Male Peer Talk About Menstruation: Discursively Bolstering Hegemonic Masculinities Among Young Men in South Africa
- Macleod, Catriona I, Glover, Jonathan M, Makusem, Manase, Kelland, Lindsay, Paphitis, Sharli A
- Authors: Macleod, Catriona I , Glover, Jonathan M , Makusem, Manase , Kelland, Lindsay , Paphitis, Sharli A
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/426502 , vital:72358 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/23293691.2022.2057830"
- Description: In this paper, we show how male peer talk about menstruating women may be used to discursively bolster hegemonic masculinities and denigrate women. Focus group discussions among 37 young isiXhosa-speaking men from two South African schools were facilitated by two young men; statements garnered from a sexuality education class about menstruation conducted in the same schools were used as cues. Data were analyzed using discourse analysis. The interactive talk constructed a bifurcation: “disgusting” menstruating women versus “reasonable” non-menstruating women who abide by idealized feminine behavior and are available sexually. We argue that as the non-menstruating woman cyclically become the other (menstruating woman) in women of particular ages, the trace of disgust inhabits the signifier “woman” for these men. Menstruation also disrupted a core identity strategy of local hegemonic masculinities: virile (hetero)sexuality. Given this, discursive distancing of the self from the very topic of menstruation is necessary. Small moments of resistance to these constructions were quickly closed down, and caring masculinity emerged only in the context of negotiating sex during menstruation. Involving men in menstrual hygiene management programs may provide spaces for resistance to denigrating discourses about menstruation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Macleod, Catriona I , Glover, Jonathan M , Makusem, Manase , Kelland, Lindsay , Paphitis, Sharli A
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/426502 , vital:72358 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/23293691.2022.2057830"
- Description: In this paper, we show how male peer talk about menstruating women may be used to discursively bolster hegemonic masculinities and denigrate women. Focus group discussions among 37 young isiXhosa-speaking men from two South African schools were facilitated by two young men; statements garnered from a sexuality education class about menstruation conducted in the same schools were used as cues. Data were analyzed using discourse analysis. The interactive talk constructed a bifurcation: “disgusting” menstruating women versus “reasonable” non-menstruating women who abide by idealized feminine behavior and are available sexually. We argue that as the non-menstruating woman cyclically become the other (menstruating woman) in women of particular ages, the trace of disgust inhabits the signifier “woman” for these men. Menstruation also disrupted a core identity strategy of local hegemonic masculinities: virile (hetero)sexuality. Given this, discursive distancing of the self from the very topic of menstruation is necessary. Small moments of resistance to these constructions were quickly closed down, and caring masculinity emerged only in the context of negotiating sex during menstruation. Involving men in menstrual hygiene management programs may provide spaces for resistance to denigrating discourses about menstruation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Marine robots for coastal ocean research in the Western Indian Ocean
- Palmer, Matthew R, Shagude, Yohana W, Roberts, Michael J, Popva, Ekaterina, Wihsgott, Juliane U, Aswani, Shankar, Coupland, Jack, Howe, John A, Bett, Brian J, Osuka, Kennedy E, Abernethy, Colin, Alexiou, Sofia, Painter, Stuart C, Kamau, Joseph N, Nyandwi, Ntahondi, Sekadende, Baraka
- Authors: Palmer, Matthew R , Shagude, Yohana W , Roberts, Michael J , Popva, Ekaterina , Wihsgott, Juliane U , Aswani, Shankar , Coupland, Jack , Howe, John A , Bett, Brian J , Osuka, Kennedy E , Abernethy, Colin , Alexiou, Sofia , Painter, Stuart C , Kamau, Joseph N , Nyandwi, Ntahondi , Sekadende, Baraka
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403445 , vital:69962 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-cristal-v10-n1-a7"
- Description: Marine robots have the potential to enhance WIO marine research to improve regional adaptation to the challenges presented by climate change by providing enhanced research capacity that bypasses the requirement for expensive infrastructure, such as large research vessels. This paper tests this potential and assesses the readiness of WIO communities to adopt autonomous technologies to meet its marine research priorities. We apply a range of analyses to a marine robots case study undertaken in waters around the island of Pemba, part of the Zanzibar archipelago, in Tanzania in 2019. The campaign formed part of a multinational project focused on increasing WIO capacity to meet food security and ocean sustainability challenges. A community engagement programme with six Tanzanian coastal communities resulted in positive changes in attitudes towards marine robots with reported increases in understanding and acceptance of such technologies. Suspicion of the robots was reduced and a lower risk of removing operational equipment was recorded following the provision of educational material. Cost, risk and benefit analysis shows that marine robots are perceived to provide high level benefits, but come at a high cost that is difficult to achieve using national or regional funding. An assessment of the capacity of WIO marine institutes to adopt such technologies shows that prior to this work, few skills or infrastructure related to marine robots were available to researchers and further confirmed that funding opportunities were perceived to be largely unavailable at institutional, national, regional or international levels. Responses from regional partners following completion of the case study however, revealed an uplift in perceived capacity, particularly related to access to infrastructure and expertise as well as support and opportunities for funding at each level. The presented case study is shown to have been a valuable demonstrator of the benefits of using marine robots to meet WIO coastal ocean research requirements and regional capacity was shown to be substantially increased within the broad range of marine institutes surveyed throughout the case study period. This study demonstrates that taking early steps towards adopting marine autonomous robots has increased WIO regional marine research capacity and increased the confidence and willingness of local researchers to seek alternative solutions to ongoing marine research challenges. Recommendations for future action that will continue to increase the capacity and readiness for regional adoption of marine robots include investment at local, national and regional levels to provide accessible training opportunities and to facilitate regional and international collaborations; investment in a regional hub, or centre of excellence for marine robotic technology; early adoption of newly emerging smaller, cheaper autonomous technologies; investment in local skills and support facilities to aid local buy-in and acceptance while supporting regional capacity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Palmer, Matthew R , Shagude, Yohana W , Roberts, Michael J , Popva, Ekaterina , Wihsgott, Juliane U , Aswani, Shankar , Coupland, Jack , Howe, John A , Bett, Brian J , Osuka, Kennedy E , Abernethy, Colin , Alexiou, Sofia , Painter, Stuart C , Kamau, Joseph N , Nyandwi, Ntahondi , Sekadende, Baraka
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403445 , vital:69962 , xlink:href="https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-cristal-v10-n1-a7"
- Description: Marine robots have the potential to enhance WIO marine research to improve regional adaptation to the challenges presented by climate change by providing enhanced research capacity that bypasses the requirement for expensive infrastructure, such as large research vessels. This paper tests this potential and assesses the readiness of WIO communities to adopt autonomous technologies to meet its marine research priorities. We apply a range of analyses to a marine robots case study undertaken in waters around the island of Pemba, part of the Zanzibar archipelago, in Tanzania in 2019. The campaign formed part of a multinational project focused on increasing WIO capacity to meet food security and ocean sustainability challenges. A community engagement programme with six Tanzanian coastal communities resulted in positive changes in attitudes towards marine robots with reported increases in understanding and acceptance of such technologies. Suspicion of the robots was reduced and a lower risk of removing operational equipment was recorded following the provision of educational material. Cost, risk and benefit analysis shows that marine robots are perceived to provide high level benefits, but come at a high cost that is difficult to achieve using national or regional funding. An assessment of the capacity of WIO marine institutes to adopt such technologies shows that prior to this work, few skills or infrastructure related to marine robots were available to researchers and further confirmed that funding opportunities were perceived to be largely unavailable at institutional, national, regional or international levels. Responses from regional partners following completion of the case study however, revealed an uplift in perceived capacity, particularly related to access to infrastructure and expertise as well as support and opportunities for funding at each level. The presented case study is shown to have been a valuable demonstrator of the benefits of using marine robots to meet WIO coastal ocean research requirements and regional capacity was shown to be substantially increased within the broad range of marine institutes surveyed throughout the case study period. This study demonstrates that taking early steps towards adopting marine autonomous robots has increased WIO regional marine research capacity and increased the confidence and willingness of local researchers to seek alternative solutions to ongoing marine research challenges. Recommendations for future action that will continue to increase the capacity and readiness for regional adoption of marine robots include investment at local, national and regional levels to provide accessible training opportunities and to facilitate regional and international collaborations; investment in a regional hub, or centre of excellence for marine robotic technology; early adoption of newly emerging smaller, cheaper autonomous technologies; investment in local skills and support facilities to aid local buy-in and acceptance while supporting regional capacity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Measuring discrimination experienced by people with a mental illness
- Brohan, Elaine, Thornicroft, Graham, Rüsch, Nicolas, Lasalvia, Antonio, Campbell, Megan M, Yalçınkaya-Alkar, Özden, Lanfredi, Mariangela, Ochoa, Susana, Üçok, Alp, Tomás, Catarina, Fadipe, Babatunde, Sebes, Julia, Fiorillo, Andrea, Sampogna, Gaia, Paula, Cristiane Silvestre, Valverde, Leonadis, Schomerus, Georg, Klemm, Pia, Ouali, Uta, Castelein, Stynke, Alexová, Aneta, Oexle, Nathalie, Guimarães, Patrícia Neves, Sportel, Bouwina Esther, Chang, Chih-Cheng, Li, Jie, Shanthi, Chilasagaram, Reneses, Blanca, Bakolis, Ioannis, Evans-Lacko, Sarah
- Authors: Brohan, Elaine , Thornicroft, Graham , Rüsch, Nicolas , Lasalvia, Antonio , Campbell, Megan M , Yalçınkaya-Alkar, Özden , Lanfredi, Mariangela , Ochoa, Susana , Üçok, Alp , Tomás, Catarina , Fadipe, Babatunde , Sebes, Julia , Fiorillo, Andrea , Sampogna, Gaia , Paula, Cristiane Silvestre , Valverde, Leonadis , Schomerus, Georg , Klemm, Pia , Ouali, Uta , Castelein, Stynke , Alexová, Aneta , Oexle, Nathalie , Guimarães, Patrícia Neves , Sportel, Bouwina Esther , Chang, Chih-Cheng , Li, Jie , Shanthi, Chilasagaram , Reneses, Blanca , Bakolis, Ioannis , Evans-Lacko, Sarah
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/302498 , vital:58202 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291722000630"
- Description: Background: The Discrimination and Stigma Scale (DISC) is a patient-reported outcome measure which assesses experiences of discrimination among persons with a mental illness globally. Methods: This study evaluated whether the psychometric properties of a short-form version, DISC-Ultra Short (DISCUS) (11-item), could be replicated in a sample of people with a wide range of mental disorders from 21 sites in 15 countries/territories, across six global regions. The frequency of experienced discrimination was reported. Scaling assumptions (confirmatory factor analysis, inter-item and item-total correlations), reliability (internal consistency) and validity (convergent validity, known groups method) were investigated in each region, and by diagnosis group. Results: 1195 people participated. The most frequently reported experiences of discrimination were being shunned or avoided at work (48.7%) and discrimination in making or keeping friends (47.2%). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a unidimensional model across all six regions and five diagnosis groups. Convergent validity was confirmed in the total sample and within all regions [ Internalised Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI-10): 0.28–0.67, stopping self: 0.54–0.72, stigma consciousness: −0.32–0.57], as was internal consistency reliability (α = 0.74–0.84). Known groups validity was established in the global sample with levels of experienced discrimination significantly higher for those experiencing higher depression [Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-2: p more than 0.001], lower mental wellbeing [Warwick-Edinburgh Well-being Scale (WEMWBS): p is less than 0.001], higher suicidal ideation [Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS)-4: p is less than 0.001] and higher risk of suicidal behaviour [Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS): p is less than 0.001]. Conclusions: The DISCUS is a reliable and valid unidimensional measure of experienced discrimination for use in global settings with similar properties to the longer DISC. It offers a brief assessment of experienced discrimination for use in clinical and research settings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Brohan, Elaine , Thornicroft, Graham , Rüsch, Nicolas , Lasalvia, Antonio , Campbell, Megan M , Yalçınkaya-Alkar, Özden , Lanfredi, Mariangela , Ochoa, Susana , Üçok, Alp , Tomás, Catarina , Fadipe, Babatunde , Sebes, Julia , Fiorillo, Andrea , Sampogna, Gaia , Paula, Cristiane Silvestre , Valverde, Leonadis , Schomerus, Georg , Klemm, Pia , Ouali, Uta , Castelein, Stynke , Alexová, Aneta , Oexle, Nathalie , Guimarães, Patrícia Neves , Sportel, Bouwina Esther , Chang, Chih-Cheng , Li, Jie , Shanthi, Chilasagaram , Reneses, Blanca , Bakolis, Ioannis , Evans-Lacko, Sarah
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/302498 , vital:58202 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291722000630"
- Description: Background: The Discrimination and Stigma Scale (DISC) is a patient-reported outcome measure which assesses experiences of discrimination among persons with a mental illness globally. Methods: This study evaluated whether the psychometric properties of a short-form version, DISC-Ultra Short (DISCUS) (11-item), could be replicated in a sample of people with a wide range of mental disorders from 21 sites in 15 countries/territories, across six global regions. The frequency of experienced discrimination was reported. Scaling assumptions (confirmatory factor analysis, inter-item and item-total correlations), reliability (internal consistency) and validity (convergent validity, known groups method) were investigated in each region, and by diagnosis group. Results: 1195 people participated. The most frequently reported experiences of discrimination were being shunned or avoided at work (48.7%) and discrimination in making or keeping friends (47.2%). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a unidimensional model across all six regions and five diagnosis groups. Convergent validity was confirmed in the total sample and within all regions [ Internalised Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI-10): 0.28–0.67, stopping self: 0.54–0.72, stigma consciousness: −0.32–0.57], as was internal consistency reliability (α = 0.74–0.84). Known groups validity was established in the global sample with levels of experienced discrimination significantly higher for those experiencing higher depression [Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-2: p more than 0.001], lower mental wellbeing [Warwick-Edinburgh Well-being Scale (WEMWBS): p is less than 0.001], higher suicidal ideation [Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS)-4: p is less than 0.001] and higher risk of suicidal behaviour [Suicidal Ideation Attributes Scale (SIDAS): p is less than 0.001]. Conclusions: The DISCUS is a reliable and valid unidimensional measure of experienced discrimination for use in global settings with similar properties to the longer DISC. It offers a brief assessment of experienced discrimination for use in clinical and research settings.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Methods for assessing the quality of AM fungal bio-fertilizer: Retrospect and future directions
- Agnihotri, R, Sharma, M P, Bucking, H, Dames, Joanna F, Bagyaraj, D J
- Authors: Agnihotri, R , Sharma, M P , Bucking, H , Dames, Joanna F , Bagyaraj, D J
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/448626 , vital:74747 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-022-03288-3
- Description: In the recent past, the mass production of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi has bloomed into a large biofertilizer industry. Due to their obligate symbiotic nature, these fungi are propagated on living roots in substrate-based pot cultures and RiTDNA in in vitro or root organ culture systems. The quality assessment of AM inocula remains critical for the production and efficacy evaluation of AM fungi. The vigour of AM inocula are assessed through microscopic methods such as inoculum potential, infectivity potential/infection units, most probable number (MPN) and spore density. These methods marginally depend on the researcher’s skill. The signature lipids specific to AM fungi, e.g. 16:1ω5cis ester-linked, phospholipid, and neutral lipid fatty acids provide more robustness and reproducibility. The quantitative real-time PCR of AM fungal taxa specific primers and probes analyzing gene copy number is also increasingly used. This article intends to sensitize AM fungal researchers and inoculum manufacturers to various methods of assessing the quality of AM inocula addressing their merits and demerits. This will help AM producers to fulfil the regulatory requirements ensuring the supply of high-quality AM inocula to end-users, and tap a new dimension of AM research in the commercial production of AM fungi and its application in sustainable plant production systems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Agnihotri, R , Sharma, M P , Bucking, H , Dames, Joanna F , Bagyaraj, D J
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/448626 , vital:74747 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-022-03288-3
- Description: In the recent past, the mass production of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi has bloomed into a large biofertilizer industry. Due to their obligate symbiotic nature, these fungi are propagated on living roots in substrate-based pot cultures and RiTDNA in in vitro or root organ culture systems. The quality assessment of AM inocula remains critical for the production and efficacy evaluation of AM fungi. The vigour of AM inocula are assessed through microscopic methods such as inoculum potential, infectivity potential/infection units, most probable number (MPN) and spore density. These methods marginally depend on the researcher’s skill. The signature lipids specific to AM fungi, e.g. 16:1ω5cis ester-linked, phospholipid, and neutral lipid fatty acids provide more robustness and reproducibility. The quantitative real-time PCR of AM fungal taxa specific primers and probes analyzing gene copy number is also increasingly used. This article intends to sensitize AM fungal researchers and inoculum manufacturers to various methods of assessing the quality of AM inocula addressing their merits and demerits. This will help AM producers to fulfil the regulatory requirements ensuring the supply of high-quality AM inocula to end-users, and tap a new dimension of AM research in the commercial production of AM fungi and its application in sustainable plant production systems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Mitigating Climate Change: The Influence of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Maize Production and Food Security
- Maússe-Sitoe, Silvia N D, Dames, Joanna F
- Authors: Maússe-Sitoe, Silvia N D , Dames, Joanna F
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/453465 , vital:75256 , ISBN 978-1-83768-091-7 , https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/84486
- Description: Anthropogenic activities have contributed to the increased atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases, which are an important contributor to climate change. From 1940 to 2004, global emissions increased by 70%, and projections suggest a continual increase by 2050 due to agriculture, forestry, and other land uses. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are ubiquitous in undisturbed soils and form a symbiotic relationship with various plants. The relationship that enhances nutrient uptake and plant growth, among other benefits, is well known. Several soil management practices employed in agriculture adversely affect the symbiosis. Zea mays (maize) provides 30% of total caloric intake to 4.5 billion people worldwide and is an important staple crop, vulnerable to climate change. Higher temperatures can result in increased water demand, while changes in precipitation can result in crop failure. AM fungi can be applied as inoculants to maize. Resulting in improved plant growth, yield, and nutrient uptake and providing superior food quality properties, such as increased antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. AM fungi are considered a crucial biotechnological tool in crop production. This review illustrates their essential role in sustainable maize production and emphasizes the need to maintain AM fungal communities in the soil to mitigate the effects of climate change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Maússe-Sitoe, Silvia N D , Dames, Joanna F
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/453465 , vital:75256 , ISBN 978-1-83768-091-7 , https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/84486
- Description: Anthropogenic activities have contributed to the increased atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases, which are an important contributor to climate change. From 1940 to 2004, global emissions increased by 70%, and projections suggest a continual increase by 2050 due to agriculture, forestry, and other land uses. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are ubiquitous in undisturbed soils and form a symbiotic relationship with various plants. The relationship that enhances nutrient uptake and plant growth, among other benefits, is well known. Several soil management practices employed in agriculture adversely affect the symbiosis. Zea mays (maize) provides 30% of total caloric intake to 4.5 billion people worldwide and is an important staple crop, vulnerable to climate change. Higher temperatures can result in increased water demand, while changes in precipitation can result in crop failure. AM fungi can be applied as inoculants to maize. Resulting in improved plant growth, yield, and nutrient uptake and providing superior food quality properties, such as increased antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. AM fungi are considered a crucial biotechnological tool in crop production. This review illustrates their essential role in sustainable maize production and emphasizes the need to maintain AM fungal communities in the soil to mitigate the effects of climate change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Mixed-species flocks of insectivorous birds (‘bird parties’) in Afrotropical forests and woodlands: a review
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/449420 , vital:74820 , https://doi.org/10.2989/00306525.2022.2064930
- Description: Mixed-species flocks of foraging insectivorous birds are found worldwide and have been best studied in the Neotropical region. A survey of the published literature reveals that mixed-species flocks (often termed ‘bird parties’) comprised of 2–30 species and sometimes >70 individual birds are regularly encountered in forest and woodland habitats throughout the Afrotropical region. On mainland Africa, >600 species representing 59 bird families have been reported in such flocks, and for at least 300 species foraging in such flocks may constitute an important part of their feeding activity. In Madagascar, >60 species of 19 families have been recorded in mixed-species flocks, with more than 40 species frequent participants. These foraging parties are dominated by gleaning and sallying insectivorous birds, with other feeding guilds represented by fewer species and individuals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/449420 , vital:74820 , https://doi.org/10.2989/00306525.2022.2064930
- Description: Mixed-species flocks of foraging insectivorous birds are found worldwide and have been best studied in the Neotropical region. A survey of the published literature reveals that mixed-species flocks (often termed ‘bird parties’) comprised of 2–30 species and sometimes >70 individual birds are regularly encountered in forest and woodland habitats throughout the Afrotropical region. On mainland Africa, >600 species representing 59 bird families have been reported in such flocks, and for at least 300 species foraging in such flocks may constitute an important part of their feeding activity. In Madagascar, >60 species of 19 families have been recorded in mixed-species flocks, with more than 40 species frequent participants. These foraging parties are dominated by gleaning and sallying insectivorous birds, with other feeding guilds represented by fewer species and individuals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Neoliberalism’s conditioning effects on the university and the example of proctoring during COVID-19 and since
- Authors: McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/426929 , vital:72401 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/14767430.2022.2100612"
- Description: Neoliberalism has shaped the academy in ways that constrain its potential as a public good. Neoliberalism is based on the assumption that, by submitting to the so-called neutral forces of the market, wealth can be created alongside the achievement of equality and efficiency. Although this assumption is demonstrably false, neoliberalism remains politically powerful. As an example, this article discusses how neoliberalism has enabled the rapid uptake of proctoring software during the covid pandemic and since. ‘Proctoring' is the online monitoring of students’ behaviour as they sit for exams. Many within the academy consider proctoring software to be dehumanizing – essentially legalized spyware. They argue that the software invades privacy and is inherently racist and ableist, amongst other things. It is hoped that by understanding how structural forces such as neoliberalism affect both our agency and university activities, frequently against the common good, strategies can be developed to change these structures.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/426929 , vital:72401 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/14767430.2022.2100612"
- Description: Neoliberalism has shaped the academy in ways that constrain its potential as a public good. Neoliberalism is based on the assumption that, by submitting to the so-called neutral forces of the market, wealth can be created alongside the achievement of equality and efficiency. Although this assumption is demonstrably false, neoliberalism remains politically powerful. As an example, this article discusses how neoliberalism has enabled the rapid uptake of proctoring software during the covid pandemic and since. ‘Proctoring' is the online monitoring of students’ behaviour as they sit for exams. Many within the academy consider proctoring software to be dehumanizing – essentially legalized spyware. They argue that the software invades privacy and is inherently racist and ableist, amongst other things. It is hoped that by understanding how structural forces such as neoliberalism affect both our agency and university activities, frequently against the common good, strategies can be developed to change these structures.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Not there yet: knowledge building in educational development ten years on
- Authors: Boughey, Chrissie
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/426954 , vital:72403 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2022.2121158"
- Description: This paper responds to a question posed by [Shay, Suellen. 2012. “Educational Development as a Field: Are We There Yet?” Higher Education Research and Development 31 (3): 311–323. doii:10.1080/07294360.2011.631520] about the status of knowledge building in the field of Educational Development. In her paper, Shay critiques knowledge produced in the field arguing that it is ‘codified practice’ [Gamble, Jeanne. 2001. “Modelling the Invisible: The Pedagogy of Craft Apprenticeship.” Studies in Continuing Education 23 (2): 185–200. doii:10.1080/01580370120101957; Gamble, Jeanne. 2004. “Retrieving the General from the Particular: The Structure of Craft Knowledge.” In Reading Bernstein, Researching Bernstein, edited by J. Muller, B. Davies, and A. Morais, 189–203. Abingdon: Routledge; Gamble, Jeanne. 2006. “Theory and Practice in the Vocational Curriculum.” In Knowledge, Curriculum and Qualifications in South African Further Education, edited by M. Young and J. Gamble, 87–103. Pretoria: HSRC Press] rather than applied theory which could succeed in reconceptualising problems rather than simply trying to address them. This paper draws on a review of research produced in the field in recent years in South Africa to argue that, although some work does result in the reconceptualision of problems the higher education, it is limited in that (i) it has been produced by a relatively small group of practitioners located at a few universities and (ii) draws on theory developed in the Global North. The paper then proceeds to offer some tentative suggestions for the way future work aimed at knowledge building could proceed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Boughey, Chrissie
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/426954 , vital:72403 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2022.2121158"
- Description: This paper responds to a question posed by [Shay, Suellen. 2012. “Educational Development as a Field: Are We There Yet?” Higher Education Research and Development 31 (3): 311–323. doii:10.1080/07294360.2011.631520] about the status of knowledge building in the field of Educational Development. In her paper, Shay critiques knowledge produced in the field arguing that it is ‘codified practice’ [Gamble, Jeanne. 2001. “Modelling the Invisible: The Pedagogy of Craft Apprenticeship.” Studies in Continuing Education 23 (2): 185–200. doii:10.1080/01580370120101957; Gamble, Jeanne. 2004. “Retrieving the General from the Particular: The Structure of Craft Knowledge.” In Reading Bernstein, Researching Bernstein, edited by J. Muller, B. Davies, and A. Morais, 189–203. Abingdon: Routledge; Gamble, Jeanne. 2006. “Theory and Practice in the Vocational Curriculum.” In Knowledge, Curriculum and Qualifications in South African Further Education, edited by M. Young and J. Gamble, 87–103. Pretoria: HSRC Press] rather than applied theory which could succeed in reconceptualising problems rather than simply trying to address them. This paper draws on a review of research produced in the field in recent years in South Africa to argue that, although some work does result in the reconceptualision of problems the higher education, it is limited in that (i) it has been produced by a relatively small group of practitioners located at a few universities and (ii) draws on theory developed in the Global North. The paper then proceeds to offer some tentative suggestions for the way future work aimed at knowledge building could proceed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Novel cationic-chalcone phthalocyanines for photodynamic therapy eradication of S. aureus and E. coli bacterial biofilms and MCF-7 breast cancer
- Openda, Yolande Ikala, Babu, Balaji, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Openda, Yolande Ikala , Babu, Balaji , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/300129 , vital:57895 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2022.102863"
- Description: New tetrasubstituted zinc (II) and indium (III) phthalocyanines bearing dimethylamino chalcone group (complexes 3 and 4) as well as their quaternized analogs (3a and 4a) have been assessed for their photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer as well as photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy activities against biofilms and planktonic cultures of pathogenic bacteria of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Compared to the non-quaternized phthalocyanines 3 and 4, the cationic phthalocyanines 3a and 4a exhibit a higher photodynamic inactivation against the planktonic cells with log reduction values above 9 at a concentration of 1.25 µM. This was attributed to the positive charge which enhances cellular uptake. More interestingly, 3a and 4a show a higher photodynamic inactivation (less than 3% of S. aureus survived) on their biofilm counterparts thanks to their stronger affinity to these cells. 3a and 4a Pcs also exhibited interesting PDT activity against MCF-7 cancer cells giving IC50 values of 17.9 and 7.4 μM, respectively following 15 min irradiation. The obtained results in this work show that the positively charged phthalocyanines 3a and 4a are potential antibacterial photosensitizers that show some selectivity toward the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as MCF-7 breasts cancer cells.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Openda, Yolande Ikala , Babu, Balaji , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/300129 , vital:57895 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2022.102863"
- Description: New tetrasubstituted zinc (II) and indium (III) phthalocyanines bearing dimethylamino chalcone group (complexes 3 and 4) as well as their quaternized analogs (3a and 4a) have been assessed for their photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer as well as photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy activities against biofilms and planktonic cultures of pathogenic bacteria of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Compared to the non-quaternized phthalocyanines 3 and 4, the cationic phthalocyanines 3a and 4a exhibit a higher photodynamic inactivation against the planktonic cells with log reduction values above 9 at a concentration of 1.25 µM. This was attributed to the positive charge which enhances cellular uptake. More interestingly, 3a and 4a show a higher photodynamic inactivation (less than 3% of S. aureus survived) on their biofilm counterparts thanks to their stronger affinity to these cells. 3a and 4a Pcs also exhibited interesting PDT activity against MCF-7 cancer cells giving IC50 values of 17.9 and 7.4 μM, respectively following 15 min irradiation. The obtained results in this work show that the positively charged phthalocyanines 3a and 4a are potential antibacterial photosensitizers that show some selectivity toward the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as MCF-7 breasts cancer cells.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Photo-and thermoresponsive N-salicylideneaniline derivatives: solid-state studies and structural aspects
- Hulushe, Siyabonga T, Malan, Frederick P, Hosten, Eric C, Lobb, Kevin A, Khanye, Setshaba D, Watkins, Gareth M
- Authors: Hulushe, Siyabonga T , Malan, Frederick P , Hosten, Eric C , Lobb, Kevin A , Khanye, Setshaba D , Watkins, Gareth M
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/451137 , vital:75021 , xlink:href="https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2022/nj/d1nj03056f"
- Description: N-Salicylideneaniline (SA) and its derivatives are known to possess chromism upon exposure to external stimuli. Herein, we present mechanochemical synthesis of a series of photo-and thermoresponsive SAderivatives and report on solid-state stabilisation of their tautomeric forms either by change in temperature or by photoirradiation. The influence of UV light on proton transfer between the enol-imine (EI) and keto-amine (KA) forms was investigated at l1 = 254 and l2 = 365 nm. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements provided extra information on the thermodynamic relationship between the prototropic tautomers, and their exposition to liquid nitrogen, combined with variable temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction (VT-SCXRD) and spectroscopic data, ascertained structural reasons for the intrinsic thermo-optical properties of the compounds. A series of structural determinations between 150 and 300 K further shed light on the thermomechanical behaviour exhibited by the thermoresponsive compounds. By virtue of calorimetry we were able to demonstrate proton transfer via the intramolecular ON hydrogen bond over the temperature range 193–453 K. This present work demonstrates the importance of applying complementary analytical techniques and appropriate approaches for understanding the switching behaviour between the EI and KA forms. Furthermore, the assertion that it is predominantly the planarity (j o 251) that determines thermochromaticity is questioned.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Hulushe, Siyabonga T , Malan, Frederick P , Hosten, Eric C , Lobb, Kevin A , Khanye, Setshaba D , Watkins, Gareth M
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/451137 , vital:75021 , xlink:href="https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2022/nj/d1nj03056f"
- Description: N-Salicylideneaniline (SA) and its derivatives are known to possess chromism upon exposure to external stimuli. Herein, we present mechanochemical synthesis of a series of photo-and thermoresponsive SAderivatives and report on solid-state stabilisation of their tautomeric forms either by change in temperature or by photoirradiation. The influence of UV light on proton transfer between the enol-imine (EI) and keto-amine (KA) forms was investigated at l1 = 254 and l2 = 365 nm. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements provided extra information on the thermodynamic relationship between the prototropic tautomers, and their exposition to liquid nitrogen, combined with variable temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction (VT-SCXRD) and spectroscopic data, ascertained structural reasons for the intrinsic thermo-optical properties of the compounds. A series of structural determinations between 150 and 300 K further shed light on the thermomechanical behaviour exhibited by the thermoresponsive compounds. By virtue of calorimetry we were able to demonstrate proton transfer via the intramolecular ON hydrogen bond over the temperature range 193–453 K. This present work demonstrates the importance of applying complementary analytical techniques and appropriate approaches for understanding the switching behaviour between the EI and KA forms. Furthermore, the assertion that it is predominantly the planarity (j o 251) that determines thermochromaticity is questioned.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Photodegradation of ibuprofen using 5-10-15-20-tetrakis (4-bromophenyl) porphyrin conjugated to graphene quantum dots
- Magaela, N Bridged, Ndlovu, Knowledge S, Tshangana, Charmaine S, Muleia, Adoph A, Mamba, Bhekie B, Nyokong, Tebello, Managa, Muthumuni
- Authors: Magaela, N Bridged , Ndlovu, Knowledge S , Tshangana, Charmaine S , Muleia, Adoph A , Mamba, Bhekie B , Nyokong, Tebello , Managa, Muthumuni
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/304819 , vital:58493 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2022.113147"
- Description: Ibuprofen (IBU) is a common anti-inflammatory drug that is consumed by many individuals in the world. As such, analytical studies have detected high concentrations of the drug in many waterbodies, which poses a risk of harmful effects on the environment and public health. The hydroxyl radical technologies, a collective of techniques also known as advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), can be utilized to degrade this emerging pollutant. In this study, the photodegradation of ibuprofen using 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-bromophenyl) porphyrin conjugated to graphene quantum dots was investigated using a custom-built photoreactor. Three different concentrations of IBU (200, 300 and 500 μM) were utilized as initial concentrations. The pH of the IBU was varied between acidic (pH 3.0), natural (pH 5.0) and alkaline (pH 9.0) to note the effect on IBU degradation as a function of time. The Highest ФΔ was obtained for InTBrP- GDQs (ФΔ = 0.80), followed by InTBrP (ФΔ = 0.74). The photodegradation efficiency of the TBrP-GQDs and InTBrP-GQDs were determined to be 43.2 and 76.1% respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Magaela, N Bridged , Ndlovu, Knowledge S , Tshangana, Charmaine S , Muleia, Adoph A , Mamba, Bhekie B , Nyokong, Tebello , Managa, Muthumuni
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/304819 , vital:58493 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2022.113147"
- Description: Ibuprofen (IBU) is a common anti-inflammatory drug that is consumed by many individuals in the world. As such, analytical studies have detected high concentrations of the drug in many waterbodies, which poses a risk of harmful effects on the environment and public health. The hydroxyl radical technologies, a collective of techniques also known as advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), can be utilized to degrade this emerging pollutant. In this study, the photodegradation of ibuprofen using 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-bromophenyl) porphyrin conjugated to graphene quantum dots was investigated using a custom-built photoreactor. Three different concentrations of IBU (200, 300 and 500 μM) were utilized as initial concentrations. The pH of the IBU was varied between acidic (pH 3.0), natural (pH 5.0) and alkaline (pH 9.0) to note the effect on IBU degradation as a function of time. The Highest ФΔ was obtained for InTBrP- GDQs (ФΔ = 0.80), followed by InTBrP (ФΔ = 0.74). The photodegradation efficiency of the TBrP-GQDs and InTBrP-GQDs were determined to be 43.2 and 76.1% respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Photodegradation of tetracycline by asymmetrical zinc (II) phthalocyanines conjugated to cobalt tungstate nanoparticles
- Mgidlana, Sithi, Sen, Pinar, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mgidlana, Sithi , Sen, Pinar , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/300233 , vital:57908 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.132938"
- Description: This work focused on syntheses of novel asymmetrically tetra substituted Zn phthalocyanines (ZnPc) each containing a single carboxyl group, with the other substituents bearing alkynyl (complex 1) and fluorine containing groups (complexes 2 and 3). The complexes were conjugated to cobalt tungstate nanoparticles and employed as efficient photocatalysts for degradation of tetracycline in water. ZnPc complexes and their conjugates showed good photophysical and photochemical properties behaviour with complex 1 giving higher triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yields compared to 2 and 3. Complex 1 showed higher activity towards the photodegradation of tetracycline compared to complexes 2 and 3, with higher kobs and initial rates for the former. The photocatalysis obeyed the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Mgidlana, Sithi , Sen, Pinar , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/300233 , vital:57908 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.132938"
- Description: This work focused on syntheses of novel asymmetrically tetra substituted Zn phthalocyanines (ZnPc) each containing a single carboxyl group, with the other substituents bearing alkynyl (complex 1) and fluorine containing groups (complexes 2 and 3). The complexes were conjugated to cobalt tungstate nanoparticles and employed as efficient photocatalysts for degradation of tetracycline in water. ZnPc complexes and their conjugates showed good photophysical and photochemical properties behaviour with complex 1 giving higher triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yields compared to 2 and 3. Complex 1 showed higher activity towards the photodegradation of tetracycline compared to complexes 2 and 3, with higher kobs and initial rates for the former. The photocatalysis obeyed the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Photodynamic activity of novel cationic porphyrins conjugated to graphene quantum dots against Staphylococcus aureus
- Magaela, N Bridged, Makola, Lekgowa C, Managa, Muthumuni, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Magaela, N Bridged , Makola, Lekgowa C , Managa, Muthumuni , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295797 , vital:57379 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424622500316"
- Description: Novel 5-(pyridyl)-10-15-20-tris(4-bromophenyl) porphyrin (complex 1), indium metal derivative (complex 2), and quaternized derivative (complex 3) were synthesized and conjugated to graphene quantum dots (GQDs). The conjugation of the porphyrins to GQDs was through ππ-ππ stacking. Herein, the ππ-ππ stacking approach was used to avoid covalent conjugation which might compromise the intrinsic chemical and physical properties. The photodynamic activities of the proposed nanomaterials were assessed towards Staphylococcus aureus cell obliteration. The photophysical properties of the prepared complexes were also studied prior to the application. Moreover, a decrease in fluorescence lifetimes was observed upon metalation of complex 1. As anticipated, singlet oxygen quantum yield (ΦΔ)ΦΔ) increased notably upon heavy metal (indium) insertion and upon composite formation. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy comparative studies were done on quaternized and unquaternized indium porphyrins conjugated to GQDs. Complex 3-GQDs exhibited the highest antibacterial activities compared to other complexes, and this was attributed to the high ΦΔΦΔ which plays an imperative role in photodynamic therapy applications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Magaela, N Bridged , Makola, Lekgowa C , Managa, Muthumuni , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295797 , vital:57379 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424622500316"
- Description: Novel 5-(pyridyl)-10-15-20-tris(4-bromophenyl) porphyrin (complex 1), indium metal derivative (complex 2), and quaternized derivative (complex 3) were synthesized and conjugated to graphene quantum dots (GQDs). The conjugation of the porphyrins to GQDs was through ππ-ππ stacking. Herein, the ππ-ππ stacking approach was used to avoid covalent conjugation which might compromise the intrinsic chemical and physical properties. The photodynamic activities of the proposed nanomaterials were assessed towards Staphylococcus aureus cell obliteration. The photophysical properties of the prepared complexes were also studied prior to the application. Moreover, a decrease in fluorescence lifetimes was observed upon metalation of complex 1. As anticipated, singlet oxygen quantum yield (ΦΔ)ΦΔ) increased notably upon heavy metal (indium) insertion and upon composite formation. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy comparative studies were done on quaternized and unquaternized indium porphyrins conjugated to GQDs. Complex 3-GQDs exhibited the highest antibacterial activities compared to other complexes, and this was attributed to the high ΦΔΦΔ which plays an imperative role in photodynamic therapy applications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Photodynamic therapy activity of 5, 10, 15-tris (5-bromo-2-thienyl), 20 (phenylcarboxy) porphyrin conjugated to graphene quantum dot against MCF-7 breast cancer cells
- Makola, Lekgowa Collen, Nwahahra, Nnamdi, Managa, Muthumuni, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Makola, Lekgowa Collen , Nwahahra, Nnamdi , Managa, Muthumuni , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/300244 , vital:57909 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00958972.2022.2087515"
- Description: A novel 5,10,15-tris(5-bromo-2-thienyl),20(phenylcarboxy)porphyrin and its gallium derivative have been synthesized and fully characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and their respective photophysical and photochemical properties, such as the singlet oxygen quantum yield (ΦΔ), fluorescence quantum yield (ΦF) and triplet lifetime (τT) were determined. The complexes were conjugated to PEI_GQDs resulting is stable conjugates, owing to strong π–π stacking interaction between the PEI_GQDs and the porphyrins. PDT studies were carried out on these nanoconjugates and results obtained indicated they are suitable candidates for further in-depth PDT studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Makola, Lekgowa Collen , Nwahahra, Nnamdi , Managa, Muthumuni , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/300244 , vital:57909 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00958972.2022.2087515"
- Description: A novel 5,10,15-tris(5-bromo-2-thienyl),20(phenylcarboxy)porphyrin and its gallium derivative have been synthesized and fully characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and their respective photophysical and photochemical properties, such as the singlet oxygen quantum yield (ΦΔ), fluorescence quantum yield (ΦF) and triplet lifetime (τT) were determined. The complexes were conjugated to PEI_GQDs resulting is stable conjugates, owing to strong π–π stacking interaction between the PEI_GQDs and the porphyrins. PDT studies were carried out on these nanoconjugates and results obtained indicated they are suitable candidates for further in-depth PDT studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Photodynamic therapy characteristics of phthalocyanines in the presence of boron doped detonation nanodiamonds
- Matshitse, Refilwe, Nwaji, Njemuwa, Managa, Muthimuni, Chen, Zhi-Long, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Matshitse, Refilwe , Nwaji, Njemuwa , Managa, Muthimuni , Chen, Zhi-Long , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/229921 , vital:49723 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102705"
- Description: The synthesis, photophysicochemical and photodynamic therapy (PDT) activities of benzothiazole substituted zinc phthalocyanine (Pc): 1 (asymmetrically substituted and composed of no charges), 2 (asymmetrically substituted and composed of three positive charges), and 3 (symmetrically substituted and composed of four positive charges), are presented. The triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yields were highest for complex 2 showing the importance of asymmetry and charge. The complexes are covalently and non-covalently linked to B doped detonation nanodiamonds (B@DNDs) to yield nanohybrids (B@DNDs-1, B@DNDs-2, B@DNDs-3). The presence of B@DNDs, asymmetry and positive charge resulted in improved PDT with the lowest cell viability being observed for B@DNDs-2 at 5%. The cell viability ranged from 5% to 7% for the nanohybrids compared to 19–26% for Pcs alone.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Matshitse, Refilwe , Nwaji, Njemuwa , Managa, Muthimuni , Chen, Zhi-Long , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/229921 , vital:49723 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102705"
- Description: The synthesis, photophysicochemical and photodynamic therapy (PDT) activities of benzothiazole substituted zinc phthalocyanine (Pc): 1 (asymmetrically substituted and composed of no charges), 2 (asymmetrically substituted and composed of three positive charges), and 3 (symmetrically substituted and composed of four positive charges), are presented. The triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yields were highest for complex 2 showing the importance of asymmetry and charge. The complexes are covalently and non-covalently linked to B doped detonation nanodiamonds (B@DNDs) to yield nanohybrids (B@DNDs-1, B@DNDs-2, B@DNDs-3). The presence of B@DNDs, asymmetry and positive charge resulted in improved PDT with the lowest cell viability being observed for B@DNDs-2 at 5%. The cell viability ranged from 5% to 7% for the nanohybrids compared to 19–26% for Pcs alone.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Phthalocyanine based fabricated exfoliated graphite photoanode for electrodegradation of 4-acetamidophenol under visible light irradiation
- Mpeta, Lekhetho S, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mpeta, Lekhetho S , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295809 , vital:57380 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2022.114115"
- Description: In this study exfoliated graphite (EG) was prepared from natural graphite flakes and incorporated with zinc phthalocyanine for fabrication of photoanode. The electron transfer capabilities of fabricated photoanode were examined by using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electrochemical microscopy. Electrophotocatalytic degradation of 4-acetamidophenol in 0.1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte was performed. The photoanode with zinc phthalocyanine (EG-ZnPc) displayed better degradation compared to when only exfoliated graphite was used (EG). Furthermore, electrophotocatalytic degradation gave better performance (removal efficiency of 47.76%) than when individual electrochemical degradation and photodegradation techniques were used.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Mpeta, Lekhetho S , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/295809 , vital:57380 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2022.114115"
- Description: In this study exfoliated graphite (EG) was prepared from natural graphite flakes and incorporated with zinc phthalocyanine for fabrication of photoanode. The electron transfer capabilities of fabricated photoanode were examined by using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electrochemical microscopy. Electrophotocatalytic degradation of 4-acetamidophenol in 0.1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte was performed. The photoanode with zinc phthalocyanine (EG-ZnPc) displayed better degradation compared to when only exfoliated graphite was used (EG). Furthermore, electrophotocatalytic degradation gave better performance (removal efficiency of 47.76%) than when individual electrochemical degradation and photodegradation techniques were used.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Plagiarism and the commodification of knowledge
- Authors: McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/426967 , vital:72404 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-022-00926-5"
- Description: Universities have put in place various policies and punishments to manage plagiarism and it is an issue of signifcant interest. This article looks at how plagiarism is discussed in the 55 Higher Education articles between 1982 and June 2022 that make some reference to the term. Many of the articles focused on a police-catch-punish approach and imbued a strong moral charge to the issue. In contrast to such articles were those that presented citation as a complex academic practice that needs to be engaged with educationally. Our understandings of and responses to plagiarism emerge from a number of causal mechanisms but I argue that a key mechanism is the commodifcation of knowledge. Where knowledge is a product to be packaged, bought, and sold, then ownership and attribution become more important than engagement and personal meaning making. Instead of our obsession with a police-catch-punish approach to plagiarism, at a more micro-level, we should be inducting students into the many roles citations serve, and at a macro-level, we should be engaging in considerations of the purposes of a higher education and how we might better enable students to enjoy a transformative relationship to knowledge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: McKenna, Sioux
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/426967 , vital:72404 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-022-00926-5"
- Description: Universities have put in place various policies and punishments to manage plagiarism and it is an issue of signifcant interest. This article looks at how plagiarism is discussed in the 55 Higher Education articles between 1982 and June 2022 that make some reference to the term. Many of the articles focused on a police-catch-punish approach and imbued a strong moral charge to the issue. In contrast to such articles were those that presented citation as a complex academic practice that needs to be engaged with educationally. Our understandings of and responses to plagiarism emerge from a number of causal mechanisms but I argue that a key mechanism is the commodifcation of knowledge. Where knowledge is a product to be packaged, bought, and sold, then ownership and attribution become more important than engagement and personal meaning making. Instead of our obsession with a police-catch-punish approach to plagiarism, at a more micro-level, we should be inducting students into the many roles citations serve, and at a macro-level, we should be engaging in considerations of the purposes of a higher education and how we might better enable students to enjoy a transformative relationship to knowledge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Planetary Urgency, Researcher Reflexivity and ESE Research: Questions Arising from an Initial Exploration of Goethean-inspired Phenomenology
- Authors: Olvitt, Lausanne L
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/437541 , vital:73392 , ISBN
- Description: Many of the theoretical and methodological frameworks that are currently influential in Environment and Sustainability Education (ESE) research in South Africa foreground interventionist research, activism, causal explanation, critique, social-ecological transformation and decoloniality. These frameworks guide ESE researchers to design, implement and report on research in particular ways, hence influencing how social-ecological phenomena, learning and social change are understood and enacted. In this essay, I present some exploratory perspectives on the relevance and potential contribution of phenomenological approaches to ESE research, especially Goethean inspired observation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Olvitt, Lausanne L
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/437541 , vital:73392 , ISBN
- Description: Many of the theoretical and methodological frameworks that are currently influential in Environment and Sustainability Education (ESE) research in South Africa foreground interventionist research, activism, causal explanation, critique, social-ecological transformation and decoloniality. These frameworks guide ESE researchers to design, implement and report on research in particular ways, hence influencing how social-ecological phenomena, learning and social change are understood and enacted. In this essay, I present some exploratory perspectives on the relevance and potential contribution of phenomenological approaches to ESE research, especially Goethean inspired observation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Postgraduate education in a globalised world
- Authors: Boughey, Chrissie
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434469 , vital:73066 , ISBN 9781991201225 , https://www.google.co.za/books/edition/The_Global_Scholar/KvQ3EAAAQBAJ?hl=enandgbpv=0
- Description: Interest in postgraduate education and the supervision of postgraduate research has developed in recent years, largely as a result of the impact of the so-called ‘knowledge economy’. South Africa’s National Plan 20301 draws on globalised discourses in holding that increases in the number of graduates, particularly at doctoral level, will contribute to economic prosperity because of the potential of postgraduate education to contribute to the processes of reinvention that drive the economic system itself. Even a brief glance at the mission and vision statements of a small sample of universities shows how this idea has been taken up within the higher education sector. In the context of high levels of unemployment, the idea that a postgraduate degree can lead to better work prospects also means that students who might never have considered doing a postgraduate degree previously, have now come forward to study at this level. All this then means that academics are being called upon to take on heavier supervision loads with a diverse array of students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Boughey, Chrissie
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434469 , vital:73066 , ISBN 9781991201225 , https://www.google.co.za/books/edition/The_Global_Scholar/KvQ3EAAAQBAJ?hl=enandgbpv=0
- Description: Interest in postgraduate education and the supervision of postgraduate research has developed in recent years, largely as a result of the impact of the so-called ‘knowledge economy’. South Africa’s National Plan 20301 draws on globalised discourses in holding that increases in the number of graduates, particularly at doctoral level, will contribute to economic prosperity because of the potential of postgraduate education to contribute to the processes of reinvention that drive the economic system itself. Even a brief glance at the mission and vision statements of a small sample of universities shows how this idea has been taken up within the higher education sector. In the context of high levels of unemployment, the idea that a postgraduate degree can lead to better work prospects also means that students who might never have considered doing a postgraduate degree previously, have now come forward to study at this level. All this then means that academics are being called upon to take on heavier supervision loads with a diverse array of students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
Principles of Computer Architecture
- Authors: Machanick, Philip
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/439184 , vital:73553 , https://homes.cs.ru.ac.za/philip/Courses/CSHonsArch/HonsArchNotes2022.pdf
- Description: Last week, Control Data ... announced the 6600 system. I understand that in the laboratory developing the system there are only 34 people including the janitor. Of these, 14 are engineers and 4 are programmers... Contrasting this modest effort with our vast development activities, I fail to understand why we have lost our industry leadership position by letting someone else offer the world’s most powerful computer – Thomas Watson Jr., IBM CEO, August 1963 It seems like Mr. Watson has answered his own question – Seymour Cray
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022
- Authors: Machanick, Philip
- Date: 2022
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/439184 , vital:73553 , https://homes.cs.ru.ac.za/philip/Courses/CSHonsArch/HonsArchNotes2022.pdf
- Description: Last week, Control Data ... announced the 6600 system. I understand that in the laboratory developing the system there are only 34 people including the janitor. Of these, 14 are engineers and 4 are programmers... Contrasting this modest effort with our vast development activities, I fail to understand why we have lost our industry leadership position by letting someone else offer the world’s most powerful computer – Thomas Watson Jr., IBM CEO, August 1963 It seems like Mr. Watson has answered his own question – Seymour Cray
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022