Environmental literacy: a needs analysis
- Authors: Lillah, Riyaadh
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Environmental education , Environmental sciences , Human ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9290 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011029 , Environmental education , Environmental sciences , Human ecology
- Description: An impending environmental crisis has been predicted by many which has led to an increased awareness and concern regarding the ability of the planet to sustain human development. Furthermore, organisations expected to be leaders in society, such as businesses and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), have been identified as some of the main drivers behind the ever increasing rate of destruction of the natural environment. Business schools have even been singled out as some of the main drivers behind the degradation of the natural environment by not addressing the knowledge gap of managers in this regard. Given this, the problem statement of this research is to determine how effective existing NMMU curricula are at shaping environmentally literate business graduates. The problem will be investigated from two perspectives. Firstly, from a supply side perspective - investigating the pro-environmental behaviours, ecological and business knowledge, „green‟ management skills and environmental values that students registered in the Business and Economics Sciences faculty at NMMU exhibit. Secondly, the problem will be investigated from a demand side perspective – investigating the pro-environmental behaviours, ecological and business knowledge, "green‟ management skills and environmental values that potential employers of NMMU students require. The focus will be on prospective employers in the mining and automotive industries. To address the problem to be investigated in this study a theoretical framework was developed and tested. This theoretical framework was based on the assumption that environmental literacy is measurable in terms of the behaviours of individuals towards the natural environment and that these behaviours are in turn dependent upon the ecological and business knowledge, "green‟ management skills and environmental values that the individual possesses. To test the theoretical framework an online survey was conducted amongst students registered in the Business and Economic Sciences Faculty at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), while semi-structured personal interviews were used to assess the demand for environmentally literate business graduates in the mining and automotive industries. In total 308 business students participated in the online survey. The findings suggest that students are highly sensitive to moral issues pertaining to the natural environment and have a better understanding of traditional ecological concepts than "green‟ business concepts. It was also found that ecological and business knowledge had the greatest influence on pro-environmental behaviours followed by environmental values and "green‟ management skills. The findings of this study will be used to enhance environmental literacy in the faculty. In terms of the semi-structured personal interviews, the views of eight environmental experts in the South African mining industries were obtained. The general analytical procedure was applied to identify prominent themes which existed in the qualitative data. This involved developing codes and identifying data which related to those specific codes in order to provide a description of and provide some dimension to these codes. Codes were categorised according to their similarity to each other. The different categories identified were ecology, legal compliance, technology, environmental management, sustainable development, pollution and waste management, financial implications and corporate citizenship. Some of these themes were not entirely expected based on the literature review. These additional insights add depth to the analysis of environmental education in South Africa and highlight the gaps in environmental literacy literature. In terms of environmental literacy, these categories had implications for the knowledge, skills, values and behaviours of business graduates. From the findings of this study the researcher concluded that a certain level of enthusiasm for environmental education exists among NMMU students, as well as individuals in the mining and automotive industries in South Africa. However, the level of environmental literacy exhibited by students registered in the Business and Economic Sciences Faculty at NMMU (between nominal and functional) was not considered to be sufficient to operate effectively in the mining and automotive industries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Lillah, Riyaadh
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Environmental education , Environmental sciences , Human ecology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9290 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011029 , Environmental education , Environmental sciences , Human ecology
- Description: An impending environmental crisis has been predicted by many which has led to an increased awareness and concern regarding the ability of the planet to sustain human development. Furthermore, organisations expected to be leaders in society, such as businesses and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), have been identified as some of the main drivers behind the ever increasing rate of destruction of the natural environment. Business schools have even been singled out as some of the main drivers behind the degradation of the natural environment by not addressing the knowledge gap of managers in this regard. Given this, the problem statement of this research is to determine how effective existing NMMU curricula are at shaping environmentally literate business graduates. The problem will be investigated from two perspectives. Firstly, from a supply side perspective - investigating the pro-environmental behaviours, ecological and business knowledge, „green‟ management skills and environmental values that students registered in the Business and Economics Sciences faculty at NMMU exhibit. Secondly, the problem will be investigated from a demand side perspective – investigating the pro-environmental behaviours, ecological and business knowledge, "green‟ management skills and environmental values that potential employers of NMMU students require. The focus will be on prospective employers in the mining and automotive industries. To address the problem to be investigated in this study a theoretical framework was developed and tested. This theoretical framework was based on the assumption that environmental literacy is measurable in terms of the behaviours of individuals towards the natural environment and that these behaviours are in turn dependent upon the ecological and business knowledge, "green‟ management skills and environmental values that the individual possesses. To test the theoretical framework an online survey was conducted amongst students registered in the Business and Economic Sciences Faculty at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), while semi-structured personal interviews were used to assess the demand for environmentally literate business graduates in the mining and automotive industries. In total 308 business students participated in the online survey. The findings suggest that students are highly sensitive to moral issues pertaining to the natural environment and have a better understanding of traditional ecological concepts than "green‟ business concepts. It was also found that ecological and business knowledge had the greatest influence on pro-environmental behaviours followed by environmental values and "green‟ management skills. The findings of this study will be used to enhance environmental literacy in the faculty. In terms of the semi-structured personal interviews, the views of eight environmental experts in the South African mining industries were obtained. The general analytical procedure was applied to identify prominent themes which existed in the qualitative data. This involved developing codes and identifying data which related to those specific codes in order to provide a description of and provide some dimension to these codes. Codes were categorised according to their similarity to each other. The different categories identified were ecology, legal compliance, technology, environmental management, sustainable development, pollution and waste management, financial implications and corporate citizenship. Some of these themes were not entirely expected based on the literature review. These additional insights add depth to the analysis of environmental education in South Africa and highlight the gaps in environmental literacy literature. In terms of environmental literacy, these categories had implications for the knowledge, skills, values and behaviours of business graduates. From the findings of this study the researcher concluded that a certain level of enthusiasm for environmental education exists among NMMU students, as well as individuals in the mining and automotive industries in South Africa. However, the level of environmental literacy exhibited by students registered in the Business and Economic Sciences Faculty at NMMU (between nominal and functional) was not considered to be sufficient to operate effectively in the mining and automotive industries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Equality and unfair discrimination: refining the Harksen test
- Authors: Krüger, Rósaan
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68890 , vital:29336 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC53981
- Description: Publisher version , The 1997 formulation of the test in Harksen by Constitutional Court seemed to settle the constitutional standards in respect of equality and unfair discrimination. In this article this test is scrutinised closely with a view to clarify the different aspects of the right protected in s 9. Reliance is further placed on Canadian commentary which interrogates the dignity-centred analysis of the Canadian Supreme Court in relation to the Canadian Charter's prohibition of discrimination. The similar insistence on dignity as the interest protected by the right to equality opens up new possibilities in the South African context. Accordingly, specific 'wrongs' or 'indignities' of inequality are identified, which refines the Harksen test. The identification of the indignities, it is suggested, assists litigants and the court on a practical level when determining the fairness or otherwise of discrimination.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Krüger, Rósaan
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/68890 , vital:29336 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC53981
- Description: Publisher version , The 1997 formulation of the test in Harksen by Constitutional Court seemed to settle the constitutional standards in respect of equality and unfair discrimination. In this article this test is scrutinised closely with a view to clarify the different aspects of the right protected in s 9. Reliance is further placed on Canadian commentary which interrogates the dignity-centred analysis of the Canadian Supreme Court in relation to the Canadian Charter's prohibition of discrimination. The similar insistence on dignity as the interest protected by the right to equality opens up new possibilities in the South African context. Accordingly, specific 'wrongs' or 'indignities' of inequality are identified, which refines the Harksen test. The identification of the indignities, it is suggested, assists litigants and the court on a practical level when determining the fairness or otherwise of discrimination.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2011
Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi and potential for inoculation of commercial berry species (Vaccinium corymbosium L.)
- Authors: Bizabani, Christine
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Ericaceae , Mycorrhizas , Fynbos
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4136 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016127
- Description: Ericaceous plants are the richest growth form of the fynbos vegetation of South Africa. The fynbos is characterized by highly leached acidic soils, low mineral nutrients and climatically it is a winter rainfall and dry summer region. Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi associate with Erica species enhancing their ability to access essential nutrients for survival under unfavourable growth conditions. The aim of this study was to select local Ericaceae plant species and to isolate, identify and characterize the ericoid endophytes and assess these isolates as potential inocula for commercial berry species. Two ericaceous plants Erica cerinthoides L. and Erica demmissa Klotzsch ex Benth. were identified from the Mountain Drive area of Grahamstown, Eastern Cape. Root staining was used to confirm the mycorrhizal status of both plants. Hyphal coils typical of ericoid association were observed within the epidermal cells of the hair roots under a light microscope. The endophytes were successfully isolated in pure culture on 2% malt extract agar (MEA) and modified Fontana medium. Cultural morphology and microscopy were used for initial identification. Two slow growing isolates were selected. These isolates were further subjected to molecular identification; extracted DNA was amplified using ITS1 and ITS4 fungal primers. The rDNA gene internal transcriber spacer (ITS) was then sequenced and analyzed by comparison to sequences in the GenBank. On the basis of percentage sequence identity Lachnum Retz. species and Cadophora Lagerb. & Melin species were identified as the ericoid endophytes of E. cerinthoides and E. demmissa respectively. The optimum growth parameters of the fungal isolates were determined in 2% MEA incubated at varying temperatures and pH. It was established that both species had optimum growth at 27⁰C and pH 5. The Ericaceae species are sometimes found in metal contaminated sites were ericoid fungi have been proved to alleviate toxicity of their host. The fungal isolates were grown in increasing concentration of Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ in 2% MEA. The growth of Lachnum species decreased with increasing Zn²⁺ ions above 2.7 mM while Cadophora species showed a change in morphology and also decreased in growth with increased ion concentration. However there were no significant differences recorded in the growth of Cadophora and Lachnum species on increasing Cu²⁺ concentration. Lachnum and Cadophora isolates were formulated into a semi solid inoculum and inoculated onto micropropagated Vaccinni corymbosum L. plantlets of 5 different varieties. Colonization was low for all varieties, Elliott and Brightwell varieties recorded the highest colonization of 35% and 31% respectively. Lachnum species infected roots showed potential ericoid structures while the Cadophora inoculated plantlets had hyphal coils within the cortical cells typical of ericoid mycorrhizas. Inoculation significantly enhanced the shoot growth of Brightwell and Elliott varieties. The Chandler variety inoculated with Lachnum species showed improved shoot dry weight. The Bluecrop and Elliott varieties inoculated with Cadophora and Lachnum accumulated more root biomass. All inoculated Bluecrop plantlets had an improved canopy growth index. Brightwell plantlets inoculated with Lachnum species also had an enhanced canopy growth index. The growth responses were variable within varieties and between varieties. Treatments with the Cadophora and Lachnum have shown potential in the promotion of growth of the Blueberry species. The findings indicate the need to conduct trials under conditions which simulate the commercial growth conditions so as explore the optimum potential of the isolates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Bizabani, Christine
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Ericaceae , Mycorrhizas , Fynbos
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4136 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016127
- Description: Ericaceous plants are the richest growth form of the fynbos vegetation of South Africa. The fynbos is characterized by highly leached acidic soils, low mineral nutrients and climatically it is a winter rainfall and dry summer region. Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi associate with Erica species enhancing their ability to access essential nutrients for survival under unfavourable growth conditions. The aim of this study was to select local Ericaceae plant species and to isolate, identify and characterize the ericoid endophytes and assess these isolates as potential inocula for commercial berry species. Two ericaceous plants Erica cerinthoides L. and Erica demmissa Klotzsch ex Benth. were identified from the Mountain Drive area of Grahamstown, Eastern Cape. Root staining was used to confirm the mycorrhizal status of both plants. Hyphal coils typical of ericoid association were observed within the epidermal cells of the hair roots under a light microscope. The endophytes were successfully isolated in pure culture on 2% malt extract agar (MEA) and modified Fontana medium. Cultural morphology and microscopy were used for initial identification. Two slow growing isolates were selected. These isolates were further subjected to molecular identification; extracted DNA was amplified using ITS1 and ITS4 fungal primers. The rDNA gene internal transcriber spacer (ITS) was then sequenced and analyzed by comparison to sequences in the GenBank. On the basis of percentage sequence identity Lachnum Retz. species and Cadophora Lagerb. & Melin species were identified as the ericoid endophytes of E. cerinthoides and E. demmissa respectively. The optimum growth parameters of the fungal isolates were determined in 2% MEA incubated at varying temperatures and pH. It was established that both species had optimum growth at 27⁰C and pH 5. The Ericaceae species are sometimes found in metal contaminated sites were ericoid fungi have been proved to alleviate toxicity of their host. The fungal isolates were grown in increasing concentration of Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ in 2% MEA. The growth of Lachnum species decreased with increasing Zn²⁺ ions above 2.7 mM while Cadophora species showed a change in morphology and also decreased in growth with increased ion concentration. However there were no significant differences recorded in the growth of Cadophora and Lachnum species on increasing Cu²⁺ concentration. Lachnum and Cadophora isolates were formulated into a semi solid inoculum and inoculated onto micropropagated Vaccinni corymbosum L. plantlets of 5 different varieties. Colonization was low for all varieties, Elliott and Brightwell varieties recorded the highest colonization of 35% and 31% respectively. Lachnum species infected roots showed potential ericoid structures while the Cadophora inoculated plantlets had hyphal coils within the cortical cells typical of ericoid mycorrhizas. Inoculation significantly enhanced the shoot growth of Brightwell and Elliott varieties. The Chandler variety inoculated with Lachnum species showed improved shoot dry weight. The Bluecrop and Elliott varieties inoculated with Cadophora and Lachnum accumulated more root biomass. All inoculated Bluecrop plantlets had an improved canopy growth index. Brightwell plantlets inoculated with Lachnum species also had an enhanced canopy growth index. The growth responses were variable within varieties and between varieties. Treatments with the Cadophora and Lachnum have shown potential in the promotion of growth of the Blueberry species. The findings indicate the need to conduct trials under conditions which simulate the commercial growth conditions so as explore the optimum potential of the isolates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Ethics and complexity : exploring the significance and application of complexity thinking in ethical theory with special reference to the graphic novel Watchmen
- Authors: Lochhead, Hayley
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Philosophy -- Complexity , Ethics , Moore, Alan, 1953- Watchmen
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8384 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1447 , Philosophy -- Complexity , Ethics , Moore, Alan, 1953- Watchmen
- Description: The current era, or postmodern context, is characterized by an overwhelming amount of anxiety concerning humanity’s future, tied to a general perception of the postmodern context as one that is defined by ‘crisis.’ This anxiety-provoking sense of crisis is, I believe, the product of a much more significant destabilization of the paradigmatic base upon which the human worldview is established. The period that extends from the Newtonian era to the late Twentieth Century has been informed by what Edgar Morin calls a ‘paradigm of simplicity’ in terms of which the universe was understood as a perfectly knowable, deterministic system. Following a series of revolutionizing discoveries throughout the Twentieth Century, however, it has come to light that this deterministic paradigm is no longer suitable as a way of understanding the universe. Instead, a ‘paradigm of complexity,’ in which the universe is understood as a complex, self-organizing system that is never totally knowable, has been posited by thinkers such as Morin and Paul Cilliers. Further, both of these thinkers, among others, argue that the acknowledgment of complexity is an inherently ethical matter, since complex systems (such as human communities) present one with difficult choices to make in uncertain situations, rather than determinate sets of rules to follow. This study aims to show that a complexity view of the human lifeworld, does not cast the uncertainty of humanity’s future as a threatening cause of anxiety and dread, but offers us a valuable opportunity for growth, adaptation and the creation of new ethical values. Certainly, an inability to come to grips with this new paradigm has led to desperately reactionary measures on the part of some to secure a semblance of the stability and control that the ‘paradigm of simplicity’ made normative. As a result, the complex reality of the human lifeworld is negated in favour of the misleading belief in the certainty and security provided by a particular metanarrative. By contrast, Jacques Lacan’s fecund poststructuralist theory of subjectivity and Jacques Derrida’s poststructuralist logic offer useful heuristics for the navigation of complexity thinking that neither mistakenly negate moments of uncertainty, anomaly and paradox for the sake of certainty, nor swing to the opposite, equally unacceptable, extreme of absolute relativism. Poststructuralist logic points to the notion of a ‘complexity ethics’ which issues a challenge to the idea, stemming from the ‘paradigm of simplicity’, that it is ever possible for agents to adopt an uncompromised ethical stance. The upshot of this is to argue that it is essential for contemporary humans to learn to live with ethical uncertainty, paradox, compromise, contamination and other figures of complexity, rather than search for an impossible certainty, since this strategy leads to more realistic, moderate, and therefore less dangerous, ethical reasoning. Good popular culture texts, such as the graphic novel Watchmen, which represent the reality of a complex human lifeworld, have the power to communicate these rather difficult philosophical ideas concerning the complexity of the human lifeworld to a wide audience in a very accessible format. An analysis of the varying ethical stances taken by certain characters demonstrates, in concrete terms, just how precisely the novel confirms the poststructuralist argument concerning inescapable ethical contamination. Thus, it is with recourse to such texts that one might begin to answer more concretely the questions, ‘what does complexity imply for ethical theory?’ and ‘what might an ethics for the complex lifeworld entail?'.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Lochhead, Hayley
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Philosophy -- Complexity , Ethics , Moore, Alan, 1953- Watchmen
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8384 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1447 , Philosophy -- Complexity , Ethics , Moore, Alan, 1953- Watchmen
- Description: The current era, or postmodern context, is characterized by an overwhelming amount of anxiety concerning humanity’s future, tied to a general perception of the postmodern context as one that is defined by ‘crisis.’ This anxiety-provoking sense of crisis is, I believe, the product of a much more significant destabilization of the paradigmatic base upon which the human worldview is established. The period that extends from the Newtonian era to the late Twentieth Century has been informed by what Edgar Morin calls a ‘paradigm of simplicity’ in terms of which the universe was understood as a perfectly knowable, deterministic system. Following a series of revolutionizing discoveries throughout the Twentieth Century, however, it has come to light that this deterministic paradigm is no longer suitable as a way of understanding the universe. Instead, a ‘paradigm of complexity,’ in which the universe is understood as a complex, self-organizing system that is never totally knowable, has been posited by thinkers such as Morin and Paul Cilliers. Further, both of these thinkers, among others, argue that the acknowledgment of complexity is an inherently ethical matter, since complex systems (such as human communities) present one with difficult choices to make in uncertain situations, rather than determinate sets of rules to follow. This study aims to show that a complexity view of the human lifeworld, does not cast the uncertainty of humanity’s future as a threatening cause of anxiety and dread, but offers us a valuable opportunity for growth, adaptation and the creation of new ethical values. Certainly, an inability to come to grips with this new paradigm has led to desperately reactionary measures on the part of some to secure a semblance of the stability and control that the ‘paradigm of simplicity’ made normative. As a result, the complex reality of the human lifeworld is negated in favour of the misleading belief in the certainty and security provided by a particular metanarrative. By contrast, Jacques Lacan’s fecund poststructuralist theory of subjectivity and Jacques Derrida’s poststructuralist logic offer useful heuristics for the navigation of complexity thinking that neither mistakenly negate moments of uncertainty, anomaly and paradox for the sake of certainty, nor swing to the opposite, equally unacceptable, extreme of absolute relativism. Poststructuralist logic points to the notion of a ‘complexity ethics’ which issues a challenge to the idea, stemming from the ‘paradigm of simplicity’, that it is ever possible for agents to adopt an uncompromised ethical stance. The upshot of this is to argue that it is essential for contemporary humans to learn to live with ethical uncertainty, paradox, compromise, contamination and other figures of complexity, rather than search for an impossible certainty, since this strategy leads to more realistic, moderate, and therefore less dangerous, ethical reasoning. Good popular culture texts, such as the graphic novel Watchmen, which represent the reality of a complex human lifeworld, have the power to communicate these rather difficult philosophical ideas concerning the complexity of the human lifeworld to a wide audience in a very accessible format. An analysis of the varying ethical stances taken by certain characters demonstrates, in concrete terms, just how precisely the novel confirms the poststructuralist argument concerning inescapable ethical contamination. Thus, it is with recourse to such texts that one might begin to answer more concretely the questions, ‘what does complexity imply for ethical theory?’ and ‘what might an ethics for the complex lifeworld entail?'.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Evaluate the effectiveness of the bus rapid transit system within the context of the local economic development in reference to the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality
- Authors: Fudu, Nonkanyiso
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) -- Economic conditions , Transportation , Transportation -- Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9087 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010422 , Port Elizabeth (South Africa) -- Economic conditions , Transportation , Transportation -- Technological innovations
- Description: The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality implemented a new regulated public transport system with the objective to support the Economic and Social development of the City. The system will be done by transforming current diversified minibus taxi and bus operations into integrated city wide system which will provide the citizens with efficient, affordable, accessible and safe public transport services. The decision was based on the 2006 Public Transport Plan (PTP) prepared by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The long term strategy is based on the Nelson Mandela Bay 2020 Vision taking into account national and provincial transport policies. (Public Transport Operational Plan Draft 2008). The plan has been developed by the municipality in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Department of Roads and transport supported by the National Department of Transport.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Fudu, Nonkanyiso
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) -- Economic conditions , Transportation , Transportation -- Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9087 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010422 , Port Elizabeth (South Africa) -- Economic conditions , Transportation , Transportation -- Technological innovations
- Description: The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality implemented a new regulated public transport system with the objective to support the Economic and Social development of the City. The system will be done by transforming current diversified minibus taxi and bus operations into integrated city wide system which will provide the citizens with efficient, affordable, accessible and safe public transport services. The decision was based on the 2006 Public Transport Plan (PTP) prepared by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The long term strategy is based on the Nelson Mandela Bay 2020 Vision taking into account national and provincial transport policies. (Public Transport Operational Plan Draft 2008). The plan has been developed by the municipality in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Department of Roads and transport supported by the National Department of Transport.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Evaluating long term effects of fire frequency on soil seed bank composition and species diversity in a semi-arid , South African savanna
- Mabuza, Thembisile Veronicah
- Authors: Mabuza, Thembisile Veronicah
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Pastures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fire management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forage plants -- Evaluation , Ruminants -- Feeding and feeds , Ruminants -- Nutrition , Soil seed banks
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Pasture Science)
- Identifier: vital:11579 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/346 , Pastures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fire management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forage plants -- Evaluation , Ruminants -- Feeding and feeds , Ruminants -- Nutrition , Soil seed banks
- Description: Fire is generally used as a management tool for different vegetation types such as savannas and grasslands in southern Africa. In the False Thornveld of the Eastern Cape, fire is commonly used to control bush encroachment and to increase grass production, as grasses are important source of forage for domestic livestock. At the University of Fort Hare farm in the Eastern Cape, a trial was set up in 1980 to investigate the effect of burning frequency on vegetation. There are six treatments replicated twice in a completely randomized design on a 100 m x 50 m plots. The treatments comprise no burn, annual, biennial, triennial, quadrennial and sexennial burns. From this trial a study was conducted to investigate long term effect of burning frequency on species and soil seed bank diversity. Two 100 m line transects located 25 m apart were laid within each plot, and the herbaceous and woody species were identified and recorded along the line transects. Relative abundances (%) for each species were calculated for each treatment. Soil samples were collected at an interval of 13.3 m along the line transects. The samples were placed in paper bags and kept for use in a germination experiment. The seedling emergence germination method was used in the glasshouse to determine emerging seedlings, pots were filled with Hygromix growth medium and the soils from the fire trials 12 X 6 = 72 were spread on top. Soil from the control plots were also pre-treated with heat, smoke and the combination of heat and smoke. The experiment started in January 2010 and was terminated in April 2010. The Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index was used to determine species diversity for standing vegetation and germinated seedlings. Data were tested for normality and species abundances were transformed. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was applied to test treatment effects on geminated seedlings, species abundance and diversity at α = 0.05 significance level. Significant differences between treatment means were determined by post v hoc tests using Fischer‟s Least Significant Difference test at α = 0.05. The Pearson Moment Correlation test was used to test the relationship between vegetation and soil seed banks. Treatments had significant effects on herbaceous, woody species abundance and diversity (P < 0.05), but there was no significant treatment effect on soil seed bank diversity and on pre-germination treatments (P > 0.05). The annual, biennial and triennial burns were dominated by Themeda triandra while the quadrennial, sexennial and the control treatments were dominated by Sporobolus fimbriatus and Melica decumbens. A. karroo dominated the woody component across all treatments, but it did not change in abundance. S. fimbriatus was the most abundant in the soil seed bank across all the treatments and also in all pre-germination treatments. Species diversity was high in standing vegetation in the quadrennial, sexennial and the control treatments. There was no significant correlation between the standing vegetation and soil seed bank diversities (P > 0.05). Based on these findings it is apparent that fire can change vegetation in an area to be dominated by fire tolerant or fire intolerant species. Fire frequency, heat and smoke affects soil seed banks to a lesser extent in the False Thornveld. For the management of the False Thornveld of the Eastern Cape, less frequent burning is recommended as it increases aboveground species diversity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mabuza, Thembisile Veronicah
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Pastures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fire management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forage plants -- Evaluation , Ruminants -- Feeding and feeds , Ruminants -- Nutrition , Soil seed banks
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Pasture Science)
- Identifier: vital:11579 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/346 , Pastures -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fire management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Forage plants -- Evaluation , Ruminants -- Feeding and feeds , Ruminants -- Nutrition , Soil seed banks
- Description: Fire is generally used as a management tool for different vegetation types such as savannas and grasslands in southern Africa. In the False Thornveld of the Eastern Cape, fire is commonly used to control bush encroachment and to increase grass production, as grasses are important source of forage for domestic livestock. At the University of Fort Hare farm in the Eastern Cape, a trial was set up in 1980 to investigate the effect of burning frequency on vegetation. There are six treatments replicated twice in a completely randomized design on a 100 m x 50 m plots. The treatments comprise no burn, annual, biennial, triennial, quadrennial and sexennial burns. From this trial a study was conducted to investigate long term effect of burning frequency on species and soil seed bank diversity. Two 100 m line transects located 25 m apart were laid within each plot, and the herbaceous and woody species were identified and recorded along the line transects. Relative abundances (%) for each species were calculated for each treatment. Soil samples were collected at an interval of 13.3 m along the line transects. The samples were placed in paper bags and kept for use in a germination experiment. The seedling emergence germination method was used in the glasshouse to determine emerging seedlings, pots were filled with Hygromix growth medium and the soils from the fire trials 12 X 6 = 72 were spread on top. Soil from the control plots were also pre-treated with heat, smoke and the combination of heat and smoke. The experiment started in January 2010 and was terminated in April 2010. The Shannon-Weaver Diversity Index was used to determine species diversity for standing vegetation and germinated seedlings. Data were tested for normality and species abundances were transformed. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was applied to test treatment effects on geminated seedlings, species abundance and diversity at α = 0.05 significance level. Significant differences between treatment means were determined by post v hoc tests using Fischer‟s Least Significant Difference test at α = 0.05. The Pearson Moment Correlation test was used to test the relationship between vegetation and soil seed banks. Treatments had significant effects on herbaceous, woody species abundance and diversity (P < 0.05), but there was no significant treatment effect on soil seed bank diversity and on pre-germination treatments (P > 0.05). The annual, biennial and triennial burns were dominated by Themeda triandra while the quadrennial, sexennial and the control treatments were dominated by Sporobolus fimbriatus and Melica decumbens. A. karroo dominated the woody component across all treatments, but it did not change in abundance. S. fimbriatus was the most abundant in the soil seed bank across all the treatments and also in all pre-germination treatments. Species diversity was high in standing vegetation in the quadrennial, sexennial and the control treatments. There was no significant correlation between the standing vegetation and soil seed bank diversities (P > 0.05). Based on these findings it is apparent that fire can change vegetation in an area to be dominated by fire tolerant or fire intolerant species. Fire frequency, heat and smoke affects soil seed banks to a lesser extent in the False Thornveld. For the management of the False Thornveld of the Eastern Cape, less frequent burning is recommended as it increases aboveground species diversity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Evaluating motivational levels of employees in a contemporary South African organisation
- Authors: Van Wyk, Charl
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8615 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1542 , Employee motivation
- Description: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the motivational levels of employees at CompSol, a contemporary South African organisation. Research for the study included a literature study of both the content and process theories of motivation in order to identify those factors that are important to consider when evaluating the levels of employee motivation. An empirical study was conducted after the appropriate measuring instrument was developed. The purpose of the measuring instrument was to identify the rank importance of these identified factors of motivation and to evaluate the levels of employee motivation by measuring the extent to which these factors are provided for in the organisation. A sample was selected from the target population, via cluster sampling, from the largest functional department within the organisation, namely the Claims processing department. The group’s dominant locus of control was also measured through the use of an appropriate measuring instrument. The major findings indicated that some of the factors of motivation were provided for to a great extent, while others had serious shortcomings. The findings were grouped into the different job title categories of the respondents in order to compare the overall responses of the groups, aimed at identifying trends, commonalities and differences. Findings also indicated that the majority of the participants have an external locus of control. The researcher suggested certain recommendations for those areas where findings indicated shortcomings, in an attempt to increase the overall levels of motivation within this specific functional department in the organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Van Wyk, Charl
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8615 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1542 , Employee motivation
- Description: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the motivational levels of employees at CompSol, a contemporary South African organisation. Research for the study included a literature study of both the content and process theories of motivation in order to identify those factors that are important to consider when evaluating the levels of employee motivation. An empirical study was conducted after the appropriate measuring instrument was developed. The purpose of the measuring instrument was to identify the rank importance of these identified factors of motivation and to evaluate the levels of employee motivation by measuring the extent to which these factors are provided for in the organisation. A sample was selected from the target population, via cluster sampling, from the largest functional department within the organisation, namely the Claims processing department. The group’s dominant locus of control was also measured through the use of an appropriate measuring instrument. The major findings indicated that some of the factors of motivation were provided for to a great extent, while others had serious shortcomings. The findings were grouped into the different job title categories of the respondents in order to compare the overall responses of the groups, aimed at identifying trends, commonalities and differences. Findings also indicated that the majority of the participants have an external locus of control. The researcher suggested certain recommendations for those areas where findings indicated shortcomings, in an attempt to increase the overall levels of motivation within this specific functional department in the organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Evaluating summer cover crop species and management strategies for rainfed maize based cropping systems in the central region of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Ganyani, Lloyd Munashe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: No-tillage , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rain and rainfall -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biomass energy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops and climate -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Crop Science)
- Identifier: vital:11865 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/373 , No-tillage , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rain and rainfall -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biomass energy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops and climate -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The overall objective of the whole study was to assess whether conservation agriculture (CA) systems can work in the Eastern Cape Province (EC). The CA systems were engaged through cover cropping to address land degradation problems by emphasizing high biomass production in order to realize short term benefits such as moisture conservation, weed suppression and soil fertility benefits under rainfed conditions in the central region of the Eastern Cape province. Since rainfall is the most limiting factor to crop production in the EC, a within season rainfall distribution analysis was conducted to expose the quality of the season (onset, end and duration) and hence the feasibility of CA systems to guide agronomic decisions by farmers in EC. To assess season parameters, thirty four years of daily rainfall was collected from the University of Fort Hare Research station and used to conduct the rainy pentad (5 day rainfall totals) analysis and the daily rainfall analysis using INSTAT software programme. Based on the pentad analysis, results showed that Alice does not have a rainy season in 1 out of 2 years (50% probability) but has one in 1 out of 4 years (25% probability level). This criterion proved to be harsher and conservative when compared to the daily rainfall approach which is more precise in measuring trends on season parameters. The daily rainfall analysis indicated a 65% feasibility for the dry land cropping systems in the EC. The pentad analysis however was effective in illustrating seasonality and it showed that the wet season begins on the 1st of November, ending on the 22nd of March lasting for 140 days. Though the season duration appeared too long, the existence of dry spells during critical growth stages adversely affects the quality of the season. The daily rainfall analysis also managed to derive a signal which can guide planting decisions. For planting to be successful, this analysis determined that 20 mm of rain should be received in two consecutive days after the 1st of November. A screening trial for cover crop biomass production and weed suppression was conducted on-station Fort Hare Research Farm (32°46' S and 26° 50' E), and Msobombvu village (MSBV) (32°44' S, and 26° 55' E) over two seasons (2007/08 and 2008/09). Six summer cover crops i.e. cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), dolichos lablab (Dolichos argenteus), sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea), buckwheat (Fagopyrum sagittatum), forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and sunflower (Helianthus annus) were evaluated for biomass yield, and weed suppression. Decomposition rates, moisture conservation and residual effects of these cover crops on the succeeding main crop were also evaluated under dryland conditions. The screening trial was laid in randomized complete block design replicated three times. Forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and sunflower (Helianthus annus) were identified as high biomass producers and their dry matter yields ranged from 8 -12 t ha-1. These cover crops can be useful in generating high biomass in rainfed cropping systems in the EC. Other cover crops produced 3 - 4 t ha-1 of biomass which fell short of the 6 t ha-1 expected benchmark. However, these biomass yields were important in weed management since all cover crop species showed a similar degree of weed suppression which surpassed the weed fallow treatment. As dead mulches, the cover crops failed to show residual moisture conservation and weed control benefits for the succeeding maize crop mainly because of poor residue persistence, and low harvestable fallow rainfall. Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), was selected for further investigations in a follow up trial on station in 2008/09 season because of its weed smothering qualities, suitability to short cycle rotations, and possible allelopathic properties. The trial aimed at finding weed and cost effective management options of buckwheat that are none detrimental to the succeeding maize crop. Results showed that cropping systems where buckwheat is followed by a main crop may not work as they are unprofitable with respect to R100 rand invested. Though perceived to have allelopathic properties, buckwheat failed to demonstrate the possibilities of allelopathic action against weeds. Intercropping trial was conducted on-station in 2007/8-2008/09 seasons to try and find better ways of fitting legume cover crops into maize based cropping systems without compromising production of staple cereals on limited landholdings. The trials evaluated three factors in factorial combination, cover crop planting date, intercropping strategy, and cover crop species. The trial was laid as 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arranged in a split-split plot design. The main plot factor was cover crop planting date, cover crops simultaneously planted with maize and cover crop planted two weeks after planting maize (DKC 61-25). The sub-plot factor was intercropping strategy, strip intercropping and betweenrow intercropping. The sub-sub-plot factor was cover crop species, Dolichos lablab (Dolichos argenteus (Highworth), and Cowpea Vigna ungiculata (Agrinawa) plus control plots of sole maize. Results showed that same time planting of leguminous cover crops with maize using the in-between row intercropping patterns can derive appreciable system biomass (maize/cover crop) yields, utilize land efficiently whilst getting favourable maize grain yield. Based on the rainfall analysis, results showed that the probability of success when relay seeding cover crops after two weeks into standing maize is low (15% chances of success). This suggests that relay intercropping strategies would not work due to the unavailability of a good quality season.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ganyani, Lloyd Munashe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: No-tillage , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rain and rainfall -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biomass energy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops and climate -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Crop Science)
- Identifier: vital:11865 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/373 , No-tillage , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rain and rainfall -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Biomass energy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Crops and climate -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The overall objective of the whole study was to assess whether conservation agriculture (CA) systems can work in the Eastern Cape Province (EC). The CA systems were engaged through cover cropping to address land degradation problems by emphasizing high biomass production in order to realize short term benefits such as moisture conservation, weed suppression and soil fertility benefits under rainfed conditions in the central region of the Eastern Cape province. Since rainfall is the most limiting factor to crop production in the EC, a within season rainfall distribution analysis was conducted to expose the quality of the season (onset, end and duration) and hence the feasibility of CA systems to guide agronomic decisions by farmers in EC. To assess season parameters, thirty four years of daily rainfall was collected from the University of Fort Hare Research station and used to conduct the rainy pentad (5 day rainfall totals) analysis and the daily rainfall analysis using INSTAT software programme. Based on the pentad analysis, results showed that Alice does not have a rainy season in 1 out of 2 years (50% probability) but has one in 1 out of 4 years (25% probability level). This criterion proved to be harsher and conservative when compared to the daily rainfall approach which is more precise in measuring trends on season parameters. The daily rainfall analysis indicated a 65% feasibility for the dry land cropping systems in the EC. The pentad analysis however was effective in illustrating seasonality and it showed that the wet season begins on the 1st of November, ending on the 22nd of March lasting for 140 days. Though the season duration appeared too long, the existence of dry spells during critical growth stages adversely affects the quality of the season. The daily rainfall analysis also managed to derive a signal which can guide planting decisions. For planting to be successful, this analysis determined that 20 mm of rain should be received in two consecutive days after the 1st of November. A screening trial for cover crop biomass production and weed suppression was conducted on-station Fort Hare Research Farm (32°46' S and 26° 50' E), and Msobombvu village (MSBV) (32°44' S, and 26° 55' E) over two seasons (2007/08 and 2008/09). Six summer cover crops i.e. cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), dolichos lablab (Dolichos argenteus), sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea), buckwheat (Fagopyrum sagittatum), forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and sunflower (Helianthus annus) were evaluated for biomass yield, and weed suppression. Decomposition rates, moisture conservation and residual effects of these cover crops on the succeeding main crop were also evaluated under dryland conditions. The screening trial was laid in randomized complete block design replicated three times. Forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and sunflower (Helianthus annus) were identified as high biomass producers and their dry matter yields ranged from 8 -12 t ha-1. These cover crops can be useful in generating high biomass in rainfed cropping systems in the EC. Other cover crops produced 3 - 4 t ha-1 of biomass which fell short of the 6 t ha-1 expected benchmark. However, these biomass yields were important in weed management since all cover crop species showed a similar degree of weed suppression which surpassed the weed fallow treatment. As dead mulches, the cover crops failed to show residual moisture conservation and weed control benefits for the succeeding maize crop mainly because of poor residue persistence, and low harvestable fallow rainfall. Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), was selected for further investigations in a follow up trial on station in 2008/09 season because of its weed smothering qualities, suitability to short cycle rotations, and possible allelopathic properties. The trial aimed at finding weed and cost effective management options of buckwheat that are none detrimental to the succeeding maize crop. Results showed that cropping systems where buckwheat is followed by a main crop may not work as they are unprofitable with respect to R100 rand invested. Though perceived to have allelopathic properties, buckwheat failed to demonstrate the possibilities of allelopathic action against weeds. Intercropping trial was conducted on-station in 2007/8-2008/09 seasons to try and find better ways of fitting legume cover crops into maize based cropping systems without compromising production of staple cereals on limited landholdings. The trials evaluated three factors in factorial combination, cover crop planting date, intercropping strategy, and cover crop species. The trial was laid as 2 x 2 x 3 factorial arranged in a split-split plot design. The main plot factor was cover crop planting date, cover crops simultaneously planted with maize and cover crop planted two weeks after planting maize (DKC 61-25). The sub-plot factor was intercropping strategy, strip intercropping and betweenrow intercropping. The sub-sub-plot factor was cover crop species, Dolichos lablab (Dolichos argenteus (Highworth), and Cowpea Vigna ungiculata (Agrinawa) plus control plots of sole maize. Results showed that same time planting of leguminous cover crops with maize using the in-between row intercropping patterns can derive appreciable system biomass (maize/cover crop) yields, utilize land efficiently whilst getting favourable maize grain yield. Based on the rainfall analysis, results showed that the probability of success when relay seeding cover crops after two weeks into standing maize is low (15% chances of success). This suggests that relay intercropping strategies would not work due to the unavailability of a good quality season.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Evaluating sustainable human settlements programs aimed at low groups within the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Mlaza, Thandeka
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality , Human settlements -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8671 , vital:26419
- Description: Housing delivery and issues relating to housing delivery have long been a complicated subject for most SA municipalities and government departments tasked with these responsibilities. The aforementioned complications stem from our inherited apartheid planning that was mainly focused on inequality, racial segregation and spatial fragmentation of land use. Corruption, lack of skills, financial constraints and lack of resources are issues further considered to be contributors to the complications related to housing delivery. The study to be conducted seeks to play a part in dealing with the complicated nature of housing delivery through being a toolof assessment. The study is in the form of an evaluation as it mainly deals with obtaining answers relating to the views of the respondents on the sustainable human settlement program implemented as part of the DVRI in the BCMM. In doing so it, seeks to provide answers to some of the challenges faced by municipalities and other government departments so as to ensure that going forward, best practices are adopted in the housing delivery process. The findings from the study revealed primarily that, what is planned on paper is not often what is implemented on the ground. In evaluating the aims and objectives of the two sustainable human settlement pilot projects implemented as the BNG pilot projects through the DVRI, a considerable number of the objectives of the projects have not been met according to the beneficiaries. The reasons for the lack of satisfaction relating to the two projects as cited by the respondents included, amongst other things; dissatisfaction with the quality of the structure, lack of adequate services, lack of employment opportunities, lack of recreational facilities, lack of social facilities, lack of safe and reliable transportation and the general maintenance of the settlement. Solutions to the identified issues include; improved and meaningful participation between government, planners and the beneficiaries of such housing projects, so as to ensure that the views of the beneficiaries are considered and that they have a considerable influence on the decisions taken, thus promoting a bottom-up approach to the housing delivery process. The provision of key recreational and social amenities and the improved maintenance of the general settlement were also identified by the respondents as solutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mlaza, Thandeka
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality , Human settlements -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8671 , vital:26419
- Description: Housing delivery and issues relating to housing delivery have long been a complicated subject for most SA municipalities and government departments tasked with these responsibilities. The aforementioned complications stem from our inherited apartheid planning that was mainly focused on inequality, racial segregation and spatial fragmentation of land use. Corruption, lack of skills, financial constraints and lack of resources are issues further considered to be contributors to the complications related to housing delivery. The study to be conducted seeks to play a part in dealing with the complicated nature of housing delivery through being a toolof assessment. The study is in the form of an evaluation as it mainly deals with obtaining answers relating to the views of the respondents on the sustainable human settlement program implemented as part of the DVRI in the BCMM. In doing so it, seeks to provide answers to some of the challenges faced by municipalities and other government departments so as to ensure that going forward, best practices are adopted in the housing delivery process. The findings from the study revealed primarily that, what is planned on paper is not often what is implemented on the ground. In evaluating the aims and objectives of the two sustainable human settlement pilot projects implemented as the BNG pilot projects through the DVRI, a considerable number of the objectives of the projects have not been met according to the beneficiaries. The reasons for the lack of satisfaction relating to the two projects as cited by the respondents included, amongst other things; dissatisfaction with the quality of the structure, lack of adequate services, lack of employment opportunities, lack of recreational facilities, lack of social facilities, lack of safe and reliable transportation and the general maintenance of the settlement. Solutions to the identified issues include; improved and meaningful participation between government, planners and the beneficiaries of such housing projects, so as to ensure that the views of the beneficiaries are considered and that they have a considerable influence on the decisions taken, thus promoting a bottom-up approach to the housing delivery process. The provision of key recreational and social amenities and the improved maintenance of the general settlement were also identified by the respondents as solutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Evaluating the effect of conservation agriculture basin tillage system on household food security in Mutasa
- Authors: Muchakwana, Thomasina
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Food security -- Zimbabwe -- Mutasa District , Tillage -- Zimbabwe -- Mutasa District , Agricultural conservation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9113 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015054
- Description: The research was done with the aim of evaluating the effect of the basin tillage system as a method of conservation agriculture, on improving smallholder farmers’ food security in Mutasa, Manicaland Province in Zimbabwe. This research focussed on the 2010/2011 agricultural season. The main objectives of this study were to determine the contribution of CA basin tillage system on increasing yields per hectare, to evaluate which CA principles are being practiced by smallholder farmers, and to determine how many months the harvested maize will last. The study compares smallholder farmers who practiced CA with farmers who practiced other tillage methods. The other tillage methods are ploughing and conventional hand hoe tillage systems. On average the farmers who practiced CA used 0.47 hectares of land whilst farmers who practiced other tillage methods used an average of 0.43 hectares of land. The average amount of maize produced by smallholder farmers who practiced CA was 824 kg while who practiced other tillage methods produced an average of 498 kg. Farmers practicing CA produced yield with an average of 1175 kg/ha of maize grain while farmers who practiced other tillage methods produced an average of 946 kg/ha. Food security in this reaseach was measured by the amount of months the maize grain produced was lasting in relation with the household size. 57 percent of the farmers who practiced CA are food secure because they have maize grain to last them a full consumption year and moreover surplus. Only 27 percent of the farmers who practiced other tillage methods produced enough to last a full consumption year.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Muchakwana, Thomasina
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Food security -- Zimbabwe -- Mutasa District , Tillage -- Zimbabwe -- Mutasa District , Agricultural conservation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9113 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015054
- Description: The research was done with the aim of evaluating the effect of the basin tillage system as a method of conservation agriculture, on improving smallholder farmers’ food security in Mutasa, Manicaland Province in Zimbabwe. This research focussed on the 2010/2011 agricultural season. The main objectives of this study were to determine the contribution of CA basin tillage system on increasing yields per hectare, to evaluate which CA principles are being practiced by smallholder farmers, and to determine how many months the harvested maize will last. The study compares smallholder farmers who practiced CA with farmers who practiced other tillage methods. The other tillage methods are ploughing and conventional hand hoe tillage systems. On average the farmers who practiced CA used 0.47 hectares of land whilst farmers who practiced other tillage methods used an average of 0.43 hectares of land. The average amount of maize produced by smallholder farmers who practiced CA was 824 kg while who practiced other tillage methods produced an average of 498 kg. Farmers practicing CA produced yield with an average of 1175 kg/ha of maize grain while farmers who practiced other tillage methods produced an average of 946 kg/ha. Food security in this reaseach was measured by the amount of months the maize grain produced was lasting in relation with the household size. 57 percent of the farmers who practiced CA are food secure because they have maize grain to last them a full consumption year and moreover surplus. Only 27 percent of the farmers who practiced other tillage methods produced enough to last a full consumption year.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Evaluating the impact of the devolution of functions in the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture: the case of Umzimvubu Local Municipality (Eastern Cape: 2006-2010)
- Authors: Ntungwa, Celebration
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Decentralization in government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11630 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/547 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Decentralization in government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study focused on the evaluation of the impact of the devolution of functions from head office to the districts in the Department of Sports , Recreation, Arts and Culture within Umzimvubu municipality since the department implemented the devolution of functions there have been a lot of mixed feelings on the result of the process.The study included intensive analysison the scholarly writings done on devolution delegation delocelization and decentralization.The study is underpinned by the Maslow,s theory of the hierarchy of needsQuantitative and qualitative approaches were employed in the study.The sampling composed on the departmental officials, labour unions councils and recipients of departmental services.Findings of the study pointed out that the devolution of functions was a neccesity in spite of its shortfalls and challenges which could be overcome by the submitted recommendations.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ntungwa, Celebration
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Decentralization in government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11630 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/547 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Decentralization in government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study focused on the evaluation of the impact of the devolution of functions from head office to the districts in the Department of Sports , Recreation, Arts and Culture within Umzimvubu municipality since the department implemented the devolution of functions there have been a lot of mixed feelings on the result of the process.The study included intensive analysison the scholarly writings done on devolution delegation delocelization and decentralization.The study is underpinned by the Maslow,s theory of the hierarchy of needsQuantitative and qualitative approaches were employed in the study.The sampling composed on the departmental officials, labour unions councils and recipients of departmental services.Findings of the study pointed out that the devolution of functions was a neccesity in spite of its shortfalls and challenges which could be overcome by the submitted recommendations.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2011
Evaluating the Public Employment Services, administered by the Department of Labour in Mthatha
- Mntuyedwa, Ntandokazi Miranda
- Authors: Mntuyedwa, Ntandokazi Miranda
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Labor market , Unemployment -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Employment agencies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9093 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011638 , Labor market , Unemployment -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Employment agencies
- Description: The Public Employment Service of South Africa (PES-SA) registers unemployed work seekers and placement opportunities to enable the Department of Labour (DoL) to place as many of these work seekers as possible in work. The aim of the present study is to identify challenges in the implementation of PES-SA, and to identify and make recommendations on areas for improvement and strengthening. The study is restricted to two of the six main PES-SA service offerings: (a) Registration Services and (b) Recruitment and Selection Services. The study was partially a process evaluation and partially an impact evaluation. The process evaluation assessed the quality of PES-SA‟s systems, structures, capacity, management and strategic focus. The purpose of the impact evaluation was to understand the challenges and gaps in delivery and implementation, the reasons behind the low matching success, and the extent of uptake by users. The evaluation therefore had a technical data-evaluation component and a component which assessed the reasons behind statistical and other quantitative data patterns. The study was conducted in Mthatha Department of Labour, Eastern Cape. The sample of the study was drawn from workseekers that are in the database and the Researcher drawn 40 respondents and the use of quantitative method was done. A questionnaire was developed and issued out to respondents. The Public Employment Service staff in Mthatha, Department of Labour was also interviewed. All five Employment Service Practitioners and a Career Counsellor were interviewed. A qualitative study was used for these respondents. In the responses of both teams it was deduced that the intention of the service is good but up to this far it has not proven any impact on the reduction of unemployment. Reasons behind the failure of the service were outlined to be the reluctance of the employers to utilise the service and the IT systems that is failing. The staff also mentioned that they were never trained on the service and therefore finds it difficult to render some of the services. Another challenge that was picked up from staff members is that the service is not yet legislated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mntuyedwa, Ntandokazi Miranda
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Labor market , Unemployment -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Employment agencies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9093 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011638 , Labor market , Unemployment -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Employment agencies
- Description: The Public Employment Service of South Africa (PES-SA) registers unemployed work seekers and placement opportunities to enable the Department of Labour (DoL) to place as many of these work seekers as possible in work. The aim of the present study is to identify challenges in the implementation of PES-SA, and to identify and make recommendations on areas for improvement and strengthening. The study is restricted to two of the six main PES-SA service offerings: (a) Registration Services and (b) Recruitment and Selection Services. The study was partially a process evaluation and partially an impact evaluation. The process evaluation assessed the quality of PES-SA‟s systems, structures, capacity, management and strategic focus. The purpose of the impact evaluation was to understand the challenges and gaps in delivery and implementation, the reasons behind the low matching success, and the extent of uptake by users. The evaluation therefore had a technical data-evaluation component and a component which assessed the reasons behind statistical and other quantitative data patterns. The study was conducted in Mthatha Department of Labour, Eastern Cape. The sample of the study was drawn from workseekers that are in the database and the Researcher drawn 40 respondents and the use of quantitative method was done. A questionnaire was developed and issued out to respondents. The Public Employment Service staff in Mthatha, Department of Labour was also interviewed. All five Employment Service Practitioners and a Career Counsellor were interviewed. A qualitative study was used for these respondents. In the responses of both teams it was deduced that the intention of the service is good but up to this far it has not proven any impact on the reduction of unemployment. Reasons behind the failure of the service were outlined to be the reluctance of the employers to utilise the service and the IT systems that is failing. The staff also mentioned that they were never trained on the service and therefore finds it difficult to render some of the services. Another challenge that was picked up from staff members is that the service is not yet legislated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Evaluating the sustainable management of the State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Quvile, Nkosipendule
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:793 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004130
- Description: This research assesses the state of sustainability of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape and provides recommendations to improve their sustainability. The Eastern Cape Indigenous Forest Management Audit (ECIFMA) report of 2009 provided the primary data for this assessment (DAFF, 2009). The research was inspired by the fact that the global challenge of forestry destruction and degradation where the extent of forests is being reduced at an alarming rate of 6% annually. It became essential for global leaders to develop policies and strategies that sought to promote sustainable forest management. The monitoring of sustainability of forests was only possible through use of globally and nationally developed sets of criteria and indicators. Eleven forest estates responsible for the management of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape were selected for this research. The choice was influenced by the availability of audit data from the ECIFMA report of 2009. This report contained performance information of 41 indicators under 18 criteria for monitoring sustainable forest management as extracted from the PCI&S assessment checklist developed for monitoring the sustainability of indigenous forests in South Africa (DWAF, 2005). The data was refined using the MCA methods (ranking and scoring) as described by Mendoza and Prabhu (2000). These methods yielded to the determination of the performance of indicators of forest sustainability. It was thus important to conclude the research by responding to the following questions: • What is the state of sustainability of the State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape? • What recommendations could be made to improve the sustainability of State indigenous forests? It was found that the State indigenous forests were not managed in a sustainable manner. The research report is concluded by providing concrete recommendations to improve forest sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Quvile, Nkosipendule
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:793 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004130
- Description: This research assesses the state of sustainability of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape and provides recommendations to improve their sustainability. The Eastern Cape Indigenous Forest Management Audit (ECIFMA) report of 2009 provided the primary data for this assessment (DAFF, 2009). The research was inspired by the fact that the global challenge of forestry destruction and degradation where the extent of forests is being reduced at an alarming rate of 6% annually. It became essential for global leaders to develop policies and strategies that sought to promote sustainable forest management. The monitoring of sustainability of forests was only possible through use of globally and nationally developed sets of criteria and indicators. Eleven forest estates responsible for the management of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape were selected for this research. The choice was influenced by the availability of audit data from the ECIFMA report of 2009. This report contained performance information of 41 indicators under 18 criteria for monitoring sustainable forest management as extracted from the PCI&S assessment checklist developed for monitoring the sustainability of indigenous forests in South Africa (DWAF, 2005). The data was refined using the MCA methods (ranking and scoring) as described by Mendoza and Prabhu (2000). These methods yielded to the determination of the performance of indicators of forest sustainability. It was thus important to conclude the research by responding to the following questions: • What is the state of sustainability of the State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape? • What recommendations could be made to improve the sustainability of State indigenous forests? It was found that the State indigenous forests were not managed in a sustainable manner. The research report is concluded by providing concrete recommendations to improve forest sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Evaluating the Wald entropy from two-derivative terms in quadratic actions
- Brustein, R, Gorbonos, D, Hadad, M, Medved, A J M
- Authors: Brustein, R , Gorbonos, D , Hadad, M , Medved, A J M
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6816 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004326
- Description: We evaluate the Wald Noether charge entropy for a black hole in generalized theories of gravity. Expanding the Lagrangian to second order in gravitational perturbations, we show that contributions to the entropy density originate only from the coefficients of two-derivative terms. The same considerations are extended to include matter fields and to show that arbitrary powers of matter fields and their symmetrized covariant derivatives cannot contribute to the entropy density. We also explain how to use the linearized gravitational field equation rather than quadratic actions to obtain the same results. Several explicit examples are presented that allow us to clarify subtle points in the derivation and application of our method.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Brustein, R , Gorbonos, D , Hadad, M , Medved, A J M
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6816 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004326
- Description: We evaluate the Wald Noether charge entropy for a black hole in generalized theories of gravity. Expanding the Lagrangian to second order in gravitational perturbations, we show that contributions to the entropy density originate only from the coefficients of two-derivative terms. The same considerations are extended to include matter fields and to show that arbitrary powers of matter fields and their symmetrized covariant derivatives cannot contribute to the entropy density. We also explain how to use the linearized gravitational field equation rather than quadratic actions to obtain the same results. Several explicit examples are presented that allow us to clarify subtle points in the derivation and application of our method.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Evaluation of community participation in a rural development project
- Authors: Msutu, Ntombethemba Lungisa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9118 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015736
- Description: Finally, it is necessary to define the version of participation that is relevant to this study. In this study participation means involving all the members of the community and all the stakeholders and structures involved. Mainly the community members regardless of age, gender, disability and education should be involved from the initial stage of the project. These also include participation in meetings, because this is precisely where their needs are going to be established. The good thing about this is that their needs would voluntarily come from them in these community meetings. This therefore would give them a sense of ownership and be proud of their own project. This is something that would contribute to the project’s sustainability. How community members are going to contribute to this project should also be addressed. In this practice communities should try to avoid the tendency of the government imposing on rural communities ideas or what they need and how to achieve it. It should be kept in mind that at the end of the day these projects would be left at these communities, with the community members to look after them. The sustainability of these projects therefore depends on the community members. Community participation plays a very big role in rural development or any form of development. One needs to involve the community members in their own development project. This involvement should begin in the early stages of the rural development project, and continue throughout the project. Government agencies or officials should not impose their ideas in rural communities. It is very important for government agencies to do needs analysis and work with the rural communities. Forced contributions should be avoided by all means even if it involves labour or finances. Rural community members should be part and parcel of the project. According to Narayan (1995), the central argument for a participatory process is that involvement in decision‐making lets people exercise choice and voice more broadly in their lives, as well as in the more immediate context of development programmes that benefit them. Empowerment is thus, about the capacity building of individuals and the organisations that support them (Narayan, 1995:10).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Msutu, Ntombethemba Lungisa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9118 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015736
- Description: Finally, it is necessary to define the version of participation that is relevant to this study. In this study participation means involving all the members of the community and all the stakeholders and structures involved. Mainly the community members regardless of age, gender, disability and education should be involved from the initial stage of the project. These also include participation in meetings, because this is precisely where their needs are going to be established. The good thing about this is that their needs would voluntarily come from them in these community meetings. This therefore would give them a sense of ownership and be proud of their own project. This is something that would contribute to the project’s sustainability. How community members are going to contribute to this project should also be addressed. In this practice communities should try to avoid the tendency of the government imposing on rural communities ideas or what they need and how to achieve it. It should be kept in mind that at the end of the day these projects would be left at these communities, with the community members to look after them. The sustainability of these projects therefore depends on the community members. Community participation plays a very big role in rural development or any form of development. One needs to involve the community members in their own development project. This involvement should begin in the early stages of the rural development project, and continue throughout the project. Government agencies or officials should not impose their ideas in rural communities. It is very important for government agencies to do needs analysis and work with the rural communities. Forced contributions should be avoided by all means even if it involves labour or finances. Rural community members should be part and parcel of the project. According to Narayan (1995), the central argument for a participatory process is that involvement in decision‐making lets people exercise choice and voice more broadly in their lives, as well as in the more immediate context of development programmes that benefit them. Empowerment is thus, about the capacity building of individuals and the organisations that support them (Narayan, 1995:10).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Evaluation of community participation in a rural development project
- Authors: Msutu, Ntombethemba Lungisa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9040 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1665 , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation
- Description: People have their own different understanding of the meaning of participation. Thus cannot put one meaning to participation. As a woman who grew up in the rural areas for most of my life, I have witnessed the problems in most of the rural development projects. I have first ‐ hand experience of how the unavailability of these projects has affected the rural communities at large, at the same time, I have witnessed how those who have managed to get some of these projects started have benefitted more ways than one way in these rural development projects. Some of these projects have become a success and some have failed dismally. What contributed to the success or failure of these very important projects needs to be examined. More importantly, the level of community participation needs to be evaluated. Relatively few studies have been conducted to evaluate community participation in rural development projects. Some, if not most of the remote villages in the Eastern Cape Province are still without those basic necessities the government has promised, such as the building of houses and provision of clean water. Another sad story is that not enough is done to educate and empower rural communities about their basic rights and needs. Hence, one of the focal points to the study is to scrutinize the level of participation of the community, as some may be suffering from ignorance, apathy and lack of motivation. to scrutinize their level of participation (community participation). As some may be suffering from ignorance, apathy and lack of motivation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Msutu, Ntombethemba Lungisa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9040 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1665 , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation
- Description: People have their own different understanding of the meaning of participation. Thus cannot put one meaning to participation. As a woman who grew up in the rural areas for most of my life, I have witnessed the problems in most of the rural development projects. I have first ‐ hand experience of how the unavailability of these projects has affected the rural communities at large, at the same time, I have witnessed how those who have managed to get some of these projects started have benefitted more ways than one way in these rural development projects. Some of these projects have become a success and some have failed dismally. What contributed to the success or failure of these very important projects needs to be examined. More importantly, the level of community participation needs to be evaluated. Relatively few studies have been conducted to evaluate community participation in rural development projects. Some, if not most of the remote villages in the Eastern Cape Province are still without those basic necessities the government has promised, such as the building of houses and provision of clean water. Another sad story is that not enough is done to educate and empower rural communities about their basic rights and needs. Hence, one of the focal points to the study is to scrutinize the level of participation of the community, as some may be suffering from ignorance, apathy and lack of motivation. to scrutinize their level of participation (community participation). As some may be suffering from ignorance, apathy and lack of motivation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Evaluation of model systems for the study of protein association / incorporation of Beta-Methylamino-L-Alanine (BMAA)
- Authors: Visser, Claire
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Neurotoxic agents , Nervous system -- Diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10314 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1451 , Neurotoxic agents , Nervous system -- Diseases
- Description: β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is thought to be a contributing factor of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Parkinsonism Dementia Complex (ALS/PDC). It has been shown that the levels of toxin ingestion by humans are too low to cause disease. However, it has recently been theorized that this toxin is bioaccumulated within cells. Via a process of slow release from this reservoir, the BMAA is able to bring about neurotoxicity. Mechanisms of uptake and bioaccumulation of BMAA have been proposed in several publications; however the mechanism of protein incorporation of BMAA has not yet been identified. Identifying suitable model systems would be a prerequisite in order for future studies on BMAA protein incorporation. Three specific models were therefore chosen for investigation; mammalian cell lines including C2C12 and HT29, a prokaryotic (E. coli) expression system and yeast cells. The cytotoxity of BMAA was established for the mammalian cell lines and further investigation of BMAA incorporation into cellular proteins was performed on all three above mentioned models. Samples were run on HPLC-MS in order to determine uptake of BMAA into cells or lack thereof. Results indicate negligible cytotoxicity as measured by MTT and CellTitre Blue assays, limited uptake and protein incorporation of BMAA within the prokaryotic model and insignificant uptake of BMAA by yeast cells. Although the uptake of BMAA in the prokaryotic model was not extensive, there was indeed uptake. BMAA was not only taken up into the cells but was also observed in inclusion body protein samples after hydrolysis. After further investigation and use, this model could very well provide researchers with information pertaining to the mechanism of association of BMAA with proteins. Although the other models provided negative results, this research was valuable in the sense that one can narrow down the number of possible model systems available. Also, in seeking models for studying protein association/incorporation, the use of the final target cell is not relevant or necessary as the purpose of the research was to identify a model system in which the mechanism of protein association/incorporation can, in future, be studied.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Visser, Claire
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Neurotoxic agents , Nervous system -- Diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:10314 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1451 , Neurotoxic agents , Nervous system -- Diseases
- Description: β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is thought to be a contributing factor of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Parkinsonism Dementia Complex (ALS/PDC). It has been shown that the levels of toxin ingestion by humans are too low to cause disease. However, it has recently been theorized that this toxin is bioaccumulated within cells. Via a process of slow release from this reservoir, the BMAA is able to bring about neurotoxicity. Mechanisms of uptake and bioaccumulation of BMAA have been proposed in several publications; however the mechanism of protein incorporation of BMAA has not yet been identified. Identifying suitable model systems would be a prerequisite in order for future studies on BMAA protein incorporation. Three specific models were therefore chosen for investigation; mammalian cell lines including C2C12 and HT29, a prokaryotic (E. coli) expression system and yeast cells. The cytotoxity of BMAA was established for the mammalian cell lines and further investigation of BMAA incorporation into cellular proteins was performed on all three above mentioned models. Samples were run on HPLC-MS in order to determine uptake of BMAA into cells or lack thereof. Results indicate negligible cytotoxicity as measured by MTT and CellTitre Blue assays, limited uptake and protein incorporation of BMAA within the prokaryotic model and insignificant uptake of BMAA by yeast cells. Although the uptake of BMAA in the prokaryotic model was not extensive, there was indeed uptake. BMAA was not only taken up into the cells but was also observed in inclusion body protein samples after hydrolysis. After further investigation and use, this model could very well provide researchers with information pertaining to the mechanism of association of BMAA with proteins. Although the other models provided negative results, this research was valuable in the sense that one can narrow down the number of possible model systems available. Also, in seeking models for studying protein association/incorporation, the use of the final target cell is not relevant or necessary as the purpose of the research was to identify a model system in which the mechanism of protein association/incorporation can, in future, be studied.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Evaluation of the in vitro differential protein adsorption patterns of didanosine-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) for potential targeting to the brain
- Kasongo, Kasongo W, Jansch, Mirko, Müller, Rainer H, Walker, Roderick B
- Authors: Kasongo, Kasongo W , Jansch, Mirko , Müller, Rainer H , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/184035 , vital:44160 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3109/08982104.2010.539186"
- Description: The preferential in vitro adsorption of apolipoprotein E (Apo E) onto the surface of colloidal drug carriers may be used as a strategy to evaluate the in vivo potential for such systems to transport drugs to the brain. The aim of this research was to investigate the in vitro protein adsorption patterns of didanosine-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (DDI-NLCs), using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-D PAGE), in order to establish the potential for NLCs to deliver DDI to the brain. NLC formulations were manufactured using high-pressure homogenization using a lipid matrix consisting of a mixture of Precirol® ATO 5 and Transcutol® HP. The 2-D PAGE analysis revealed that NLCs in formulations stabilized using Solutol® HS 15 alone or with a ternary surfactant system consisting of Solutol® HS 15, Tween® 80, and Lutrol® F68, preferentially adsorbed proteins, such as Apo E. Particles stabilized with Tween® 80 and Lutrol® F68 did not adsorb Apo E in these studies, which could be related to the relatively large particle size and hence small surface area observed for these NLCs. These findings have revealed that DDI-loaded NLCs may have the potential to deliver DDI to the brain in vivo and, in addition, to Tween® 80, which has already been shown to have the ability to facilitate the targeting of colloidal drug delivery systems to the brain. Solutol® HS 15–stabilized nanoparticles may also achieve a similar purpose.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Kasongo, Kasongo W , Jansch, Mirko , Müller, Rainer H , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/184035 , vital:44160 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3109/08982104.2010.539186"
- Description: The preferential in vitro adsorption of apolipoprotein E (Apo E) onto the surface of colloidal drug carriers may be used as a strategy to evaluate the in vivo potential for such systems to transport drugs to the brain. The aim of this research was to investigate the in vitro protein adsorption patterns of didanosine-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (DDI-NLCs), using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-D PAGE), in order to establish the potential for NLCs to deliver DDI to the brain. NLC formulations were manufactured using high-pressure homogenization using a lipid matrix consisting of a mixture of Precirol® ATO 5 and Transcutol® HP. The 2-D PAGE analysis revealed that NLCs in formulations stabilized using Solutol® HS 15 alone or with a ternary surfactant system consisting of Solutol® HS 15, Tween® 80, and Lutrol® F68, preferentially adsorbed proteins, such as Apo E. Particles stabilized with Tween® 80 and Lutrol® F68 did not adsorb Apo E in these studies, which could be related to the relatively large particle size and hence small surface area observed for these NLCs. These findings have revealed that DDI-loaded NLCs may have the potential to deliver DDI to the brain in vivo and, in addition, to Tween® 80, which has already been shown to have the ability to facilitate the targeting of colloidal drug delivery systems to the brain. Solutol® HS 15–stabilized nanoparticles may also achieve a similar purpose.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Evaluation of the kinetics and mechanism of drug release from Econazole nitrate nanosponge loaded Carbapol Hydrogel
- Sharma, Renuka, Walker, Roderick B, Pathak, Kamla
- Authors: Sharma, Renuka , Walker, Roderick B , Pathak, Kamla
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6437 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006614
- Description: The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism of release of econazole nitrate (EN) nanosponges loaded hydrogel and to compare it with EN hydrogel so as to develop an extended release topical drug delivery system of EN. Nanosponges of EN were prepared using ethyl cellulose and PVA by emulsion solvent evaporation method. On the basis of pharmacotechnical evaluation nanosponges with least particle size of 230.1 nm and good rheological properties were formulated as hydrogel (F1 – F7). In vitro drug release data of EN nanosponges loaded hydrogels in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 and 7.4 when analysed by GraphPad Prism software version 4.0 San Diego, USA best fitted the Makoid-2 Banakar model (R value greater than 0.98). The Korsmeyer-Peppas release exponent (n) ranged between 0.331 – 0.418, which confirmed diffusion as the principle mechanism of drug release. The release mechanism was further confirmed by calculating the ratio of exponents A/B ratio derived from the Kopcha model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Sharma, Renuka , Walker, Roderick B , Pathak, Kamla
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , Article
- Identifier: vital:6437 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006614
- Description: The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism of release of econazole nitrate (EN) nanosponges loaded hydrogel and to compare it with EN hydrogel so as to develop an extended release topical drug delivery system of EN. Nanosponges of EN were prepared using ethyl cellulose and PVA by emulsion solvent evaporation method. On the basis of pharmacotechnical evaluation nanosponges with least particle size of 230.1 nm and good rheological properties were formulated as hydrogel (F1 – F7). In vitro drug release data of EN nanosponges loaded hydrogels in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 and 7.4 when analysed by GraphPad Prism software version 4.0 San Diego, USA best fitted the Makoid-2 Banakar model (R value greater than 0.98). The Korsmeyer-Peppas release exponent (n) ranged between 0.331 – 0.418, which confirmed diffusion as the principle mechanism of drug release. The release mechanism was further confirmed by calculating the ratio of exponents A/B ratio derived from the Kopcha model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Evaluation of the role of support groups in the lives of HIV positive people at Nontyatyambo and Empilweni Gompo Community Health Centres in East London, Eastern Cape
- Mkhencele, Nontando Precious
- Authors: Mkhencele, Nontando Precious
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons , Self-help groups -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001094 , HIV-positive persons , Self-help groups -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: South Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world. The estimated 5,7 million South Africans that are living with HIV need comprehensive and holistic care. Psychosocial support is a vital aspect of care for HIV positive people. Support groups have been identified as a basic form of psychosocial support. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of support groups in the lives of HIV positive people in East London, Eastern Cape. A qualitative study design was implemented using focus group interviews to explore the role of HIV support groups. The research questions were designed to elicit responses pertaining to the needs, expectations and experiences of HIV positive support group attendees. Activities conducted in support groups as well as the attitude of support group members towards recruiting other HIV positive people to join the group were also explored. Findings revealed that the benefits of attending a support group included emotional and psychological support, sense of belonging to a “family”, assistance with disclosure issues, gaining information about HIV and treatment as well as material benefits such as food parcels and job opportunities. The greatest need of support group attendees was assistance in obtaining a Social Support or Disability Grant. A few negative experiences were reported which included: unfulfilled promises by people outside of the group, unfair allocation of grants and food parcels, as well as negative group dynamics at times. Support group members agreed that even though there were few negative experiences, the benefits clearly outweighed the negative experiences. Most participants agreed that they would recommend the support group to other HIV positive people so that they could also enjoy the stated benefits. In summary, the study concluded that support groups are very helpful in the lives of HIV positive people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mkhencele, Nontando Precious
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons , Self-help groups -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc (Nursing Science)
- Identifier: vital:11894 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001094 , HIV-positive persons , Self-help groups -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , HIV infections , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: South Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world. The estimated 5,7 million South Africans that are living with HIV need comprehensive and holistic care. Psychosocial support is a vital aspect of care for HIV positive people. Support groups have been identified as a basic form of psychosocial support. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of support groups in the lives of HIV positive people in East London, Eastern Cape. A qualitative study design was implemented using focus group interviews to explore the role of HIV support groups. The research questions were designed to elicit responses pertaining to the needs, expectations and experiences of HIV positive support group attendees. Activities conducted in support groups as well as the attitude of support group members towards recruiting other HIV positive people to join the group were also explored. Findings revealed that the benefits of attending a support group included emotional and psychological support, sense of belonging to a “family”, assistance with disclosure issues, gaining information about HIV and treatment as well as material benefits such as food parcels and job opportunities. The greatest need of support group attendees was assistance in obtaining a Social Support or Disability Grant. A few negative experiences were reported which included: unfulfilled promises by people outside of the group, unfair allocation of grants and food parcels, as well as negative group dynamics at times. Support group members agreed that even though there were few negative experiences, the benefits clearly outweighed the negative experiences. Most participants agreed that they would recommend the support group to other HIV positive people so that they could also enjoy the stated benefits. In summary, the study concluded that support groups are very helpful in the lives of HIV positive people.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011