Evaluation of incidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex associated with soil, hayfeed and water in three agricultural facilities in Amathole District Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Ntloko, Athini
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mycobacterium tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Drug resistance in microorganisms Mycobacterial diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2689 , vital:27993
- Description: Mycobacterium bovis and other species of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) can result to a zoonotic infection known as Bovine tuberculosis (bTB). MTBC has members that may contaminate an extensive range of hosts, including wildlife. Diverse wild species are known to cause disease in domestic livestock and are acknowledged as TB reservoirs. It has been a main study worldwide to deliberate on bTB risk factors as a result some studies focused on particular parts of risk factors such as wildlife and herd management. The objectives of this study were to design questionnaires from commercial farms and smallholding farms; isolate and identify MTBC from collected samples using culture and PCR assays recovered from Fort Hare, Middledrift and Seven star dairy farms; and assessing genotypic drug resistance through detection of mutations conferring resistance to INH and RMP associated with first line treatment for MTBC infection. Questionnaires were administered to thirty (30) smallholding farm owners in the two villages (kwaMasele and Qungqwala) and three (3) three commercial farms (Fort Hare dairy farm, Middledrift dairy farm and Seven-star dairy farm). Detection of M. tuberculosis complex was achieved by Polymerase Chain Reaction using primers for IS6110; whereas a genotypic drug resistance mutation was detected using Genotype MTBDRplus assays. Nine percent (9 percent) of respondents had more than 40 cows in their herd, while 60 percent reported between 10 and 20 cows in their herd. Relationship between farm size and vaccination for TB differed from forty-one percent (41 percent) being the highest to the least five percent (5 percent). The highest number of respondents who knew about relationship between TB cases and cattle location was ninety-one percent (91 percent). Approximately fifty-one percent (51 percent) of respondents had knowledge about wild life access to the farms. Relationship between import of cattle and farm size ranged from nine percent (9 percent) to thirty-five percent (35 percent). Cattle sickness in relation to farm size differed from forty-three (43 percent) being the highest to the least three percent (3 percent); while thirty-three percent (33 percent) of respondents had knowledge about health management. Respondents with knowledge about the occurrence of TB infections in farms were forty-eight percent (48 percent). The frequency of DNA isolation from samples ranged from the highest forty-five percent (45 percent) from water to the least twenty-two percent (22 percent) from soil. Fort Hare dairy farm had the highest number of positive samples forty-four percent (44 percent) from water samples; whereas Middledrift dairy farm had the lowest positive from water, seventeen percent (17 percent). Twelve (22 percent) out of 55 isolates showed resistance to INH and RMP that is, multi-drug resistance (MDR) and nine percent (9 percent) were sensitive to either INH or RMP. The mutations at rpoB gene differed from 58 percent being the highest to the least (23 percent). Fifty-seven percent (57 percent) of samples showed a S315T1 mutation while only 14 percent possessed a S531L in the katG gene. The highest inhA mutations were detected in T8A (80 percent) eighty percent and the least was observed in A16G (17 percent). The results of this study reveals that risk factors for bTB in cattle and dairy farm workers is a serious issue abound in the Eastern Cape of South Africa; with the possibility of widespread dissemination of multidrug resistant determinants in MTBC from the environment.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ntloko, Athini
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mycobacterium tuberculosis -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Drug resistance in microorganisms Mycobacterial diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2689 , vital:27993
- Description: Mycobacterium bovis and other species of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) can result to a zoonotic infection known as Bovine tuberculosis (bTB). MTBC has members that may contaminate an extensive range of hosts, including wildlife. Diverse wild species are known to cause disease in domestic livestock and are acknowledged as TB reservoirs. It has been a main study worldwide to deliberate on bTB risk factors as a result some studies focused on particular parts of risk factors such as wildlife and herd management. The objectives of this study were to design questionnaires from commercial farms and smallholding farms; isolate and identify MTBC from collected samples using culture and PCR assays recovered from Fort Hare, Middledrift and Seven star dairy farms; and assessing genotypic drug resistance through detection of mutations conferring resistance to INH and RMP associated with first line treatment for MTBC infection. Questionnaires were administered to thirty (30) smallholding farm owners in the two villages (kwaMasele and Qungqwala) and three (3) three commercial farms (Fort Hare dairy farm, Middledrift dairy farm and Seven-star dairy farm). Detection of M. tuberculosis complex was achieved by Polymerase Chain Reaction using primers for IS6110; whereas a genotypic drug resistance mutation was detected using Genotype MTBDRplus assays. Nine percent (9 percent) of respondents had more than 40 cows in their herd, while 60 percent reported between 10 and 20 cows in their herd. Relationship between farm size and vaccination for TB differed from forty-one percent (41 percent) being the highest to the least five percent (5 percent). The highest number of respondents who knew about relationship between TB cases and cattle location was ninety-one percent (91 percent). Approximately fifty-one percent (51 percent) of respondents had knowledge about wild life access to the farms. Relationship between import of cattle and farm size ranged from nine percent (9 percent) to thirty-five percent (35 percent). Cattle sickness in relation to farm size differed from forty-three (43 percent) being the highest to the least three percent (3 percent); while thirty-three percent (33 percent) of respondents had knowledge about health management. Respondents with knowledge about the occurrence of TB infections in farms were forty-eight percent (48 percent). The frequency of DNA isolation from samples ranged from the highest forty-five percent (45 percent) from water to the least twenty-two percent (22 percent) from soil. Fort Hare dairy farm had the highest number of positive samples forty-four percent (44 percent) from water samples; whereas Middledrift dairy farm had the lowest positive from water, seventeen percent (17 percent). Twelve (22 percent) out of 55 isolates showed resistance to INH and RMP that is, multi-drug resistance (MDR) and nine percent (9 percent) were sensitive to either INH or RMP. The mutations at rpoB gene differed from 58 percent being the highest to the least (23 percent). Fifty-seven percent (57 percent) of samples showed a S315T1 mutation while only 14 percent possessed a S531L in the katG gene. The highest inhA mutations were detected in T8A (80 percent) eighty percent and the least was observed in A16G (17 percent). The results of this study reveals that risk factors for bTB in cattle and dairy farm workers is a serious issue abound in the Eastern Cape of South Africa; with the possibility of widespread dissemination of multidrug resistant determinants in MTBC from the environment.
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Glycolytic potential and meat quality from dorper and merino sheep slaughtered at a commercial abattoir
- Authors: Stempa, Thuthuzelwa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Slaughtering and slaughter-houses Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15310 , vital:40361
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine glycolytic potential and meat quality from Dorper and Merino sheep of both sexes slaughtered at a commercial abattoir. Dorper (n=52) and Merino (n= 48) breeds aged eight years, consisting of 50 intact rams and 50 non-pregnant ewes were used in the study. The sheep used in the study were reared, transported and lairised under identical conditions. Blood samples were collected at exsanguination for the measurement of glucose, lactate and cortisol levels. Samples were also collected from the Muscularis longmissius thoracis et lumborum (LTL) for the measurement glycogen, lactate levels, pH decline and colour. Correlations amongst blood stress indicators, muscle metabolites and meat quality attributes were also determined. Sex and breed had no effect on muscle glycolytic potential, glycogen and lactate levels from Dorper and Merino sheep of both sexes at the abattoir. Although sex and breed had an effect on pre-slaughter stress indicators (lactate and cortisol) collected at exsanguination. Ewes had higher levels of blood lactate (7.4 3 ± 0.49 mmol/L) and cortisol (293.92 ± 14.32 nmol/L) than the rams which had (5.19 ± 0.49 mmol/L) and (179.50 ± 14.32 nmol/L) lactate and cortisol levels, respectively. Furthermore, higher levels of lactate were observed in Dorper (7.54 ± 0.42 mmol/L) compared to the Merino sheep (4.97 ± 0.49 mmol/L). Meat pH decline and colour were also significantly affected by sex and breed. Ewes had higher levels of at pH45 minutes post slaughter (7.05 ± 0.04), pH3 hours (6.45 ± 0.04) , pH24 hours (6.00 ± 0.03), a* (14.31 ± 0.33) , b* (8.84 ± 0.29), H* (31.47 ± 0.73) and C* (16.75 ± 0.24) compared to the rams which had pH45 minutes (6.44 ± 0.04), pH3 hours (6.12 ± 0.04), pH24 hours (5.88 ± 0.03), a* (12.25 ± 0.33), b* (7.00 ± 0.29), H* (29.36 ± 0.73) and C* (14.15 ± 0.42) values. Moreover, Merino sheep had higher levels of L* (38.17 ± 0.48) and H* (31.59 ± 0.74) compared to the Dorper which had (36.39 ± 0.46) and (29.33 ± 0.71) L* and H* values, respectively. Blood cortisol was also positively correlated (P < 0.05) to glucose (r = 0.27), lactate (r = 0.37) but was negatively correlated (P < 0.001) to meat lightness (r = -0.44). Furthermore, blood cortisol was positively correlated (P < 0.001) to pH45 (r = 0.34), pH24 (r =0.22), meat yellowness (r = 0.24) and chroma (r = 0.37), but was negatively correlated to meat lightness (r = -0.47). Glycolytic potential was positively correlated (P < 0.001) to muscle glycogen levels (r = 0.66) and muscle lactate (r = 0.71).
- Full Text:
- Authors: Stempa, Thuthuzelwa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Slaughtering and slaughter-houses Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15310 , vital:40361
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine glycolytic potential and meat quality from Dorper and Merino sheep of both sexes slaughtered at a commercial abattoir. Dorper (n=52) and Merino (n= 48) breeds aged eight years, consisting of 50 intact rams and 50 non-pregnant ewes were used in the study. The sheep used in the study were reared, transported and lairised under identical conditions. Blood samples were collected at exsanguination for the measurement of glucose, lactate and cortisol levels. Samples were also collected from the Muscularis longmissius thoracis et lumborum (LTL) for the measurement glycogen, lactate levels, pH decline and colour. Correlations amongst blood stress indicators, muscle metabolites and meat quality attributes were also determined. Sex and breed had no effect on muscle glycolytic potential, glycogen and lactate levels from Dorper and Merino sheep of both sexes at the abattoir. Although sex and breed had an effect on pre-slaughter stress indicators (lactate and cortisol) collected at exsanguination. Ewes had higher levels of blood lactate (7.4 3 ± 0.49 mmol/L) and cortisol (293.92 ± 14.32 nmol/L) than the rams which had (5.19 ± 0.49 mmol/L) and (179.50 ± 14.32 nmol/L) lactate and cortisol levels, respectively. Furthermore, higher levels of lactate were observed in Dorper (7.54 ± 0.42 mmol/L) compared to the Merino sheep (4.97 ± 0.49 mmol/L). Meat pH decline and colour were also significantly affected by sex and breed. Ewes had higher levels of at pH45 minutes post slaughter (7.05 ± 0.04), pH3 hours (6.45 ± 0.04) , pH24 hours (6.00 ± 0.03), a* (14.31 ± 0.33) , b* (8.84 ± 0.29), H* (31.47 ± 0.73) and C* (16.75 ± 0.24) compared to the rams which had pH45 minutes (6.44 ± 0.04), pH3 hours (6.12 ± 0.04), pH24 hours (5.88 ± 0.03), a* (12.25 ± 0.33), b* (7.00 ± 0.29), H* (29.36 ± 0.73) and C* (14.15 ± 0.42) values. Moreover, Merino sheep had higher levels of L* (38.17 ± 0.48) and H* (31.59 ± 0.74) compared to the Dorper which had (36.39 ± 0.46) and (29.33 ± 0.71) L* and H* values, respectively. Blood cortisol was also positively correlated (P < 0.05) to glucose (r = 0.27), lactate (r = 0.37) but was negatively correlated (P < 0.001) to meat lightness (r = -0.44). Furthermore, blood cortisol was positively correlated (P < 0.001) to pH45 (r = 0.34), pH24 (r =0.22), meat yellowness (r = 0.24) and chroma (r = 0.37), but was negatively correlated to meat lightness (r = -0.47). Glycolytic potential was positively correlated (P < 0.001) to muscle glycogen levels (r = 0.66) and muscle lactate (r = 0.71).
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Microbiological analyses of beef slaughtering process and meat safety knowledge of handlers at selected high and low thoughput abattoirs
- Authors: Nyamakwere, Faith
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Slaughtering and slaughter-houses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Meat industry and trade -- Quality control Beef -- Quality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2238 , vital:27712
- Description: The objective of the study was to evaluate meat hygiene practices among meat handlers and microbiological analysis of beef carcasses, slaughtermen hands, equipment and water from low throughput (LTA) and high throughput (HTA) abattoirs in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. In stage one of the study, the level of knowledge, practices and attitudes towards meat safety and personal hygiene of slaughtermen were assessed. Forty workers directly involve in beef cattle slaughtering process were surveyed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, it contained questions on some of the most important meat safety cues such as knowledge, attitudes, personal hygiene and handling practices. Cross tabulation and Chi-square Test of Association were performed to examine the relationships between the demographic information and the knowledge regarding meat safety using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Overall, a significant adherence to basic hygiene practices and a satisfactory level of knowledge were observed. Workers from a HTA yielded comparatively better statistically significant scores. Moreover, knowledge and practices of respondents were significantly associated (P<0.05) due to educational level and professional training. The second stage of the study involved evaluating the level to which cattle carcass, equipment, slaughtermen hands and water were contaminated with Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella, Escherichia coli and aerobic colony counts (ACC) at different stages during the slaughter process (skinning, evisceration, carcass slitting, inspection, washing and packing). Cattle carcasses were sampled at four sites (rump, neck, flank and brisket) from a LTA (n= 240) and HTA (n= 384) abattoirs. Using conventional biochemical tests, HTA yielded significantly (P<0.05) higher ACC (5.2 log CFU/cm2), E. coli (2.6 log CFU/cm2) and Enterobacteriaceae (2.9 log CFU/cm2) carcass mean scores than LTA after skinning and evisceration. Specific abattoir hygiene differences were noted from washed and chilled carcasses. Salmonella was not detected across all sampled slaughter process stages. In addition, the equipment had bacterial load ranging from 10 to 4 CFU/cm2 for LTA, whereas in HTA this was found to be 7 to 3 CFU/cm2. The bacterial counts for slaughtermen hands were estimated to be 15 to 8 CFU/cm2 in HTA and 10 to 5 CFU/cm2 in LTA. Overall, slaughtermen hands and equipment in the dirty area (skinning and evisceration) yielded more bacterial counts compared to those in the clean area (slitting, inspection, washing and packing) from both abattoirs. For all the sampled carcasses, equipment and slaughtermen hands, HTA yielded comparatively higher (P<0.05) bacterial counts than the LTA. Although the results showed a significant adherence to basic hygiene practices, some aspects such as routine medical examination, health certificates and professional training of slaughtermen still need to be improved. Therefore, these findings show that slaughtermen, equipment and water can be sources of contamination during the slaughter process.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nyamakwere, Faith
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Slaughtering and slaughter-houses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Meat industry and trade -- Quality control Beef -- Quality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2238 , vital:27712
- Description: The objective of the study was to evaluate meat hygiene practices among meat handlers and microbiological analysis of beef carcasses, slaughtermen hands, equipment and water from low throughput (LTA) and high throughput (HTA) abattoirs in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. In stage one of the study, the level of knowledge, practices and attitudes towards meat safety and personal hygiene of slaughtermen were assessed. Forty workers directly involve in beef cattle slaughtering process were surveyed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, it contained questions on some of the most important meat safety cues such as knowledge, attitudes, personal hygiene and handling practices. Cross tabulation and Chi-square Test of Association were performed to examine the relationships between the demographic information and the knowledge regarding meat safety using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Overall, a significant adherence to basic hygiene practices and a satisfactory level of knowledge were observed. Workers from a HTA yielded comparatively better statistically significant scores. Moreover, knowledge and practices of respondents were significantly associated (P<0.05) due to educational level and professional training. The second stage of the study involved evaluating the level to which cattle carcass, equipment, slaughtermen hands and water were contaminated with Enterobacteriaceae, Salmonella, Escherichia coli and aerobic colony counts (ACC) at different stages during the slaughter process (skinning, evisceration, carcass slitting, inspection, washing and packing). Cattle carcasses were sampled at four sites (rump, neck, flank and brisket) from a LTA (n= 240) and HTA (n= 384) abattoirs. Using conventional biochemical tests, HTA yielded significantly (P<0.05) higher ACC (5.2 log CFU/cm2), E. coli (2.6 log CFU/cm2) and Enterobacteriaceae (2.9 log CFU/cm2) carcass mean scores than LTA after skinning and evisceration. Specific abattoir hygiene differences were noted from washed and chilled carcasses. Salmonella was not detected across all sampled slaughter process stages. In addition, the equipment had bacterial load ranging from 10 to 4 CFU/cm2 for LTA, whereas in HTA this was found to be 7 to 3 CFU/cm2. The bacterial counts for slaughtermen hands were estimated to be 15 to 8 CFU/cm2 in HTA and 10 to 5 CFU/cm2 in LTA. Overall, slaughtermen hands and equipment in the dirty area (skinning and evisceration) yielded more bacterial counts compared to those in the clean area (slitting, inspection, washing and packing) from both abattoirs. For all the sampled carcasses, equipment and slaughtermen hands, HTA yielded comparatively higher (P<0.05) bacterial counts than the LTA. Although the results showed a significant adherence to basic hygiene practices, some aspects such as routine medical examination, health certificates and professional training of slaughtermen still need to be improved. Therefore, these findings show that slaughtermen, equipment and water can be sources of contamination during the slaughter process.
- Full Text:
Multi linear regression-based modeling and performance monitoring of flat plate solar collector outlet temperature in Alice, South Africa
- Authors: Ndlovu, Nothando
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Solar collectors Solar water heaters
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12676 , vital:39298
- Description: In a period of rapidly increasing energy demand, the exploitation of abundantly available solar energy is imperative. Temperate climates like South Africa show good potential for utilizing solar-driven technologies such as solar water heaters. These systems offer an attractive alternative over conventional water geysers as a means to supply hot water for residential use. In South Africa, the solar water heater industry is growing rapidly as the government offers incentives manufactures and consumers. This necessitates the determination of performance of these systems through experimental analysis as well as performance prediction. This study evaluated the summer and winter performance of a flat plate, thermosyphon solar water heater under climatic conditions encountered in Alice, South Africa by considering the collector outlet temperature. The performance and weather data obtained were used to develop a multi linear regression (MLR) model for each season. MLR is a simple and easily applicable modelling approach which uses a set of input and output data to determine the model coefficients of a linear relation of two or more variables. The collector outlet temperature was correlated with solar radiation, ambient temperature, relative humidity, and collector inlet temperature since these variables have a direct impact on the collector temperature rise. Results from the performance showed that the collector performs well, attaining temperatures up to 87.2oC during the summer season and 70oC during winter season. The summer and winter percentage mean absolute error for the whole monitoring period were 4.07 percent and 6.2 percent respectively which indicate that MLR can be successfully applied to predict collector outlet temperatures in both seasons.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ndlovu, Nothando
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Solar collectors Solar water heaters
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12676 , vital:39298
- Description: In a period of rapidly increasing energy demand, the exploitation of abundantly available solar energy is imperative. Temperate climates like South Africa show good potential for utilizing solar-driven technologies such as solar water heaters. These systems offer an attractive alternative over conventional water geysers as a means to supply hot water for residential use. In South Africa, the solar water heater industry is growing rapidly as the government offers incentives manufactures and consumers. This necessitates the determination of performance of these systems through experimental analysis as well as performance prediction. This study evaluated the summer and winter performance of a flat plate, thermosyphon solar water heater under climatic conditions encountered in Alice, South Africa by considering the collector outlet temperature. The performance and weather data obtained were used to develop a multi linear regression (MLR) model for each season. MLR is a simple and easily applicable modelling approach which uses a set of input and output data to determine the model coefficients of a linear relation of two or more variables. The collector outlet temperature was correlated with solar radiation, ambient temperature, relative humidity, and collector inlet temperature since these variables have a direct impact on the collector temperature rise. Results from the performance showed that the collector performs well, attaining temperatures up to 87.2oC during the summer season and 70oC during winter season. The summer and winter percentage mean absolute error for the whole monitoring period were 4.07 percent and 6.2 percent respectively which indicate that MLR can be successfully applied to predict collector outlet temperatures in both seasons.
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Perceptions of indigenous people regarding mental illness at Cacadu District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Tilolo, Lwazi Romeo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Indigenous peoples -- Mental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Cultural psychiatry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Healers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ethnopsychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2677 , vital:27983
- Description: Indigenous people tend to consult traditional healers when a family member manifests change in behaviour, whilst conventional treatment disregards spirituality when preserving mental health. The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of indigenous people and the role of traditional healers in the management of mentally ill persons within the Cacadu District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study has adopted a qualitative approach which was exploratory and descriptive in nature. The sample consisted of nine relatives of mental health care users (MHCUs) and six traditional healers. Ethical principles were also taken into consideration by the researcher during the process of conducting the study. Data were collected from two strata, namely, relatives of the MHCUs and the traditional healers and an interview guide was used to conduct in-depth face-to-face interviews. Data were analysed using Tesch’s method of data analysis. Four themes emerged from the data categories and sub categories were identified. According to the themes participants indicated the negative impact of mental illness; as a result they portrayed great desperation regarding the means of accessing a cure for mental illness. Some participants showed insufficient knowledge regarding mental illness and had different perceptions and beliefs regarding the origin of mental illness. Available literature was used to emphasise and support the views that were expressed by both traditional healers and relatives of MHCUs. It has been highlighted from this study that indigenous people of Cacadu District view mental illness as spiritual in origin but they include Western medication for the benefit of the mentally ill. In addition, the relatives of the MHCUs highlighted the economic burden as the major problem that results from mental illness.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Tilolo, Lwazi Romeo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Indigenous peoples -- Mental health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Cultural psychiatry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Healers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ethnopsychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2677 , vital:27983
- Description: Indigenous people tend to consult traditional healers when a family member manifests change in behaviour, whilst conventional treatment disregards spirituality when preserving mental health. The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of indigenous people and the role of traditional healers in the management of mentally ill persons within the Cacadu District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study has adopted a qualitative approach which was exploratory and descriptive in nature. The sample consisted of nine relatives of mental health care users (MHCUs) and six traditional healers. Ethical principles were also taken into consideration by the researcher during the process of conducting the study. Data were collected from two strata, namely, relatives of the MHCUs and the traditional healers and an interview guide was used to conduct in-depth face-to-face interviews. Data were analysed using Tesch’s method of data analysis. Four themes emerged from the data categories and sub categories were identified. According to the themes participants indicated the negative impact of mental illness; as a result they portrayed great desperation regarding the means of accessing a cure for mental illness. Some participants showed insufficient knowledge regarding mental illness and had different perceptions and beliefs regarding the origin of mental illness. Available literature was used to emphasise and support the views that were expressed by both traditional healers and relatives of MHCUs. It has been highlighted from this study that indigenous people of Cacadu District view mental illness as spiritual in origin but they include Western medication for the benefit of the mentally ill. In addition, the relatives of the MHCUs highlighted the economic burden as the major problem that results from mental illness.
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Risk factors associated with developing asthma and tuberculosis: a case study of a hospital, Lagos Nigeria
- Authors: Adeniji, Tolulope Olubunmi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Asthma -- Nigeria -- Epidemiology , Diseases -- Risk factors -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13216 , vital:39616
- Description: The purpose of the study is to assess risk factors associated with developing asthma and tuberculosis. Methodology: A quantitative study was conducted on 133 randomly selected tuberculosis respondents, 91 of whom were suffering from TB at the time of the study. 120 respondents were also selected randomly for asthma of which 82 were asthmatic. Data were collected by using a self-structured questionnaire. The statistical analysis was done with the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS, version 18) using the descriptive statistics and logistic regression model. Results: Findings from the study show that a large percentage of the participants for both diseases were male, and the carriers of the diseases were also mostly male. Amongst the factors assessed, smoking, a weak immune system and a history of contact with tuberculosis infected persons were factors independently associated with developing tuberculosis. In the case of asthma, family history, smoking and exposure to allergen irritants were the factors independently associated with developing the disease. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for increasing awareness through information, education and communication to address the risk factors of tuberculosis and asthma in order to decrease the rate of outspread. Recommendations: Factors triggering asthma among humans should be avoided. Since tuberculosis can be contracted through person to person contact, proper sanitation and regular medical attention are advocated for safeguarding personal and public health.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Adeniji, Tolulope Olubunmi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Asthma -- Nigeria -- Epidemiology , Diseases -- Risk factors -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13216 , vital:39616
- Description: The purpose of the study is to assess risk factors associated with developing asthma and tuberculosis. Methodology: A quantitative study was conducted on 133 randomly selected tuberculosis respondents, 91 of whom were suffering from TB at the time of the study. 120 respondents were also selected randomly for asthma of which 82 were asthmatic. Data were collected by using a self-structured questionnaire. The statistical analysis was done with the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS, version 18) using the descriptive statistics and logistic regression model. Results: Findings from the study show that a large percentage of the participants for both diseases were male, and the carriers of the diseases were also mostly male. Amongst the factors assessed, smoking, a weak immune system and a history of contact with tuberculosis infected persons were factors independently associated with developing tuberculosis. In the case of asthma, family history, smoking and exposure to allergen irritants were the factors independently associated with developing the disease. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for increasing awareness through information, education and communication to address the risk factors of tuberculosis and asthma in order to decrease the rate of outspread. Recommendations: Factors triggering asthma among humans should be avoided. Since tuberculosis can be contracted through person to person contact, proper sanitation and regular medical attention are advocated for safeguarding personal and public health.
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Socio-economic factors influencing apiculture in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: Peter, Luntulwandile
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Bee culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Honey -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15321 , vital:40362
- Description: The aim of this study was to assess socio-economic factors influencing apiculture in the Eastern Cape Province. In addition, production costs and profitability of beekeeping were determined, and opportunities and challenges to beekeeping were identified. The data was generated from 58 individual interviews using pre-tested structured questionnaires and checklists. This was supplemented by secondary data collected from different published and unpublished sources. Gross margin analysis was employed to examine the income contribution of honey production to household income, and a Linear Regression Model was used to identify the determinants of honey production. Of the twelve variables included in the regression model, only six were found to be statistically significant. These were gender of the beekeeper, access to credit, availability of labour, price of honey, distance to the market, and number of bee colonies owned. On average, each beekeeper owned and operated 35 bee colonies, with an average production of 9 kg of honey per colony per annum; the latter is well beyond a potential production of 35 kg per colony per annum. Beekeeping contributed an average of R12 231.80 per beekeeping household per annum. Except for the honey, no other bee products were produced and marketed. The beekeepers could access the market (retailers and consumers) readily and efficiently; the latter having been determined through calculation and analysing marketing margins. The major constraints to production identified and prioritised by beekeepers in the study area were drought, pests and insects, the shortage of bee forage, and the lack of adequate beekeeping skills. Based on the study results, interventions required to raise the marketable supply of honey produce are recommended.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Peter, Luntulwandile
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Bee culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Honey -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15321 , vital:40362
- Description: The aim of this study was to assess socio-economic factors influencing apiculture in the Eastern Cape Province. In addition, production costs and profitability of beekeeping were determined, and opportunities and challenges to beekeeping were identified. The data was generated from 58 individual interviews using pre-tested structured questionnaires and checklists. This was supplemented by secondary data collected from different published and unpublished sources. Gross margin analysis was employed to examine the income contribution of honey production to household income, and a Linear Regression Model was used to identify the determinants of honey production. Of the twelve variables included in the regression model, only six were found to be statistically significant. These were gender of the beekeeper, access to credit, availability of labour, price of honey, distance to the market, and number of bee colonies owned. On average, each beekeeper owned and operated 35 bee colonies, with an average production of 9 kg of honey per colony per annum; the latter is well beyond a potential production of 35 kg per colony per annum. Beekeeping contributed an average of R12 231.80 per beekeeping household per annum. Except for the honey, no other bee products were produced and marketed. The beekeepers could access the market (retailers and consumers) readily and efficiently; the latter having been determined through calculation and analysing marketing margins. The major constraints to production identified and prioritised by beekeepers in the study area were drought, pests and insects, the shortage of bee forage, and the lack of adequate beekeeping skills. Based on the study results, interventions required to raise the marketable supply of honey produce are recommended.
- Full Text:
Stratigraphy and sedimentology of the Msikaba formation in KwaZulu Natal South Coast, South Africa
- Authors: Busakwe, Nolukholo Sinovuyo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Geology, Stratigraphic Sedimentology -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2501 , vital:27877
- Description: The Msikaba Formation is a Late Devonian fluvial and marine succession which outcrops from Hibberdene to Port Edward along the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The Formation is composed of brownish conglomerate at the bottom and white-greyish quartz arenite sequence in the middle and mixed quartz-arenite with feldspathic sandstone in the upper sequence. Previous studies put more emphasis on the correlation of Msikaba Formation with the Natal Group and Cape Supergroup, whereas this study revised the stratigraphy, and also put new insight on the petrography, sedimentary facies, depositional environments and diagenesis of the Formation. The total stratigraphic section attains a thickness of 184 m at Margate area and 186 m at Port Edward area. The stratigraphy of Msikaba Formation is well exposed on the outcrops along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. The stratigraphy is subdivided into 4 new members along Margate to Shelly beach section; namely Manaba Member, Uvongo Member, Mhlangeni Member and Shelly Beach Member from bottom upward. Twelve sedimentary facies were identified and the sedimentary facies were integrated into 4 facies association: Facies association 1 (Gmm+Sm) represents braided fluvial deposits, Facies association 2 (Gcm+St+Sp+Sl+Shb) represents tidal channel and tidal flat deposit, Facies association 3 (St+Sp+Sr+Sl) is result of shallow marine deposit and Facies association 4 (Sp+Sl+St+Sm) is a mixed marine and fluvial deposit. Each facies association represents a specific stratigraphic unit and were deposited in a specific sedimentary environment. Grain size analysis was conducted on seventeen thin sections and 500 grains were counted from each thin section. The sandstone grain size parameters of mean, sorting, skewness and kurtosis fell under the average of 0.75, 0.78, 0.4 and 1.2φ respectively. The results show that most of the grain size are coarse to medium grained throughout the study areas and sorting of the sandstones are moderate to poorly sorted. The cumulative frequency diagrams and bivariate plots show positive skewness and negative kurtosis, which indicate a high hydrodynamic environment. Modal composition analysis and petrography studies show that detrital components of the Msikaba Formation are dominated by monocrystalline quartz, feldspar (mostly K-feldspar) and lithic fragments of igneous and metamorphic rocks. The sandstones could be classified as quartz arenite, sub-arkosic sandstone and feldspathic litharenite; and the provenance analysis indicates that the sandstones were derived from craton interior, recycled or quartzose recycled sources which may derived from weathering and erosion of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Diagenetic processes of the Msikaba Formation have been passed through early, mid- and late diagenetic stages. Cementation, mineral conversion and compaction affect early diagenetic stage; authigenic minerals, quartz and feldspar overgrowth are presented in mid-diagenetic stage, whereas recrystallization, replacement, deformation and dissolution have been strongly affected late diagenetic stage. Microscopy, XRD and SEM-EDX studies have identified five types of cements including smectite clay, kaolinite, hematite, quartz and feldspar cements. Quartz cement, pore-filling and pore-lining clay are the major type of cements in the Msikaba Formation. Based on the lithology, sedimentary structure and facies variations, the Manaba Member was most probably deposited in a braided fluvial environment, the Uvongo Member was deposited in a tidal channel environment, the Mhlangeni Member was formed in shallow marine storm-influenced environment, whereas the Shelly Beach Member was represented mixed marine and fluvial environment. The sequence stratigraphy of Msikaba Formation constitutes a transgressive sequence from Manaba Member to Uvongo Member, whereas it ended as a regressive sequence from Mhlangeni Member to Shelly beach Member. The Msikaba Formation shows major differences with the Natal Group and Table Mountain Group (Cape Supergroup) in the lithology, stratigraphic sequence, sedimentary structures, facies system, palaeocurrent styles, fossil contents and depositional environments, which demonstrate that they are not the equivalent stratigraphic unit. Therefore, the Msikaba Formation is a separate, younger stratigraphic unit, and cannot correlate with the Natal Group and Table Mountain Group as suggested by previous researchers.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Busakwe, Nolukholo Sinovuyo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Geology, Stratigraphic Sedimentology -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2501 , vital:27877
- Description: The Msikaba Formation is a Late Devonian fluvial and marine succession which outcrops from Hibberdene to Port Edward along the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The Formation is composed of brownish conglomerate at the bottom and white-greyish quartz arenite sequence in the middle and mixed quartz-arenite with feldspathic sandstone in the upper sequence. Previous studies put more emphasis on the correlation of Msikaba Formation with the Natal Group and Cape Supergroup, whereas this study revised the stratigraphy, and also put new insight on the petrography, sedimentary facies, depositional environments and diagenesis of the Formation. The total stratigraphic section attains a thickness of 184 m at Margate area and 186 m at Port Edward area. The stratigraphy of Msikaba Formation is well exposed on the outcrops along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. The stratigraphy is subdivided into 4 new members along Margate to Shelly beach section; namely Manaba Member, Uvongo Member, Mhlangeni Member and Shelly Beach Member from bottom upward. Twelve sedimentary facies were identified and the sedimentary facies were integrated into 4 facies association: Facies association 1 (Gmm+Sm) represents braided fluvial deposits, Facies association 2 (Gcm+St+Sp+Sl+Shb) represents tidal channel and tidal flat deposit, Facies association 3 (St+Sp+Sr+Sl) is result of shallow marine deposit and Facies association 4 (Sp+Sl+St+Sm) is a mixed marine and fluvial deposit. Each facies association represents a specific stratigraphic unit and were deposited in a specific sedimentary environment. Grain size analysis was conducted on seventeen thin sections and 500 grains were counted from each thin section. The sandstone grain size parameters of mean, sorting, skewness and kurtosis fell under the average of 0.75, 0.78, 0.4 and 1.2φ respectively. The results show that most of the grain size are coarse to medium grained throughout the study areas and sorting of the sandstones are moderate to poorly sorted. The cumulative frequency diagrams and bivariate plots show positive skewness and negative kurtosis, which indicate a high hydrodynamic environment. Modal composition analysis and petrography studies show that detrital components of the Msikaba Formation are dominated by monocrystalline quartz, feldspar (mostly K-feldspar) and lithic fragments of igneous and metamorphic rocks. The sandstones could be classified as quartz arenite, sub-arkosic sandstone and feldspathic litharenite; and the provenance analysis indicates that the sandstones were derived from craton interior, recycled or quartzose recycled sources which may derived from weathering and erosion of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Diagenetic processes of the Msikaba Formation have been passed through early, mid- and late diagenetic stages. Cementation, mineral conversion and compaction affect early diagenetic stage; authigenic minerals, quartz and feldspar overgrowth are presented in mid-diagenetic stage, whereas recrystallization, replacement, deformation and dissolution have been strongly affected late diagenetic stage. Microscopy, XRD and SEM-EDX studies have identified five types of cements including smectite clay, kaolinite, hematite, quartz and feldspar cements. Quartz cement, pore-filling and pore-lining clay are the major type of cements in the Msikaba Formation. Based on the lithology, sedimentary structure and facies variations, the Manaba Member was most probably deposited in a braided fluvial environment, the Uvongo Member was deposited in a tidal channel environment, the Mhlangeni Member was formed in shallow marine storm-influenced environment, whereas the Shelly Beach Member was represented mixed marine and fluvial environment. The sequence stratigraphy of Msikaba Formation constitutes a transgressive sequence from Manaba Member to Uvongo Member, whereas it ended as a regressive sequence from Mhlangeni Member to Shelly beach Member. The Msikaba Formation shows major differences with the Natal Group and Table Mountain Group (Cape Supergroup) in the lithology, stratigraphic sequence, sedimentary structures, facies system, palaeocurrent styles, fossil contents and depositional environments, which demonstrate that they are not the equivalent stratigraphic unit. Therefore, the Msikaba Formation is a separate, younger stratigraphic unit, and cannot correlate with the Natal Group and Table Mountain Group as suggested by previous researchers.
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The effect of grain and soya bean-based diets on chicken production, some egg quality traits, and the potential for allergen carryover to eggs and meat
- Authors: Dokora, Adia-En-Michelle
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Chickens -- Nutrition Chickens --Feeding and feeds Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2946 , vital:28192
- Description: This study determined the effect of maize-, whole wheat-, soya bean-based-diets on the growth performance, egg quality and dressing percentage of chickens, as well as the potential for soy and gluten allergen carryover to eggs and meat from chickens. Twenty 36-week-old Lorham White (LW) hens were divided into two groups and kept in individual cages until they reached 39-weeks of age, with water and feed supplied ad libitum. Ten LW hens were fed a maize/soya bean-based diet (T1) and the other ten birds were fed a maize/soya bean-based diet with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion (T2) for a period of four weeks, with weekly individual hen weights and group feed consumption figures being recorded. After a two-week diet adaptation period, six eggs per treatment group were collected every second day from the LW hens’ to measure egg quality traits. Every third day, over a 29-day period, six eggs per treatment were collected and analysed for the presence of soy, gluten and gluten-derived peptides using allergen specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) kits. For the broiler trial, a total of 160 Ross 308 mixed sex day old chicks were used in a completely randomized design. Two dietary treatments were assigned to eight cages (replicate) per treatment, with ten birds per cage. The Ross 308 broiler feeding programme consisted of three phases, starter (day 1 to day 10), grower (day 11 to day 20) and finisher (day 21 to day 28). At the beginning of the trial all chicks were fed T1 which contained a maize/soya bean-based diet for a period of 10 days and then eight cages with 10 birds per cage were randomly selected and fed the T2 diet, which contained a maize/soya bean-based diet with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion, until they reached 28 days of age. Weekly live weights, feed intake, average daily gain and the average daily feed intake were recorded and calculated. At the end of the grower (day 21) and finisher phase (day 28), one broiler bird was selected per cage to have eight (8) birds per treatment and 16 birds per phase that were slaughtered and breast meat samples were analysed in duplicate for the presence of soy and gluten allergens using ELISA kits. The dressing percentage of hot carcasses was also determined at the end of the finisher phase on eight birds per treatment. For LW hens, live weight (LW) at 39 weeks of age, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and weekly feed intakes (FI) were significantly different (P < 0.05) between treatments with birds on T2 recording higher gains. As birds age in weeks increased, significant differences (P < 0.05) in live weight values were recorded. Egg quality traits measured (shell weight, yolk weight, albumen weight, albumen height and Haugh units) were significantly different (P < 0.05) between treatments, with eggs from hens receiving T1 recording higher mean values. As hens got older, the colour of egg yolk improved, producing eggs with higher b* (yellowness) values and lower L* (lightness) and a* (redness) mean values. The Haugh unit, significantly improved (P < 0.05) as the hens got older, signifying better quality of eggs. For the broiler birds, growth traits measured indicated that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in live weight (LW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), weekly feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), cumulative feed intake (CFI) and cumulative gain (CG) between treatments. No significant differences (P > 0.05) between dressing percentage of broilers from the two treatments were observed. As birds grew, significant differences (P < 0.05) in LW, FI, AFI, FCR, and CFI, over a four-week period were recorded. Results of the allergen analyses indicated that soy and gluten allergens were not carried over from feed into eggs and meat of chickens fed a maize/soya bean-based diet and a maize/soya bean-based with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion, respectively. In conclusion, a maize/soya bean-based diet and maize/soya bean-based diet with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion that contained soy and gluten allergens, are feed sources that promote and stimulate 36-week-old LW hen and Ross 308 chicken growth.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dokora, Adia-En-Michelle
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Chickens -- Nutrition Chickens --Feeding and feeds Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2946 , vital:28192
- Description: This study determined the effect of maize-, whole wheat-, soya bean-based-diets on the growth performance, egg quality and dressing percentage of chickens, as well as the potential for soy and gluten allergen carryover to eggs and meat from chickens. Twenty 36-week-old Lorham White (LW) hens were divided into two groups and kept in individual cages until they reached 39-weeks of age, with water and feed supplied ad libitum. Ten LW hens were fed a maize/soya bean-based diet (T1) and the other ten birds were fed a maize/soya bean-based diet with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion (T2) for a period of four weeks, with weekly individual hen weights and group feed consumption figures being recorded. After a two-week diet adaptation period, six eggs per treatment group were collected every second day from the LW hens’ to measure egg quality traits. Every third day, over a 29-day period, six eggs per treatment were collected and analysed for the presence of soy, gluten and gluten-derived peptides using allergen specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) kits. For the broiler trial, a total of 160 Ross 308 mixed sex day old chicks were used in a completely randomized design. Two dietary treatments were assigned to eight cages (replicate) per treatment, with ten birds per cage. The Ross 308 broiler feeding programme consisted of three phases, starter (day 1 to day 10), grower (day 11 to day 20) and finisher (day 21 to day 28). At the beginning of the trial all chicks were fed T1 which contained a maize/soya bean-based diet for a period of 10 days and then eight cages with 10 birds per cage were randomly selected and fed the T2 diet, which contained a maize/soya bean-based diet with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion, until they reached 28 days of age. Weekly live weights, feed intake, average daily gain and the average daily feed intake were recorded and calculated. At the end of the grower (day 21) and finisher phase (day 28), one broiler bird was selected per cage to have eight (8) birds per treatment and 16 birds per phase that were slaughtered and breast meat samples were analysed in duplicate for the presence of soy and gluten allergens using ELISA kits. The dressing percentage of hot carcasses was also determined at the end of the finisher phase on eight birds per treatment. For LW hens, live weight (LW) at 39 weeks of age, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and weekly feed intakes (FI) were significantly different (P < 0.05) between treatments with birds on T2 recording higher gains. As birds age in weeks increased, significant differences (P < 0.05) in live weight values were recorded. Egg quality traits measured (shell weight, yolk weight, albumen weight, albumen height and Haugh units) were significantly different (P < 0.05) between treatments, with eggs from hens receiving T1 recording higher mean values. As hens got older, the colour of egg yolk improved, producing eggs with higher b* (yellowness) values and lower L* (lightness) and a* (redness) mean values. The Haugh unit, significantly improved (P < 0.05) as the hens got older, signifying better quality of eggs. For the broiler birds, growth traits measured indicated that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in live weight (LW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), weekly feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), cumulative feed intake (CFI) and cumulative gain (CG) between treatments. No significant differences (P > 0.05) between dressing percentage of broilers from the two treatments were observed. As birds grew, significant differences (P < 0.05) in LW, FI, AFI, FCR, and CFI, over a four-week period were recorded. Results of the allergen analyses indicated that soy and gluten allergens were not carried over from feed into eggs and meat of chickens fed a maize/soya bean-based diet and a maize/soya bean-based with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion, respectively. In conclusion, a maize/soya bean-based diet and maize/soya bean-based diet with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion that contained soy and gluten allergens, are feed sources that promote and stimulate 36-week-old LW hen and Ross 308 chicken growth.
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The relationship between religion/spirituality and the general psychological well-being of the institutionalized elderly population in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Walton, Karen Lynn
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Psychology, Religious Psychology and religion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5708 , vital:29366
- Description: Psychological well-being has a number of known benefits and is important for the quality of life of the elderly in particular. South Africa can be considered a religious country with the majority of citizens identifying with some religious orientation. The elderly are considered to be a more religious segment of the population, leading to a quantitative exploratory study being undertaken in order to ascertain whether a correlation exists between psychological well-being and religiosity/spirituality in the elderly institutionalised population of South Africa. The General Psychological Well-Being Scale and ASPIRES was administered to a convenience sample of 336 participants in the Eastern Cape Province. A significant but weak positive correlation was found between the variables of psychological well-being and religiosity. A difference was also found between White and African participants’ level of psychological well-being. An ANOVA was performed on the demographic information collected from participants. It was found that higher levels of education and access to private medical care were associated with higher levels of psychological well-being. A regression analysis was also performed on the data. It was found that although religiosity/spirituality does account for some of the variance, there were still a large number of other factors that influence psychological well-being in the elderly that were not captured in this study. Limitations of the study are that the results can’t be generalised to elderly residing at home. All of the participants also lived in urban areas and so differences may be found with rural elderly. Some further directions for research are discussed.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Walton, Karen Lynn
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Psychology, Religious Psychology and religion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5708 , vital:29366
- Description: Psychological well-being has a number of known benefits and is important for the quality of life of the elderly in particular. South Africa can be considered a religious country with the majority of citizens identifying with some religious orientation. The elderly are considered to be a more religious segment of the population, leading to a quantitative exploratory study being undertaken in order to ascertain whether a correlation exists between psychological well-being and religiosity/spirituality in the elderly institutionalised population of South Africa. The General Psychological Well-Being Scale and ASPIRES was administered to a convenience sample of 336 participants in the Eastern Cape Province. A significant but weak positive correlation was found between the variables of psychological well-being and religiosity. A difference was also found between White and African participants’ level of psychological well-being. An ANOVA was performed on the demographic information collected from participants. It was found that higher levels of education and access to private medical care were associated with higher levels of psychological well-being. A regression analysis was also performed on the data. It was found that although religiosity/spirituality does account for some of the variance, there were still a large number of other factors that influence psychological well-being in the elderly that were not captured in this study. Limitations of the study are that the results can’t be generalised to elderly residing at home. All of the participants also lived in urban areas and so differences may be found with rural elderly. Some further directions for research are discussed.
- Full Text:
Tillage effects on the aggregate-associated organic carbon and bulk density in some South African soils with different texture
- Authors: Njeru, Sarah Kangai
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Soil management Tillage
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2512 , vital:27881
- Description: Tillage operations disrupt the soil structure resulting in aggregates of various sizes and altered bulk density. Moreover, tillage influences soil carbon pools and many other soil physical properties. The objectives of this study were to determine, in various South African soils under different tillage systems, the following. (1) Amount of aggregate-associated soil organic carbon (SOC), (2) soil compressibility, and (3) relationship between compressibility, texture and the aggregate-associated SOC. The soil samples used in this study were collected from six different sites in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Soil samples were taken from conventional tillage (CT) and no-till (NT) land. To keep the soil aggregates intact sampling was done using a spade and carefully carried to the laboratory in rigid containers. For SOC determination, treatments were the two tillage systems, CT and NT, and four aggregate sizes. The experimental design was completely randomized design with a factorial layout and was replicated three times. Aggregate-associated SOC was determined using Walkley-Black method. Proctor compaction test was used determine the dry bulk density with varying moisture content and consequently the maximum bulk density (MBD) and critical water content (CWC). The aggregate-associated SOC content differed with tillage system and was significant higher (p < 0.05) in CT than NT. The amount of aggregate-associated SOC was 1.67 times higher in CT than NT plots. The MBD ranged between 1.77 g/cm3 and 10.27 g/cm3 and the CWC ranged from 9.1 percent to 10.3 percent. The higher amounts of SOC in CT were attributed to the annual crop residue returns while the lower amounts of SOC in the NT fields were due to grazing. Therefore, tillage influenced the amount of aggregate-associated organic carbon irrespective of the resulting size of the aggregate. The positive relationship between tillage and aggregate-associated SOC challenges the conversion of land to no-till for carbon sequestration. The overall gradient for correlation between the MBD and CWC was negative with r2 = 0.23 and a p value of 0.0076. The compressibility curves indicated higher values under CT if the texture class was silt clay.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Njeru, Sarah Kangai
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Soil management Tillage
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2512 , vital:27881
- Description: Tillage operations disrupt the soil structure resulting in aggregates of various sizes and altered bulk density. Moreover, tillage influences soil carbon pools and many other soil physical properties. The objectives of this study were to determine, in various South African soils under different tillage systems, the following. (1) Amount of aggregate-associated soil organic carbon (SOC), (2) soil compressibility, and (3) relationship between compressibility, texture and the aggregate-associated SOC. The soil samples used in this study were collected from six different sites in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Soil samples were taken from conventional tillage (CT) and no-till (NT) land. To keep the soil aggregates intact sampling was done using a spade and carefully carried to the laboratory in rigid containers. For SOC determination, treatments were the two tillage systems, CT and NT, and four aggregate sizes. The experimental design was completely randomized design with a factorial layout and was replicated three times. Aggregate-associated SOC was determined using Walkley-Black method. Proctor compaction test was used determine the dry bulk density with varying moisture content and consequently the maximum bulk density (MBD) and critical water content (CWC). The aggregate-associated SOC content differed with tillage system and was significant higher (p < 0.05) in CT than NT. The amount of aggregate-associated SOC was 1.67 times higher in CT than NT plots. The MBD ranged between 1.77 g/cm3 and 10.27 g/cm3 and the CWC ranged from 9.1 percent to 10.3 percent. The higher amounts of SOC in CT were attributed to the annual crop residue returns while the lower amounts of SOC in the NT fields were due to grazing. Therefore, tillage influenced the amount of aggregate-associated organic carbon irrespective of the resulting size of the aggregate. The positive relationship between tillage and aggregate-associated SOC challenges the conversion of land to no-till for carbon sequestration. The overall gradient for correlation between the MBD and CWC was negative with r2 = 0.23 and a p value of 0.0076. The compressibility curves indicated higher values under CT if the texture class was silt clay.
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Woody encroachment and plant-root soil interactions in a semi-arid savanna
- Authors: Gusha, Bukho
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Pastures -- Management Weeds Invasive plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12139 , vital:39174
- Description: Savannas occupy 1/8 of the global land surface, support a large proportion of the world’s human population and the majority of its rangeland and livestock. Woody encroachment has been reported as the major challenge in these landscapes. This study describes the differences between three contrasting tree density classes in a semi- arid savanna with the view to developing an improved understanding of woody encroachment which is prevalent in this region. The study attempted to determine if there was a relationship between lateral root distributions at varying soil depths with increasing levels of woody encroachment, and to compare species composition and soil water profiles in these rangelands. Three homogeneous vegetation units, namely: sparsely encroached (HVU1), grassland (HVU2) and Albany thicket (HVU3) were identified for the study sites. A Trench method was used determine root biomass and a step point method was used to determine herbaceous species composition in all the HVUs. The results showed that more Decreaser species (especially Themeda triandra) were recorded in a sparsely encroached site (HVU1) and grassland site (HVU2), while Cynodon dactylon was mostly recorded in the thicket site (HVU3). Acacia karroo was mostly recorded in HVU1 while in HVU2 other woody species such as Coddia rudis and Grewia occidentalis were also recoded. HVU3 had the poorest basal cover (point to tuft distance) (22.60 cm) while HVU1 (9.93 cm) and HVU2 (7.73 cm) had moderate basal cover. The herbaceous standing biomass was significantly different across the HVUs. HVU3 was higher (1206.15 kg ha-1) than HVU1 (942.43 kg ha-1) and HVU2 (677.10 kg ha-1). The soil moisture content was significantly different between the HVUs, but was not significantly different between the depths (p< 0.05). High soil moisture content was recorded in HVU3 compared to other HVUs. The results of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that soil depth and the type of homogenous vegetation unit (HVU) had significant effects (p<0.01) on root biomass. The pair wise t-test showed that there were no significant difference in root biomass between sparsely encroached (HVU1) and grassland (HVU2) sites (p>0.05), but there were significant differences in root biomass between grassland (HVU2) and thicket (HVU3) site (p<0.05). The mean for total root biomass found in the study was 2.66 kg m-2. In all the trenches most of the root biomass was found in depth 1 (0-30 cm) which was 2.43 kg m-2followed by 1.32 kg m-2 in depth 2 (30-60 cm) and 0.49 kg m-2 in depth 3 (60-90 cm). According to the results on species composition, herbaceous biomass, basal cover, soil moisture content and the root biomass, Kwezana communal rangeland has a potential of running a sustainable livestock production enterprise if proper management practices can be implemented. To improve the rangelands of Kwezana communal rangelands, management such as proper resting, burning, proper stocking rates and physically clearing of bushes should be considered.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gusha, Bukho
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Pastures -- Management Weeds Invasive plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12139 , vital:39174
- Description: Savannas occupy 1/8 of the global land surface, support a large proportion of the world’s human population and the majority of its rangeland and livestock. Woody encroachment has been reported as the major challenge in these landscapes. This study describes the differences between three contrasting tree density classes in a semi- arid savanna with the view to developing an improved understanding of woody encroachment which is prevalent in this region. The study attempted to determine if there was a relationship between lateral root distributions at varying soil depths with increasing levels of woody encroachment, and to compare species composition and soil water profiles in these rangelands. Three homogeneous vegetation units, namely: sparsely encroached (HVU1), grassland (HVU2) and Albany thicket (HVU3) were identified for the study sites. A Trench method was used determine root biomass and a step point method was used to determine herbaceous species composition in all the HVUs. The results showed that more Decreaser species (especially Themeda triandra) were recorded in a sparsely encroached site (HVU1) and grassland site (HVU2), while Cynodon dactylon was mostly recorded in the thicket site (HVU3). Acacia karroo was mostly recorded in HVU1 while in HVU2 other woody species such as Coddia rudis and Grewia occidentalis were also recoded. HVU3 had the poorest basal cover (point to tuft distance) (22.60 cm) while HVU1 (9.93 cm) and HVU2 (7.73 cm) had moderate basal cover. The herbaceous standing biomass was significantly different across the HVUs. HVU3 was higher (1206.15 kg ha-1) than HVU1 (942.43 kg ha-1) and HVU2 (677.10 kg ha-1). The soil moisture content was significantly different between the HVUs, but was not significantly different between the depths (p< 0.05). High soil moisture content was recorded in HVU3 compared to other HVUs. The results of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that soil depth and the type of homogenous vegetation unit (HVU) had significant effects (p<0.01) on root biomass. The pair wise t-test showed that there were no significant difference in root biomass between sparsely encroached (HVU1) and grassland (HVU2) sites (p>0.05), but there were significant differences in root biomass between grassland (HVU2) and thicket (HVU3) site (p<0.05). The mean for total root biomass found in the study was 2.66 kg m-2. In all the trenches most of the root biomass was found in depth 1 (0-30 cm) which was 2.43 kg m-2followed by 1.32 kg m-2 in depth 2 (30-60 cm) and 0.49 kg m-2 in depth 3 (60-90 cm). According to the results on species composition, herbaceous biomass, basal cover, soil moisture content and the root biomass, Kwezana communal rangeland has a potential of running a sustainable livestock production enterprise if proper management practices can be implemented. To improve the rangelands of Kwezana communal rangelands, management such as proper resting, burning, proper stocking rates and physically clearing of bushes should be considered.
- Full Text:
Woody encroachment and plant-root soil interactions in a semi-arid savanna
- Authors: Gusha, Bukho
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Pastures -- Management Weeds Invasive plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12053 , vital:39131
- Description: Savannas occupy 1/8 of the global land surface, support a large proportion of the world’s human population and the majority of its rangeland and livestock. Woody encroachment has been reported as the major challenge in these landscapes. This study describes the differences between three contrasting tree density classes in a semi- arid savanna with the view to developing an improved understanding of woody encroachment which is prevalent in this region. The study attempted to determine if there was a relationship between lateral root distributions at varying soil depths with increasing levels of woody encroachment, and to compare species composition and soil water profiles in these rangelands. Three homogeneous vegetation units, namely: sparsely encroached (HVU1), grassland (HVU2) and Albany thicket (HVU3) were identified for the study sites. A Trench method was used determine root biomass and a step point method was used to determine herbaceousspecies composition in all the HVUs. The results showed that more Decreaser species (especially Themeda triandra) were recorded in a sparsely encroached site (HVU1) and grassland site (HVU2), while Cynodon dactylon was mostly recorded in the thicket site (HVU3). Acacia karroo was mostly recorded in HVU1 while in HVU2 other woody species such as Coddia rudis and Grewia occidentalis were also recoded. HVU3 had the poorest basal cover (point to tuft distance) (22.60 cm) while HVU1 (9.93 cm) and HVU2 (7.73 cm) had moderate basal cover. The herbaceous standing biomass was significantly different across the HVUs. HVU3 was higher (1206.15 kg ha-1) than HVU1 (942.43 kg ha-1) and HVU2 (677.10 kg ha-1). The soil moisture content was significantly different between the HVUs, but was not significantly different between the depths (p< 0.05). High soil moisture content was recorded in HVU3 compared to other HVUs. The results of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that soil depth and the type of homogenous vegetation unit (HVU) had significant effects (p<0.01) on root biomass. The pair wise t-test showed that there were no significant difference in root biomass between sparsely encroached (HVU1) and grassland (HVU2) sites (p>0.05), but there were significant differences in root biomass between grassland (HVU2) and thicket (HVU3) site (p<0.05). The mean for total root biomass found in the study was 2.66 kg m-2. In all the trenches most of the root biomass was found in depth 1 (0-30 cm) which was 2.43 kg m-2followed by 1.32 kg m-2 in depth 2 (30-60 cm) and 0.49 kg m-2 in depth 3 (60-90 cm). According to the results on species composition, herbaceous biomass, basal cover, soil moisture content and the root biomass, Kwezana communal rangeland has a potential of running a sustainable livestock production enterprise if proper management practices can be implemented. To improve the rangelands of Kwezana communal rangelands management such as proper resting, burning, proper stocking rates and physically clearing of bushes should be considered.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Gusha, Bukho
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Pastures -- Management Weeds Invasive plants
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12053 , vital:39131
- Description: Savannas occupy 1/8 of the global land surface, support a large proportion of the world’s human population and the majority of its rangeland and livestock. Woody encroachment has been reported as the major challenge in these landscapes. This study describes the differences between three contrasting tree density classes in a semi- arid savanna with the view to developing an improved understanding of woody encroachment which is prevalent in this region. The study attempted to determine if there was a relationship between lateral root distributions at varying soil depths with increasing levels of woody encroachment, and to compare species composition and soil water profiles in these rangelands. Three homogeneous vegetation units, namely: sparsely encroached (HVU1), grassland (HVU2) and Albany thicket (HVU3) were identified for the study sites. A Trench method was used determine root biomass and a step point method was used to determine herbaceousspecies composition in all the HVUs. The results showed that more Decreaser species (especially Themeda triandra) were recorded in a sparsely encroached site (HVU1) and grassland site (HVU2), while Cynodon dactylon was mostly recorded in the thicket site (HVU3). Acacia karroo was mostly recorded in HVU1 while in HVU2 other woody species such as Coddia rudis and Grewia occidentalis were also recoded. HVU3 had the poorest basal cover (point to tuft distance) (22.60 cm) while HVU1 (9.93 cm) and HVU2 (7.73 cm) had moderate basal cover. The herbaceous standing biomass was significantly different across the HVUs. HVU3 was higher (1206.15 kg ha-1) than HVU1 (942.43 kg ha-1) and HVU2 (677.10 kg ha-1). The soil moisture content was significantly different between the HVUs, but was not significantly different between the depths (p< 0.05). High soil moisture content was recorded in HVU3 compared to other HVUs. The results of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that soil depth and the type of homogenous vegetation unit (HVU) had significant effects (p<0.01) on root biomass. The pair wise t-test showed that there were no significant difference in root biomass between sparsely encroached (HVU1) and grassland (HVU2) sites (p>0.05), but there were significant differences in root biomass between grassland (HVU2) and thicket (HVU3) site (p<0.05). The mean for total root biomass found in the study was 2.66 kg m-2. In all the trenches most of the root biomass was found in depth 1 (0-30 cm) which was 2.43 kg m-2followed by 1.32 kg m-2 in depth 2 (30-60 cm) and 0.49 kg m-2 in depth 3 (60-90 cm). According to the results on species composition, herbaceous biomass, basal cover, soil moisture content and the root biomass, Kwezana communal rangeland has a potential of running a sustainable livestock production enterprise if proper management practices can be implemented. To improve the rangelands of Kwezana communal rangelands management such as proper resting, burning, proper stocking rates and physically clearing of bushes should be considered.
- Full Text:
Role of home gardens in enhancing food security in rural and urban areas : a case study of Nkonkobe Municipality, Eastern Cape South Africa
- Authors: Mcata, Bongiwe
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Gardening -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13105 , vital:39465
- Description: In South Africa, home gardens are an important source of food and nutrition. In both urban and rural areas, home gardens have been a traditional way of providing food and offer a great potential for improving household food security and alleviating micronutrient deficiencies. In the Eastern Cape Province which is the second largest province in South Africa, and is characterized by poverty, home gardens can help enhance household food security through direct access to nutritionally-rich fresh vegetables. Home gardens are also becoming an important source of food and income, especially for poor households, in both urban and rural areas. the province. The findings illustrates that livelihood diversification may not be relevant for household welfare in the case of South Africa. However promoting livelihood diversification remain imperative for household welfare in the South Africa in the long-run. It further illustrate that gender of head, education, access to electricity, home agriculture are imperative for the improvement of household welfare. Hence the study recommends policy relating to conditional granting of cash grant support, intensification of rural development programmes, education affordable and accessible at all level and support home stead or subsistence agriculture This study was carried out to investigate the role of home gardens in addressing household food security in urban and rural areas of Nkonkobe Municipality. The study also identified the factors affecting the ownership of home gardens and food security. Data was collected from 160 households from both the urban and rural areas of the Nkonkobe Municipality. These households were selected through the use of stratified random sampling. Data was collected by a questionnaire was administered through face-to-face interviews. Frequencies and means 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 and food security among the sampled households, a binary logistic regression model was adopted. The results show that the statistically significant variables, at the 5percent level, on food security are total income and home garden ownership. Food security was measured using the dietary diversity score. Location, access to land and education significantly affect the ownership of home gardens positively. In view of the research findings, several policy proposals are suggested. These include greater investment in programmes such as Massive food projects, Siyazondla and related home garden initiatives. Household income can be improved by promoting more non-agricultural activities in order to ensure household food security.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mcata, Bongiwe
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Gardening -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13105 , vital:39465
- Description: In South Africa, home gardens are an important source of food and nutrition. In both urban and rural areas, home gardens have been a traditional way of providing food and offer a great potential for improving household food security and alleviating micronutrient deficiencies. In the Eastern Cape Province which is the second largest province in South Africa, and is characterized by poverty, home gardens can help enhance household food security through direct access to nutritionally-rich fresh vegetables. Home gardens are also becoming an important source of food and income, especially for poor households, in both urban and rural areas. the province. The findings illustrates that livelihood diversification may not be relevant for household welfare in the case of South Africa. However promoting livelihood diversification remain imperative for household welfare in the South Africa in the long-run. It further illustrate that gender of head, education, access to electricity, home agriculture are imperative for the improvement of household welfare. Hence the study recommends policy relating to conditional granting of cash grant support, intensification of rural development programmes, education affordable and accessible at all level and support home stead or subsistence agriculture This study was carried out to investigate the role of home gardens in addressing household food security in urban and rural areas of Nkonkobe Municipality. The study also identified the factors affecting the ownership of home gardens and food security. Data was collected from 160 households from both the urban and rural areas of the Nkonkobe Municipality. These households were selected through the use of stratified random sampling. Data was collected by a questionnaire was administered through face-to-face interviews. Frequencies and means 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 and food security among the sampled households, a binary logistic regression model was adopted. The results show that the statistically significant variables, at the 5percent level, on food security are total income and home garden ownership. Food security was measured using the dietary diversity score. Location, access to land and education significantly affect the ownership of home gardens positively. In view of the research findings, several policy proposals are suggested. These include greater investment in programmes such as Massive food projects, Siyazondla and related home garden initiatives. Household income can be improved by promoting more non-agricultural activities in order to ensure household food security.
- Full Text: