vacA. The urease enzyme actively hydrolyses urea to produce ammonia an important by-product involved in pH regulation favouring the survival of the organism in the acidic human stomach. This study therefore focuses on screening for anti-urease solvent extracts of South African honey, and evaluate whether inhibition of urease offsets the growth of H. pylori under acidic conditions. Locally produced natural honeys; Bush honey, Raw honey, Gold Crest honey, Q Bee honey, Little Bee honey, Fleures honey-radurised, Siyakholwa pure honey and Manuka honey; an import from New Zealand were purchased and the method by Syazana et al. (2010) was used for the extraction of compounds in honey. A standard strain ATCC 43526 (American Type Culture Collection, Manassas, VA, USA) and 48 pure cultures obtained from clinical isolates cultured from gastric corpus biopsy specimen of patients with gastric morbidities who were ix visiting the endoscopy unit in Livingstone Hospital, Port Elizabeth between June 2008 to December 2008 were initially used as source of urease enzyme as per extraction method done by Amin et al. (2013), but with modifications. Prior to urease extraction, H. pylori strains were identified by biochemical tests (urease, catalase, oxidase, Gram stain), confirmed by PCR targeting the glmM gene (140 bp) and drug resistance profiling was done on all the 48 strains according to Seanego et al. (2012). The screening for anti-urease active compounds was done according to Kaltwasser et al. (1966), a method relying on the reduction of NADH in a coupled urease dehydrogenase (GDH) system. Acetohydroxamic acid was used as a standard inhibitor. Prevalence of cytotoxin-associated gene A (cagA) gene and vacuolating cytotoxin gene A (vacA) gene was determined among all 48 clinical samples. The standard strains of H. pylori, X47 (cagA positive), J99 (vacA s1m1) and Tx30a (s2m2) were used as positive controls. H. pylori’s growth was then monitored under acidic pH in a cocktail spiked with anti-urease compounds (test samples) and in a cocktail without anti-urease compounds (negative control). Acetohydroxamic acid was used as a standard urease inhibitor. H. pylori multiplication was monitored in Brain Heart Infusion Broth (BHIB) adjusted to pH of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. The strain MP01 was used as a standard urease negative strain while X47 and J99 were used as positive standards for cagA and vacA s1m1 respectively. The compounds that had anti-urease activity and were successful towards suppressing the multiplication of H. pylori under acidic environment, all other factors optimised, were subjected to gas chromatograph mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatograph spectrometry (LCMS) to determine volatile compounds and drugs in honey extracts respectively. The findings of this study revealed that at a concentration of 50 mg/mL, urease inhibition by petroleum ether extracts of Gold Crest and Fleures honey, hexane extracts of Little Bee and Manuka honey, and chloroform extracts of Bush honey and Q Bee honey had a range above or equal to 50 percent and there was no significance difference in urease inhibition percentage (I percent) of urease from different sources including that extracted from drug resistant H. pylori (p >0.05). Virulence factors are important for the pathogenesis of H. pylori. All the 48 clinical isolates were glmM (140 bp) positive and cagA was detected in 97.9 percent of the test isolates. The vacA gene was detected in all isolates but with different subtypes. The vacA allelic combination s1m1 was detected in 75 percent of the test isolates and s1m2 allelic combination was detected in 16.7 percent of the test isolates while the combination s2m2 was detected in 8.3 percent of the test isolates. None of the test isolates possessed the allelic combination s2m1. When H. pylori multiplication was monitored under acidic conditions in the presence of anti-urease active compounds, it was revealed that anti-urease active compounds in honey are capable of inhibiting the normal multiplication of H. pylori strains that are cagA positive, vacA positive and drug resistant. The GC-MS analysis showed that Fleures honey (urease I percent = 67.8 – 68.5 percent) and Gold Crest honey (urease I percent = 50.9 percent – 53.3 percent), all petroleum ether extracts had 27 and 26 volatile compounds. The hexane extract of Manuka honey (urease I percent = 50.0 – 53.2) had 43 compounds detected. The chloroform extract of Q Bee (urease I percent = 64.2 – 66.2 percent) had 13 volatile compounds detected. All the volatile compounds considered as representative samples of GC-MS analysis had a spectral matching ≥ 90 percent with the NIST11 library. However, the majority of compounds that were detected by LC-MS in representative honey extracts include vardenafil, urapidil, hydrocortisone, e.t.c which are drugs commonly used in the treatment of different ailments or infections that affect human beings. In addition, two xi drugs, sulfaquinoxaline and hydroxyquinoline which are used in veterinary medicine and antiseptic, disinfectant and pesticide applications in agricultural activities were detected in Little Bee honey. We therefore conclude that inhibition of urease has a bactericidal effect on drug resistant, cagA positive and vacA positive H. pylori strains growing under acidic environment.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dube, Callote
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Helicobacter pylori Drug resistance in microorganisms Honey -- Therapeutic use
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/7787 , vital:30764
- Description: Helicobacter pylori, a neutralophile chronically infects the gastric stomach of more than half of the world’s population. Infection with the organism is associated with acute or chronic duodenal/gastric ulcer disease, gastritis, gastric adenocarcinoma, mucosa-associated tissue lymphoma (MALT) and primary B-cell gastric lymphoma and has been grouped as a class one carcinogen by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Prevalence of this organism is very high in developing countries especially in Africa, including South Africa. H. pylori treatment using the common first and second line regimens, triple therapy with two antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) is showing inefficiency due to increasing drug resistance. However, newly developed treatment regimens seem to be more expensive and are accompanied by more side effects. Honey contains phytochemicals which are a wealthy source of biologically active compounds some of which have been put into good use in the pharmaceutical industry. Pathogenesis of H. pylori infection in the human stomach relies on several virulence factors which include the urease enzyme, cagA and vacA. The urease enzyme actively hydrolyses urea to produce ammonia an important by-product involved in pH regulation favouring the survival of the organism in the acidic human stomach. This study therefore focuses on screening for anti-urease solvent extracts of South African honey, and evaluate whether inhibition of urease offsets the growth of H. pylori under acidic conditions. Locally produced natural honeys; Bush honey, Raw honey, Gold Crest honey, Q Bee honey, Little Bee honey, Fleures honey-radurised, Siyakholwa pure honey and Manuka honey; an import from New Zealand were purchased and the method by Syazana et al. (2010) was used for the extraction of compounds in honey. A standard strain ATCC 43526 (American Type Culture Collection, Manassas, VA, USA) and 48 pure cultures obtained from clinical isolates cultured from gastric corpus biopsy specimen of patients with gastric morbidities who were ix visiting the endoscopy unit in Livingstone Hospital, Port Elizabeth between June 2008 to December 2008 were initially used as source of urease enzyme as per extraction method done by Amin et al. (2013), but with modifications. Prior to urease extraction, H. pylori strains were identified by biochemical tests (urease, catalase, oxidase, Gram stain), confirmed by PCR targeting the glmM gene (140 bp) and drug resistance profiling was done on all the 48 strains according to Seanego et al. (2012). The screening for anti-urease active compounds was done according to Kaltwasser et al. (1966), a method relying on the reduction of NADH in a coupled urease dehydrogenase (GDH) system. Acetohydroxamic acid was used as a standard inhibitor. Prevalence of cytotoxin-associated gene A (cagA) gene and vacuolating cytotoxin gene A (vacA) gene was determined among all 48 clinical samples. The standard strains of H. pylori, X47 (cagA positive), J99 (vacA s1m1) and Tx30a (s2m2) were used as positive controls. H. pylori’s growth was then monitored under acidic pH in a cocktail spiked with anti-urease compounds (test samples) and in a cocktail without anti-urease compounds (negative control). Acetohydroxamic acid was used as a standard urease inhibitor. H. pylori multiplication was monitored in Brain Heart Infusion Broth (BHIB) adjusted to pH of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. The strain MP01 was used as a standard urease negative strain while X47 and J99 were used as positive standards for cagA and vacA s1m1 respectively. The compounds that had anti-urease activity and were successful towards suppressing the multiplication of H. pylori under acidic environment, all other factors optimised, were subjected to gas chromatograph mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatograph spectrometry (LCMS) to determine volatile compounds and drugs in honey extracts respectively. The findings of this study revealed that at a concentration of 50 mg/mL, urease inhibition by petroleum ether extracts of Gold Crest and Fleures honey, hexane extracts of Little Bee and Manuka honey, and chloroform extracts of Bush honey and Q Bee honey had a range above or equal to 50 percent and there was no significance difference in urease inhibition percentage (I percent) of urease from different sources including that extracted from drug resistant H. pylori (p >0.05). Virulence factors are important for the pathogenesis of H. pylori. All the 48 clinical isolates were glmM (140 bp) positive and cagA was detected in 97.9 percent of the test isolates. The vacA gene was detected in all isolates but with different subtypes. The vacA allelic combination s1m1 was detected in 75 percent of the test isolates and s1m2 allelic combination was detected in 16.7 percent of the test isolates while the combination s2m2 was detected in 8.3 percent of the test isolates. None of the test isolates possessed the allelic combination s2m1. When H. pylori multiplication was monitored under acidic conditions in the presence of anti-urease active compounds, it was revealed that anti-urease active compounds in honey are capable of inhibiting the normal multiplication of H. pylori strains that are cagA positive, vacA positive and drug resistant. The GC-MS analysis showed that Fleures honey (urease I percent = 67.8 – 68.5 percent) and Gold Crest honey (urease I percent = 50.9 percent – 53.3 percent), all petroleum ether extracts had 27 and 26 volatile compounds. The hexane extract of Manuka honey (urease I percent = 50.0 – 53.2) had 43 compounds detected. The chloroform extract of Q Bee (urease I percent = 64.2 – 66.2 percent) had 13 volatile compounds detected. All the volatile compounds considered as representative samples of GC-MS analysis had a spectral matching ≥ 90 percent with the NIST11 library. However, the majority of compounds that were detected by LC-MS in representative honey extracts include vardenafil, urapidil, hydrocortisone, e.t.c which are drugs commonly used in the treatment of different ailments or infections that affect human beings. In addition, two xi drugs, sulfaquinoxaline and hydroxyquinoline which are used in veterinary medicine and antiseptic, disinfectant and pesticide applications in agricultural activities were detected in Little Bee honey. We therefore conclude that inhibition of urease has a bactericidal effect on drug resistant, cagA positive and vacA positive H. pylori strains growing under acidic environment.
- Full Text:
Assessment of the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform's maize cropping programme in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mqamelo, Luvolwethu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cropping systems Crops and climate Crop yields
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9165 , vital:34288
- Description: The Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform maize cropping programme is one of the flagship projects that has been entrusted by the provincial government to tackle the social ills faced by the rural communities of the Eastern Cape Province. The programme is in line with a number of policies that strive to unlock the agricultural potential in inducing the much talked about radical economic transformation. This study was aimed at establishing if the outlay of the implementation processes and the outcomes of the maize cropping programme in Eastern Cape are sufficient to achieve the stated objectives. The study adopted a triangulation method to get comprehensive understanding of the programme and for accuracy and verification of the data collected. A pre-tested semistructured questionnaire was used to collect the demographics and socio-economic status of the respondents; technical skills and capabilities; implementation processes of the programme and the perceptions of the participants and key strategic role players in the maize cropping programme. A total of 120 respondents from DRDAR’s 2016/2017 financial year supported list and 9 key informants were sampled for the study. Furthermore, a gross margin analysis was used to establish the viability and the sustainability of the programme with and without DRDAR’s subsidies. For purposes of determining if there was any relation between the maize enterprise income and 13 independent variables, a multiple regression model was employed. The results of the study show that the programme is dominated by old and uneducated individuals with an average age of 60 years. The implementation processes are proving to be fairly progressed however, at a very limited scale. This includes provision of production inputs and mechanization services on time, formation of self-serving legal entities and unlocking the private sector investment. The gross margins generated from the programme have been observed to be non-viable and unsustainable. As a result, only 31% of the respondents were able to attain a gross margin equal or greater than the allocable costs of producing maize both under irrigation and dry land. The results of the regression model indicated that, only 5 of the 13 independent variables (household gender, marital status, years of participation, area planted and yield) were found to have a significant effect to the maize enterprise income. Overall, the DRDAR’s maize cropping programme has failed to meet its intended objectives. In addition, more than 70 percent of the programme participants produced for subsistence purposes and showed no desire to fully commercialise their operations.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mqamelo, Luvolwethu
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Cropping systems Crops and climate Crop yields
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9165 , vital:34288
- Description: The Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform maize cropping programme is one of the flagship projects that has been entrusted by the provincial government to tackle the social ills faced by the rural communities of the Eastern Cape Province. The programme is in line with a number of policies that strive to unlock the agricultural potential in inducing the much talked about radical economic transformation. This study was aimed at establishing if the outlay of the implementation processes and the outcomes of the maize cropping programme in Eastern Cape are sufficient to achieve the stated objectives. The study adopted a triangulation method to get comprehensive understanding of the programme and for accuracy and verification of the data collected. A pre-tested semistructured questionnaire was used to collect the demographics and socio-economic status of the respondents; technical skills and capabilities; implementation processes of the programme and the perceptions of the participants and key strategic role players in the maize cropping programme. A total of 120 respondents from DRDAR’s 2016/2017 financial year supported list and 9 key informants were sampled for the study. Furthermore, a gross margin analysis was used to establish the viability and the sustainability of the programme with and without DRDAR’s subsidies. For purposes of determining if there was any relation between the maize enterprise income and 13 independent variables, a multiple regression model was employed. The results of the study show that the programme is dominated by old and uneducated individuals with an average age of 60 years. The implementation processes are proving to be fairly progressed however, at a very limited scale. This includes provision of production inputs and mechanization services on time, formation of self-serving legal entities and unlocking the private sector investment. The gross margins generated from the programme have been observed to be non-viable and unsustainable. As a result, only 31% of the respondents were able to attain a gross margin equal or greater than the allocable costs of producing maize both under irrigation and dry land. The results of the regression model indicated that, only 5 of the 13 independent variables (household gender, marital status, years of participation, area planted and yield) were found to have a significant effect to the maize enterprise income. Overall, the DRDAR’s maize cropping programme has failed to meet its intended objectives. In addition, more than 70 percent of the programme participants produced for subsistence purposes and showed no desire to fully commercialise their operations.
- Full Text:
Biomass yield, nutrient content and silage quality of three forage sorghum (Sorghum Bicolour (L.) varieties grown in the semi-arid region of Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Gwantshu, Vuyolwethu Hamilton
- Authors: Gwantshu, Vuyolwethu Hamilton
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sorghum -- Varieties -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sorghum -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forage
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9545 , vital:34368
- Description: The study determined the biomass yield, nutrient content and silage quality of forage sorghum varieties. Three varieties were used (King, PAN 868, and PAN 888), in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three blocks and three replicates per treatment at the University of Fort Hare research farm. The research study was conducted during the 2016/2017 growing season. The forages were harvested at flowering stage of growth. Biomass yields of fresh forage and dry matter yield were measured. Sub-samples were then dried, milled and analysed for nutrient content. Furthermore, the forage sorghum was ensiled and the silage was analysed for fermentation parameters and nutrient content. The fresh and dry matter biomass yield showed no significant differences (P>0.05) among the varieties. The highest fresh biomass yields were observed in PAN 888 variety was 13400 kg/ha, King had 12600 kg/ha and PAN 868 had 12600 kg/ha. The dry matter yield observed in PAN 888 was 4300.00 DM kg/ha, PAN 868 had 3633.33 DM kg/ha and King yielded 3533.33 DM kg/ha. The different sorghum varieties showed a significant (P<0.01) difference in some chemical composition parameters namely DM, NDIN and NSC. The different sorghum varieties had significant difference (P<0.01) in the silage fermentation parameters of pH, starch and lactic acid. The sorghum silage varieties were significantly (P<0.01) different in the starch fermentation with values of 0.001percent. The sorghum silage varieties were significant different for fermentation of lactic acid with values ranging from 1.99 to 2.62percent. However, PAN 868 and PAN 888 were not different from each other. Similarly, all varieties were different (P<0.05) in the pH with values ranging from 4.16 to 4.53. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in CP, Fat, NDF, ADF, Hemicellulose, Ash, and ADIN content of the silages. The mineral composition (macro and micro) of the silage were not significantly (P>0.05) different among the varieties. In conclusion, the dry matter production and nutrient content of the three forage sorghum varieties were not significantly different. The silage fermentation quality showed significant (P<0.05) differences among the three sorghum varieties. Therefore, according to the results of this study PAN 888 is the recommended variety to grow in the semi-arid region of the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gwantshu, Vuyolwethu Hamilton
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sorghum -- Varieties -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sorghum -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forage
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9545 , vital:34368
- Description: The study determined the biomass yield, nutrient content and silage quality of forage sorghum varieties. Three varieties were used (King, PAN 868, and PAN 888), in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three blocks and three replicates per treatment at the University of Fort Hare research farm. The research study was conducted during the 2016/2017 growing season. The forages were harvested at flowering stage of growth. Biomass yields of fresh forage and dry matter yield were measured. Sub-samples were then dried, milled and analysed for nutrient content. Furthermore, the forage sorghum was ensiled and the silage was analysed for fermentation parameters and nutrient content. The fresh and dry matter biomass yield showed no significant differences (P>0.05) among the varieties. The highest fresh biomass yields were observed in PAN 888 variety was 13400 kg/ha, King had 12600 kg/ha and PAN 868 had 12600 kg/ha. The dry matter yield observed in PAN 888 was 4300.00 DM kg/ha, PAN 868 had 3633.33 DM kg/ha and King yielded 3533.33 DM kg/ha. The different sorghum varieties showed a significant (P<0.01) difference in some chemical composition parameters namely DM, NDIN and NSC. The different sorghum varieties had significant difference (P<0.01) in the silage fermentation parameters of pH, starch and lactic acid. The sorghum silage varieties were significantly (P<0.01) different in the starch fermentation with values of 0.001percent. The sorghum silage varieties were significant different for fermentation of lactic acid with values ranging from 1.99 to 2.62percent. However, PAN 868 and PAN 888 were not different from each other. Similarly, all varieties were different (P<0.05) in the pH with values ranging from 4.16 to 4.53. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in CP, Fat, NDF, ADF, Hemicellulose, Ash, and ADIN content of the silages. The mineral composition (macro and micro) of the silage were not significantly (P>0.05) different among the varieties. In conclusion, the dry matter production and nutrient content of the three forage sorghum varieties were not significantly different. The silage fermentation quality showed significant (P<0.05) differences among the three sorghum varieties. Therefore, according to the results of this study PAN 888 is the recommended variety to grow in the semi-arid region of the Eastern Cape.
- Full Text:
Characterisation and cryopreservation of semen from indigenous Namaqua Afrikaner sheep breed, in comparison with Dorper and Dohne Merino breeds
- Authors: Letsoalo, Phutiane Thomas
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Merino sheep Dorper sheep Semen
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Animal Science
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11707 , vital:39099
- Description: The aim of this study was to characterise and cryopreserve semen of the indigenous Namaqua Afrikaner breed, and to compare it to that of Dorper and Dohne Merino sheep, whose semen is commercially frozen on a large scale. The study was conducted between January and August 2015. September 2013-born Namaqua Afrikaner (12), Dohne Merino (12) and Dorper (9) rams were used in the study. The rams were kept under kraal conditions with adequate shade, and they received a high protein, high energy diet. Originally it was envisaged to collect semen samples using the artificial vagina (AV) method, which proved to be problematic with the Namaqua Afrikaner rams. Semen samples were subsequently collected twice a week by either AV (Dohne Merino and Dorper) or electro-ejaculation (EE; all three breeds). Macroscopic sperm traits were assessed and sperm concentration determined immediately after collection. Each semen sample was diluted with Triladyl® (1:3) and subsequently frozen in liquid nitrogen vapour in straws. Frozen straws were thawed and evaluated at 7, 30 and 90 days after cryopreservation. A droplet (0.5 ml) from each thawed sample was assessed microscopically for post-thaw motility and percentage live sperm. Nigrosin-Eosin smears were prepared of fresh, diluted and frozen-thawed semen samples for determination of percentage live sperm. Data of all the traits were analysed with the GLM and CHI-SQUARE procedures of the SAS statistical package. Breed had a significant effect on ejaculate volume of fresh semen collected either via electro-ejaculation or artificial vagina. Dorper rams (1.37 ± 0.08 ml) and Dohne Merino rams (1.20 ± 0.08 ml) produced ejaculates with higher (P <0.05) semen volume than Namaqua Afrikaner rams (1.09 ± 0.08 ml) when using the EE. With the AV method, Dohne Merino rams (1.46 ± 0.08 ml) produced a higher (P <0.05) ejaculate volume than Dorper rams (1.22 ± 0.08 ml). Motility of the frozen-thawed semen samples was lower than that of the fresh and diluted samples for all breeds and collection methods. Furthermore, motility 3 hours after thawing was also lower than motility assessed immediately after thawing for all breeds and collection methods. Motility of frozen-thawed semen collected with an AV and evaluated at 7, 30 and 90 days after freezing was significantly higher than that collected via EE. Dorper rams had the lowest sperm concentration (1.10 ± 5.29x109 sperm/ml) and the Namaqua rams the highest sperm concentration (1.22 ± 5.20x109 sperm/ml) (P ˂0.05). The AV samples had a higher (P >0.05) sperm concentration (1.20 ± 3.68x109 sperm/ml) than the EE samples (1.11 ± 3.51x109 sperm/ml). The percentage live sperm in the fresh semen samples did not differ among Namaqua Afrikaner (67.76 ± 1.94percent), Dohne Merino (68.59 ± 1.94percent) and Dorper (72.82 ± 1.98percent) rams. The percentage live sperm for all three breeds dropped considerably after freezing to 17.76 ± 2.03percent, 17.86 ± 2.03percent and 22.72 ± 2.07percent respectively. It remained constant for all the breeds from 7 until 90 days after freezing, indicating that length of storage should not have an effect on percentage live sperm for semen collected via AV or EE. Percentage live sperm of the frozen-thawed semen of the Namaqua rams was lower than that of the Dorper rams, indicating that the Namaqua semen collected via EE did not freeze as well as that of the Dorper semen. In conclusion, neither fresh nor frozen-thawed Dorper and Dohne Merino semen collected via EE did differ significantly. Furthermore, except for semen volume, Dorper and Dohne Merino semen collected via AV did not differ significantly whether evaluated as fresh or frozen-thawed semen. However, both Dorper and Dohne Merino rams produced semen with higher motility and a higher percentage live sperm post-thaw when the semen samples were collected via an AV than via EE. From these results it can therefore be postulated that if Namaqua semen were collected via AV it could have a higher post-thaw percentage live sperm than if semen was collected via EE. Advanced further studies are necessary to investigate the reason for the lower post-thaw survival rate of sperm of the Namaqua Afrikaner rams. This is necessary as semen stored in a cryobank for breeding and conservation purposes for this endangered breed has to be of high quality. Such resources as cryobanks are expensive and funds cannot be wasted on preserving inferior samples that could not fertilize an ovum when needed. The low percentage of live sperm obtained with the frozen-thawed samples in this, as well as other studies on indigenous breeds, is an indication that further research is needed into more suitable freezing protocols. It can be concluded that Namaqua Afrikaner semen cannot be frozen successfully for the purpose of storage in a cryobank, when using a freezing protocol based on Triladyl® as extender. Furthermore, any increase in post-thaw survival rate of sperm will be beneficial and it is therefore suggested that all efforts be made to solve the problem of the Namaqua Afrikaner rams that do not want to ejaculate into an artificial vagina.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Letsoalo, Phutiane Thomas
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Merino sheep Dorper sheep Semen
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Animal Science
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11707 , vital:39099
- Description: The aim of this study was to characterise and cryopreserve semen of the indigenous Namaqua Afrikaner breed, and to compare it to that of Dorper and Dohne Merino sheep, whose semen is commercially frozen on a large scale. The study was conducted between January and August 2015. September 2013-born Namaqua Afrikaner (12), Dohne Merino (12) and Dorper (9) rams were used in the study. The rams were kept under kraal conditions with adequate shade, and they received a high protein, high energy diet. Originally it was envisaged to collect semen samples using the artificial vagina (AV) method, which proved to be problematic with the Namaqua Afrikaner rams. Semen samples were subsequently collected twice a week by either AV (Dohne Merino and Dorper) or electro-ejaculation (EE; all three breeds). Macroscopic sperm traits were assessed and sperm concentration determined immediately after collection. Each semen sample was diluted with Triladyl® (1:3) and subsequently frozen in liquid nitrogen vapour in straws. Frozen straws were thawed and evaluated at 7, 30 and 90 days after cryopreservation. A droplet (0.5 ml) from each thawed sample was assessed microscopically for post-thaw motility and percentage live sperm. Nigrosin-Eosin smears were prepared of fresh, diluted and frozen-thawed semen samples for determination of percentage live sperm. Data of all the traits were analysed with the GLM and CHI-SQUARE procedures of the SAS statistical package. Breed had a significant effect on ejaculate volume of fresh semen collected either via electro-ejaculation or artificial vagina. Dorper rams (1.37 ± 0.08 ml) and Dohne Merino rams (1.20 ± 0.08 ml) produced ejaculates with higher (P <0.05) semen volume than Namaqua Afrikaner rams (1.09 ± 0.08 ml) when using the EE. With the AV method, Dohne Merino rams (1.46 ± 0.08 ml) produced a higher (P <0.05) ejaculate volume than Dorper rams (1.22 ± 0.08 ml). Motility of the frozen-thawed semen samples was lower than that of the fresh and diluted samples for all breeds and collection methods. Furthermore, motility 3 hours after thawing was also lower than motility assessed immediately after thawing for all breeds and collection methods. Motility of frozen-thawed semen collected with an AV and evaluated at 7, 30 and 90 days after freezing was significantly higher than that collected via EE. Dorper rams had the lowest sperm concentration (1.10 ± 5.29x109 sperm/ml) and the Namaqua rams the highest sperm concentration (1.22 ± 5.20x109 sperm/ml) (P ˂0.05). The AV samples had a higher (P >0.05) sperm concentration (1.20 ± 3.68x109 sperm/ml) than the EE samples (1.11 ± 3.51x109 sperm/ml). The percentage live sperm in the fresh semen samples did not differ among Namaqua Afrikaner (67.76 ± 1.94percent), Dohne Merino (68.59 ± 1.94percent) and Dorper (72.82 ± 1.98percent) rams. The percentage live sperm for all three breeds dropped considerably after freezing to 17.76 ± 2.03percent, 17.86 ± 2.03percent and 22.72 ± 2.07percent respectively. It remained constant for all the breeds from 7 until 90 days after freezing, indicating that length of storage should not have an effect on percentage live sperm for semen collected via AV or EE. Percentage live sperm of the frozen-thawed semen of the Namaqua rams was lower than that of the Dorper rams, indicating that the Namaqua semen collected via EE did not freeze as well as that of the Dorper semen. In conclusion, neither fresh nor frozen-thawed Dorper and Dohne Merino semen collected via EE did differ significantly. Furthermore, except for semen volume, Dorper and Dohne Merino semen collected via AV did not differ significantly whether evaluated as fresh or frozen-thawed semen. However, both Dorper and Dohne Merino rams produced semen with higher motility and a higher percentage live sperm post-thaw when the semen samples were collected via an AV than via EE. From these results it can therefore be postulated that if Namaqua semen were collected via AV it could have a higher post-thaw percentage live sperm than if semen was collected via EE. Advanced further studies are necessary to investigate the reason for the lower post-thaw survival rate of sperm of the Namaqua Afrikaner rams. This is necessary as semen stored in a cryobank for breeding and conservation purposes for this endangered breed has to be of high quality. Such resources as cryobanks are expensive and funds cannot be wasted on preserving inferior samples that could not fertilize an ovum when needed. The low percentage of live sperm obtained with the frozen-thawed samples in this, as well as other studies on indigenous breeds, is an indication that further research is needed into more suitable freezing protocols. It can be concluded that Namaqua Afrikaner semen cannot be frozen successfully for the purpose of storage in a cryobank, when using a freezing protocol based on Triladyl® as extender. Furthermore, any increase in post-thaw survival rate of sperm will be beneficial and it is therefore suggested that all efforts be made to solve the problem of the Namaqua Afrikaner rams that do not want to ejaculate into an artificial vagina.
- Full Text:
Characterisation of antibacterial compounds produced by Pseudomonas spp. isolated from Hogsback wetlands, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Obi, Akudo Odochi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Bacteriology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15688 , vital:40507
- Description: With microbial pathogens developing resistance against currently existing antimicrobials, there is an earnest need to discover and develop new therapeutic compounds with unique and/or precise modes of action. Natural products have provided the inspiration for most of the active ingredients in medicines and thus are regarded as a potential screening resource lead for discovery of new drugs. Pseudomonads are ubiquitous, Gram-negative, motile bacteria that flourish and inhabit a diversity of environments. Literature has vastly revealed that some members of the genus Pseudomonas are capable of producing a plethora of biologically active metabolites and thus are regarded as “attractive” bacteria for testing as potential sources for new therapeutic compounds. In this regard, this study was undertaken with an aim to isolate and characterize antibacterial compounds produced by Pseudomonas species isolated from aquatic milieu of the Hogsback wetlands, Eastern Cape, South Africa. A total of 12 water samples were aseptically collected from Hogsback wetlands. To ascertain antimicrobial potential of the isolates, 9 test bacterial (sensitive) strains, namely Escherichia coli ATCC 3695, Vibrio fluvialis, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella enteritidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Escherichia coli (2), Listeria ivanovii, Listeria monocytogenes and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 19433 were used for antimicrobial screening. A total of 500 presumptive Pseudomonas spp. were isolated and screened for the production of antibacterial compound through the Agar-well diffusion method. About 8percent of the presumptive Pseudomonas spp. produced compound with activity against the test bacteria and based on the levels of activity shown, three isolates coded as A53, Y55 and Y138 were selected and identified by 16S rDNA sequence analysis and The Basic Local Alignment Search Tool analysis revealed that the three isolates (A53, Y55 and Y138) belonged to the Pseudomonas genus. Using MEGA6 software, a molecular phylogenetic tree was constructed by Maximum Likelihood Method. The phylogenetic analysis by this method showed that all three isolate codes (A53, Y55 and Y138) formed the same clade with Pseudomonas viridiflava strain P3 (Accession number: AY972186) and Pseudomonas plecoglossicida strain P9 (Accession number: AY972231) at a high bootstrap value of 100percent. Isolate code A53 and Y55 also grouped together at a bootstrap value of 96percent. Factors affecting antibacterial compound production by the three isolates were elucidated. The effect of pH on the three isolates revealed that isolate code A53 and Y55 could produce antibacterial compounds over all pH ranges (pH 4-9), however, antibacterial production was produced optimally at acidic conditions (pH 4) and a less acidic-neutral condition (pH 6) respectively. Isolate Y138 showed optimal production at pH 5. The effect of temperature on all three isolates was studied at different temperatures ranging between 25°C-40°C. Study on effect of temperature variations on antibacterial production revealed that all three isolates are capable of growing and producing antibacterial compounds over all the different temperature ranges, however, maximum/optimum production was observed at temperature of 30°C. In order to establish the role of plasmids in antibacterial production, two curing agents; Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and Ethidium bromide under different sub-lethal concentrations (1 mg/ml -11mg/ml and 2.5 μg/ml- 125 μg/ml respectively) were used to cure the selected isolates. Plasmid DNA samples of A53, Y55 and Y138, were separated by electrophoresis on a 0.7percent (w/v) agarose. Agarose gel electrophoresis revealed that not all the concentrations used were effective in curing the plasmid. A Quick Load 1 kb Extend DNA ladder marker was used for determining the size of the plasmids. Isolate code A53 and Y138 had a plasmid size of 48.5 kb while isolate Y55 had a plasmid size of approximately 20 kb. Antibacterial activity by agar-well diffusion method after the curing process revealed that antibacterial production was not lost or prevented, but rather increased. Thus, it is suggested that the genes responsible for antibiotic production in this study were chromosomal-encoded and not plasmid-encoded. This study revealed that Hogsback wetlands may represent a previously unexplored environment/source of discovering novel and potent antibacterial compounds.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Obi, Akudo Odochi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Bacteriology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15688 , vital:40507
- Description: With microbial pathogens developing resistance against currently existing antimicrobials, there is an earnest need to discover and develop new therapeutic compounds with unique and/or precise modes of action. Natural products have provided the inspiration for most of the active ingredients in medicines and thus are regarded as a potential screening resource lead for discovery of new drugs. Pseudomonads are ubiquitous, Gram-negative, motile bacteria that flourish and inhabit a diversity of environments. Literature has vastly revealed that some members of the genus Pseudomonas are capable of producing a plethora of biologically active metabolites and thus are regarded as “attractive” bacteria for testing as potential sources for new therapeutic compounds. In this regard, this study was undertaken with an aim to isolate and characterize antibacterial compounds produced by Pseudomonas species isolated from aquatic milieu of the Hogsback wetlands, Eastern Cape, South Africa. A total of 12 water samples were aseptically collected from Hogsback wetlands. To ascertain antimicrobial potential of the isolates, 9 test bacterial (sensitive) strains, namely Escherichia coli ATCC 3695, Vibrio fluvialis, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella enteritidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Escherichia coli (2), Listeria ivanovii, Listeria monocytogenes and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 19433 were used for antimicrobial screening. A total of 500 presumptive Pseudomonas spp. were isolated and screened for the production of antibacterial compound through the Agar-well diffusion method. About 8percent of the presumptive Pseudomonas spp. produced compound with activity against the test bacteria and based on the levels of activity shown, three isolates coded as A53, Y55 and Y138 were selected and identified by 16S rDNA sequence analysis and The Basic Local Alignment Search Tool analysis revealed that the three isolates (A53, Y55 and Y138) belonged to the Pseudomonas genus. Using MEGA6 software, a molecular phylogenetic tree was constructed by Maximum Likelihood Method. The phylogenetic analysis by this method showed that all three isolate codes (A53, Y55 and Y138) formed the same clade with Pseudomonas viridiflava strain P3 (Accession number: AY972186) and Pseudomonas plecoglossicida strain P9 (Accession number: AY972231) at a high bootstrap value of 100percent. Isolate code A53 and Y55 also grouped together at a bootstrap value of 96percent. Factors affecting antibacterial compound production by the three isolates were elucidated. The effect of pH on the three isolates revealed that isolate code A53 and Y55 could produce antibacterial compounds over all pH ranges (pH 4-9), however, antibacterial production was produced optimally at acidic conditions (pH 4) and a less acidic-neutral condition (pH 6) respectively. Isolate Y138 showed optimal production at pH 5. The effect of temperature on all three isolates was studied at different temperatures ranging between 25°C-40°C. Study on effect of temperature variations on antibacterial production revealed that all three isolates are capable of growing and producing antibacterial compounds over all the different temperature ranges, however, maximum/optimum production was observed at temperature of 30°C. In order to establish the role of plasmids in antibacterial production, two curing agents; Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and Ethidium bromide under different sub-lethal concentrations (1 mg/ml -11mg/ml and 2.5 μg/ml- 125 μg/ml respectively) were used to cure the selected isolates. Plasmid DNA samples of A53, Y55 and Y138, were separated by electrophoresis on a 0.7percent (w/v) agarose. Agarose gel electrophoresis revealed that not all the concentrations used were effective in curing the plasmid. A Quick Load 1 kb Extend DNA ladder marker was used for determining the size of the plasmids. Isolate code A53 and Y138 had a plasmid size of 48.5 kb while isolate Y55 had a plasmid size of approximately 20 kb. Antibacterial activity by agar-well diffusion method after the curing process revealed that antibacterial production was not lost or prevented, but rather increased. Thus, it is suggested that the genes responsible for antibiotic production in this study were chromosomal-encoded and not plasmid-encoded. This study revealed that Hogsback wetlands may represent a previously unexplored environment/source of discovering novel and potent antibacterial compounds.
- Full Text:
Characterisation of human pathogenic vibrios and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from wild and tank cultured dusky kob (agyrosomus japonicus) in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Justine, Fri
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Marine microbiology Marine microbiology--South Africa--Eastern Cape Staphylococcus aureus infections--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Microbiology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16047 , vital:40607
- Description: Introduction: Marine finfish including dusky kob (Agyrosomus japonicus), in addition to its high protein value, is bestowed with numerous health benefits including being heart friendly due to high proportion of omega 3 fatty acids. They are therefore used as powerful preventive measures against cardiovaslcular diseases. They are also important in neurological development during gestation and infancy, thus a regular recommendation by nutritionists. However, fish and its environment may be contaminated by bacteria pathogens. Human infections caused by members of the genus Vibrio, and Staphylococcus especially Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) are of increased concern worldwide especially with increased Vibrio disease outbreaks and rapid spread of MRSA in the community. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is regarded as an emerging zoonotic agent, therefore marine fish may be considered as a reservoir for infection. The emergence of multi-drug resistant organisms in both farm animals and humans has also been a challenge that hurdles chemotherapy worldwide. Methods: We enumerated the bacteria flora of skin, gill and gut of marine dusky kob (Agyrosomus japonicus) raised in a recirculatory aquaculture system using metagenomic sequencing of the 16S rRNA. We further screened 120 dusky kob fishes (skin, gill and gut) and 80 water samples from two fish farms and Kariega estuary collected over a 10 month period for human pathogenic vibrios, and MRSA using standard procedures. Vibrio species were further subjected to species specific PCRs delineating them into V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, and V. fluvialis. This was followed by elucidation of the genotypic virulence determinants. The Reverse Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) of the cytotoxin hemolysin (vvhA) gene of V. vulnificus strains was carried out to determine the associated biotypes. A total of 277 Vibrio strains consisting of 126 V. fluvialis, 45 Vibrio vulnificus, 30 V. parahaemolyticus and 76 vibrios belonging to other species were subjected to susceptibility testing to 15 antibiotics by the disc diffusion method and resistant strains were further evaluated for their genotypic antimicrobial resistant determinants by polymerase chain reaction followed by plasmid profiling. For MRSA screening, we evaluated the reliability of cefoxitin disc diffusion, oxacillin screen agar and BrillianceTM MRSA 2 agar tests, in detecting methicillin resistance from fish (environmental) samples using PCR detection of the mecA as the gold standard. A total of 33 mecA positive S. aureus strains (MRSA) were subjected to PCR detection of enterotoxins (Staphylococcal enterotoxin A-E) and Panton Valentine Leucocidin (PVL) encoding genes. The SCCmec types were also investigated by multiplex PCR targeting genes encoding type I-V. The antibiogram profiles of MRSA strains to 12 antibiotics by the disc diffusion method and to vancomycin by broth micro dilution method were elucidated. Polymerase chain reaction was employed to evaluate the presence of antibiotic resistant genes. The nucleotide sequences of the rpoB gene were analysed to determine mutations that could lead to rifampicin resistance. Results: A broad diversity of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacterial species of different taxonomic groups was observed with Proteobacteria revealed as the most common bacteria phyla. Fifty one families were identified with Enterobacteriaceae the most frequently detected in all the anatomical sites and the gut showing the highest species diversity. A total of 606 (60.23 percent ) presumptive Vibrio isolates were confirmed by PCR of which V. fluvialis was the most predominant, 193 (31.85 percent ). This was followed by Vibrio vulnificus 74 (12.21 percent ), and V. parahaemolyticus 33 (5.45 percent ). No V. cholerae strain was detected. Only one of the V. parahaemolyticus strains possessed the trh virulent gene with no tdh detected. Virulence factors of V. fluvialis detected were stn (13.5 percent ), hupO (10.4 percent ), and vfpA (1.0 percent ). V. vulnificus biotype 3, formerly restricted to Isreal was identified. Generally, resistance among Vibrio isolates varied considerably with highest resistances recorded to amoxicillin (76.2 percent ), ampicillin (67.5 percent ), erythromycin (38.3 percent ), and doxycycline (35.0 percent ) while higher susceptibilities were revealed by gentamicin (100 percent ), norfloxacin (97.8 percent ), florfenicol (90.3 percent ), tetracycline (87.7 percent ), and chloramphenicol (87.4 percent ). Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) (resistance to ≥ 2 classes of antibiotics) was 58.5 percent . The MAR index did not vary significantly between sites (P>0.05) and values of >0.20 were recorded in 40 percent (108/277) of all the isolates. The resistant genes ampC, blaOXA, tetA, tetM, dfr1, sul1, sul2, ermB, nptII and strA were detected in two or more Vibrio isolates while the SXT intergrase was detected only in one isolate. Seven of the 18 extreme drug resistant isolates possessed 1–3 plasmids of 1.5–10 kb range. A total of 321 presumptive Staphylococcus aureus isolates were recovered by culture out of which 202 (62.9 percent ) were identified as S. aureus by PCR. Of these, 33 (16.3 percent ) strains were mecA positive while the rest, 169 (83.7 percent ) were mecA negative. The sensitivity and specificity of MRSA detection by use of cefoxitin disc (30 μg) test was 93.9 percent and 91.7 percent , that for oxacillin screen agar test (6 μg/mL) was 81.8 percent and 92.3 percent while that of BrillianceTM MRSATM 2 agar was 87.9 percent and 94.1 percent respectively. Staphylococcal enterotoxin SEE was detected in 12.1 percent (4/33) of total strains followed by SEA 3.0 percent (1/33), and SEC 3.0 percent (1/33). SEB and SED were absent. Six of the isolates had the PVL gene, giving a prevalence of 18.2 percent . The most frequently detected SCCmec type was SCCmec type III (17/33; 51.5 percent ), closely followed by SCCmec subtype IVc (10/33; 30.3 percent ) and the least were SCCmec types I and II with only 3.0 percent (1/33) each. The rest four (4/33; 12.1 percent ) did not belong to any of the above types and were therefore considered to belong to other subtypes of SCCmec type IV not tested in the study. For antibiogram patterns, 12 (36.4 percent ) strains were resistant to doxycyline, 10 (30.3 percent ) to trimethroprim-sulfamethoxazole, 9 (27.3 percent ) to tetracycline and only 1 (3.0 percent ) strain was resistant to ciprofloxacin. Nineteen (57.6 percent ) of the MRSA strains had vancomycin MIC of ≤ 2 μg/mL, 4 (12.1 percent ) with MIC range of 4-8 μg/mL, and 10 (30.3 percent ) with values ≥ 16 μg/mL. Overall, 27 (91.percent) isolates showed simultaneous resistance to 3 or more antibiotics. The resistant genes tetM, tetA, ermB, BlaZ femA were detected in two or more strains resistant to various antimicrobials. Resistance to rifampicin was not caused by mutations in the rpoB gene. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first study reporting a broad, and diverse bacteria flora of skin, gill, and gut of the South African dusky kob as well as the first study on human pathogenic vibrios, and MRSA from marine finfish especially those from recirculatory aquaculture systems. Also, our study revealed that Vibrio species with pathogenic potential are present in marine dusky kob and its environs. Dusky kob is contaminated with CA- MRSA and HA- MRSA that may cause difficult to treat infections with regular antibiotics. Some of the MRSA strains contained toxins that can cause food-borne gastroeneteritis. The present study revealed that MRSA and Vibrio species are potential reservoirs for antibiotic resistant genes, which could be disseminated to other bacterial species probably through plasmids, a public health risk.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Justine, Fri
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Marine microbiology Marine microbiology--South Africa--Eastern Cape Staphylococcus aureus infections--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Microbiology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16047 , vital:40607
- Description: Introduction: Marine finfish including dusky kob (Agyrosomus japonicus), in addition to its high protein value, is bestowed with numerous health benefits including being heart friendly due to high proportion of omega 3 fatty acids. They are therefore used as powerful preventive measures against cardiovaslcular diseases. They are also important in neurological development during gestation and infancy, thus a regular recommendation by nutritionists. However, fish and its environment may be contaminated by bacteria pathogens. Human infections caused by members of the genus Vibrio, and Staphylococcus especially Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) are of increased concern worldwide especially with increased Vibrio disease outbreaks and rapid spread of MRSA in the community. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is regarded as an emerging zoonotic agent, therefore marine fish may be considered as a reservoir for infection. The emergence of multi-drug resistant organisms in both farm animals and humans has also been a challenge that hurdles chemotherapy worldwide. Methods: We enumerated the bacteria flora of skin, gill and gut of marine dusky kob (Agyrosomus japonicus) raised in a recirculatory aquaculture system using metagenomic sequencing of the 16S rRNA. We further screened 120 dusky kob fishes (skin, gill and gut) and 80 water samples from two fish farms and Kariega estuary collected over a 10 month period for human pathogenic vibrios, and MRSA using standard procedures. Vibrio species were further subjected to species specific PCRs delineating them into V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, and V. fluvialis. This was followed by elucidation of the genotypic virulence determinants. The Reverse Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) of the cytotoxin hemolysin (vvhA) gene of V. vulnificus strains was carried out to determine the associated biotypes. A total of 277 Vibrio strains consisting of 126 V. fluvialis, 45 Vibrio vulnificus, 30 V. parahaemolyticus and 76 vibrios belonging to other species were subjected to susceptibility testing to 15 antibiotics by the disc diffusion method and resistant strains were further evaluated for their genotypic antimicrobial resistant determinants by polymerase chain reaction followed by plasmid profiling. For MRSA screening, we evaluated the reliability of cefoxitin disc diffusion, oxacillin screen agar and BrillianceTM MRSA 2 agar tests, in detecting methicillin resistance from fish (environmental) samples using PCR detection of the mecA as the gold standard. A total of 33 mecA positive S. aureus strains (MRSA) were subjected to PCR detection of enterotoxins (Staphylococcal enterotoxin A-E) and Panton Valentine Leucocidin (PVL) encoding genes. The SCCmec types were also investigated by multiplex PCR targeting genes encoding type I-V. The antibiogram profiles of MRSA strains to 12 antibiotics by the disc diffusion method and to vancomycin by broth micro dilution method were elucidated. Polymerase chain reaction was employed to evaluate the presence of antibiotic resistant genes. The nucleotide sequences of the rpoB gene were analysed to determine mutations that could lead to rifampicin resistance. Results: A broad diversity of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacterial species of different taxonomic groups was observed with Proteobacteria revealed as the most common bacteria phyla. Fifty one families were identified with Enterobacteriaceae the most frequently detected in all the anatomical sites and the gut showing the highest species diversity. A total of 606 (60.23 percent ) presumptive Vibrio isolates were confirmed by PCR of which V. fluvialis was the most predominant, 193 (31.85 percent ). This was followed by Vibrio vulnificus 74 (12.21 percent ), and V. parahaemolyticus 33 (5.45 percent ). No V. cholerae strain was detected. Only one of the V. parahaemolyticus strains possessed the trh virulent gene with no tdh detected. Virulence factors of V. fluvialis detected were stn (13.5 percent ), hupO (10.4 percent ), and vfpA (1.0 percent ). V. vulnificus biotype 3, formerly restricted to Isreal was identified. Generally, resistance among Vibrio isolates varied considerably with highest resistances recorded to amoxicillin (76.2 percent ), ampicillin (67.5 percent ), erythromycin (38.3 percent ), and doxycycline (35.0 percent ) while higher susceptibilities were revealed by gentamicin (100 percent ), norfloxacin (97.8 percent ), florfenicol (90.3 percent ), tetracycline (87.7 percent ), and chloramphenicol (87.4 percent ). Multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) (resistance to ≥ 2 classes of antibiotics) was 58.5 percent . The MAR index did not vary significantly between sites (P>0.05) and values of >0.20 were recorded in 40 percent (108/277) of all the isolates. The resistant genes ampC, blaOXA, tetA, tetM, dfr1, sul1, sul2, ermB, nptII and strA were detected in two or more Vibrio isolates while the SXT intergrase was detected only in one isolate. Seven of the 18 extreme drug resistant isolates possessed 1–3 plasmids of 1.5–10 kb range. A total of 321 presumptive Staphylococcus aureus isolates were recovered by culture out of which 202 (62.9 percent ) were identified as S. aureus by PCR. Of these, 33 (16.3 percent ) strains were mecA positive while the rest, 169 (83.7 percent ) were mecA negative. The sensitivity and specificity of MRSA detection by use of cefoxitin disc (30 μg) test was 93.9 percent and 91.7 percent , that for oxacillin screen agar test (6 μg/mL) was 81.8 percent and 92.3 percent while that of BrillianceTM MRSATM 2 agar was 87.9 percent and 94.1 percent respectively. Staphylococcal enterotoxin SEE was detected in 12.1 percent (4/33) of total strains followed by SEA 3.0 percent (1/33), and SEC 3.0 percent (1/33). SEB and SED were absent. Six of the isolates had the PVL gene, giving a prevalence of 18.2 percent . The most frequently detected SCCmec type was SCCmec type III (17/33; 51.5 percent ), closely followed by SCCmec subtype IVc (10/33; 30.3 percent ) and the least were SCCmec types I and II with only 3.0 percent (1/33) each. The rest four (4/33; 12.1 percent ) did not belong to any of the above types and were therefore considered to belong to other subtypes of SCCmec type IV not tested in the study. For antibiogram patterns, 12 (36.4 percent ) strains were resistant to doxycyline, 10 (30.3 percent ) to trimethroprim-sulfamethoxazole, 9 (27.3 percent ) to tetracycline and only 1 (3.0 percent ) strain was resistant to ciprofloxacin. Nineteen (57.6 percent ) of the MRSA strains had vancomycin MIC of ≤ 2 μg/mL, 4 (12.1 percent ) with MIC range of 4-8 μg/mL, and 10 (30.3 percent ) with values ≥ 16 μg/mL. Overall, 27 (91.percent) isolates showed simultaneous resistance to 3 or more antibiotics. The resistant genes tetM, tetA, ermB, BlaZ femA were detected in two or more strains resistant to various antimicrobials. Resistance to rifampicin was not caused by mutations in the rpoB gene. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first study reporting a broad, and diverse bacteria flora of skin, gill, and gut of the South African dusky kob as well as the first study on human pathogenic vibrios, and MRSA from marine finfish especially those from recirculatory aquaculture systems. Also, our study revealed that Vibrio species with pathogenic potential are present in marine dusky kob and its environs. Dusky kob is contaminated with CA- MRSA and HA- MRSA that may cause difficult to treat infections with regular antibiotics. Some of the MRSA strains contained toxins that can cause food-borne gastroeneteritis. The present study revealed that MRSA and Vibrio species are potential reservoirs for antibiotic resistant genes, which could be disseminated to other bacterial species probably through plasmids, a public health risk.
- Full Text:
Characterization of livestock manures biochar and their effect on soil chemical properties and crop growth under glasshouse conditions
- Authors: Dzvene, Admire Rukudzo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Biochar Soil fertility
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9863 , vital:35091
- Description: Biochar is being promoted as an amendment to improve soil properties, crop productivity, and carbon sequestration. In Africa, biochar adoption is hindered by production systems which include technology and feedstocks availability. However, little research has been published on the influence of biochar incorporation on soil chemical properties and early crop establishment. The aim of this study was to characterize biochar from cattle, goat, sheep and poultry kraal manures and their effect on soil properties and crop growth. This was guided by the following specific objectives, (i) to explore the mixed-farming system of Raymond Mhlaba Municipality on availability and utilization of livestock kraal manures (ii) to characterize biochar samples produced from cattle, goat, sheep and poultry kraal manures (iii) to determine the nutrient release patterns of biochars amended in a degraded soil (iv) to determine the effectiveness of converting manure to biochar and cattle manure on maize early development and, (v) to determine the effects of biochar type and application rate on early maize development. The farming system was surveyed to identify quantities of livestock manure, its availability and utilization for soil fertility amendment in cropping in the Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. The emerging results across all the villages revealed that, the mean livestock numbers were, 9.24±8.21 sheep, 9.37±8.15 goats, 7.95±7.66 cattle and 9.02±9.47 chickens. The findings revealed that 94 (82.4percent) of the respondents had access to cropland allocations in the form of outfields and homegardens. However, only 55 (48.2percent) of the respondents were currently cropping their fields. Maize was the most common crop grown followed by butternuts and potatoes. The application of manure by the respondents currently cropping their lands was only 40 (35.1percent) and the quantities used ranged from 210-1450 kg ha-1. The results further showed that the estimated total manure production was 2.9 t year-1, 0.82 t year-1, 0.04 t year-1, and 0.8 t year-1 from cattle, goats, chicken, and sheeps respectively. Drum retort method of slow pyrolysis at a temperature of 400°C was used to produce biochar from cattle, goat, sheep and poultry manure feedstocks. The biochar yields were 63percent, 72percent, 61percent and 83percent on a weight basis for the different feedstocks. The chemical properties of the biochar were significantly different from those of the manure from which they were made. Biochars that were high in Ca and K such as poultry manure biochar and sheep manure biochar indicated higher pH and electrical conductivity values. For instance, sheep manure biochar was (8.1 mS cm-1) and poultry manure biochar was (9.2 mS cm-1). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that, the biochars had porous structures ranging from 1.23um to 5.23um in diameter which are important for water conductance and holding capacity. The target soil carbon level to determine the effects of biochar soil incorporation was 2percent and the soil had 0.7percent. Therefore, it was treated with four livestock manure biochars at application rates of 0; 53.2 t ha-1 (CMB); 48.1 t ha-1 (GMB); 50.7 t ha-1 (SMB); and 40.2 t ha-1 (PMB) based on their carbon content to supplement the soil carbon difference. The effect on soil pH was such that SMB increased to 6.44, PMB (6.45), CMB (6.54), and GMB (6.53) relative to the control which did not show any changes. An increase was also observed on Olsen P concentrations (mg P kg-1) which varied with biochar treatments: PMB (6.22), GMB (6.37), SMB (6.44) and CMB (6.44) and were significantly higher than the control. Ammonium-N(NH4+) concentrations (mg NH4+-N) were increased in biochar treatments but, no significant differences were obtained with sampling time. SMB released 7.95 mg kg-1, CMB 7.50 mg kg- 1, PMB 7.46 mg kg-1 and GMB 7.05 mg kg-1, compared to the control 3.23 mg kg-1. Maize growth in soil sampled from farmers fields in cultivation and abandoned treated with biochar without application of inorganic fertilizer did not differ with control (soil only) treatments. However, maize growth in soil treated with biochar and inorganic fertilizer was comparative to manure treatments. This resulted in a follow up study to elucidate the effects of biochar alone and was carried out with cattle, goat, sheep and poultry biochars at five application rates (0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 kg C ha-1) applied to a sandy loam and a clayey loam soil of the Oakleaf and Tukulu soil forms respectively. Post-harvest soil pH, electrical conductivity and Olsen P showed improvements in biochar treatments relative to the control. Improvements in the chemical parameters and plant growth increased simultaneously with biochar application rate. Maize growth was not affected by biochar application at different rates.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dzvene, Admire Rukudzo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Biochar Soil fertility
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9863 , vital:35091
- Description: Biochar is being promoted as an amendment to improve soil properties, crop productivity, and carbon sequestration. In Africa, biochar adoption is hindered by production systems which include technology and feedstocks availability. However, little research has been published on the influence of biochar incorporation on soil chemical properties and early crop establishment. The aim of this study was to characterize biochar from cattle, goat, sheep and poultry kraal manures and their effect on soil properties and crop growth. This was guided by the following specific objectives, (i) to explore the mixed-farming system of Raymond Mhlaba Municipality on availability and utilization of livestock kraal manures (ii) to characterize biochar samples produced from cattle, goat, sheep and poultry kraal manures (iii) to determine the nutrient release patterns of biochars amended in a degraded soil (iv) to determine the effectiveness of converting manure to biochar and cattle manure on maize early development and, (v) to determine the effects of biochar type and application rate on early maize development. The farming system was surveyed to identify quantities of livestock manure, its availability and utilization for soil fertility amendment in cropping in the Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. The emerging results across all the villages revealed that, the mean livestock numbers were, 9.24±8.21 sheep, 9.37±8.15 goats, 7.95±7.66 cattle and 9.02±9.47 chickens. The findings revealed that 94 (82.4percent) of the respondents had access to cropland allocations in the form of outfields and homegardens. However, only 55 (48.2percent) of the respondents were currently cropping their fields. Maize was the most common crop grown followed by butternuts and potatoes. The application of manure by the respondents currently cropping their lands was only 40 (35.1percent) and the quantities used ranged from 210-1450 kg ha-1. The results further showed that the estimated total manure production was 2.9 t year-1, 0.82 t year-1, 0.04 t year-1, and 0.8 t year-1 from cattle, goats, chicken, and sheeps respectively. Drum retort method of slow pyrolysis at a temperature of 400°C was used to produce biochar from cattle, goat, sheep and poultry manure feedstocks. The biochar yields were 63percent, 72percent, 61percent and 83percent on a weight basis for the different feedstocks. The chemical properties of the biochar were significantly different from those of the manure from which they were made. Biochars that were high in Ca and K such as poultry manure biochar and sheep manure biochar indicated higher pH and electrical conductivity values. For instance, sheep manure biochar was (8.1 mS cm-1) and poultry manure biochar was (9.2 mS cm-1). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that, the biochars had porous structures ranging from 1.23um to 5.23um in diameter which are important for water conductance and holding capacity. The target soil carbon level to determine the effects of biochar soil incorporation was 2percent and the soil had 0.7percent. Therefore, it was treated with four livestock manure biochars at application rates of 0; 53.2 t ha-1 (CMB); 48.1 t ha-1 (GMB); 50.7 t ha-1 (SMB); and 40.2 t ha-1 (PMB) based on their carbon content to supplement the soil carbon difference. The effect on soil pH was such that SMB increased to 6.44, PMB (6.45), CMB (6.54), and GMB (6.53) relative to the control which did not show any changes. An increase was also observed on Olsen P concentrations (mg P kg-1) which varied with biochar treatments: PMB (6.22), GMB (6.37), SMB (6.44) and CMB (6.44) and were significantly higher than the control. Ammonium-N(NH4+) concentrations (mg NH4+-N) were increased in biochar treatments but, no significant differences were obtained with sampling time. SMB released 7.95 mg kg-1, CMB 7.50 mg kg- 1, PMB 7.46 mg kg-1 and GMB 7.05 mg kg-1, compared to the control 3.23 mg kg-1. Maize growth in soil sampled from farmers fields in cultivation and abandoned treated with biochar without application of inorganic fertilizer did not differ with control (soil only) treatments. However, maize growth in soil treated with biochar and inorganic fertilizer was comparative to manure treatments. This resulted in a follow up study to elucidate the effects of biochar alone and was carried out with cattle, goat, sheep and poultry biochars at five application rates (0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 kg C ha-1) applied to a sandy loam and a clayey loam soil of the Oakleaf and Tukulu soil forms respectively. Post-harvest soil pH, electrical conductivity and Olsen P showed improvements in biochar treatments relative to the control. Improvements in the chemical parameters and plant growth increased simultaneously with biochar application rate. Maize growth was not affected by biochar application at different rates.
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Characterization of maize biochars, their effects on soils, early maize growth and effectiveness of fertilizers
- Authors: Pinkson, Sibusisiwe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Soil fertility Crops and soils Biochar
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9974 , vital:35211
- Description: The use of maize biochar in smallholder cropping systems of the Eastern Cape (EC) Province could be a strategy that helps mitigate a common challenge such as poor soil fertility in maize productivity. The current study investigated the following: a) comparison of maize biochars derived from the drum and pit kiln pyrolytic systems as soil amendments; b) effects of maize biochars on soil acidity and extractable nutrients of three arable soil types of the EC Province; c) effects of maize biochars on early maize growth and nutrient uptake; d) effect of maize biochars on the effectiveness of organic and inorganic fertilizers for improved soil quality and maize growth. Maize biochars were produced from two pyrolytic systems namely the pit and drum kiln, each maize biochar type was analyzed with respect to its chemical and physical characteristics to investigate its potential as a soil amendment. Both pyrolytic systems were monitored to identify optimum pyrolytic temperatures reached by each process. Observed peak pyrolytic temperature were 300 °C and 500 °C for the pit and drum pyrolytic systems respectively. Both maize biochar types were alkaline in nature with pH values of 8.36 (H2O) and 7.45 (KCl) and 8.95 (H2O) and 7.82 (KCl) for pit and drum biochar respectively. Electrical conductivity (Ec) of drum biochar was 199 mS /m and that of pit biochar 186 mS /m. Generally, there were no differences in the chemical compositions of the two biochar types. However, in most analysis drum biochar gave higher values in nutrient composition compared to the pit biochar. Moreover, according to SEM analysis both biochar materials consisted of an increase in pore size distribution compared to the original feedstock material. In addition, an increase in nutrient composition in the two biochar types compared to the original feedstock was also observed. In an incubation experiment, potential effects of the two maize biochar types derived from the pit and drum kiln pyrolytic systems on soil acidity and nutrients were investigated on three arable soil types of the EC Province. Three soil types investigated were obtained from the University of Fort Hare (UFH), Phandulwazi (PND) and Msobomvu (MSV). The UFH soil was a sandy loam of the Oakleaf form or Eutric Cambisol, the PND soil was a sandy loam over sandy clay a Haplic Luvisol, while the MSV soil was a clay loam of Westleigh form a Ferric luvisol. Both maize biochar types significantly (p< 0.05) increased soil pH of the three soil types in the incubation study from an average of 4.68- 7.5. Soil pH improvement was in the following order pit biochar> drum biochar> control. Also, the two maize biochar types significantly (p< 0.05) increased the release of cations namely Ca, Mg and Na however, some decrease in nutrient concentrations were observed due to increase in pH levels at the later stage of the study. Biochar incorporation increased extractable P release from 30- 40 mg P/kg to an average range of between 120- 160 mg P/kg across all soil types. A glasshouse study was also conducted investigating the effect of different biochar rates of the two maize biochar types used in the previous studies on early maize growth and nutrient uptake, same soil types were used as those in the incubation study. Biochar was applied at application rates of 0, 100, 200 and 300 kg C/ha of biochar. The glasshouse experiment consisted of two cycles, each with a six week period of monitoring maize seedling growth development. Generally, a significant increase in maize growth parameters such as plant height, stem girth, number of leaves and leaf area increased after biochar additions compared to the control. Both biochars significantly improved maize seedling growth at an application rate of 200 kg C/haHowever, the two biochar types displayed varying impacts on maize growth due to influence of soil type and biochar application rates. Nutrient- uptake of Ca, P, Na and Mg showed to improve at an application rate of 200 kg C/ha for both biochar types showing a 50 percent increase compared to the control. Nutrient- uptake patterns for P, Ca, Mg and Na differed across all soil types, mainly due to changes in pH and Na levels which were influenced by increased biochar concentrations resulting in nutrient deficiency. Another glasshouse experiment aimed at investigating the effects on the two maize biochar types on influencing the effectiveness of both organic and inorganic fertilizers for improved early maize growth and soil productivity. Biochar was applied at an application rate of 400 kg C/ha of biochar, fertilizer was applied at application rates of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg N/ha and manure at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 t/ha respectively. The glasshouse experiment consisted of two cycles, each with a six week period of monitoring maize seedling growth development. In the 1st cycle, manure rate of 40 t/ha resulted in the highest plant height of maize seedlings grown in the glasshouse, biochar type also showed to influence plant height. After the 1st harvest Mg, K and P levels improved at 30 t/ha, Na at 20 t/ha and Ca 40 t/ha of manure. Plant height and stem girth improved at 30 kg N/ha of fertilizer, however, nutrient levels for Ca, K and Mg decreased after the 1st harvest, while Na levels increased. Nutrient uptake was the highest for Mg and Na at 40 kg N/ha while for Ca at 30 kg N/ha of fertilizer. During the 2nd cycle plant height was the highest at 30 t/ha of manure, and effect of manure rate was significant (p<0.05) for number of leaves, plant height and biomass. Whereas, manure rate and biochar type effect were insignificant (p>0.05) for pH, Ec and nutrient uptake changes. Maize seedling showed significant response to fertilizer 40 kg N/ha for most of the growth parameters measured (P<0.05), except for germination percentage. All treatments investigated had no effect on germination percentage. The two biochar types showed significant (p<0.05) effects on soil pH and Ec. Drum biochar was slightly better performing than pit biochar. Results obtained from the various studies suggests that maize biochars derived from the pit and drum pyrolytic systems are potential soil amendments in correcting soil acidity and nutrient deficiency in the EC Province. Both biochar types have shown abilities to improve early maize growth and effectiveness of fertilizers in maize based systems of the EC Province. However, some variations in soil fertility and early maize growth were observed as a result of the soil type response towards the two biochar applications. This could also have risen as a result of a number of factors such as the nutritional composition of biochar material, initial soil type chemical composition, biochar and fertilizer application rates and time taken or period to complete each study. Therefore, further experiments should be conducted to validate these results, preferable having longer periods of study, moreover, field experiments. In addition, investigations on potential feedstock materials such as animal wastes used as biochar in the EC Province can be conducted.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Pinkson, Sibusisiwe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Soil fertility Crops and soils Biochar
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9974 , vital:35211
- Description: The use of maize biochar in smallholder cropping systems of the Eastern Cape (EC) Province could be a strategy that helps mitigate a common challenge such as poor soil fertility in maize productivity. The current study investigated the following: a) comparison of maize biochars derived from the drum and pit kiln pyrolytic systems as soil amendments; b) effects of maize biochars on soil acidity and extractable nutrients of three arable soil types of the EC Province; c) effects of maize biochars on early maize growth and nutrient uptake; d) effect of maize biochars on the effectiveness of organic and inorganic fertilizers for improved soil quality and maize growth. Maize biochars were produced from two pyrolytic systems namely the pit and drum kiln, each maize biochar type was analyzed with respect to its chemical and physical characteristics to investigate its potential as a soil amendment. Both pyrolytic systems were monitored to identify optimum pyrolytic temperatures reached by each process. Observed peak pyrolytic temperature were 300 °C and 500 °C for the pit and drum pyrolytic systems respectively. Both maize biochar types were alkaline in nature with pH values of 8.36 (H2O) and 7.45 (KCl) and 8.95 (H2O) and 7.82 (KCl) for pit and drum biochar respectively. Electrical conductivity (Ec) of drum biochar was 199 mS /m and that of pit biochar 186 mS /m. Generally, there were no differences in the chemical compositions of the two biochar types. However, in most analysis drum biochar gave higher values in nutrient composition compared to the pit biochar. Moreover, according to SEM analysis both biochar materials consisted of an increase in pore size distribution compared to the original feedstock material. In addition, an increase in nutrient composition in the two biochar types compared to the original feedstock was also observed. In an incubation experiment, potential effects of the two maize biochar types derived from the pit and drum kiln pyrolytic systems on soil acidity and nutrients were investigated on three arable soil types of the EC Province. Three soil types investigated were obtained from the University of Fort Hare (UFH), Phandulwazi (PND) and Msobomvu (MSV). The UFH soil was a sandy loam of the Oakleaf form or Eutric Cambisol, the PND soil was a sandy loam over sandy clay a Haplic Luvisol, while the MSV soil was a clay loam of Westleigh form a Ferric luvisol. Both maize biochar types significantly (p< 0.05) increased soil pH of the three soil types in the incubation study from an average of 4.68- 7.5. Soil pH improvement was in the following order pit biochar> drum biochar> control. Also, the two maize biochar types significantly (p< 0.05) increased the release of cations namely Ca, Mg and Na however, some decrease in nutrient concentrations were observed due to increase in pH levels at the later stage of the study. Biochar incorporation increased extractable P release from 30- 40 mg P/kg to an average range of between 120- 160 mg P/kg across all soil types. A glasshouse study was also conducted investigating the effect of different biochar rates of the two maize biochar types used in the previous studies on early maize growth and nutrient uptake, same soil types were used as those in the incubation study. Biochar was applied at application rates of 0, 100, 200 and 300 kg C/ha of biochar. The glasshouse experiment consisted of two cycles, each with a six week period of monitoring maize seedling growth development. Generally, a significant increase in maize growth parameters such as plant height, stem girth, number of leaves and leaf area increased after biochar additions compared to the control. Both biochars significantly improved maize seedling growth at an application rate of 200 kg C/haHowever, the two biochar types displayed varying impacts on maize growth due to influence of soil type and biochar application rates. Nutrient- uptake of Ca, P, Na and Mg showed to improve at an application rate of 200 kg C/ha for both biochar types showing a 50 percent increase compared to the control. Nutrient- uptake patterns for P, Ca, Mg and Na differed across all soil types, mainly due to changes in pH and Na levels which were influenced by increased biochar concentrations resulting in nutrient deficiency. Another glasshouse experiment aimed at investigating the effects on the two maize biochar types on influencing the effectiveness of both organic and inorganic fertilizers for improved early maize growth and soil productivity. Biochar was applied at an application rate of 400 kg C/ha of biochar, fertilizer was applied at application rates of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg N/ha and manure at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 t/ha respectively. The glasshouse experiment consisted of two cycles, each with a six week period of monitoring maize seedling growth development. In the 1st cycle, manure rate of 40 t/ha resulted in the highest plant height of maize seedlings grown in the glasshouse, biochar type also showed to influence plant height. After the 1st harvest Mg, K and P levels improved at 30 t/ha, Na at 20 t/ha and Ca 40 t/ha of manure. Plant height and stem girth improved at 30 kg N/ha of fertilizer, however, nutrient levels for Ca, K and Mg decreased after the 1st harvest, while Na levels increased. Nutrient uptake was the highest for Mg and Na at 40 kg N/ha while for Ca at 30 kg N/ha of fertilizer. During the 2nd cycle plant height was the highest at 30 t/ha of manure, and effect of manure rate was significant (p<0.05) for number of leaves, plant height and biomass. Whereas, manure rate and biochar type effect were insignificant (p>0.05) for pH, Ec and nutrient uptake changes. Maize seedling showed significant response to fertilizer 40 kg N/ha for most of the growth parameters measured (P<0.05), except for germination percentage. All treatments investigated had no effect on germination percentage. The two biochar types showed significant (p<0.05) effects on soil pH and Ec. Drum biochar was slightly better performing than pit biochar. Results obtained from the various studies suggests that maize biochars derived from the pit and drum pyrolytic systems are potential soil amendments in correcting soil acidity and nutrient deficiency in the EC Province. Both biochar types have shown abilities to improve early maize growth and effectiveness of fertilizers in maize based systems of the EC Province. However, some variations in soil fertility and early maize growth were observed as a result of the soil type response towards the two biochar applications. This could also have risen as a result of a number of factors such as the nutritional composition of biochar material, initial soil type chemical composition, biochar and fertilizer application rates and time taken or period to complete each study. Therefore, further experiments should be conducted to validate these results, preferable having longer periods of study, moreover, field experiments. In addition, investigations on potential feedstock materials such as animal wastes used as biochar in the EC Province can be conducted.
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Choice of market channels by smallholder vegetable farmers in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
- Authors: Yokwana, Aphelele Lucia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Vegetables -- Marketing Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Vegetable trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11906 , vital:39117
- Description: The study investigates the choice of market channels by smallholder vegetable farmers in King Sabatha Dalindyebo Municipality, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Vegetables as a group of horticultural crops are important for their contribution as an income support to a large proportion of the rural households. However, enhancing vegetable farmers to reach markets and actively engage in the markets is a key challenge influencing vegetable production in South Africa. The perishable nature of vegetables demands effective marketing channels. The main objective of the study was to investigate factors affecting vegetable farmers’ choice of market channels in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. The study adopted a multistage stratified sampling method. Multi-stage sampling was done in which the first stage involved selecting respondents from the different wards in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality. This was done through stratification by separating vegetable smallholder farmers and homesteads within that area (different villages within the area). This was followed by employing quota sampling through the different households and smallholder farmers within those areas in order to determine households and smallholder farmers that are able to provide the needed information concerning the choice of market channels. By stratified random sampling based on village, project membership and smallholder farmers, a sample of 110 heads of households was chosen for the study in eight different wards of KSD. The sampling for this study was based on a large sampling technique of n ≥ 30 as there is no information regarding the population of the total number of homesteads and smallholder farmers that are under each traditional leader (chief) in these study sites. This sample comprises homesteads and smallholder farmers that took part in vegetable production. A structured questionnaire together with field observations and measurements were adopted for obtaining information from household respondents. Descriptive statistics (percentages, means, frequency tables and figures) and a Multinomial logistic regression model have been used to analyze the data. From the Multinomial logistic regression results, farming experience is positively related to choice of farm gate market channel at 1percent level of significance. The age of vegetable farmers was positively related to the choice of direct to consumer market channel at 5percent significance level. The level of education of the vegetable farmers was positively related to the choice of direct to consumer market channel at 5percent significance level. Moreover, the results also showed that the inputs used are positively related to the choice of farm-gate as well as direct to consumer market channels at 5percent significance level. Similarly, means of transportation used and choice of marketing channel of the vegetable farmers are positively related at 1percent significance level at the direct to consumer choice of market channel. Furthermore, access to extension services indicated a positive relationship to the choice of market channel amongst the smallholder vegetable farmers for the direct to consumer at 5percent level of significance which is insignificant for that of the farm-gate. There is therefore, need for strong extension support in assisting the farmers to diversify their production, provide market information thereby enhancing production and opening up channels for market accessibility. This is seen to enhance rural households’ livelihood outcomes in agricultural production thereby improving the choice of market channels by smallholder vegetable farmers and alleviating poverty and improving food security. More so, the government and research institutes need to organize workshops and extension programs in famer’ training for more efficiency in their vegetable production and marketing.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Yokwana, Aphelele Lucia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Vegetables -- Marketing Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Vegetable trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11906 , vital:39117
- Description: The study investigates the choice of market channels by smallholder vegetable farmers in King Sabatha Dalindyebo Municipality, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Vegetables as a group of horticultural crops are important for their contribution as an income support to a large proportion of the rural households. However, enhancing vegetable farmers to reach markets and actively engage in the markets is a key challenge influencing vegetable production in South Africa. The perishable nature of vegetables demands effective marketing channels. The main objective of the study was to investigate factors affecting vegetable farmers’ choice of market channels in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. The study adopted a multistage stratified sampling method. Multi-stage sampling was done in which the first stage involved selecting respondents from the different wards in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality. This was done through stratification by separating vegetable smallholder farmers and homesteads within that area (different villages within the area). This was followed by employing quota sampling through the different households and smallholder farmers within those areas in order to determine households and smallholder farmers that are able to provide the needed information concerning the choice of market channels. By stratified random sampling based on village, project membership and smallholder farmers, a sample of 110 heads of households was chosen for the study in eight different wards of KSD. The sampling for this study was based on a large sampling technique of n ≥ 30 as there is no information regarding the population of the total number of homesteads and smallholder farmers that are under each traditional leader (chief) in these study sites. This sample comprises homesteads and smallholder farmers that took part in vegetable production. A structured questionnaire together with field observations and measurements were adopted for obtaining information from household respondents. Descriptive statistics (percentages, means, frequency tables and figures) and a Multinomial logistic regression model have been used to analyze the data. From the Multinomial logistic regression results, farming experience is positively related to choice of farm gate market channel at 1percent level of significance. The age of vegetable farmers was positively related to the choice of direct to consumer market channel at 5percent significance level. The level of education of the vegetable farmers was positively related to the choice of direct to consumer market channel at 5percent significance level. Moreover, the results also showed that the inputs used are positively related to the choice of farm-gate as well as direct to consumer market channels at 5percent significance level. Similarly, means of transportation used and choice of marketing channel of the vegetable farmers are positively related at 1percent significance level at the direct to consumer choice of market channel. Furthermore, access to extension services indicated a positive relationship to the choice of market channel amongst the smallholder vegetable farmers for the direct to consumer at 5percent level of significance which is insignificant for that of the farm-gate. There is therefore, need for strong extension support in assisting the farmers to diversify their production, provide market information thereby enhancing production and opening up channels for market accessibility. This is seen to enhance rural households’ livelihood outcomes in agricultural production thereby improving the choice of market channels by smallholder vegetable farmers and alleviating poverty and improving food security. More so, the government and research institutes need to organize workshops and extension programs in famer’ training for more efficiency in their vegetable production and marketing.
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Comparative analysis of zero-tillage and conventional tillage practices in the Amahlathi local municipality of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
- Authors: Gomo, Zintle
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Tillage--South Africa--Eastern Cape Farms, Small--South Africa--Eastern Cape No-tillage--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Agricultural Economics
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11586 , vital:39087
- Description: The current interest in zero tillage/no-till technologies is a result of the need to reduce excessive land degradation in most crop producing areas as well as to enhance sustainable food production. Farmers are always looking for ways to increase yields and profits and zero-tillage may be a way to achieve this goal. However, a systematic comparative study of the performance of zero-tillage and conventional tillage within the former homeland areas of the Eastern Cape Province is lacking. The broad objective of the study is to comparatively analyze zero tillage and conventional tillage and to determine which practice is more beneficial for the land and farmers in the area. Specifically, the study investigated the relative performance of Zero-tillage and conventional–tillage in terms of quantity produced per farm and per hectare, factors influencing the adoption rate of zero tillage and conventional tillage and to determine the relative impact of zero-tillage and conventional tillage on household income. The study was carried out in Amahlathi Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province and employed survey data obtained from 100 respondents using conventional tillage and zero tillage farmers growing spinach, cabbage, beetroot, maize, and potatoes. The study employed a cross-sectional research design. A multistage stratified sampling procedure was used in which the first stage involved selecting respondents from Amahlathi Local Municipally. This was followed by the selection of villages and then the respondents. This was done through stratification of smallholder farmers from the different Villages. This was followed by random sampling which was used to get the sample size for the study. Stata and SPSS were used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics was used to examine current farming practices in the Eastern Cape Province while Propensity Score Matching was employed to estimate the factors that had an impact on zero tillage adoption as well as the relative impact of zero tillage and conventional tillage on household income. Gross margin analysis was used to estimate profitability of zero tillage and conventional. female farmers are participating more in zero tillage with 63.8percent while males are dominating the conventional tillage with 51.6percent. These results show that females play a crucial role in decision making when it comes to agriculture and adoption of new agricultural technologies. The majority of the farmers involved in the study were young farmers with 58percent from zero tillage and 42percent practically involved in conventional tillage. Moreover, the study showed that 41percent of the respondents practising ZT were married, and about 39percent of the respondents practising conventional tillage were married. The marital status of the respondents suggested that zero-tillage farmers were relatively stable in their farming activities as compared to conventional tillage. The results presented that 52.2percent of the respondents who practised zero tillage were better educated than the 48.4percent of the respondents practising conventional tillage. The respondents that were specialising in zero-tillage, about 41% relied on farming, 6% relied on salaried income and 54percent relied on social grants. On the other hand, respondents that were specialising in conventional tillage about, 26percent relied on farming, 16percent relied on salaried income, while 58percent relied on social grants. The respondents that were specialising in zero-tillage, about 28percent used communal land, 1percent used own land and 71percent used family land. On the other hand, respondents that were specialising in conventional tillage about, 42percent used communal land, 7percent use own land and 52percent used family land. The average household size for both groups of farmers is 5 people per household. Household income distribution for conventional tillage is giving the farmers an average of R3187.10 income while the zero tillage is giving them an income of R2305.80 on average. The study revealed that the landholdings for conventional tillage agriculture tend to be more (1.77 ha) compared to zero tillage (0.79 ha) agriculture. The Propensity Score Matching results indicated that participation in smallholder zero tillage farming contributes to household income. This implies that participating in zero tillage farming can contribute to rural livelihoods, increased income and production yields. The study results showed that households chose different farming systems based on their knowledge, level of education and farming experiences. The gross margin results show that conventional tillage farming households generated more income than zero tillage farming households. Farmers who were involved in conventional tillage farming were complaining that yields and income have decreased with time and they are continuing to decrease while farmers who carried out zero tillage farming indicated that their yields and income have improved considerably and continue to increase with time. Thus, support for adopting and implementing zero tillage practices can be an important factor for improving incomes for rural households. Based on the findings highlighted above, the study recommends provision of farm inputs and continuation of government support with more emphasis on strengthening access to inputs and technical assistance. There is a need for support programmes that would help to motivate farmers for better performance. The programmes include infrastructure developments, research and extension activities.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gomo, Zintle
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Tillage--South Africa--Eastern Cape Farms, Small--South Africa--Eastern Cape No-tillage--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Agricultural Economics
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11586 , vital:39087
- Description: The current interest in zero tillage/no-till technologies is a result of the need to reduce excessive land degradation in most crop producing areas as well as to enhance sustainable food production. Farmers are always looking for ways to increase yields and profits and zero-tillage may be a way to achieve this goal. However, a systematic comparative study of the performance of zero-tillage and conventional tillage within the former homeland areas of the Eastern Cape Province is lacking. The broad objective of the study is to comparatively analyze zero tillage and conventional tillage and to determine which practice is more beneficial for the land and farmers in the area. Specifically, the study investigated the relative performance of Zero-tillage and conventional–tillage in terms of quantity produced per farm and per hectare, factors influencing the adoption rate of zero tillage and conventional tillage and to determine the relative impact of zero-tillage and conventional tillage on household income. The study was carried out in Amahlathi Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province and employed survey data obtained from 100 respondents using conventional tillage and zero tillage farmers growing spinach, cabbage, beetroot, maize, and potatoes. The study employed a cross-sectional research design. A multistage stratified sampling procedure was used in which the first stage involved selecting respondents from Amahlathi Local Municipally. This was followed by the selection of villages and then the respondents. This was done through stratification of smallholder farmers from the different Villages. This was followed by random sampling which was used to get the sample size for the study. Stata and SPSS were used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics was used to examine current farming practices in the Eastern Cape Province while Propensity Score Matching was employed to estimate the factors that had an impact on zero tillage adoption as well as the relative impact of zero tillage and conventional tillage on household income. Gross margin analysis was used to estimate profitability of zero tillage and conventional. female farmers are participating more in zero tillage with 63.8percent while males are dominating the conventional tillage with 51.6percent. These results show that females play a crucial role in decision making when it comes to agriculture and adoption of new agricultural technologies. The majority of the farmers involved in the study were young farmers with 58percent from zero tillage and 42percent practically involved in conventional tillage. Moreover, the study showed that 41percent of the respondents practising ZT were married, and about 39percent of the respondents practising conventional tillage were married. The marital status of the respondents suggested that zero-tillage farmers were relatively stable in their farming activities as compared to conventional tillage. The results presented that 52.2percent of the respondents who practised zero tillage were better educated than the 48.4percent of the respondents practising conventional tillage. The respondents that were specialising in zero-tillage, about 41% relied on farming, 6% relied on salaried income and 54percent relied on social grants. On the other hand, respondents that were specialising in conventional tillage about, 26percent relied on farming, 16percent relied on salaried income, while 58percent relied on social grants. The respondents that were specialising in zero-tillage, about 28percent used communal land, 1percent used own land and 71percent used family land. On the other hand, respondents that were specialising in conventional tillage about, 42percent used communal land, 7percent use own land and 52percent used family land. The average household size for both groups of farmers is 5 people per household. Household income distribution for conventional tillage is giving the farmers an average of R3187.10 income while the zero tillage is giving them an income of R2305.80 on average. The study revealed that the landholdings for conventional tillage agriculture tend to be more (1.77 ha) compared to zero tillage (0.79 ha) agriculture. The Propensity Score Matching results indicated that participation in smallholder zero tillage farming contributes to household income. This implies that participating in zero tillage farming can contribute to rural livelihoods, increased income and production yields. The study results showed that households chose different farming systems based on their knowledge, level of education and farming experiences. The gross margin results show that conventional tillage farming households generated more income than zero tillage farming households. Farmers who were involved in conventional tillage farming were complaining that yields and income have decreased with time and they are continuing to decrease while farmers who carried out zero tillage farming indicated that their yields and income have improved considerably and continue to increase with time. Thus, support for adopting and implementing zero tillage practices can be an important factor for improving incomes for rural households. Based on the findings highlighted above, the study recommends provision of farm inputs and continuation of government support with more emphasis on strengthening access to inputs and technical assistance. There is a need for support programmes that would help to motivate farmers for better performance. The programmes include infrastructure developments, research and extension activities.
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Comparative studies of different ant-hypertensive treatments used for cardiovascular disease patients : a case study of public health facility in the Eastern Cape South Africa
- Abiodun, Oluwatoyin Victoria
- Authors: Abiodun, Oluwatoyin Victoria
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Survival analysis (Biometry) Cardiovascular system -- Diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13205 , vital:39519
- Description: Discovery has shown that many deaths arising from cardiovascular disease often show early symptoms of high blood pressure, which makes it the leading risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. There is a distressing rate of 970 million hypertensive patients worldwide, a higher ratio of 640 million are from developing countries, if proper measures are not taken, there will be a higher growth of cardiovascular disease in adults by 2025. The focus of this study was to compare the therapeutic potentials of the anti-hypertensive therapies, drug A (amiloride + furosemide) and drug B (hydrochlorothiazide + enalapril) used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease patients for their capability to lengthen remission duration and survival time. All patients were diagnosed with a type of cardiovascular disorder, therefore patient records were followed up and blood pressure was being monitored for a period of two years. The retrospective data gotten from the public health facility was analysed using survival analysis methods. The results revealed that there was no statistical significance in the distributions of the length of remission and survival time of drug A and drug B patients. Also, in the age category, CVD patients that are 55 and above recover faster with drug A, while CVD patients below 55 shows a better survival with drug B. Then again, estimates from the gender category show a better survival in males using drug A, while the females thrive slightly better using drug B. Among all the risk factors considered in the study, only employment status showed a strong impact on survival time (remission). The findings from this study may help to formulate interventions and strategies that will increase the lifespan of cardiovascular patients and reduce early mortality due to cardiovascular diseases.
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- Authors: Abiodun, Oluwatoyin Victoria
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Survival analysis (Biometry) Cardiovascular system -- Diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13205 , vital:39519
- Description: Discovery has shown that many deaths arising from cardiovascular disease often show early symptoms of high blood pressure, which makes it the leading risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. There is a distressing rate of 970 million hypertensive patients worldwide, a higher ratio of 640 million are from developing countries, if proper measures are not taken, there will be a higher growth of cardiovascular disease in adults by 2025. The focus of this study was to compare the therapeutic potentials of the anti-hypertensive therapies, drug A (amiloride + furosemide) and drug B (hydrochlorothiazide + enalapril) used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease patients for their capability to lengthen remission duration and survival time. All patients were diagnosed with a type of cardiovascular disorder, therefore patient records were followed up and blood pressure was being monitored for a period of two years. The retrospective data gotten from the public health facility was analysed using survival analysis methods. The results revealed that there was no statistical significance in the distributions of the length of remission and survival time of drug A and drug B patients. Also, in the age category, CVD patients that are 55 and above recover faster with drug A, while CVD patients below 55 shows a better survival with drug B. Then again, estimates from the gender category show a better survival in males using drug A, while the females thrive slightly better using drug B. Among all the risk factors considered in the study, only employment status showed a strong impact on survival time (remission). The findings from this study may help to formulate interventions and strategies that will increase the lifespan of cardiovascular patients and reduce early mortality due to cardiovascular diseases.
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Contribution of home gardens to rural household income in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Alaka, Kolawole O
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Gardens Food security Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8176 , vital:31826
- Description: For decades, home gardens have proved to be significant to rural inhabitants by providing a wide range of useful products such as fruits, vegetables and medicine, but there is lack of quantitative information on its benefits and its contributions to income of rural household. The main objective of this study is to investigate contributions of home garden to income of rural household in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, formerly Nkonkobe Local Municipality of Eastern Cape Province South Africa. The stratified random sampling method was applied in order to choose a sample of 160 household that were interviewed by means of semi-structured questionnaires. The study was conducted among 80 households engaging in home gardens and 80 non- participating households in the study area. Frequencies and mean were used to describe the general characteristics of the households as well as ownership patterns of home gardens. In order to determine the factors that influence home gardens ownership binary logistic regression model was used. The overall model show that level of education, total household income and access to land significantly affects ownership of the home garden positively. Social grant has the highest contributions to total household income for both category while income generated from home garden has the second largest share to total household income, this show that the majority of rural households in the study area rely on social grant as their source of income. Cabbage, spinach, potatoes and carrots were the dominant crops in home gardens. In view of research findings, there is still a wide room for further improvement in home gardens practises in study area. Contrary to expectations, home gardens have the potential to improve livelihood significantly if the rural households take the necessary steps to make the production more sustainable. Based on research findings several policy proposals are suggested. These include investment in agricultural programmes that will empower the rural households like Massive food projects, Siyazondla and related home garden initiatives. Home garden is the major source of food and income generation in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. Therefore, government should provide sufficient credit facilities, extension services together with marketing arrangement in the area.
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- Authors: Alaka, Kolawole O
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Gardens Food security Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8176 , vital:31826
- Description: For decades, home gardens have proved to be significant to rural inhabitants by providing a wide range of useful products such as fruits, vegetables and medicine, but there is lack of quantitative information on its benefits and its contributions to income of rural household. The main objective of this study is to investigate contributions of home garden to income of rural household in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, formerly Nkonkobe Local Municipality of Eastern Cape Province South Africa. The stratified random sampling method was applied in order to choose a sample of 160 household that were interviewed by means of semi-structured questionnaires. The study was conducted among 80 households engaging in home gardens and 80 non- participating households in the study area. Frequencies and mean were used to describe the general characteristics of the households as well as ownership patterns of home gardens. In order to determine the factors that influence home gardens ownership binary logistic regression model was used. The overall model show that level of education, total household income and access to land significantly affects ownership of the home garden positively. Social grant has the highest contributions to total household income for both category while income generated from home garden has the second largest share to total household income, this show that the majority of rural households in the study area rely on social grant as their source of income. Cabbage, spinach, potatoes and carrots were the dominant crops in home gardens. In view of research findings, there is still a wide room for further improvement in home gardens practises in study area. Contrary to expectations, home gardens have the potential to improve livelihood significantly if the rural households take the necessary steps to make the production more sustainable. Based on research findings several policy proposals are suggested. These include investment in agricultural programmes that will empower the rural households like Massive food projects, Siyazondla and related home garden initiatives. Home garden is the major source of food and income generation in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. Therefore, government should provide sufficient credit facilities, extension services together with marketing arrangement in the area.
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Cost and return analysis of smallholder organic crop farms in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
- Authors: Akharume, Celestine Ohi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Profit -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Organic farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13730 , vital:39703
- Description: Agriculture remains an influential sector in South Africa in terms of its contributions to economic development and poverty reduction, notably in the rural areas. These include providing sufficient and affordable food for the constantly increasing population, providing cheap food for the developing industrial labor force, providing employment and livelihoods and supplying raw materials to the country’s rising domestic industrial sector. Despite phenomenal progress in integrating smallholder farmers into the mainstream economy since democratic reforms in the country, deteriorating soil quality through poor agricultural practices, land erosion, acidification and concerns about production and productivity and compliance with food safety standards are beginning to loom high. Hence, organic farming is identified as one of the sustainable approaches to farming. It is also believed to guarantee substantial net gains and to promote sustainable natural resource management with the possibility of enhancing overall agricultural productivity. Notwithstanding, organic farming is still being perceived negatively in South Africa and there is shortage of empirical studies which focus on cost and return of smallholder organic crop farms. It is in this regard that the study therefore seeks to analyze cost and return of smallholder organic crop farms in the Eastern Cape Province to contribute to knowledge on the relative economic advantages of organic agriculture at the smallholder sector. Specifically, the study profiled the socioeconomic characteristics of smallholder organic crop farmers, determined costs and returns, and estimated profitability and factors that constrain profitability of the smallholder organic crop farms. The research design used in this study was cross-sectional where data were collected at a single point in time. A multi- stage random sampling technique was used to obtain primary data from one hundred and sixty smallholder organic crop farmers (160) with the aid of structured questionnaires. Primary data were collected on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, variable costs and fixed costs, and returns from the organic crop farms. Data collected were analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and the descriptive and inferential statistics involved were mean, frequency proportion, gross margin and net income analysis as well as OLS regression analysis. The results of the descriptive analysis showed that the proportions of women involved in organic crop farming were higher than that of men and many of the farmers cultivated on less than 1.0ha. The analysis of the data also showed that smallholder organic crop farms are undoubtedly profitable farm business, with attractive net farm income and lower production costs. The findings further affirmed that factors such as household size, gender, farming experience, number of years in school, farm size, source of labor and access to credit affect profitability and net farm income. Therefore, government is advised to encourage the practice of organic farming by giving short-term loans to smallholder farmers, to enable them invest more in their organic crop farms. There is also need for government to organize workshops and lectures, educating and enlightening individual smallholder organic crop farmers on modern organic farming techniques to enhance profitability of smallholder organic crop farms.
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- Authors: Akharume, Celestine Ohi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Profit -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Organic farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13730 , vital:39703
- Description: Agriculture remains an influential sector in South Africa in terms of its contributions to economic development and poverty reduction, notably in the rural areas. These include providing sufficient and affordable food for the constantly increasing population, providing cheap food for the developing industrial labor force, providing employment and livelihoods and supplying raw materials to the country’s rising domestic industrial sector. Despite phenomenal progress in integrating smallholder farmers into the mainstream economy since democratic reforms in the country, deteriorating soil quality through poor agricultural practices, land erosion, acidification and concerns about production and productivity and compliance with food safety standards are beginning to loom high. Hence, organic farming is identified as one of the sustainable approaches to farming. It is also believed to guarantee substantial net gains and to promote sustainable natural resource management with the possibility of enhancing overall agricultural productivity. Notwithstanding, organic farming is still being perceived negatively in South Africa and there is shortage of empirical studies which focus on cost and return of smallholder organic crop farms. It is in this regard that the study therefore seeks to analyze cost and return of smallholder organic crop farms in the Eastern Cape Province to contribute to knowledge on the relative economic advantages of organic agriculture at the smallholder sector. Specifically, the study profiled the socioeconomic characteristics of smallholder organic crop farmers, determined costs and returns, and estimated profitability and factors that constrain profitability of the smallholder organic crop farms. The research design used in this study was cross-sectional where data were collected at a single point in time. A multi- stage random sampling technique was used to obtain primary data from one hundred and sixty smallholder organic crop farmers (160) with the aid of structured questionnaires. Primary data were collected on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, variable costs and fixed costs, and returns from the organic crop farms. Data collected were analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and the descriptive and inferential statistics involved were mean, frequency proportion, gross margin and net income analysis as well as OLS regression analysis. The results of the descriptive analysis showed that the proportions of women involved in organic crop farming were higher than that of men and many of the farmers cultivated on less than 1.0ha. The analysis of the data also showed that smallholder organic crop farms are undoubtedly profitable farm business, with attractive net farm income and lower production costs. The findings further affirmed that factors such as household size, gender, farming experience, number of years in school, farm size, source of labor and access to credit affect profitability and net farm income. Therefore, government is advised to encourage the practice of organic farming by giving short-term loans to smallholder farmers, to enable them invest more in their organic crop farms. There is also need for government to organize workshops and lectures, educating and enlightening individual smallholder organic crop farmers on modern organic farming techniques to enhance profitability of smallholder organic crop farms.
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Cultural and heritage tourism trends in the Amathole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, 2004-2014
- Authors: Mboniswa, Mncedi Justice
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Heritage tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Cultural property -- Repatriation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/7897 , vital:30798
- Description: The promotion of tourism in a country, especially those with high levels of poverty is one of the strategies that can potentially improve socio-economic conditions of citizens. In South Africa, cultural and heritage tourism is seen as one of the ways in which cultural resources can be utilised to benefit marginalised communities and individuals. Such resources can also serve as source of income since both domestic and international tourists can activate industry as they are interested in learning more about other cultures and heritage. There are on-going debates, however on what constitutes cultural and heritage tourism, who it benefits and how this enterprise is located within various communities of South Africa. This research therefore aims to fill this gap through investigating cultural and heritage tourism development trends within the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) and how this development trend impacts on employment creation and improving the socio-economic conditions of citizens within this area of ADM. To realise this aim, the study looks at the availability of cultural and heritage tourism structures within the ADM and the database records on these structures. This study adopts the community benefit tourism initiatives approach to tourism development in the Amathole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province. This qualitative study reveals how the community benefit tourism approach encompasses rewards to local communities, in as much as it enhances sustainability of tourism initiatives. In bringing out these aspects, the study also examines efforts of the government and private sector in the up-keeping of tourism initiatives, especially for marginalised communities of South Africa.
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- Authors: Mboniswa, Mncedi Justice
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Heritage tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Cultural property -- Repatriation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/7897 , vital:30798
- Description: The promotion of tourism in a country, especially those with high levels of poverty is one of the strategies that can potentially improve socio-economic conditions of citizens. In South Africa, cultural and heritage tourism is seen as one of the ways in which cultural resources can be utilised to benefit marginalised communities and individuals. Such resources can also serve as source of income since both domestic and international tourists can activate industry as they are interested in learning more about other cultures and heritage. There are on-going debates, however on what constitutes cultural and heritage tourism, who it benefits and how this enterprise is located within various communities of South Africa. This research therefore aims to fill this gap through investigating cultural and heritage tourism development trends within the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) and how this development trend impacts on employment creation and improving the socio-economic conditions of citizens within this area of ADM. To realise this aim, the study looks at the availability of cultural and heritage tourism structures within the ADM and the database records on these structures. This study adopts the community benefit tourism initiatives approach to tourism development in the Amathole District Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province. This qualitative study reveals how the community benefit tourism approach encompasses rewards to local communities, in as much as it enhances sustainability of tourism initiatives. In bringing out these aspects, the study also examines efforts of the government and private sector in the up-keeping of tourism initiatives, especially for marginalised communities of South Africa.
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Design, construction and performance evaluation of an agitated portable biogas digester under greenhouse-regulated temperature
- Authors: Mutungwazi Asheal
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sewage -- Purification -- Anaerobic treatment Green technology Renewable energy sources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9055 , vital:34222
- Description: Biogas yield in anaerobic digesters is negatively affected by low temperatures during cold seasons and nights, temperature fluctuations and inefficient agitation. Electrical heating and underground digester installations have been used to help minimise these effects but the high cost of electrical heating, infeasibility of underground installations in some terrains, inefficient agitation and difficult maintenance continue to be major set-backs to high biogas yields. In this study a 100 ℓ, agitated, portable carbon steel digester housed within a greenhouse, whose operation temperature is automatically maintained at an optimum of 35 ± 1 oC by means of an ON/OFF electronic circuit for ventilation control through a suitably sized window and insulation offered by an air film trapped in-between a double layer of polyethylene plastic covering of the greenhouse, was designed. Cow dung from a dairy farm at the University of Fort Hare with total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia nitrogen content of 162348.67 mg/ℓ, 116543.98 mg/ℓ, 37 879 mg/ℓ and 128 - 235 mg/ℓ respectively was used for the performance evaluation of the digester. Analysis of the biogas produced starting from day 6 of the 31-day retention period showed a specific biogas yield of 0.036 m3/kgVSadded and a methane yield of 55percent. The optimum pH maintained was 7.2 and the COD reduction achieved during the digestion period was 61percent. This simple, easy to construct, inexpensive yet efficient design will lead to improved biogas yields and quality and faster dissemination of the biogas technology.
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- Authors: Mutungwazi Asheal
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Sewage -- Purification -- Anaerobic treatment Green technology Renewable energy sources
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9055 , vital:34222
- Description: Biogas yield in anaerobic digesters is negatively affected by low temperatures during cold seasons and nights, temperature fluctuations and inefficient agitation. Electrical heating and underground digester installations have been used to help minimise these effects but the high cost of electrical heating, infeasibility of underground installations in some terrains, inefficient agitation and difficult maintenance continue to be major set-backs to high biogas yields. In this study a 100 ℓ, agitated, portable carbon steel digester housed within a greenhouse, whose operation temperature is automatically maintained at an optimum of 35 ± 1 oC by means of an ON/OFF electronic circuit for ventilation control through a suitably sized window and insulation offered by an air film trapped in-between a double layer of polyethylene plastic covering of the greenhouse, was designed. Cow dung from a dairy farm at the University of Fort Hare with total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia nitrogen content of 162348.67 mg/ℓ, 116543.98 mg/ℓ, 37 879 mg/ℓ and 128 - 235 mg/ℓ respectively was used for the performance evaluation of the digester. Analysis of the biogas produced starting from day 6 of the 31-day retention period showed a specific biogas yield of 0.036 m3/kgVSadded and a methane yield of 55percent. The optimum pH maintained was 7.2 and the COD reduction achieved during the digestion period was 61percent. This simple, easy to construct, inexpensive yet efficient design will lead to improved biogas yields and quality and faster dissemination of the biogas technology.
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Detection and antibiogram profile of members of the vibrio species in Umzimvubu, Swartkops and Buffalo rivers the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: September, Dolly Thandeka
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Vibrio -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Water -- Fluoridation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15221 , vital:40255
- Description: Freshwaterbodies are often recipients of a wide array of infectious agents yet they serve as immediate sources of water supply. Brackish and freshwater rivers support the growth of Vibrio species, which are the leading cause of diarrheal infections in the world. Their occurrence in these environments is detrimental to the health and well-being of many communities. Hence, this study aimed at assessing the occurrence and antibiogram profile of Vibrio species in Swartkops, UMzimvubu and Buffalo rivers. The rivers are important sources of freshwater supplies for some communities around the Eastern Cape Province, and water samples were collected once off from each of the sites, using standard membrane filtration method to concentrate the samples. Cultivation was carried out on Thiosulfate Citrate-Bile Salt Sucrose (TCBS) agar, were typical yellow/green colonies were enumerated as presumptive Vibrio species and expressed as CFU/100mL. Presumptive Vibrio counts ranged from 0 to 1.67 × 103 CFU/100mL, 0 to 6.42 ×102 CFU/100mL and 0 to 3.28×103 CFU/100ml in the uMzimvubu, Swartkops and Buffalo rivers respectively. Polymerase Chain Reaction was employed for molecular identification of the Vibrio isolates. Two hundred (200) presumptive Vibrio species were screened for molecular identification, and 185 isolates confirmed positive as belonging to the Vibrio genus. Antibiotic susceptibility profile of the confirmed isolates was determined using a panel of 12 commercial test antibiotics. All the confirmed Vibrio species showed 98 to 100percent multiple antibiotic resistance against all the test antibiotics from the three study sites. The most predominant phenotypic pattern of multidrug resistance displayed by the isolates was CAZ-PEN-AMP-CIP-AK-AZM-TET-CAM-CTX-STX-GEN-IPM showing 100percent resistance to all 12 antibiotics. The multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) on average was 1 for all the three rivers assessed. This finding suggest high possibility of antibiotic pollution and usage around the study areas, and occurrence of potentially pathogenic Vibrio species carrying antibiotic resistant genes, which is a major public and environmental health concern.
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- Authors: September, Dolly Thandeka
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Vibrio -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Water -- Fluoridation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15221 , vital:40255
- Description: Freshwaterbodies are often recipients of a wide array of infectious agents yet they serve as immediate sources of water supply. Brackish and freshwater rivers support the growth of Vibrio species, which are the leading cause of diarrheal infections in the world. Their occurrence in these environments is detrimental to the health and well-being of many communities. Hence, this study aimed at assessing the occurrence and antibiogram profile of Vibrio species in Swartkops, UMzimvubu and Buffalo rivers. The rivers are important sources of freshwater supplies for some communities around the Eastern Cape Province, and water samples were collected once off from each of the sites, using standard membrane filtration method to concentrate the samples. Cultivation was carried out on Thiosulfate Citrate-Bile Salt Sucrose (TCBS) agar, were typical yellow/green colonies were enumerated as presumptive Vibrio species and expressed as CFU/100mL. Presumptive Vibrio counts ranged from 0 to 1.67 × 103 CFU/100mL, 0 to 6.42 ×102 CFU/100mL and 0 to 3.28×103 CFU/100ml in the uMzimvubu, Swartkops and Buffalo rivers respectively. Polymerase Chain Reaction was employed for molecular identification of the Vibrio isolates. Two hundred (200) presumptive Vibrio species were screened for molecular identification, and 185 isolates confirmed positive as belonging to the Vibrio genus. Antibiotic susceptibility profile of the confirmed isolates was determined using a panel of 12 commercial test antibiotics. All the confirmed Vibrio species showed 98 to 100percent multiple antibiotic resistance against all the test antibiotics from the three study sites. The most predominant phenotypic pattern of multidrug resistance displayed by the isolates was CAZ-PEN-AMP-CIP-AK-AZM-TET-CAM-CTX-STX-GEN-IPM showing 100percent resistance to all 12 antibiotics. The multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) on average was 1 for all the three rivers assessed. This finding suggest high possibility of antibiotic pollution and usage around the study areas, and occurrence of potentially pathogenic Vibrio species carrying antibiotic resistant genes, which is a major public and environmental health concern.
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