https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Index en-us 5 https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42278 Wed 13 Mar 2024 14:27:45 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38577 Wed 12 Oct 2022 12:44:54 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41444 Wed 12 Oct 2022 11:47:03 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38367 Wed 12 May 2021 23:40:00 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38746 Wed 12 May 2021 23:03:20 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37991 Wed 12 May 2021 22:19:41 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38314 Wed 12 May 2021 21:04:16 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38547 Wed 12 May 2021 20:57:26 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37937 Wed 12 May 2021 20:49:13 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38196 Wed 12 May 2021 20:32:21 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39507 0.05). The HRAP produced more biomass (317.18±27.76 g/m3) than the AS (83.12±64.91 g/m3), which resulted in a significantly greater downstream production of biogas and fertiliser per volume of effluent treated. According to the LCA, this also resulted in the HRAP system having a higher terrestrial ecotoxicity, due to the greater volume of solids and thus heavy metals applied to the soil. This interpretation can be misleading, because the mass of heavy metals released into the environment is the same for both systems, with a greater portion being applied to the land in the HRAP scenario and discharged into fresh water in the case of AS. Future LCA models should clarify if these biomasses are going to be applied to a single piece of land or multiple sites as this will influence the risk of contamination via pollutant build up in the soil. The application of sludge or algae on soil increased the soil’s sodium concentration and sodium absorption ratio from 774.80±13.66 mg/kg to 952.17±34.89 mg/kg and 2.91±0.04 to 3.53±0.13, respectively. Regulations on the application of algae or sludge on agricultural soils should be altered to consider the limit values for sodium and future LCA’s associated with effluent treatment facilities should incorporate the possibility of soil contamination through sodium build-up. This work also conceptualised the importance of reporting water emissions in wastewater treatment LCA in as much detail as possible, because this had a significant influence on the eutrophication impacts on water systems. Reporting water emissions as total nitrogen underestimated downstream eutrophication impacts compared with those using nitrogen-species concentration (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate etc). A marine eutrophication sensitivity co-efficient should be included in future LCA models which accounts for the probability of nitrogen and phosphorus emissions entering the coastal environment as well as the vulnerability of the marine environment to eutrophication. Activated sludge systems are favourable for situations where space is limited, were there are inadequate options for biomass disposal (biomass not be used in agriculture or AD) and were electricity is generated from a renewable source; whereas, HRAP are more suitable under circumstances where electricity production relies on fossil fuel that carries a high environmental impact and where options are available to use the biomass for economic gain such as biogas and fertiliser production. This thesis contributes towards a zero-waste brewery effluent treated process. The HRAP and AS treated effluent for reuse in the brewery or in agricultural irrigation. The solids were anaerobically digested, and the carbon was recovered as a biogas, while the digestate was applied as an agricultural fertiliser. This allowed for the recovery of water, nutrients and carbon.]]> Wed 12 May 2021 20:28:34 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35540 Wed 12 May 2021 20:16:31 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38416 Wed 12 May 2021 20:04:46 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39653 Wed 12 May 2021 19:57:13 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38318 Wed 12 May 2021 19:43:08 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37810 Wed 12 May 2021 19:28:59 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37897 Wed 12 May 2021 19:08:27 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39605 Wed 12 May 2021 18:39:49 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38091 Wed 12 May 2021 18:26:49 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39380 Wed 12 May 2021 17:55:20 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37649 Wed 12 May 2021 17:51:01 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38663 Wed 12 May 2021 17:37:38 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37907 20-40mm), swimmers, flattened body shape, a preference for temporary attachment, crawling, respiration with aerial/vegetation, possession of breathing tubes, possession of strap or other apparatus for respiration, streamlined body, and a high sensitivity to oxygen depletion. Permanent attachment as an ecological preference associated with LIS was also positively correlated with increasing dissolved oxygen (DO) and was deemed a pollution sensitive ecological preference. The possession of very small body size (<5mm), associated with HIS, was deemed a pollution-tolerant trait and was negatively correlated with DO, confirming the deteriorating state of the urban and urban-agricultural rivers. The impact of urban-forestry pollution on the distribution pattern of macroinvertebrate traits and ecological preferences was also explored in the selected rivers. Traits and ecological preferences such as possession of hard-shell, large body size, and grazing as a feeding preference which were significantly positively associated with the LIS, were also either significantly positively correlated with DO, or significantly negatively correlated with increasing any two of flow velocity, water temperature, BOD5 and nutrient. These traits and ecological preferences were deemed sensitive in forested rivers receiving urban pollution. Further, burrowing, the pupa aquatic stage, and predation which were significantly positively associated with HIS on the RLQ ordination, were also significantly negatively associated with DO. These traits were deemed tolerant of forested systems receiving urban pollution. Multimetric indices (MMI) were developed, validated and applied for urban, urban-agriculture and urban-forested (MMI-urban, MMI-urban-agric and urban-forest) areas. Of the 26 metrics that satisfactorily discriminated between the LIS, the MIS, and the HIS for MMI-urban, only five metric were retained for integration into MMI-urban, they are log VeL, Hemiptera abundance, % Coleoptera + Hemiptera, % Chironomidae + Oligochaeta and Evenness index. Further, of the 18 metrics that satisfactorily discriminated between the LIS, the MIS, and the HIS for MMI-urban-agric, only 12 metrics were retained and nine proved to be redundant. The nine metrics represent different measures; two of them were retained in addition to Chironomidae/Diptera abundance, % Odonata and Oligochaeta richness. The two metrics selected in addition to the hironomidae/Diptera abundance, % Odonata and Oligochaeta richness were the Margalef index and the logarithm of relative abundance of sprawler. For the MMI-urban-forest, 14 metrics satisfactorily discriminated between the LIS, the MIS, and the HIS, and 12 metrics were retained and 11 proved to be redundant. The non-redundant metric was Trichoptera abundance. Three metrics were further selected in addition to the Trichoptera abundance which include % Chironomidae + Oligochaeta, Coleoptera + Hemiptera richness and Shannon diversity. The MMI-urban and MMI-urban-agric indices performed better for LIS designated stations compared to the MIS and HIS deignated stations. The developed indices proved effective as biomonitoring tools for assessing the ecological health of rivers in the urban and urban-agriculture catchments within the Niger Delta. Overall, the results of the macroinvertebrate traits and ecological preferences, and taxonomic approaches showed the strength in the complementarity of both approaches in developing biomonitoring tools for assessing levels of deterioration in riverine systems. The study contributes significantly to understanding the ecology of riverine systems in the Niger Delta, particularly those subject to urban stresses, agricultural activities and urban pollution in forested systems, and thus makes an important contribution to the science and practice of biomonitoring in Nigeria where such studies are sparse.]]> Wed 12 May 2021 17:31:44 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39655 Wed 12 May 2021 17:18:59 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39607 Wed 12 May 2021 16:47:28 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38177 Wed 12 May 2021 16:20:35 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38447 Wed 12 May 2021 16:10:18 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39603 Wed 12 May 2021 16:01:39 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41336 Wed 12 May 2021 15:11:47 SAST 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https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41740 Wed 12 May 2021 14:22:52 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41434 Wed 12 May 2021 14:19:11 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40126 Wed 12 May 2021 14:18:06 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41483 Wed 12 May 2021 14:17:23 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40885 Wed 12 May 2021 14:15:50 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41506 Wed 12 May 2021 14:11:40 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42206 Wed 12 May 2021 14:08:29 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40117 Wed 12 May 2021 14:02:44 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42607 Wed 12 May 2021 14:00:43 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41814 Wed 12 May 2021 14:00:04 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40883 Wed 12 May 2021 13:55:08 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40890 Wed 12 May 2021 13:53:28 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41470 Wed 12 May 2021 13:50:01 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:42542 0.05) from wethers on 4% FSF as well. The total protein concentration, albumin, total bilirubin, Na, K, glucose, cholesterol, and liver enzymes were normal for wethers. However, serum creatinine level was lower in wethers fed on 4% FSF than those on 0% FSF (P < 0.01). Haemonchus and Coccidian fecal egg counts were low in wethers fed diets with 2%, 4%, and 6 % FSF (P < 0.01) compared 11 with wethers fed with 0% FSF inclusion level during the same period. The body condition score of wethers fed on diets with 2%, 4%, and 6% FSF inclusion levels were higher than those on 0% (P < 0.05). Wool yield, staple length, the coefficient variation of the fibre diameter, and fibre of wethers fed on diets with FSF were higher than those without FSF (P < 0.05). The fibre diameter of the wethers fed on FSF supplemented diets was the same as those on 0 % FSF (P > 0.05). The wethers spent more time on FSF supplemented diets and consumed more feed compared to that without FSF supplemented (P < 0.05). The levels of FSF inclusion in the diet affected the enteric methane output (ppm-m), where 4 % FSF had the highest enteric methane output while wethers on 2 % FSF had the lowest methane output (P < 0.05). Resting wethers produced more methane (g/day) than those feeding or standing (P < 0.05). Increasing levels of FSF did not affect ruminal temperature and pH. Ammonia-N increased with increasing FSF except in wethers fed on a diet with 4% FSF (P < 0.01). The total molar concentrations of the wethers' volatile fatty acids decreased with increasing FSF levels (P > 0.05). The acetic propionic ratio of the wethers also decreased except at a 4% inclusion level. The in vitro true digestibility dry matter (IVTDDM), in vitro true digestibility neutral detergent fibre (IVTDNDF), and in vitro true digestibility acid detergent fibre (IVTDADF) of the wethers decreased up to 4% FSF inclusion but tended to increase at 6% inclusion. This study's result as one of the pioneer studies in Dohne-Marino wethers showed that FSF treatment has the potential to improve the nutritional status of the animal and the animal performance and wool quality. Health-wise, FSF decrease nematode population and boost animal immunity as seen in RBC and WBC counts. It also can play a major role in protecting the environment, as seen in its reduction in feacal and urinary nitrogen, which is heavily involved in environmental pollution. Result also confirmed that the best period to target for methane mitigation in ruminants is the resting period. In conclusion, the inclusion of FSF in the diet of Dohne-Merino wethers has the potential to improve the overall performance, with a 4% FSF inclusion level having optimal productivity. However, future research is required to investigate FSF's effect on meat quality, rumen microbial community, in-vivo digestibility, and milk production.]]> Wed 12 May 2021 13:48:06 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:40877 Wed 12 May 2021 13:46:45 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41488 Wed 10 Jul 2024 09:54:50 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38509 Thu 13 May 2021 15:55:13 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37667 Thu 13 May 2021 10:59:19 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38234 Thu 13 May 2021 07:19:35 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34282 Thu 13 May 2021 07:18:46 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34163 Thu 13 May 2021 06:59:15 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38464 Thu 13 May 2021 06:47:27 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38211 Thu 13 May 2021 06:15:33 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38635 Thu 13 May 2021 05:23:36 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38497 Thu 13 May 2021 05:20:34 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38461 Thu 13 May 2021 04:21:04 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38089 3000 cases and controls) are required. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a cytokine that is important in both innate and adaptive immunity that has been shown to play a role in T. brucei pathogenicity using murine models. A total of 27 missense SNVs were modelled using homology modelling to create MIF protein mutants that were investigated using in silico effect prediction tools, molecular dynamics (MD), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Dynamic Residue Network (DRN) analysis. Our results demonstrate that mutations P2Q, I5M, P16Q, L23F, T24S, T31I, Y37H, H41P, M48V, P44L, G52C, S54R, I65M, I68T, S75F, N106S, and T113S caused significant conformational changes. Further, DRN analysis showed that residues P2, T31, Y37, G52, I65, I68, S75, N106, and T113S are part of a similar local residue interaction network with functional significance. These results show how polymorphisms such as missense SNVs can affect protein conformation, dynamics, and function. Trypanosomes are auxotrophic for folates and pterins but require them for survival. They scavenge them from their hosts. PTR1 is a multifunctional enzyme that is unique to trypanosomatids that reduces both pterins and folates. In the presence of DHFR inhibitors, PTR1 is over-expressed thus providing an escape from the effects of DHFR inhibition. Both TbPTR1 and TbDHFR are pharmacologically and genetically validated drug targets. In this study 5742 compounds were screened using molecular docking, and 13 promising binding modes were further analysed using MD simulations. The trajectories were analysed using RMSD, Rg, RMSF, PCA, Essential Dynamics Analysis (EDA), Molecular Mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) binding free energy calculations, and DRN analysis. The computational screening approach allowed us to identify five of the compounds, named RUBi004, RUBi007, RUBi014, RUBi016 and RUBi018 that exhibited antitrypanosomal growth activities against trypanosomes in culture with IC50 values of 12.5 ± 4.8 μM, 32.4 ± 4.2 μM, 5.9 ± 1.4 μM, 28.2 ± 3.3 μM, and 9.7 ± 2.1 μM, respectively. Further when used in combination with WR99210 a known TbDHFR inhibitor RUBi004, RUBi007, RUBi014 and RUBi018 showed antagonism while RUBi016 showed an additive effect. These results indicate that the four compounds might be competing with TbDHFR while RUBi016 might be more specific for TbPTR1. These compounds provide scaffolds that can be further optimised to improve their potency and specificity. Lastly, using a systematic approach we derived CHARMM force-field parameters to accurately describe the TbrPDEB1 bi-metal catalytic center. For dynamics, we employed mixed bonded and non-bonded approach. We optimised the structure using a two-layer QM/MM ONIOM (B3LYP/6-31(g): UFF). The TbrPDEB1 bi-metallic center bonds, angles, and dihedrals were parameterized by fitting the energy profiles from Potential Energy Surface (PES) scans to the CHARMM potential energy function. The parameters were validated by means of MD simulations and analysed using RMSD, Rg, RMSF, hydrogen bonding, bond/angle/dihedral evaluations, EDA, PCA, and DRN analysis. The force-field parameters were able to accurately reproduce the geometry and dynamics of the TbrPDEB1 bi-metal catalytic center during MD simulations. Molecular docking was used to identify 6 potential hits, that inhibited trypanosome growth in vitro. The derived force-field parameters were used to simulate the 6 protein-ligand complexes with the aim of elucidating crucial protein-ligand residue interactions. Using the most potent ligand RUBi022 that had an IC50 of 14.96 μM we were able to identify key residue interactions that can be of use in in silico prediction of potential TbrPDEB1 inhibitors. Overall we demonstrate how bioinformatics tools can complement current disease eradication strategies. Future work will focus on identifying variants identified in Genome Wide Association Studies and partnering with wet labs to carry out further enzyme-ligand activity relationship studies, structure determination or characterisation of appropriate protein-ligand complexes by crystallography, and site specific mutation studies]]> Thu 13 May 2021 04:20:49 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39582 Thu 13 May 2021 03:53:28 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37906 Thu 13 May 2021 03:38:54 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39590 Thu 13 May 2021 03:04:40 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38554 Thu 13 May 2021 03:02:27 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:35424 Thu 13 May 2021 02:53:44 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39566 Thu 13 May 2021 02:43:45 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:34291 Thu 13 May 2021 02:24:07 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38546 Thu 13 May 2021 02:21:31 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:32315 Thu 13 May 2021 02:16:00 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39841 Thu 13 May 2021 01:37:25 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:37930 Thu 13 May 2021 01:30:26 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:39575 2500g), and,therefore,most likely term gestation. Saving Babies further reported that 22.9% of all live births in South Africa was premature and 22.8% of birthswere unexplained intra-uterine deaths. Prematurity is one major complication of chorioamnionitis. When susceptibility for chorioamnionitis is considered during early pregnancy, it is possible to intervene and prevent or even reduce the incidences and complications of chorioamnionitis.A qualitative research study was conducted in three phases. In Phase One(Part One), a theoretically constructed patient scenario of chorioamnionitis was presented to ten midwives,and semi-structured individual interviews were done to elicit information regarding how they screen for and manage chorioamnionitis. In Phase One(Part Two), experienced medical practitioners in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology were individually interviewed, also using semi-structured individual interviewsto gain their views regarding chorioamnionitis as a contributing factor to maternal morbidity and mortality. Qualitative findings in Phase Oneindicated that there is a general lack of knowledge regarding chorioamnionitis among midwives, resulting ininadequate screening, misdiagnosis and mismanagement of the condition. Experienced medical practitioners confirmed that chorioamnionitis is underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed or undiagnosed and underreported,and they hold views that it is difficult to treat and control pregnancy-related infections according to current practice.An integrative literature review was conductedin Phase Twoand literature regarding diagnostic biomarkers, screening options to diagnose chorioamnionitis and management of chorioamnionitis were extracted. After evidence synthesisofPhase Oneand Phase Twodata, a best practice guidelinefor screening and managing viiwomen withchorioamnionitiswas developed usingthe National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guideline development approach in Phase Three. The purpose of the best practice guideline for screening and managing women with chorioamnionitis was to provide a guideline onhow to manage women who are at risk and those who present with signs and symptoms of chorioamnionitis at any stage during their pregnancy. Five recommendations were made that involve screening for chorioamnionitisand causative factors, biomarkers to diagnose chorioamnionitis, management of chorioamnionitis that includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological management, and health education to women.Ethics for this research study were guided by the ethical principles and guidelines of the Belmont Report. The trustworthiness of this research study was adopted from Ravitch and Carl,and was based on criticality, reflexivity, collaboration, and rigour. An independent coder and reviewer wereto verify the data that were included in the best practice guideline. Expert reviewersappraised the best practice guidelineusing Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II tools.]]> Thu 13 May 2021 01:25:46 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38100 Thu 13 May 2021 01:12:05 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38545 Thu 13 May 2021 00:54:10 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:38423 Thu 06 Jul 2023 06:51:22 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41490 Mon 17 Apr 2023 11:28:01 SAST ]]> https://commons.ufh.ac.za/vital/access/manager/Repository/vital:41327 Fri 08 Jul 2022 11:49:07 SAST ]]>