Dynamics of larval fish and zooplankton in selected south and west coast estuaries of South Africa
- Montoya-Maya, Phanor Hernando
- Authors: Montoya-Maya, Phanor Hernando
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Marine zooplankton -- South Africa , Zooplankton -- South Africa , Fishes -- Larvae -- South Africa , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Management , Environmental monitoring -- South Africa , Coastal zone management -- South Africa , Estuarine area conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5263 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005107 , Marine zooplankton -- South Africa , Zooplankton -- South Africa , Fishes -- Larvae -- South Africa , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Management , Environmental monitoring -- South Africa , Coastal zone management -- South Africa , Estuarine area conservation -- South Africa
- Description: Larval fish and zooplankton assemblages were studied in nine south and west coast estuaries in the cool-temperate and the cool/warm-temperate boundary region between June 2003 and March 2004. This study served to provide new information on previously unstudied estuaries and expand on existing knowledge of larval fish and zooplankton assemblages associated with various estuary types. The south and west coast estuaries sampled in this study showed lower salinities (12.2 - 13.7), lower water temperatures (14.5 - 16.9 °C) and higher turbidities (k = 0.02 - 0.04) in winter and spring while higher salinities (21.7 - 21.8), higher water temperatures (21.7 - 23.1°C) and lower turbidities (k <0.02) were observed in summer and autumn. Mean winter and summer water temperatures in estuaries were lower than those observed in warm-temperate and subtropical systems by other researchers. A total of 49274 larval fishes were caught, comprising 9 orders, 20 families, 29 genera and 47 taxa. The clupeid Gilchristella aestuaria (78.8 %) dominated the larval fish assemblages and occurred in all estuaries. The majority (70 %) of identified species are endemic to southern Africa and 96.4 % of larval fishes caught were estuary-resident species. The zooplankton study yielded a total of 44 taxa, comprising 7 phyla, >20 orders and >35 families. The copepod Pseudodiaptomus hessei dominated (59 %) the zooplankton and occurred in similar densities to those observed in other South African estuaries. Larval fish and zooplankton varied across seasons, peaking simultaneously in summer although zooplankton showed additional density peaks during the closed phase of some estuaries. Both plankton components were more abundant in the oligohaline and mesohaline zones within the estuaries. Freshwater input, estuary type and the biogeography of the area influenced the composition and structure of larval fish and zooplankton assemblages in these estuaries. The findings suggest that the estuaries are functioning as successful breeding areas for the larvae of endemic estuary-resident fish species and that these estuaries have to be managed to ensure an adequate freshwater supply to maintain the biological integrity of the ecosystem, specially the maintenance of the highly productive River-Estuary Interface (REI) regions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Montoya-Maya, Phanor Hernando
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Marine zooplankton -- South Africa , Zooplankton -- South Africa , Fishes -- Larvae -- South Africa , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Management , Environmental monitoring -- South Africa , Coastal zone management -- South Africa , Estuarine area conservation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5263 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005107 , Marine zooplankton -- South Africa , Zooplankton -- South Africa , Fishes -- Larvae -- South Africa , Estuarine ecology -- South Africa , Estuaries -- South Africa -- Management , Environmental monitoring -- South Africa , Coastal zone management -- South Africa , Estuarine area conservation -- South Africa
- Description: Larval fish and zooplankton assemblages were studied in nine south and west coast estuaries in the cool-temperate and the cool/warm-temperate boundary region between June 2003 and March 2004. This study served to provide new information on previously unstudied estuaries and expand on existing knowledge of larval fish and zooplankton assemblages associated with various estuary types. The south and west coast estuaries sampled in this study showed lower salinities (12.2 - 13.7), lower water temperatures (14.5 - 16.9 °C) and higher turbidities (k = 0.02 - 0.04) in winter and spring while higher salinities (21.7 - 21.8), higher water temperatures (21.7 - 23.1°C) and lower turbidities (k <0.02) were observed in summer and autumn. Mean winter and summer water temperatures in estuaries were lower than those observed in warm-temperate and subtropical systems by other researchers. A total of 49274 larval fishes were caught, comprising 9 orders, 20 families, 29 genera and 47 taxa. The clupeid Gilchristella aestuaria (78.8 %) dominated the larval fish assemblages and occurred in all estuaries. The majority (70 %) of identified species are endemic to southern Africa and 96.4 % of larval fishes caught were estuary-resident species. The zooplankton study yielded a total of 44 taxa, comprising 7 phyla, >20 orders and >35 families. The copepod Pseudodiaptomus hessei dominated (59 %) the zooplankton and occurred in similar densities to those observed in other South African estuaries. Larval fish and zooplankton varied across seasons, peaking simultaneously in summer although zooplankton showed additional density peaks during the closed phase of some estuaries. Both plankton components were more abundant in the oligohaline and mesohaline zones within the estuaries. Freshwater input, estuary type and the biogeography of the area influenced the composition and structure of larval fish and zooplankton assemblages in these estuaries. The findings suggest that the estuaries are functioning as successful breeding areas for the larvae of endemic estuary-resident fish species and that these estuaries have to be managed to ensure an adequate freshwater supply to maintain the biological integrity of the ecosystem, specially the maintenance of the highly productive River-Estuary Interface (REI) regions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Ecological role of estuarine brachyuran crabs in mangrove and salt marsh estuaries, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Vorsatz, Jeanne Pauline
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Crabs -- South Africa -- Mangrove Estuary , Crabs -- South Africa -- Salt Marsh Estuary , Salt marsh ecology , Mangrove ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10698 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1108 , Crabs -- South Africa -- Mangrove Estuary , Crabs -- South Africa -- Salt Marsh Estuary , Salt marsh ecology , Mangrove ecology
- Description: Crabs are conspicuous inhabitants of temperate salt marshes and tropical mangroves and interact with their environment through several processes. However, detailed information on crab community processes is absent for most South African estuaries and nearshore coastal regions. This study evaluated the primary producers supporting crab species in the salt marsh dominated Swartkops estuary and the mangrove Mngazana estuary. Various methods estimating crab abundances were also assessed in different microhabitats and the larval distribution of crabs in the coastal zone was also investigated. Various methods for estimating crab abundance have been employed in the past, each with its inherent biases. The microhabitat of a mangrove forest in Australia was structurally altered by the manipulation of the litter, pneumatophores and the associated algae. These alterations did not affect the behavioural activity or the numbers of crabs recorded in any of the experimental treatments by either visual counts or pitfall traps. However, the number of crabs caught in the pitfall traps differed between the sites. Species-specific behaviour which was not investigated in this study may bias crab abundance estimates when using pitfall traps and therefore requires further investigation. Benthic consumers inhabiting shallow coastal environments may ultimately have the origin of their nutrition in a number of possible sources. Isotopic and gut content analysis of Thalamita crenata and juvenile Scylla serrata in the Mngazana estuary in South Africa revealed that these two portunids are able to share a habitat by resource partitioning. Differences were noted for species-specific utilization of primary producers not only between seasons within a site, but also between sites. This highlighted the use of locally produced primary producers sustaining food webs in estuaries. Mangrove production in the Mngazana estuary is very important and contributes to most of the carbon in the underlying sediments in the mangrove forest. However, the relatively large number of species and biomass encountered in this estuary may also be attributed to the fact that the different species are able to exploit of a number of different resources. The variation in stable isotope analysis of the different crab species throughout the estuary indicated that these crabs able to occupy the same habitat by feeding on a number of different resources and may preferentially select for a specific primary producer. A stable isotope of crabs in the salt marsh Swartkops estuary indicated that the dominant primary producer sustaining crab communities may even take place on a relatively smallscale. Sesarma catenata found at the inner marsh site recorded more depleted carbon signatures than those encountered in the other sites approximately 100 m away, and reflected signatures similar to the locally-encountered inner marsh plants. The relatively enriched nitrogen signatures of the anthropogenically-impacted Swartkops estuary is an indication of extensive inputs due to urbanization and industrialization, in contrast to the relatively pristine Mngazana estuary which exhibited low nitrogen signatures. Emphasis has been placed on the abiotic component of the exchange of nutrients and energy, although living organisms may also be transported, both actively and passively, between ecosystems. Little variation in either species composition or abundance was found between seasons for the larval distribution of brachyuran crabs on the east coast of South Africa. Due to the lack of published larval descriptions, larvae could not be identified to species level and it was therefore not possible to identify whether the larvae were hatched or spawned in an estuary or in a marine environment, or whether the larvae originated in the northern tropical regions. Frequent wind-reversals which are common in this region may retain larvae close inshore and supply the southern temperate locations with larvae from the northern locations. In conclusion, this study has shown that in highly productive systems with a number of potential primary producers, the crabs that inhabit the estuary show a marked diversity in resource utilization which could potentially allow a number of closely related species to occupy different trophic levels. This study also highlights the importance of locally produced sources in an estuary, which may occur on very small scales and this needs to be factored in with the design of any future stable isotope studies of this nature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Vorsatz, Jeanne Pauline
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Crabs -- South Africa -- Mangrove Estuary , Crabs -- South Africa -- Salt Marsh Estuary , Salt marsh ecology , Mangrove ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:10698 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1108 , Crabs -- South Africa -- Mangrove Estuary , Crabs -- South Africa -- Salt Marsh Estuary , Salt marsh ecology , Mangrove ecology
- Description: Crabs are conspicuous inhabitants of temperate salt marshes and tropical mangroves and interact with their environment through several processes. However, detailed information on crab community processes is absent for most South African estuaries and nearshore coastal regions. This study evaluated the primary producers supporting crab species in the salt marsh dominated Swartkops estuary and the mangrove Mngazana estuary. Various methods estimating crab abundances were also assessed in different microhabitats and the larval distribution of crabs in the coastal zone was also investigated. Various methods for estimating crab abundance have been employed in the past, each with its inherent biases. The microhabitat of a mangrove forest in Australia was structurally altered by the manipulation of the litter, pneumatophores and the associated algae. These alterations did not affect the behavioural activity or the numbers of crabs recorded in any of the experimental treatments by either visual counts or pitfall traps. However, the number of crabs caught in the pitfall traps differed between the sites. Species-specific behaviour which was not investigated in this study may bias crab abundance estimates when using pitfall traps and therefore requires further investigation. Benthic consumers inhabiting shallow coastal environments may ultimately have the origin of their nutrition in a number of possible sources. Isotopic and gut content analysis of Thalamita crenata and juvenile Scylla serrata in the Mngazana estuary in South Africa revealed that these two portunids are able to share a habitat by resource partitioning. Differences were noted for species-specific utilization of primary producers not only between seasons within a site, but also between sites. This highlighted the use of locally produced primary producers sustaining food webs in estuaries. Mangrove production in the Mngazana estuary is very important and contributes to most of the carbon in the underlying sediments in the mangrove forest. However, the relatively large number of species and biomass encountered in this estuary may also be attributed to the fact that the different species are able to exploit of a number of different resources. The variation in stable isotope analysis of the different crab species throughout the estuary indicated that these crabs able to occupy the same habitat by feeding on a number of different resources and may preferentially select for a specific primary producer. A stable isotope of crabs in the salt marsh Swartkops estuary indicated that the dominant primary producer sustaining crab communities may even take place on a relatively smallscale. Sesarma catenata found at the inner marsh site recorded more depleted carbon signatures than those encountered in the other sites approximately 100 m away, and reflected signatures similar to the locally-encountered inner marsh plants. The relatively enriched nitrogen signatures of the anthropogenically-impacted Swartkops estuary is an indication of extensive inputs due to urbanization and industrialization, in contrast to the relatively pristine Mngazana estuary which exhibited low nitrogen signatures. Emphasis has been placed on the abiotic component of the exchange of nutrients and energy, although living organisms may also be transported, both actively and passively, between ecosystems. Little variation in either species composition or abundance was found between seasons for the larval distribution of brachyuran crabs on the east coast of South Africa. Due to the lack of published larval descriptions, larvae could not be identified to species level and it was therefore not possible to identify whether the larvae were hatched or spawned in an estuary or in a marine environment, or whether the larvae originated in the northern tropical regions. Frequent wind-reversals which are common in this region may retain larvae close inshore and supply the southern temperate locations with larvae from the northern locations. In conclusion, this study has shown that in highly productive systems with a number of potential primary producers, the crabs that inhabit the estuary show a marked diversity in resource utilization which could potentially allow a number of closely related species to occupy different trophic levels. This study also highlights the importance of locally produced sources in an estuary, which may occur on very small scales and this needs to be factored in with the design of any future stable isotope studies of this nature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Economic diversification of a mining town: a case study of Oranjemund
- Authors: Helmuth, Angelo
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Economic development -- Namibia -- Oranjemund -- Case studies Mineral industries -- Namibia -- Oranjemund -- Case studies Sustainable development -- Namibia -- Oranjemund
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:723 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003843
- Description: Can mining industries and mining based localities promote Local Economic Development (LED)? This case study, on the mining town of Oranjemund, seeks to examine the economic diversification prospects of the town. Stakeholder views are considered and their aspirations determined, through an interview process. Relevant theories on economic development, growth and sustainability are outline. Lessons are drawn from local and international empirical studies on mining towns. The roles and contributions stakeholders and institutions could realize that could lead to local economic diversification and LED are defined. The opportunities and threats that could affect the town’s LED process are identified. This paper concludes that it is imperative that sound relationships be developed amongst key stakeholders. It further, recommends that a strategic LED plan be designed for Oranjemund and that national government, through the regional and local authority, lead the process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Helmuth, Angelo
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Economic development -- Namibia -- Oranjemund -- Case studies Mineral industries -- Namibia -- Oranjemund -- Case studies Sustainable development -- Namibia -- Oranjemund
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:723 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003843
- Description: Can mining industries and mining based localities promote Local Economic Development (LED)? This case study, on the mining town of Oranjemund, seeks to examine the economic diversification prospects of the town. Stakeholder views are considered and their aspirations determined, through an interview process. Relevant theories on economic development, growth and sustainability are outline. Lessons are drawn from local and international empirical studies on mining towns. The roles and contributions stakeholders and institutions could realize that could lead to local economic diversification and LED are defined. The opportunities and threats that could affect the town’s LED process are identified. This paper concludes that it is imperative that sound relationships be developed amongst key stakeholders. It further, recommends that a strategic LED plan be designed for Oranjemund and that national government, through the regional and local authority, lead the process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Economic evaluation of possible loss of Prosopis pods as a result of biological control in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Nqobizitha, Dube
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Trees -- South Africa , Mimosaceae , Forests and forestry -- South Africa , Forest conservation -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Mimosaceae -- Biological control -- South Africa , Mesquite -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11165 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/394 , Trees -- South Africa , Mimosaceae , Forests and forestry -- South Africa , Forest conservation -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Mimosaceae -- Biological control -- South Africa , Mesquite -- South Africa
- Description: Species of Prosopis (Mimosaceae), or mesquite, are native to the Americas and introduced in South Africa as agro forestry trees to provide wood, fodder and shade in the late 1800s. In the Northern Cape Province, these trees have been particularly used for their pods by local farmers and local industry. However due to Prosopis’ ability to spread rapidly there has been increasing pressure to step up control of the tree. Due to the costs associated with most control methods biological control has been singled out as the most viable control method worth pursuing. This thesis attempts to explain and shed light on the effects that increased biological control of Prosopis would have on the farming community and Prosopis based businesses in the area. Two hypothetical scenarios were used, the first being a possible 50% reduction in available pods and the other a possible 100% reduction. In an effort to explain these effects data was collected from a series of collection activities in the form of a pilot study and two unique questionnaire surveys. Twenty-seven farmers and one Prosopis based business were interviewed at random with the data analysed and documented. Results showed that the business community is the main user of pods incurring crippling losses in the event of a 50% or 100% decrease in available pods. Using control costs from working for water De Aar long term costs of the presence of Prosopis were estimated and compared to the estimated provincial cost of losing pods giving a cost comparison ratio of (α)270 million : Y(N(15.7million)). Only 48% of the respondents valued pods and 11% had traded in pods, the top concern resulting from the invasion was the loss of underground water. With a 50% decline in available pods, all respondents indicated unchanged effects. However empirical results showed that with a 100% decline in pods estimate losses of R 5 818 per farm are expected. The cost comparison ratio showing the losses farmers bore with Prosopis in the area and the losses they would suffer with a 100% decline in pods was R11 389 + (K): R5 818. In light of the empirical results, policy recommendations that support the introduction of more effective biological control agents have been made with areas for further research identified and discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Nqobizitha, Dube
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Trees -- South Africa , Mimosaceae , Forests and forestry -- South Africa , Forest conservation -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Mimosaceae -- Biological control -- South Africa , Mesquite -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11165 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/394 , Trees -- South Africa , Mimosaceae , Forests and forestry -- South Africa , Forest conservation -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Mimosaceae -- Biological control -- South Africa , Mesquite -- South Africa
- Description: Species of Prosopis (Mimosaceae), or mesquite, are native to the Americas and introduced in South Africa as agro forestry trees to provide wood, fodder and shade in the late 1800s. In the Northern Cape Province, these trees have been particularly used for their pods by local farmers and local industry. However due to Prosopis’ ability to spread rapidly there has been increasing pressure to step up control of the tree. Due to the costs associated with most control methods biological control has been singled out as the most viable control method worth pursuing. This thesis attempts to explain and shed light on the effects that increased biological control of Prosopis would have on the farming community and Prosopis based businesses in the area. Two hypothetical scenarios were used, the first being a possible 50% reduction in available pods and the other a possible 100% reduction. In an effort to explain these effects data was collected from a series of collection activities in the form of a pilot study and two unique questionnaire surveys. Twenty-seven farmers and one Prosopis based business were interviewed at random with the data analysed and documented. Results showed that the business community is the main user of pods incurring crippling losses in the event of a 50% or 100% decrease in available pods. Using control costs from working for water De Aar long term costs of the presence of Prosopis were estimated and compared to the estimated provincial cost of losing pods giving a cost comparison ratio of (α)270 million : Y(N(15.7million)). Only 48% of the respondents valued pods and 11% had traded in pods, the top concern resulting from the invasion was the loss of underground water. With a 50% decline in available pods, all respondents indicated unchanged effects. However empirical results showed that with a 100% decline in pods estimate losses of R 5 818 per farm are expected. The cost comparison ratio showing the losses farmers bore with Prosopis in the area and the losses they would suffer with a 100% decline in pods was R11 389 + (K): R5 818. In light of the empirical results, policy recommendations that support the introduction of more effective biological control agents have been made with areas for further research identified and discussed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Economic impact of social capital in the previously disadvantaged communities of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
- Authors: Mabhengeza, Thukela
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Small business -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33408 , vital:32762
- Description: Faced with unemployment crisis, the creation of jobs and stimulation of economic growth becomes an important issue that needs to be urgently addressed in South Africa. The informal sector plays an important economic function in the South African economy and thus contributes to the country’s economic growth. The informal sector is dominated by people from previously disadvantaged communities. The main reason most of these township businesses are created is self-employment and poverty alleviation. The study will demonstrate the usefulness of and economic role played by social capital in the Port Elizabeth townships. Furthermore, the study will further prove that balancing is very important and that too much or too little of any given form of social capital is counterproductive. In recent years Port Elizabeth townships have been flooded by Somali traders. The informal sector is dominated by Somali traders. Social networks can affect business and economic performances. Social networks enable Somali traders to succeed where Xhosa traders have failed. The Somali traders are succeeding because they are emphasizing both bonding and bridging social capital. Xhosa traders are failing because they are placing too much emphasis on bonding social capital. Chapter Two has focused on the literature review and theory of social capital. In Chapter Three the research methodology was provided. Chapter four has focused on the report on empirical findings. Finally Chapter Five has focused on the implications of the findings and provide the summary, conclusion and recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mabhengeza, Thukela
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Small business -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33408 , vital:32762
- Description: Faced with unemployment crisis, the creation of jobs and stimulation of economic growth becomes an important issue that needs to be urgently addressed in South Africa. The informal sector plays an important economic function in the South African economy and thus contributes to the country’s economic growth. The informal sector is dominated by people from previously disadvantaged communities. The main reason most of these township businesses are created is self-employment and poverty alleviation. The study will demonstrate the usefulness of and economic role played by social capital in the Port Elizabeth townships. Furthermore, the study will further prove that balancing is very important and that too much or too little of any given form of social capital is counterproductive. In recent years Port Elizabeth townships have been flooded by Somali traders. The informal sector is dominated by Somali traders. Social networks can affect business and economic performances. Social networks enable Somali traders to succeed where Xhosa traders have failed. The Somali traders are succeeding because they are emphasizing both bonding and bridging social capital. Xhosa traders are failing because they are placing too much emphasis on bonding social capital. Chapter Two has focused on the literature review and theory of social capital. In Chapter Three the research methodology was provided. Chapter four has focused on the report on empirical findings. Finally Chapter Five has focused on the implications of the findings and provide the summary, conclusion and recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Economic responsiveness in organisational psychology curricula
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Roelf
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Psychology, Industrial -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa Universities and colleges -- Curricula -- South Africa College graduates -- Employment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1319 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003952
- Description: This study focused on a topic at the intersection of two contexts, namely curriculum responsiveness and industrial/organisational psychology (IOP). The rationale for this study is based on two considerations. Firstly, a review of the IOP curricula offered at ten prominent South African universities revealed little overlap. This suggests that academic departments are not guided by shared principles when they implement decisions about the content or sequencing of curriculum content. Secondly, the Department of Education urges academics to design curricula that are relevant and responsive to contemporary conditions. These two considerations motivated the investigation of the following research question: What key performance areas (KPAs) do employers specify when they advertise positions suitable for IOP graduates? The investigation had two aims, namely (a) to systematically analyse the KPAs specified in job advertisements and (b) to compile KPA templates that may be used by IOP departments who wish to revise or transform their curricula. The research design of this study has five characteristics, namely that it is: (a) qualitative, (b) naturalistic, (c), descriptive, (d) applied, and (e) strategic. The study employed a purposive sampling strategy that involved the collection of documentary data (job advertisements aimed at recruiting IOP graduates) over a 52-week period (N=1115). The data was content analysed by means of a six-step documentary analysis method. Specific strategies were employed to enhance the validity of the findings. These strategies focused on credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Similarly, the ethical standing of the investigation was promoted by addressing four considerations, namely autonomy and respect for dignity, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice. The data analysis procedure produced comprehensive and detailed qualitative descriptions of (a) 21 occupational categories, (b) 4070 KPA themes and (c) 84 KPA clusters. In addition, the number of occupational categories, KPA themes and KPA clusters were recorded and interpreted. In addition, the data analysis procedure produced comprehensive KPA templates that IOP departments may find useful. The templates reflect the KPAs specified by advertisements aimed at recruiting IOP graduates for a range of occupational categories and were designed to be used as benchmarks against which the economic responsiveness of curricula can be compared.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Roelf
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Psychology, Industrial -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa Universities and colleges -- Curricula -- South Africa College graduates -- Employment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1319 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003952
- Description: This study focused on a topic at the intersection of two contexts, namely curriculum responsiveness and industrial/organisational psychology (IOP). The rationale for this study is based on two considerations. Firstly, a review of the IOP curricula offered at ten prominent South African universities revealed little overlap. This suggests that academic departments are not guided by shared principles when they implement decisions about the content or sequencing of curriculum content. Secondly, the Department of Education urges academics to design curricula that are relevant and responsive to contemporary conditions. These two considerations motivated the investigation of the following research question: What key performance areas (KPAs) do employers specify when they advertise positions suitable for IOP graduates? The investigation had two aims, namely (a) to systematically analyse the KPAs specified in job advertisements and (b) to compile KPA templates that may be used by IOP departments who wish to revise or transform their curricula. The research design of this study has five characteristics, namely that it is: (a) qualitative, (b) naturalistic, (c), descriptive, (d) applied, and (e) strategic. The study employed a purposive sampling strategy that involved the collection of documentary data (job advertisements aimed at recruiting IOP graduates) over a 52-week period (N=1115). The data was content analysed by means of a six-step documentary analysis method. Specific strategies were employed to enhance the validity of the findings. These strategies focused on credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Similarly, the ethical standing of the investigation was promoted by addressing four considerations, namely autonomy and respect for dignity, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice. The data analysis procedure produced comprehensive and detailed qualitative descriptions of (a) 21 occupational categories, (b) 4070 KPA themes and (c) 84 KPA clusters. In addition, the number of occupational categories, KPA themes and KPA clusters were recorded and interpreted. In addition, the data analysis procedure produced comprehensive KPA templates that IOP departments may find useful. The templates reflect the KPAs specified by advertisements aimed at recruiting IOP graduates for a range of occupational categories and were designed to be used as benchmarks against which the economic responsiveness of curricula can be compared.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Economics of wetland cultivation in Zimbabwe: case study of Mashonaland East Province
- Authors: Taruvinga, Amon
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Wetland management -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Wetland ecology -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Wetland restoration -- Zimbabwe , Nature conservation -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11169 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001002 , Wetland management -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Wetland ecology -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Wetland restoration -- Zimbabwe , Nature conservation -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe
- Description: Wetlands are stocks of natural resources limited in supply, in the middle of unlimited human wants with multiple uses to society, presenting an economic problem in as far as their rational and sustainable use is concerned. To that end, conflicting recommendations have been forwarded regarding wetland cultivation as a possible land use across the globe and from within the same regions. On one extreme, wetland cultivation has been linked to degradation of wetlands with pure wetland conservation as the prescribed viable and sustainable land use option to society. Closer to reality, partial wetland conversion to crop land has been found compatible with wetland bio-diversity; implying that partial wetland cultivation is the prescribed wetland use option viable and sustainable to societies, a dictum mainly claimed by rural communities. With that conflicting background and based on the “Safe Minimum Standard” approach, a ban on wetland cultivation was maintained in several early environmental policies in Zimbabwe as a basis for legislative protection of wetlands, a position that is still legally binding in current statutes. Contrary to that, rural communities have responded by invading wetlands as a coping strategy in pursuit of the claimed values of wetland cultivation, further conflicting with standing policies. This scenario has managed to “lock” and is currently locking the claimed 1,28 million hectares of wetlands in Zimbabwe in a “legal-operational impasse”, at a cost to the entire nation since no meaningful investment is possible in wetlands when there is a legal conflict.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Taruvinga, Amon
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Wetland management -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Wetland ecology -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Wetland restoration -- Zimbabwe , Nature conservation -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11169 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001002 , Wetland management -- Zimbabwe Case studies , Wetland ecology -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable agriculture -- Zimbabwe , Rural development -- Zimbabwe , Wetland restoration -- Zimbabwe , Nature conservation -- Government policy -- Zimbabwe
- Description: Wetlands are stocks of natural resources limited in supply, in the middle of unlimited human wants with multiple uses to society, presenting an economic problem in as far as their rational and sustainable use is concerned. To that end, conflicting recommendations have been forwarded regarding wetland cultivation as a possible land use across the globe and from within the same regions. On one extreme, wetland cultivation has been linked to degradation of wetlands with pure wetland conservation as the prescribed viable and sustainable land use option to society. Closer to reality, partial wetland conversion to crop land has been found compatible with wetland bio-diversity; implying that partial wetland cultivation is the prescribed wetland use option viable and sustainable to societies, a dictum mainly claimed by rural communities. With that conflicting background and based on the “Safe Minimum Standard” approach, a ban on wetland cultivation was maintained in several early environmental policies in Zimbabwe as a basis for legislative protection of wetlands, a position that is still legally binding in current statutes. Contrary to that, rural communities have responded by invading wetlands as a coping strategy in pursuit of the claimed values of wetland cultivation, further conflicting with standing policies. This scenario has managed to “lock” and is currently locking the claimed 1,28 million hectares of wetlands in Zimbabwe in a “legal-operational impasse”, at a cost to the entire nation since no meaningful investment is possible in wetlands when there is a legal conflict.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Ecosystem health of the Nelson Mandela Bay sandy beaches
- Authors: Yani, Vuyolwethu Veronica
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Seashore ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sand dune ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Coastal ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beaches -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10600 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1075 , Seashore ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sand dune ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Coastal ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beaches -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: An investigation of ecosystem functioning of sandy beaches in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) was carried out with the aim of describing their type and pollution status. Water salinity, temperature, pH, beach slope, water inorganic nutrient concentrations, urea, and chlorophyll-a concentration as well as the composition of zooplankton, phytoplankton, meiofauna, benthic microalgae and bacteria were examined at thirteen beaches. The beaches were classified into three types: short beaches; long beaches with surf diatoms; and long beaches that import biomass (without surf diatoms). Of the thirteen beaches, five were non-polluted and eight polluted with polluting human activities in and around them. Most beaches were dominated by fine sand except for St. Georges Strand where the particles were medium to fine sand and Maitland’s River Beach, Bluewater Bay and Sardinia Bay that had coarse sand. Nutrient concentrations ranged from 1.98 ± 0.10 μM to 19.30 ± 3.02 μM nitrate; 4.88 ± 1.00 μM to 11.97 ± 1.00 μM ammonium; 0.67 ± 0.00 μM to 2.31 ±1.00 μM soluble reactive phosphorus; and 0.00 to 0.03 ± 0.00 μg l-1 urea-N. Chlorophyll-a concentrations ranged from 0.04 ± 0.02 to 1.57 ± 0.11 μg l-1. Chlorophyll-a concentrations were negatively correlated to ammonium for all beach types (short beaches: r = 0.94; long importing beaches: r = 0.95 and surf diatom beaches: 0.94) and to nitrate for short and long importing beaches (short: r = 0.97 and long importing: r = 0.85). By contrast, a positive correlation was found between observed between chlorophyll-a concentrations and urea for surf diatom beaches (r = 0.93) and for long importing beaches (r = 0.73). Chlorophyll-a concentrations were negatively correlated to short beaches (r = 0.99) and long importing beaches (r = 0.76). The E. coli and total coliforms in all the sampled beaches were within the recommended South African water quality guidelines for contact recreation as specified by DWAF (1995) except at New Brighton Beach (2 419 total coliforms/100 ml and 1 853 E. coli cells/100 ml) and St. Georges Strand (274 total coliforms/100 ml). Diatoms dominated the phytoplankton and benthic microflora; calanoid copepods dominated the zooplankton and deposit-feeding nematodes dominated the meiofauna in all the beaches with no changes found at polluted beaches.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Yani, Vuyolwethu Veronica
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Seashore ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sand dune ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Coastal ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beaches -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10600 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1075 , Seashore ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sand dune ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Coastal ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beaches -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: An investigation of ecosystem functioning of sandy beaches in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) was carried out with the aim of describing their type and pollution status. Water salinity, temperature, pH, beach slope, water inorganic nutrient concentrations, urea, and chlorophyll-a concentration as well as the composition of zooplankton, phytoplankton, meiofauna, benthic microalgae and bacteria were examined at thirteen beaches. The beaches were classified into three types: short beaches; long beaches with surf diatoms; and long beaches that import biomass (without surf diatoms). Of the thirteen beaches, five were non-polluted and eight polluted with polluting human activities in and around them. Most beaches were dominated by fine sand except for St. Georges Strand where the particles were medium to fine sand and Maitland’s River Beach, Bluewater Bay and Sardinia Bay that had coarse sand. Nutrient concentrations ranged from 1.98 ± 0.10 μM to 19.30 ± 3.02 μM nitrate; 4.88 ± 1.00 μM to 11.97 ± 1.00 μM ammonium; 0.67 ± 0.00 μM to 2.31 ±1.00 μM soluble reactive phosphorus; and 0.00 to 0.03 ± 0.00 μg l-1 urea-N. Chlorophyll-a concentrations ranged from 0.04 ± 0.02 to 1.57 ± 0.11 μg l-1. Chlorophyll-a concentrations were negatively correlated to ammonium for all beach types (short beaches: r = 0.94; long importing beaches: r = 0.95 and surf diatom beaches: 0.94) and to nitrate for short and long importing beaches (short: r = 0.97 and long importing: r = 0.85). By contrast, a positive correlation was found between observed between chlorophyll-a concentrations and urea for surf diatom beaches (r = 0.93) and for long importing beaches (r = 0.73). Chlorophyll-a concentrations were negatively correlated to short beaches (r = 0.99) and long importing beaches (r = 0.76). The E. coli and total coliforms in all the sampled beaches were within the recommended South African water quality guidelines for contact recreation as specified by DWAF (1995) except at New Brighton Beach (2 419 total coliforms/100 ml and 1 853 E. coli cells/100 ml) and St. Georges Strand (274 total coliforms/100 ml). Diatoms dominated the phytoplankton and benthic microflora; calanoid copepods dominated the zooplankton and deposit-feeding nematodes dominated the meiofauna in all the beaches with no changes found at polluted beaches.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2009
Editorial: environmental-education research in the year of COP 15
- Lotz-Sisitka, Heila, Kronlid, David O
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Kronlid, David O
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67356 , vital:29080 , https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/122784
- Description: publisher version , Introduction: This year there has literally been a cacophony surrounding the implications of climate change, as the world geared up for the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP 15) in Copenhagen, where it was expected that the largest ever gathering of world leaders would sign binding agreements to reduce carbon emissions to keep global temperatures from rising by more than 2⁰C. As we make the final contributions to the refinement of this editorial, late in December 2009, it is concerning to note that this did not happen, that civil society voices were marginalised at the COP 15 and that there has been little progress on a socially just and ecologically sound global climate change deal. The stark reality remains that developing countries – southern African countries in particular – remain most vulnerable to the risks associated with global climate change. Havnevik (2007) stated a while ago that: The ways in which poverty, consumption and climate change are addressed, tend to blur historical, structural and power features underlying global inequalities. This makes possible the focus on market forces, such as carbon trading, to resolve the problems. However, these market solutions will not suffice, and may only delay a real solution, which will then have to be developed in a situation of more acute global social injustice and possibly deeper conflicts … Issues related to inequality, energy and climate are of a global character: there is no longer one solution for the South and one for the North. (18,19) So where does the current state of climate change and the political failures surrounding responses to climate change leave education research in developing and developed nations? What are the implications for environmental education researchers in southern Africa and elsewhere? These are some of the questions pondered in this edition of the Southern African Journal of Environmental Education (SAJEE). As one of us (Kronlid) reflects in a Think Piece in this journal: ‘the world is one and many and … the complexities associated with climate change means that we have a shared global systematic problem manifested in a myriad different concrete ways in people’s everyday life throughout the globe. We need many different kinds and modes of climate change education research’ (Kronlid, this edition).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Lotz-Sisitka, Heila , Kronlid, David O
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67356 , vital:29080 , https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/122784
- Description: publisher version , Introduction: This year there has literally been a cacophony surrounding the implications of climate change, as the world geared up for the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP 15) in Copenhagen, where it was expected that the largest ever gathering of world leaders would sign binding agreements to reduce carbon emissions to keep global temperatures from rising by more than 2⁰C. As we make the final contributions to the refinement of this editorial, late in December 2009, it is concerning to note that this did not happen, that civil society voices were marginalised at the COP 15 and that there has been little progress on a socially just and ecologically sound global climate change deal. The stark reality remains that developing countries – southern African countries in particular – remain most vulnerable to the risks associated with global climate change. Havnevik (2007) stated a while ago that: The ways in which poverty, consumption and climate change are addressed, tend to blur historical, structural and power features underlying global inequalities. This makes possible the focus on market forces, such as carbon trading, to resolve the problems. However, these market solutions will not suffice, and may only delay a real solution, which will then have to be developed in a situation of more acute global social injustice and possibly deeper conflicts … Issues related to inequality, energy and climate are of a global character: there is no longer one solution for the South and one for the North. (18,19) So where does the current state of climate change and the political failures surrounding responses to climate change leave education research in developing and developed nations? What are the implications for environmental education researchers in southern Africa and elsewhere? These are some of the questions pondered in this edition of the Southern African Journal of Environmental Education (SAJEE). As one of us (Kronlid) reflects in a Think Piece in this journal: ‘the world is one and many and … the complexities associated with climate change means that we have a shared global systematic problem manifested in a myriad different concrete ways in people’s everyday life throughout the globe. We need many different kinds and modes of climate change education research’ (Kronlid, this edition).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Effect of laundry activities on in-stream concentrations of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate in a small rural South African river
- Gordon, Andrew K, Muller, Wilhelmine J, Gysman, N, Marshall, S J, Sparham, C J, O'Connor, S M, Whelan, M J
- Authors: Gordon, Andrew K , Muller, Wilhelmine J , Gysman, N , Marshall, S J , Sparham, C J , O'Connor, S M , Whelan, M J
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:7094 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012427
- Description: In many parts of the world clothes are washed near to or in rivers and streams. Little information is available on resulting concentrations of detergent ingredients or on any potential effects caused. In this study, the fate of a commonly used anionic surfactant, linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) was investigated in a reach of the Balfour River (Eastern Cape Province, South Africa) which was regularly used as a site for laundry activity. Samples of river water were collected upstream of the main washing site and at a number of locations downstream on several occasions in winter and summer. Sediment samples were also collected and analysed. In addition, a household survey was conducted to ascertain the amount of detergent used and the distribution of washing practices. The results of the survey suggested that the use of riverside locations for laundry activities was seasonal. Most washing tended to be done at home during the winter with riverside sites used more frequently during the summer months. The monitoring data showed that LAS concentrations in water were very variable. They were occasionally high in the immediate vicinity of the laundry site (up to 342 µg L− 1) but were generally very low (< 11 µg L− 1) at downstream monitoring stations, suggesting that LAS was rapidly dissipated by a combination of degradation, hydrodynamic dispersion and dilution. Concentrations in the immediate vicinity of the washing site were lower than expected on the basis of the household survey because most waste water was disposed of on the river bank rather than directly in the river. No ecological effects are expected from LAS emissions at this site.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Gordon, Andrew K , Muller, Wilhelmine J , Gysman, N , Marshall, S J , Sparham, C J , O'Connor, S M , Whelan, M J
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:7094 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012427
- Description: In many parts of the world clothes are washed near to or in rivers and streams. Little information is available on resulting concentrations of detergent ingredients or on any potential effects caused. In this study, the fate of a commonly used anionic surfactant, linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) was investigated in a reach of the Balfour River (Eastern Cape Province, South Africa) which was regularly used as a site for laundry activity. Samples of river water were collected upstream of the main washing site and at a number of locations downstream on several occasions in winter and summer. Sediment samples were also collected and analysed. In addition, a household survey was conducted to ascertain the amount of detergent used and the distribution of washing practices. The results of the survey suggested that the use of riverside locations for laundry activities was seasonal. Most washing tended to be done at home during the winter with riverside sites used more frequently during the summer months. The monitoring data showed that LAS concentrations in water were very variable. They were occasionally high in the immediate vicinity of the laundry site (up to 342 µg L− 1) but were generally very low (< 11 µg L− 1) at downstream monitoring stations, suggesting that LAS was rapidly dissipated by a combination of degradation, hydrodynamic dispersion and dilution. Concentrations in the immediate vicinity of the washing site were lower than expected on the basis of the household survey because most waste water was disposed of on the river bank rather than directly in the river. No ecological effects are expected from LAS emissions at this site.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Effect of peripheral fused ring substitution on the optical spectroscopy and electronic structure of metal phthalocyanine complexes
- Chidawanyika, Wadzanai J U, Mack, John, Shimizu, Soji, Kobayashi, Nagao, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Chidawanyika, Wadzanai J U , Mack, John , Shimizu, Soji , Kobayashi, Nagao , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263353 , vital:53620 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424609001339"
- Description: In this paper the impact of peripheral substitution with a strongly withdrawing fused ring group on the optical spectroscopy of a metal phthalocyanine complex is analyzed. We report the synthesis of [9 (or 10), 16 (or 17), 23 (or 24)-tri-tert-butylimidophthalocyaninato]zinc(II) (ZnttbIPc), which should eventually prove to be a useful precursor for forming dimeric compounds. The electronic structure is analyzed through a detailed analysis of the UV-visible absorption and magnetic circular dichroism spectra and time-dependent density functional theory calculations. Other than a marked splitting of the Q band, the spectrum is broadly similar to that of ZnPc in terms of the main π → π* electronic bands. The vibrational bands differ markedly in the Q band region when an imido group is added to ligand periphery, relative to what is observed in the case of zinc mononaphthotribenzotetraazaporphyrin (Zn3B1N) with an additional fused benzene ring. The absorption and emission spectra lack mirror symmetry as is the case with ZnPc and thus provide possible evidence for a second set of electronic origins in the Q band region arising from n → π* rather then π → π* transitions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Chidawanyika, Wadzanai J U , Mack, John , Shimizu, Soji , Kobayashi, Nagao , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263353 , vital:53620 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424609001339"
- Description: In this paper the impact of peripheral substitution with a strongly withdrawing fused ring group on the optical spectroscopy of a metal phthalocyanine complex is analyzed. We report the synthesis of [9 (or 10), 16 (or 17), 23 (or 24)-tri-tert-butylimidophthalocyaninato]zinc(II) (ZnttbIPc), which should eventually prove to be a useful precursor for forming dimeric compounds. The electronic structure is analyzed through a detailed analysis of the UV-visible absorption and magnetic circular dichroism spectra and time-dependent density functional theory calculations. Other than a marked splitting of the Q band, the spectrum is broadly similar to that of ZnPc in terms of the main π → π* electronic bands. The vibrational bands differ markedly in the Q band region when an imido group is added to ligand periphery, relative to what is observed in the case of zinc mononaphthotribenzotetraazaporphyrin (Zn3B1N) with an additional fused benzene ring. The absorption and emission spectra lack mirror symmetry as is the case with ZnPc and thus provide possible evidence for a second set of electronic origins in the Q band region arising from n → π* rather then π → π* transitions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Effect of processing on the efficacy and safety of Solanum Aculeastrum Dunal berries
- Authors: Aboyade, Oluwaseyi Mayode
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Plant extracts , Drugs -- Effectiveness , Berries , Solanum , Solanum Aculeastrum -- Effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Botany)
- Identifier: vital:11302 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001051 , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Plant extracts , Drugs -- Effectiveness , Berries , Solanum , Solanum Aculeastrum -- Effectiveness
- Description: General Abstract There has been a steady increase in the use of medicinal plants in the last two decades in both developed and developing countries for prevention, management and treatment of diseases. This increase has been due to reasons such as ease of access, better cultural acceptability and compatibility, cost effectiveness and also the bid to “go natural”. Unfortunately, the notion that herbal medicines are relatively safe because they are natural has led to serious and potentially fatal consequences in phytotherapy. The lack of rigorous research to prove the effectiveness and safety of many medicinal plants is of great concern to the health care system. This thesis therefore addresses not just the efficacy, but also the safety of the extracts of the berry of Solanum aculeastrum - a medicinal plant used, among other things, for the treatment of breast cancer in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Particular attention was paid to the possible effect of different processing methods of the berry extracts on inflammation, cytotoxicity, and toxicity. In studying the comparative effects of various processing methods, four different preparations of the extracts were investigated. These include fresh, dried, boiled fresh, and boiled dried berries. While the effect of processing on the anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts was not dose dependent, the percentage reduction in inflammation was highly significant and more prominent in both concentrations of the boiled fresh berries than the reference drug, indomethacin. Furthermore, the four extracts varied in their ability to act either centrally or peripherally in their effect on pain. Assessment of the analgesic response using the formalin test showed that, at both concentrations tested, none of the extracts inhibited the first phase of the formalin test. Furthermore, it was observed that boiling had differing results on the activity of the iii fresh and dried extracts. While boiling of the dried berries reduced pain in the rats, the opposite trend was observed with the boiled fresh berries. Results of the influence of processing of the berries on cytotoxicity indicated that the extracts are potent inhibitors of human breast, cervical and colonic carcinoma cells and the non-cancerous cells (both the actively dividing and confluent Chang liver cells). Although, in terms of relative potency, the fresh berries appeared to be the most active of the extracts, processing of the berries caused an increase in apoptotic cells and a subsequent decrease in the necrotic cells. The effect of processing on the safety of the berry of S. aculeastrum on the rats fed for 28 days was also investigated. The various doses (1, 10 and 25 mg/kg body weight) of all the four extracts did not alter the activity and the weight of the animals throughout the period of treatment. A reduction in organ to body weight ratio of the heart, kidney, liver and spleen was observed in all the extracts. Regarding the haematological parameters, different patterns of effect were observed between the extracts and within the treated doses. The observed alterations in the biochemical parameters by the various extract of Solanum aculeastrum berries at all the doses may have consequential effects on the normal functioning of these organs. In conclusion, this study has shown that there is some justification for the traditional use of the berries of Solanum aculeastrum in the treatment of inflammation related ailments and cancer. However, the medicinal use of the plant also poses considerable health risks. Investigation conducted into the plant’s safety revealed that the berry extracts were nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, haematotoxic and at higher doses, fatal. Another concern with regard to the plant’s safety is the non-selectivity of its extracts in the inhibition of carcinoma, actively dividing and un-dividing cells. Assessment of the effect of the processing on the berry’s efficacy and safety as herbal iv remedy produced mixed results. On the one hand, processing seemed to improve the extract’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, while reducing its cytotoxic potential. On the other hand, a reduction in the toxicity was observed on the processed extracts compared to the fresh ones. This may be an indication that processing has an overall beneficial effect on the medicinal properties of the plant and should thus be considered as a method of making the berries of Solanum aculeastrum safer for use as a herbal remedy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Aboyade, Oluwaseyi Mayode
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Plant extracts , Drugs -- Effectiveness , Berries , Solanum , Solanum Aculeastrum -- Effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Botany)
- Identifier: vital:11302 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001051 , Medicinal plants -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Plant extracts , Drugs -- Effectiveness , Berries , Solanum , Solanum Aculeastrum -- Effectiveness
- Description: General Abstract There has been a steady increase in the use of medicinal plants in the last two decades in both developed and developing countries for prevention, management and treatment of diseases. This increase has been due to reasons such as ease of access, better cultural acceptability and compatibility, cost effectiveness and also the bid to “go natural”. Unfortunately, the notion that herbal medicines are relatively safe because they are natural has led to serious and potentially fatal consequences in phytotherapy. The lack of rigorous research to prove the effectiveness and safety of many medicinal plants is of great concern to the health care system. This thesis therefore addresses not just the efficacy, but also the safety of the extracts of the berry of Solanum aculeastrum - a medicinal plant used, among other things, for the treatment of breast cancer in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Particular attention was paid to the possible effect of different processing methods of the berry extracts on inflammation, cytotoxicity, and toxicity. In studying the comparative effects of various processing methods, four different preparations of the extracts were investigated. These include fresh, dried, boiled fresh, and boiled dried berries. While the effect of processing on the anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts was not dose dependent, the percentage reduction in inflammation was highly significant and more prominent in both concentrations of the boiled fresh berries than the reference drug, indomethacin. Furthermore, the four extracts varied in their ability to act either centrally or peripherally in their effect on pain. Assessment of the analgesic response using the formalin test showed that, at both concentrations tested, none of the extracts inhibited the first phase of the formalin test. Furthermore, it was observed that boiling had differing results on the activity of the iii fresh and dried extracts. While boiling of the dried berries reduced pain in the rats, the opposite trend was observed with the boiled fresh berries. Results of the influence of processing of the berries on cytotoxicity indicated that the extracts are potent inhibitors of human breast, cervical and colonic carcinoma cells and the non-cancerous cells (both the actively dividing and confluent Chang liver cells). Although, in terms of relative potency, the fresh berries appeared to be the most active of the extracts, processing of the berries caused an increase in apoptotic cells and a subsequent decrease in the necrotic cells. The effect of processing on the safety of the berry of S. aculeastrum on the rats fed for 28 days was also investigated. The various doses (1, 10 and 25 mg/kg body weight) of all the four extracts did not alter the activity and the weight of the animals throughout the period of treatment. A reduction in organ to body weight ratio of the heart, kidney, liver and spleen was observed in all the extracts. Regarding the haematological parameters, different patterns of effect were observed between the extracts and within the treated doses. The observed alterations in the biochemical parameters by the various extract of Solanum aculeastrum berries at all the doses may have consequential effects on the normal functioning of these organs. In conclusion, this study has shown that there is some justification for the traditional use of the berries of Solanum aculeastrum in the treatment of inflammation related ailments and cancer. However, the medicinal use of the plant also poses considerable health risks. Investigation conducted into the plant’s safety revealed that the berry extracts were nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, haematotoxic and at higher doses, fatal. Another concern with regard to the plant’s safety is the non-selectivity of its extracts in the inhibition of carcinoma, actively dividing and un-dividing cells. Assessment of the effect of the processing on the berry’s efficacy and safety as herbal iv remedy produced mixed results. On the one hand, processing seemed to improve the extract’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, while reducing its cytotoxic potential. On the other hand, a reduction in the toxicity was observed on the processed extracts compared to the fresh ones. This may be an indication that processing has an overall beneficial effect on the medicinal properties of the plant and should thus be considered as a method of making the berries of Solanum aculeastrum safer for use as a herbal remedy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Effect of the killing method on post-mortem change in length of larvae of Thanatophilus micans (Fabricius, 1794) (Coleoptera: Silphidae) stored in 70% ethanol
- Midgley, John M, Villet, Martin H
- Authors: Midgley, John M , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6857 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011140
- Description: It is recommended that insect larvae collected for forensic purposes should be killed using the same method as was used to create existing models for rate of development. Certain killing methods have been shown to be preferable because they cause less distortion of the specimens, but these are not always practicable in a particular case, and so a method of correcting for effect of killing method is required. Larvae of all instars of Thanatophilus micans (Fabricius 1794) (Coleoptera: Silphidae) were measured and then killed by immersion in ethanol, immersion in hot water or freezing. Samples were re-measured immediately after death, then stored in excess 70% ethanol and re-measured after 1 week and again after 4 weeks. The change in length was significantly different from zero in all samples (t = -9.07022, p < 0.001). An analysis of covariance showed that instar, killing method and storage time all had a significant effect on the change in length. The results showed that T. micans larvae have a great potential for change in length during storage but that the change is not predictable, as the magnitude and sign of the change are variable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Midgley, John M , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6857 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011140
- Description: It is recommended that insect larvae collected for forensic purposes should be killed using the same method as was used to create existing models for rate of development. Certain killing methods have been shown to be preferable because they cause less distortion of the specimens, but these are not always practicable in a particular case, and so a method of correcting for effect of killing method is required. Larvae of all instars of Thanatophilus micans (Fabricius 1794) (Coleoptera: Silphidae) were measured and then killed by immersion in ethanol, immersion in hot water or freezing. Samples were re-measured immediately after death, then stored in excess 70% ethanol and re-measured after 1 week and again after 4 weeks. The change in length was significantly different from zero in all samples (t = -9.07022, p < 0.001). An analysis of covariance showed that instar, killing method and storage time all had a significant effect on the change in length. The results showed that T. micans larvae have a great potential for change in length during storage but that the change is not predictable, as the magnitude and sign of the change are variable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Effective international expansion strategies for hotel companies
- Authors: Pienaar, J. A
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Export marketing -- South Africa , Export marketing -- Management , International business enterprises -- South Africa , Hotels -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8676 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1156 , Export marketing -- South Africa , Export marketing -- Management , International business enterprises -- South Africa , Hotels -- South Africa
- Description: This study investigated the expansion strategies of hotel companies that want to expand away from their local market. Due to the growing importance of services in economic development, there is an impressive body of knowledge on the process of internationalisation and service industries. Due to the major changes impacting upon the industry due to the effects of technology and globalisation, it would be useful to establish the important key factors and processes involved during internationalisation. Expanding cross border for a hotel group signifies a number of challenges that must be focused on at the same time. Markets need to be identified, political stability needs to be scanned and cultural differences must be taken into consideration. Logistics and supply chain have to be developed together with operational issues from financial reporting, marketing and human resources. Organisational structures must be adapted to take into account the new levels of responsibility. An in-depth review of the literature regarding internationalisation was conducted, which evidenced that the most useful model for answering the questions was the eclectic paradigm as developed by John Dunning (1993). The paradigm has been used in many manufacturing and service sector studies, including that of the hotel sector (Contractor and Kundu, 1994). A questionnaire was compiled and interviews were set up with the directors and executives tasked with the respective companies’ expansion programmes. Due mainly to the effects of new technology and globalisation on the hotel industry, there have been many changes in the last decade, including increasing consolidation and concentration and an increasing importance upon branding and financial performance. It was apparent from the research that the time taken to internationalise by hotel chains has reduced significantly in the last decade, especially if one looks at the performance of hotel companies such as Accor Hotels. iii Only two of the three companies studied in this treatise had undertaken expansion into Africa with the third company ready for entering soon. Nonequity involvement in general was the most favoured form of involvement with majority of their expansions based on management contracts, joint partnership or franchises. The role of the functional departments, the importance of a global outlook and the necessary structural changes during international expansion was also explored. In order to answer the various research propositions that are posed, the researcher chose to base this research on a phenomenological approach through case study analysis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Pienaar, J. A
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Export marketing -- South Africa , Export marketing -- Management , International business enterprises -- South Africa , Hotels -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8676 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1156 , Export marketing -- South Africa , Export marketing -- Management , International business enterprises -- South Africa , Hotels -- South Africa
- Description: This study investigated the expansion strategies of hotel companies that want to expand away from their local market. Due to the growing importance of services in economic development, there is an impressive body of knowledge on the process of internationalisation and service industries. Due to the major changes impacting upon the industry due to the effects of technology and globalisation, it would be useful to establish the important key factors and processes involved during internationalisation. Expanding cross border for a hotel group signifies a number of challenges that must be focused on at the same time. Markets need to be identified, political stability needs to be scanned and cultural differences must be taken into consideration. Logistics and supply chain have to be developed together with operational issues from financial reporting, marketing and human resources. Organisational structures must be adapted to take into account the new levels of responsibility. An in-depth review of the literature regarding internationalisation was conducted, which evidenced that the most useful model for answering the questions was the eclectic paradigm as developed by John Dunning (1993). The paradigm has been used in many manufacturing and service sector studies, including that of the hotel sector (Contractor and Kundu, 1994). A questionnaire was compiled and interviews were set up with the directors and executives tasked with the respective companies’ expansion programmes. Due mainly to the effects of new technology and globalisation on the hotel industry, there have been many changes in the last decade, including increasing consolidation and concentration and an increasing importance upon branding and financial performance. It was apparent from the research that the time taken to internationalise by hotel chains has reduced significantly in the last decade, especially if one looks at the performance of hotel companies such as Accor Hotels. iii Only two of the three companies studied in this treatise had undertaken expansion into Africa with the third company ready for entering soon. Nonequity involvement in general was the most favoured form of involvement with majority of their expansions based on management contracts, joint partnership or franchises. The role of the functional departments, the importance of a global outlook and the necessary structural changes during international expansion was also explored. In order to answer the various research propositions that are posed, the researcher chose to base this research on a phenomenological approach through case study analysis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Effects of marine reserves on the biology of rocky intertidal limpets along the southern coast of South Africa
- Nakin, Motebang Dominic Vincent
- Authors: Nakin, Motebang Dominic Vincent
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Limpets Marine parks and reserves -- South Africa Marine biology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5680 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005365
- Description: Limpets are harvested by people in South Africa, but are selected in terms of species and size. The effects of marine reserves on the biology of commonly exploited (Helcion concolor and Scutellastra longicosta) and rarely exploited species (Cellana capensis and Scutellastra granularis) were investigated on the southeast coast of South Africa at two reserve and two non-reserve sites. For each species, a 4-way nested ANOVA was used to test the effects of month, reserve, site (nested within reserve) and area (nested within site and reserve) on population density, size structure and recruitment of these limpets. The data were collected monthly over 20 months. The overall results indicated a gradient of exploitation among species, S. longicosta was the most heavily exploited species and S. granularis the least exploited species. However, there was also a gradient of exploitation between reserves and non-reserves. Xhora was the most heavily exploited site while Nqabara was less heavily exploited. Of the two reserve sites, Cwebe had more poachers than Dwesa. In most analyses, the month x area (reserve (site)) interaction was significant. However, this was largely an artifact due to comparisons of areas in different sites and significant differences between areas within sites occurred in relatively few months. Densities were greater inside reserves for all species except C. capensis. For S. longicosta and H. concolor this was expected but not for S. granularis and the result possibly reflects its opportunistic exploitation in the absence of the preferred species or indirect effects of reserves. Commonly exploited species and the rarely exploited C. capensis clearly showed greater mean and maximum sizes in reserves but there were month/site (reserve) interactions. Months with significant differences between reserves and nonreserves in both mean and maximum sizes generally occurred more often for commonly exploited than rarely exploited species, but C. capensis showed the strongest reserve effect on maximum size. Interview surveys showed that, although not normally exploited, C. capensis is sometimes mistaken for H. concolor and this suggests that large individuals are unintentionally harvested outside reserves. There were no significant reserve effects on recruitment for any species. Although Xhora had the lowest densities and limpet sizes, it showed the highest recruitment especially for S. longicosta, suggesting that larvae can be transported far from where they are released and settle in non-reserve sites regardless of adult densities. Reserve as a main factor was not significant for the rarely exploited species, but there was a significant month x reserve interaction, with non-reserves having greater GSI values than reserves in most months. Growth rates were examined using individual tagging and cohort analysis. The two techniques gave different results, with individual tagging giving higher growth estimates than cohort analysis. Except for the territorial species S. longicosta, growth was higher in non-reserves and inversely correlated with population density. Mortality estimates using the Cormack-Jolly-Seber model indicated that the rarely exploited species had significantly greater capture probabilities in reserves while no significant reserve effects were observed for the commonly exploited species. Reserve effects on survival probability were significant only for S. longicosta, with reserves being greater than nonreserves and no significant effects for any other species. Enhanced survival in reserves was attributed to the effects of human exploitation. In theory, marine protected areas show increases in densities, sizes and reproductive output of exploited species, but the present results revealed that the efficacy of reserves depends on the status of the species, not only whether it is exploited or non-exploited, but also whether it is territorial.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Nakin, Motebang Dominic Vincent
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Limpets Marine parks and reserves -- South Africa Marine biology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5680 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005365
- Description: Limpets are harvested by people in South Africa, but are selected in terms of species and size. The effects of marine reserves on the biology of commonly exploited (Helcion concolor and Scutellastra longicosta) and rarely exploited species (Cellana capensis and Scutellastra granularis) were investigated on the southeast coast of South Africa at two reserve and two non-reserve sites. For each species, a 4-way nested ANOVA was used to test the effects of month, reserve, site (nested within reserve) and area (nested within site and reserve) on population density, size structure and recruitment of these limpets. The data were collected monthly over 20 months. The overall results indicated a gradient of exploitation among species, S. longicosta was the most heavily exploited species and S. granularis the least exploited species. However, there was also a gradient of exploitation between reserves and non-reserves. Xhora was the most heavily exploited site while Nqabara was less heavily exploited. Of the two reserve sites, Cwebe had more poachers than Dwesa. In most analyses, the month x area (reserve (site)) interaction was significant. However, this was largely an artifact due to comparisons of areas in different sites and significant differences between areas within sites occurred in relatively few months. Densities were greater inside reserves for all species except C. capensis. For S. longicosta and H. concolor this was expected but not for S. granularis and the result possibly reflects its opportunistic exploitation in the absence of the preferred species or indirect effects of reserves. Commonly exploited species and the rarely exploited C. capensis clearly showed greater mean and maximum sizes in reserves but there were month/site (reserve) interactions. Months with significant differences between reserves and nonreserves in both mean and maximum sizes generally occurred more often for commonly exploited than rarely exploited species, but C. capensis showed the strongest reserve effect on maximum size. Interview surveys showed that, although not normally exploited, C. capensis is sometimes mistaken for H. concolor and this suggests that large individuals are unintentionally harvested outside reserves. There were no significant reserve effects on recruitment for any species. Although Xhora had the lowest densities and limpet sizes, it showed the highest recruitment especially for S. longicosta, suggesting that larvae can be transported far from where they are released and settle in non-reserve sites regardless of adult densities. Reserve as a main factor was not significant for the rarely exploited species, but there was a significant month x reserve interaction, with non-reserves having greater GSI values than reserves in most months. Growth rates were examined using individual tagging and cohort analysis. The two techniques gave different results, with individual tagging giving higher growth estimates than cohort analysis. Except for the territorial species S. longicosta, growth was higher in non-reserves and inversely correlated with population density. Mortality estimates using the Cormack-Jolly-Seber model indicated that the rarely exploited species had significantly greater capture probabilities in reserves while no significant reserve effects were observed for the commonly exploited species. Reserve effects on survival probability were significant only for S. longicosta, with reserves being greater than nonreserves and no significant effects for any other species. Enhanced survival in reserves was attributed to the effects of human exploitation. In theory, marine protected areas show increases in densities, sizes and reproductive output of exploited species, but the present results revealed that the efficacy of reserves depends on the status of the species, not only whether it is exploited or non-exploited, but also whether it is territorial.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Effects of the number of ring substituents of cobalt carboxyphthalocyanines on the electrocatalytic detection of nitrite, cysteine and melatonin
- Matemadombo, Fungisai, Sehlotho, Nthapo, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Matemadombo, Fungisai , Sehlotho, Nthapo , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263408 , vital:53625 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S108842460900125X"
- Description: Cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc), cobalt tetracarboxy phthalocyanine (CoTCPc) and cobalt octacarboxy phthalocyanine (CoOCPc), adsorbed onto glassy carbon electrodes, have been used for the electrocatalytic detection of nitrite, L-cysteine and melatonin. The modified electrodes electrocatalytically detected nitrite around 800 mV vs.Ag|AgCl, a value less positive compared to that of an unmodified glassy carbon electrode (at 950 mV vs.Ag|AgCl) and also gave detection limits in the 10-7 M range for nitrite detection. L-cysteine was detected by the modified electrodes at potentials between 0.50 to 0.65 V vs.Ag|AgCl, with L-cysteine detection limits also in the 10-7 M range. The detection limits for melatonin ranged from 10-7 to 10-6 M. CoPc-modified electrodes displayed good separation of interferents (tryptophan and ascorbic acid) in the presence of melatonin. Analyses of commercial melatonin tablets using modified electrodes gave excellent agreement with manufacturer's value for all modified electrodes of this work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Matemadombo, Fungisai , Sehlotho, Nthapo , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263408 , vital:53625 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S108842460900125X"
- Description: Cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc), cobalt tetracarboxy phthalocyanine (CoTCPc) and cobalt octacarboxy phthalocyanine (CoOCPc), adsorbed onto glassy carbon electrodes, have been used for the electrocatalytic detection of nitrite, L-cysteine and melatonin. The modified electrodes electrocatalytically detected nitrite around 800 mV vs.Ag|AgCl, a value less positive compared to that of an unmodified glassy carbon electrode (at 950 mV vs.Ag|AgCl) and also gave detection limits in the 10-7 M range for nitrite detection. L-cysteine was detected by the modified electrodes at potentials between 0.50 to 0.65 V vs.Ag|AgCl, with L-cysteine detection limits also in the 10-7 M range. The detection limits for melatonin ranged from 10-7 to 10-6 M. CoPc-modified electrodes displayed good separation of interferents (tryptophan and ascorbic acid) in the presence of melatonin. Analyses of commercial melatonin tablets using modified electrodes gave excellent agreement with manufacturer's value for all modified electrodes of this work.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Efficacy of selected Kenyan medicinal plants used in the treatment and management of Type II Diabetes
- Authors: Karachi, Jacqueline
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Diabetes -- Alternative treatment -- Kenya , Medicinal plants -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10327 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1049 , Diabetes -- Alternative treatment -- Kenya , Medicinal plants -- Kenya
- Description: In Kenya, the prevalence of diabetes is estimated at 3-10 percent of the population. These figures could be higher because most type 2 diabetics are diagnosed many years after onset. Out of this number, 15 percent are people below 30 years of age who need prompt education to avoid complications that are associated with diabetes (DMI centre, 2004). Due to inadequate or lack of proper information, most patients especially those with type 2 diabetes are diagnosed through complications. Untreated or poorly managed diabetes is now the leading cause of eye disease and kidney failure in the world. Diabetes is the largest cause of kidney failure in the developed world, and is the fourth leading cause of global death by disease in the world (IDF, 2007). At the Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, it is the leading cause of all non-accident related amputations. It is with such statistics in mind and the grim reality of poor and inadequate health services that this research is based. The wide use of selected medicinal plants for the treatment and management of diabetes warrants the further study of these plants for potential use and commercialization. The data obtained can also be invaluable for use and reference when using these plants for medicinal purposes. The medicinal plant studied in the research is widely used in Kenya by many communities and was chosen based on ethno-pharmacological references using traditional medicinal practitioners as well as patient’s recommendations. Different in vitro and in vivo assays were studied to try and elucidate the mechanisms of action as well as the organs targeted during treatment using this plant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Karachi, Jacqueline
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Diabetes -- Alternative treatment -- Kenya , Medicinal plants -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10327 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1049 , Diabetes -- Alternative treatment -- Kenya , Medicinal plants -- Kenya
- Description: In Kenya, the prevalence of diabetes is estimated at 3-10 percent of the population. These figures could be higher because most type 2 diabetics are diagnosed many years after onset. Out of this number, 15 percent are people below 30 years of age who need prompt education to avoid complications that are associated with diabetes (DMI centre, 2004). Due to inadequate or lack of proper information, most patients especially those with type 2 diabetes are diagnosed through complications. Untreated or poorly managed diabetes is now the leading cause of eye disease and kidney failure in the world. Diabetes is the largest cause of kidney failure in the developed world, and is the fourth leading cause of global death by disease in the world (IDF, 2007). At the Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, it is the leading cause of all non-accident related amputations. It is with such statistics in mind and the grim reality of poor and inadequate health services that this research is based. The wide use of selected medicinal plants for the treatment and management of diabetes warrants the further study of these plants for potential use and commercialization. The data obtained can also be invaluable for use and reference when using these plants for medicinal purposes. The medicinal plant studied in the research is widely used in Kenya by many communities and was chosen based on ethno-pharmacological references using traditional medicinal practitioners as well as patient’s recommendations. Different in vitro and in vivo assays were studied to try and elucidate the mechanisms of action as well as the organs targeted during treatment using this plant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Efficacy of solar power units for small-scale businesses in a remote rural area, South Africa
- Hajat, A, Banks, D, Aiken, R, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Hajat, A , Banks, D , Aiken, R , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6636 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006860
- Description: Much work has considered the practicalities and affordability of solar systems for domestic energy supplies in remote rural areas. There is less understanding of its utility for small-scale business enterprises in such areas. We examined the patterns of use of two 12 V and one 24 V systems for small-scale enterprises housed in transportable containers. Monitoring of load shed and top of charge indicated that the 12 V systems were inadequate to meet the requirements of the enterprises. The 24 V operation performed a lot better. Despite some technical limitations the system offered a number of social, economic and environmental positives; primarily the offering of business products not otherwise available in the area, incomes to the entrepreneurs and greater connectivity with regional centres through office services such as cell-phone charging and faxing. Customers of the small-scale enterprises felt that their presence in the area saved them some money because they no longer had to travel as frequently to regional urban centres.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Hajat, A , Banks, D , Aiken, R , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6636 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006860
- Description: Much work has considered the practicalities and affordability of solar systems for domestic energy supplies in remote rural areas. There is less understanding of its utility for small-scale business enterprises in such areas. We examined the patterns of use of two 12 V and one 24 V systems for small-scale enterprises housed in transportable containers. Monitoring of load shed and top of charge indicated that the 12 V systems were inadequate to meet the requirements of the enterprises. The 24 V operation performed a lot better. Despite some technical limitations the system offered a number of social, economic and environmental positives; primarily the offering of business products not otherwise available in the area, incomes to the entrepreneurs and greater connectivity with regional centres through office services such as cell-phone charging and faxing. Customers of the small-scale enterprises felt that their presence in the area saved them some money because they no longer had to travel as frequently to regional urban centres.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Elections: a dangerous time for poor people's movements in South Africa
- Authors: Pithouse, Richard, 1970-
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6203 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008572
- Description: [From introduction]: History groans with the suffering caused by authoritarian individuals and regimes that were elected to power. For this reason the only useful measure of the commitment of any political project to democracy is to see how it responds to challenges to its own position and ideas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Pithouse, Richard, 1970-
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6203 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008572
- Description: [From introduction]: History groans with the suffering caused by authoritarian individuals and regimes that were elected to power. For this reason the only useful measure of the commitment of any political project to democracy is to see how it responds to challenges to its own position and ideas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Electrochemical studies of titanium, manganese and cobalt phthalocyanines
- Authors: Nombona, Nolwazi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Titanium , Manganese , Cobalt , Phthalocyanines , Electrochemistry , Electrodes , Self-assembly (Chemistry)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4312 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004970 , Titanium , Manganese , Cobalt , Phthalocyanines , Electrochemistry , Electrodes , Self-assembly (Chemistry)
- Description: Syntheses, spectral, electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical studies of phenylthio and amino derivatised metallophthalocyanines complexes are reported. The complexes are immobilized onto a gold macro disk, gold ultramicroelectrode and gold coated fiber electrodes via self assembly with phenylthio MPc derivatives or onto a glassy carbon electrode via electropolymerisation with amino MPc derivatives. For the first time MPc SAMs were formed on gold coated fiber. The electrocatalytic behavior of the modified electrodes was studied for the detection of nitrite and L-cysteine, all modified electrodes showed improved electrocatalytic oxidation compared to the unmodified electrode. The MPc complexes catalyzed nitrite oxidation via a two-electron mechanism producing nitrate. Cobalt tetraaminophthalocyanine showed the best catalytic activity for nitrite oxidation in terms of overpotential lowering compared to other complexes and thus was used for nitrite detection in a food sample, the nitrite concentration was determined to be 59.13 ppm, well within the limit for cured meat products. Electrocatalytic oxidation of L-cysteine on SAM modified gold coated fiber was reported for the first time. The gold coated fiber and ultamicro cylinder electrode were less stable towards the electro-oxidation of cysteine compared to its oxidation on the gold disk. The gold disk electrode gave better catalytic performance in terms of stability and reduction of overpotential. The phenylthio cobalt phthalocyanine derivative gave the best catalytic activity for L-cysteine oxidation in terms of overpotential lowering compared to other phenylthio derivatized MPc complexes. The amount of L-cysteine in human urine was 2.4 mM, well within the urinary L-cysteine excretion range for a healthy human being.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Nombona, Nolwazi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Titanium , Manganese , Cobalt , Phthalocyanines , Electrochemistry , Electrodes , Self-assembly (Chemistry)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4312 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004970 , Titanium , Manganese , Cobalt , Phthalocyanines , Electrochemistry , Electrodes , Self-assembly (Chemistry)
- Description: Syntheses, spectral, electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical studies of phenylthio and amino derivatised metallophthalocyanines complexes are reported. The complexes are immobilized onto a gold macro disk, gold ultramicroelectrode and gold coated fiber electrodes via self assembly with phenylthio MPc derivatives or onto a glassy carbon electrode via electropolymerisation with amino MPc derivatives. For the first time MPc SAMs were formed on gold coated fiber. The electrocatalytic behavior of the modified electrodes was studied for the detection of nitrite and L-cysteine, all modified electrodes showed improved electrocatalytic oxidation compared to the unmodified electrode. The MPc complexes catalyzed nitrite oxidation via a two-electron mechanism producing nitrate. Cobalt tetraaminophthalocyanine showed the best catalytic activity for nitrite oxidation in terms of overpotential lowering compared to other complexes and thus was used for nitrite detection in a food sample, the nitrite concentration was determined to be 59.13 ppm, well within the limit for cured meat products. Electrocatalytic oxidation of L-cysteine on SAM modified gold coated fiber was reported for the first time. The gold coated fiber and ultamicro cylinder electrode were less stable towards the electro-oxidation of cysteine compared to its oxidation on the gold disk. The gold disk electrode gave better catalytic performance in terms of stability and reduction of overpotential. The phenylthio cobalt phthalocyanine derivative gave the best catalytic activity for L-cysteine oxidation in terms of overpotential lowering compared to other phenylthio derivatized MPc complexes. The amount of L-cysteine in human urine was 2.4 mM, well within the urinary L-cysteine excretion range for a healthy human being.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009