E-tolling in Gauteng: problems and perceptions
- Ponter, L A, Stack, Elizabeth M
- Authors: Ponter, L A , Stack, Elizabeth M
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/2152 , vital:20260
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Ponter, L A , Stack, Elizabeth M
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/2152 , vital:20260
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Echoes of colonial discourse in journalism:
- Authors: Wasserman, Herman
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/159891 , vital:40353 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02560054.2014.886657
- Description: Last year marked the 200th anniversary of the birth of David Livingstone, the explorer and missionary who is best remembered as an anti-slavery campaigner who presented Africa in humanitarian terms to the British Empire. Today the legacy of colonialism continues to haunt the continent, and the discourses of colonialism can still be heard in media representations of Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Wasserman, Herman
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/159891 , vital:40353 , https://doi.org/10.1080/02560054.2014.886657
- Description: Last year marked the 200th anniversary of the birth of David Livingstone, the explorer and missionary who is best remembered as an anti-slavery campaigner who presented Africa in humanitarian terms to the British Empire. Today the legacy of colonialism continues to haunt the continent, and the discourses of colonialism can still be heard in media representations of Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Ecological consequences of non-native fish invasion in Eastern Cape headwater streams
- Authors: Ellender, Bruce Robert
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Fishery management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Fishes -- Conservation -- South Africa Introduced fishes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Introduced organisms
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69065 , vital:29380
- Description: The introduction, spread and concomitant impacts of non-native species are a global problem. Fish are among the most widely introduced vertebrate groups, with their impacts affecting multiple levels of organisation- from individuals, populations and communities, to entire ecosystems. In South Africa, the largest perceived threat to range-restricted endemic headwater stream fishes is said to be invasion by non-native fishes, however, as is the case elsewhere, invasive impacts are often a case of risk perception rather than actual risk analysis. Two range-restricted headwater species, the Eastern Cape redfin Pseudobarbus afer and the Border barb Barbus trevelyani are redlisted by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as ‘Endangered’, primarily due to invasion by non-native fishes. To investigate invasions in South Africa, and provide a quantitative estimate of the impact of non-native fishes on the two imperilled endemics, P. afer and B. trevelyani, the overall aims of this thesis were to: (A) Provide a literature review on non-native fish invasions in South Africa; (B) Using two case studies on the headwaters of the perennial Keiskamma and episodic Swartkops River systems, investigate the naturalisation-invasion continuum to provide a holistic view of the invasion process in these variable environments. The specific thesis objectives were: (1) Reviewing current knowledge of invasive impacts of non-native fishes in South Africa; (2) Investigating invasibility of headwater stream environments by non-native fishes; (3) Determining the establishment success of non-native fishes, (4) Assessing the spatial and temporal impacts of invasion; (5) Understanding mechanisms responsible for non-native fish impacts; (6) Investigating the threat of non-native fish invasion on the genetic diversity of two the two headwater fishes, P. afer and B. trevelyani. Results from the literature review of fish invasions (Chapter 1) showed that South Africa has a long history of non-native fish introductions, spanning two and a half centuries. Currently, 55 species have been introduced or translocated. Many of these introduced species have become fully invasive (36%). Their impacts also span multiple levels of biological organisation. There was a general paucity of studies on fish invasions (38 studies), however, of those conducted, reviewed studies placed emphases on invasive impacts (25 studies) and the transport, introduction, establishment and spread stages of the invasion process were largely ignored. The two study systems, the Swartkops and Keiskamma Rivers, were heavily invaded and numbers of introduced species surpassed that of natives (Chapter 2, 3 and 5). Headwater streams had varying invasibility and a number of non-native species were successfully established (Chapter 2, 3, 5 and 6). The remainder of the invasions were casual incursions into headwater streams from source populations in mainstream and impoundment environments which were invasion hotspots. Irrespective of establishment, four predatory invaders (largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, smallmouth bass M. dolomieu, brown trout Salmo trutta and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss) impacted heavily on native fish communities (Chapter 3, 4 and 5). Two broad types of invasion were documented, top down invasion by non-native O. mykiss and S. trutta and upstream invasion by M. salmoides and M. dolomieu (Chapter 3 and 5). Their impacts included changes in community structure, extirpation from invaded stream reaches resulting in contracted distribution, and isolation and fragmentation of native fish populations. The impacts of non-native predatory fishes were particularly acute for P. afer and B. trevelyani. Where non-native predatory fish occurred, P. afer and B. trevelyani had been extirpated (Chapter 3 and 5). As a result both native species exhibited contracted distributions (>20% habitat loss due to invasion). Upstream invasion by centrarchids isolated and fragmented P. afer populations into headwater refugia, while top down invasion by salmonids excluded B. trevelyani from invaded, more pristine stream reaches, by forcing the species into degraded unsuitable lower stream reaches. Predation also disrupted population processes such as adult dispersal for P. afer, and centrarchid-invaded zones acted as demographic sinks, where adults dispersing through invaded reaches were rapidly depleted. While the Mandela lineage of P. afer exhibited little within or between drainage genetic structuring, B. trevelyani was >4% divergent between drainages, and up to 2% divergent between streams within the Keiskamma River system (Chapter 7). The distribution of genetic diversity for B. trevelyani also indicated that the loss of diversity was imminent without immediate conservation interventions. This thesis has provided conclusive evidence that native fishes are vulnerable to invasion and that non-native predatory fishes have significant impacts on native fishes in Eastern Cape headwater streams. If management and conservation measures are implemented, the unwanted introduction and spread of non-native fishes may be restricted, allowing native fishes opportunities for recovery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Ellender, Bruce Robert
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Fishery management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Fishes -- Conservation -- South Africa Introduced fishes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Introduced organisms
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/69065 , vital:29380
- Description: The introduction, spread and concomitant impacts of non-native species are a global problem. Fish are among the most widely introduced vertebrate groups, with their impacts affecting multiple levels of organisation- from individuals, populations and communities, to entire ecosystems. In South Africa, the largest perceived threat to range-restricted endemic headwater stream fishes is said to be invasion by non-native fishes, however, as is the case elsewhere, invasive impacts are often a case of risk perception rather than actual risk analysis. Two range-restricted headwater species, the Eastern Cape redfin Pseudobarbus afer and the Border barb Barbus trevelyani are redlisted by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as ‘Endangered’, primarily due to invasion by non-native fishes. To investigate invasions in South Africa, and provide a quantitative estimate of the impact of non-native fishes on the two imperilled endemics, P. afer and B. trevelyani, the overall aims of this thesis were to: (A) Provide a literature review on non-native fish invasions in South Africa; (B) Using two case studies on the headwaters of the perennial Keiskamma and episodic Swartkops River systems, investigate the naturalisation-invasion continuum to provide a holistic view of the invasion process in these variable environments. The specific thesis objectives were: (1) Reviewing current knowledge of invasive impacts of non-native fishes in South Africa; (2) Investigating invasibility of headwater stream environments by non-native fishes; (3) Determining the establishment success of non-native fishes, (4) Assessing the spatial and temporal impacts of invasion; (5) Understanding mechanisms responsible for non-native fish impacts; (6) Investigating the threat of non-native fish invasion on the genetic diversity of two the two headwater fishes, P. afer and B. trevelyani. Results from the literature review of fish invasions (Chapter 1) showed that South Africa has a long history of non-native fish introductions, spanning two and a half centuries. Currently, 55 species have been introduced or translocated. Many of these introduced species have become fully invasive (36%). Their impacts also span multiple levels of biological organisation. There was a general paucity of studies on fish invasions (38 studies), however, of those conducted, reviewed studies placed emphases on invasive impacts (25 studies) and the transport, introduction, establishment and spread stages of the invasion process were largely ignored. The two study systems, the Swartkops and Keiskamma Rivers, were heavily invaded and numbers of introduced species surpassed that of natives (Chapter 2, 3 and 5). Headwater streams had varying invasibility and a number of non-native species were successfully established (Chapter 2, 3, 5 and 6). The remainder of the invasions were casual incursions into headwater streams from source populations in mainstream and impoundment environments which were invasion hotspots. Irrespective of establishment, four predatory invaders (largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, smallmouth bass M. dolomieu, brown trout Salmo trutta and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss) impacted heavily on native fish communities (Chapter 3, 4 and 5). Two broad types of invasion were documented, top down invasion by non-native O. mykiss and S. trutta and upstream invasion by M. salmoides and M. dolomieu (Chapter 3 and 5). Their impacts included changes in community structure, extirpation from invaded stream reaches resulting in contracted distribution, and isolation and fragmentation of native fish populations. The impacts of non-native predatory fishes were particularly acute for P. afer and B. trevelyani. Where non-native predatory fish occurred, P. afer and B. trevelyani had been extirpated (Chapter 3 and 5). As a result both native species exhibited contracted distributions (>20% habitat loss due to invasion). Upstream invasion by centrarchids isolated and fragmented P. afer populations into headwater refugia, while top down invasion by salmonids excluded B. trevelyani from invaded, more pristine stream reaches, by forcing the species into degraded unsuitable lower stream reaches. Predation also disrupted population processes such as adult dispersal for P. afer, and centrarchid-invaded zones acted as demographic sinks, where adults dispersing through invaded reaches were rapidly depleted. While the Mandela lineage of P. afer exhibited little within or between drainage genetic structuring, B. trevelyani was >4% divergent between drainages, and up to 2% divergent between streams within the Keiskamma River system (Chapter 7). The distribution of genetic diversity for B. trevelyani also indicated that the loss of diversity was imminent without immediate conservation interventions. This thesis has provided conclusive evidence that native fishes are vulnerable to invasion and that non-native predatory fishes have significant impacts on native fishes in Eastern Cape headwater streams. If management and conservation measures are implemented, the unwanted introduction and spread of non-native fishes may be restricted, allowing native fishes opportunities for recovery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Editorial
- Authors: Olvitt, Lausanne L
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/391156 , vital:68625 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/121960"
- Description: This year marks the end of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development which was first proposed at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002 in Johannesburg. At the end of 2014 UNESCO hosted the World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development in Nagoya, Japan. To mark this occasion Professor Rob O’Donoghue produced a reflective Think Piece that traces the emergence of education for sustainable development (ESD) from its educational roots in the Modernist project, to the diversity of practices that currently frame ESD as a transgressive process of cultural change. O’Donoghue interrogates tensions around knowledge and participation in the ESD terrain and proposes that knowledge-led and ethics-led learning in relation to valued purposes might create educational possibilities for expansive, transgressive and reflexive learning processes towards a more sustainable future. This Think Piece opens the Journal; many of the strengths, tensions and generative opportunities in environment and sustainability education referred to by O’Donoghue are reflected in this edition of the journal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Olvitt, Lausanne L
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/391156 , vital:68625 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/121960"
- Description: This year marks the end of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development which was first proposed at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002 in Johannesburg. At the end of 2014 UNESCO hosted the World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development in Nagoya, Japan. To mark this occasion Professor Rob O’Donoghue produced a reflective Think Piece that traces the emergence of education for sustainable development (ESD) from its educational roots in the Modernist project, to the diversity of practices that currently frame ESD as a transgressive process of cultural change. O’Donoghue interrogates tensions around knowledge and participation in the ESD terrain and proposes that knowledge-led and ethics-led learning in relation to valued purposes might create educational possibilities for expansive, transgressive and reflexive learning processes towards a more sustainable future. This Think Piece opens the Journal; many of the strengths, tensions and generative opportunities in environment and sustainability education referred to by O’Donoghue are reflected in this edition of the journal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Editors reflect on the state of journalism: the cha(lle)nging media space
- Authors: Malila, Vanessa
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/158650 , vital:40218 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC159502
- Description: Trying to understand how journalists and editors in the South African media landscape think about the work they do and the environment in which they work is not easy. However, while many of us speculate about why things are reported on in one way or another, this article gets to the heart of the issue - or the mouth - by speaking to journalists and editors about the work they do and how things have changed in the last few years within this complex institution we call the media.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Malila, Vanessa
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/158650 , vital:40218 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC159502
- Description: Trying to understand how journalists and editors in the South African media landscape think about the work they do and the environment in which they work is not easy. However, while many of us speculate about why things are reported on in one way or another, this article gets to the heart of the issue - or the mouth - by speaking to journalists and editors about the work they do and how things have changed in the last few years within this complex institution we call the media.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Education is an essential service
- Authors: Geyer, Simone
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Collective bargaining -- Education -- South Africa , Right to education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10254 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020875
- Description: This treatise investigates the extent to which education could be declared an essential service. This is informed by an ongoing public perception that education is in a crisis as a result of the ease within which teachers embark on wildcat strikes, the level of absenteeism in schools, the manner in which communities prevent learners from attending school to place pressure on the state to meet service delivery demands, the lack of professionalism among teachers and the performance of our learners in achieving international benchmarks of results. The treatise critically explores the debate, in the South African context, on the need to declare education as an essential service in South Africa. This is done by examining the international benchmarks set by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in relation to essential services and what motivating reasons exist, if any, to proceed with declaring education as an essential service. There is a dire need to find a balance between the teachers’ right to strike and the learners’ right to basic education. At the moment there is a threat to this balance with the rights of teachers appearing to override those of learners and this has a negative impact on the learning outcomes and stability in education. The question that arises is what measures must the South African government put in place to ensure that the fundamental rights to education are not compromised. If the current situation continues to prevail it has the danger of retarding the development of a society in transition. There is a need for urgent intervention that takes on a consensus-based approach of identifying education as an essential priority in the interests of all. Can this be achieved by developing a minimum service level agreement for education that outlines which levels of teachers may go on strike? Can policy be regulated that outlines the duties of principals and deputy principals as those who are in the authority of the state and as such may not go on a strike? Can this be achieved without compromising the rights of any citizen as guaranteed in the Constitution of South Africa? The solution that this treatise provides to these vexing questions attempts to balance the rights of teachers with those of learners with a view to normalizing and stabilizing education in South Africa. It recommends that policy be set in place for principals and deputy principal that identifies them as part of those public servants who are in the authority of the state and therefore may not embark on a strike. This will enable the state to gain control of striking situations in education to ensure that there is still authority at the schools to maintain some level of minimum service, especially where there are very young learners. At the same time this will not be so severe as to render a strike in education ineffective for the teachers’ not to be able to exert force on the state to achieve improved conditions of service for themselves.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Geyer, Simone
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Collective bargaining -- Education -- South Africa , Right to education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
- Identifier: vital:10254 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020875
- Description: This treatise investigates the extent to which education could be declared an essential service. This is informed by an ongoing public perception that education is in a crisis as a result of the ease within which teachers embark on wildcat strikes, the level of absenteeism in schools, the manner in which communities prevent learners from attending school to place pressure on the state to meet service delivery demands, the lack of professionalism among teachers and the performance of our learners in achieving international benchmarks of results. The treatise critically explores the debate, in the South African context, on the need to declare education as an essential service in South Africa. This is done by examining the international benchmarks set by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in relation to essential services and what motivating reasons exist, if any, to proceed with declaring education as an essential service. There is a dire need to find a balance between the teachers’ right to strike and the learners’ right to basic education. At the moment there is a threat to this balance with the rights of teachers appearing to override those of learners and this has a negative impact on the learning outcomes and stability in education. The question that arises is what measures must the South African government put in place to ensure that the fundamental rights to education are not compromised. If the current situation continues to prevail it has the danger of retarding the development of a society in transition. There is a need for urgent intervention that takes on a consensus-based approach of identifying education as an essential priority in the interests of all. Can this be achieved by developing a minimum service level agreement for education that outlines which levels of teachers may go on strike? Can policy be regulated that outlines the duties of principals and deputy principals as those who are in the authority of the state and as such may not go on a strike? Can this be achieved without compromising the rights of any citizen as guaranteed in the Constitution of South Africa? The solution that this treatise provides to these vexing questions attempts to balance the rights of teachers with those of learners with a view to normalizing and stabilizing education in South Africa. It recommends that policy be set in place for principals and deputy principal that identifies them as part of those public servants who are in the authority of the state and therefore may not embark on a strike. This will enable the state to gain control of striking situations in education to ensure that there is still authority at the schools to maintain some level of minimum service, especially where there are very young learners. At the same time this will not be so severe as to render a strike in education ineffective for the teachers’ not to be able to exert force on the state to achieve improved conditions of service for themselves.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Educational needs of the financial planning industry
- Palframan, Jaqueline Birgitta
- Authors: Palframan, Jaqueline Birgitta
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Financial planning industry , Financial planners
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9327 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020986
- Description: The South African financial planning industry experienced a rapid growth from its generic beginnings in the 1970’s to the vast levels of specialisation taking place in the 21st century. Financial planning, akin to the medical profession, is arguably one of the most critical areas of influence in the personal lifestyle planning of individuals given the increasing longevity brought about by the medical profession. Early transgressions and irregularities, as in the case of most industries, brought about the introduction of the Financial Advisory and Iintermediary Services (FAIS) Act in 2004 to regulate, transform and restructure the industry. Since the introduction of the Act, compliance with the legislation and obtaining the appropriate qualifications have become a major focus for financial planners. This groundbreaking academic research involves an assessment of the educational needs of graduates in the financial planning industry including an evaluation of the relative importance of the subject fields, management competencies and skills required in the field of financial planning with specific reference to the financial planning programmes offered by the HEIs in South Africa. The purpose of this study can be phrased in a threefold manner: Firstly, to assess at programme level the theoretical and practical relevancy of the HEIs financial planning programme content relative to the present and immediate future normative requirements of the financial planning profession; Secondly, to assess whether the academic programmes address the critical skills shortage in financial planning by determining the appropriate qualification delivery in terms of academic and practical learning to develop the appropriate management competencies; and Thirdly, based on the findings of this research, to address any gaps pertaining to the financial planning programme content and management competency and skills levels, thereby contributing to the body of knowledge pertaining to financial planning education in order to be relevant and responsive in servicing the financial services sector. To give effect to the problem statement and to validate the research propositions, a mixed methods design within the pragmatic research paradigm was used. A relatively new and innovative mixed methods approach, namely Real-time Delphi (RTD) procedures of sourcing professional expert opinion enabled the collection of qualitative and quantitative data for data triangulation. The RTD methodology which seeks the pooled intelligence from a group of selected experts is also capable of determining future requirements rather than only the current practice. This is the first academic study of its kind in South Africa utilising the RTD methodology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Palframan, Jaqueline Birgitta
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Financial planning industry , Financial planners
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9327 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020986
- Description: The South African financial planning industry experienced a rapid growth from its generic beginnings in the 1970’s to the vast levels of specialisation taking place in the 21st century. Financial planning, akin to the medical profession, is arguably one of the most critical areas of influence in the personal lifestyle planning of individuals given the increasing longevity brought about by the medical profession. Early transgressions and irregularities, as in the case of most industries, brought about the introduction of the Financial Advisory and Iintermediary Services (FAIS) Act in 2004 to regulate, transform and restructure the industry. Since the introduction of the Act, compliance with the legislation and obtaining the appropriate qualifications have become a major focus for financial planners. This groundbreaking academic research involves an assessment of the educational needs of graduates in the financial planning industry including an evaluation of the relative importance of the subject fields, management competencies and skills required in the field of financial planning with specific reference to the financial planning programmes offered by the HEIs in South Africa. The purpose of this study can be phrased in a threefold manner: Firstly, to assess at programme level the theoretical and practical relevancy of the HEIs financial planning programme content relative to the present and immediate future normative requirements of the financial planning profession; Secondly, to assess whether the academic programmes address the critical skills shortage in financial planning by determining the appropriate qualification delivery in terms of academic and practical learning to develop the appropriate management competencies; and Thirdly, based on the findings of this research, to address any gaps pertaining to the financial planning programme content and management competency and skills levels, thereby contributing to the body of knowledge pertaining to financial planning education in order to be relevant and responsive in servicing the financial services sector. To give effect to the problem statement and to validate the research propositions, a mixed methods design within the pragmatic research paradigm was used. A relatively new and innovative mixed methods approach, namely Real-time Delphi (RTD) procedures of sourcing professional expert opinion enabled the collection of qualitative and quantitative data for data triangulation. The RTD methodology which seeks the pooled intelligence from a group of selected experts is also capable of determining future requirements rather than only the current practice. This is the first academic study of its kind in South Africa utilising the RTD methodology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Educators’ perceptions of foundation phase mathematics Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS)
- Authors: Mnqatu, Fiola Wayne
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Curriculum evaluation -- South Africa , Curriculum planning -- South Africa , Mathematics -- Study and teaching --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1358 , vital:26549 , Curriculum evaluation -- South Africa , Curriculum planning -- South Africa , Mathematics -- Study and teaching --South Africa
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate the educators’ perceptions of the Foundation Phase Mathematics Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS). This was a case study of eight educators in two primary schools based in Cradock in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. There were six main findings. First, all participants displayed a good general knowledge of CAPS. They saw CAPS as different from NCS in that the former is content driven as opposed to outcomes driven in the latter. Second, all participants were happy that CAPS specifies what is to be taught grade by grade as opposed to NCS which specified outcomes and required educators to construct the content. Third, a feature which participants liked was the weighting of different components of the subjects taught. This was seen as an important guideline that indicates how much time should be spent on each component. Fourth, participants understood that CAPS is not a new curriculum; it is an amendment of the NCS. As such educators used the same teaching strategies and methods. Fifth, participants had reservations about the CAPS assessment guidelines as they were the same as those of the NCS and felt that the guidelines which require educators to discuss assessment criteria with children were not suitable for children in Foundation Phase. Sixth, participants were happy with the CAPS programme of assessment and workbooks .They felt the programme guides their teaching while the workbooks complement their teaching. It can be concluded that educators, on the whole, held positive perceptions about CAPS. They saw it as explicit about the content that is to be taught, and it has clear guidelines about assessment procedures. For this reason it can be seen as an improvement on the NCS. Given the findings, it can be recommended that further research be carried out on how educators’ understanding of CAPS is translated into practical teaching and learning in the classroom. To improve the delivery of CAPS, the Education Department must devise strategies aimed at educator empowerment activities that will enhance their work performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mnqatu, Fiola Wayne
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Curriculum evaluation -- South Africa , Curriculum planning -- South Africa , Mathematics -- Study and teaching --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1358 , vital:26549 , Curriculum evaluation -- South Africa , Curriculum planning -- South Africa , Mathematics -- Study and teaching --South Africa
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate the educators’ perceptions of the Foundation Phase Mathematics Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS). This was a case study of eight educators in two primary schools based in Cradock in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. There were six main findings. First, all participants displayed a good general knowledge of CAPS. They saw CAPS as different from NCS in that the former is content driven as opposed to outcomes driven in the latter. Second, all participants were happy that CAPS specifies what is to be taught grade by grade as opposed to NCS which specified outcomes and required educators to construct the content. Third, a feature which participants liked was the weighting of different components of the subjects taught. This was seen as an important guideline that indicates how much time should be spent on each component. Fourth, participants understood that CAPS is not a new curriculum; it is an amendment of the NCS. As such educators used the same teaching strategies and methods. Fifth, participants had reservations about the CAPS assessment guidelines as they were the same as those of the NCS and felt that the guidelines which require educators to discuss assessment criteria with children were not suitable for children in Foundation Phase. Sixth, participants were happy with the CAPS programme of assessment and workbooks .They felt the programme guides their teaching while the workbooks complement their teaching. It can be concluded that educators, on the whole, held positive perceptions about CAPS. They saw it as explicit about the content that is to be taught, and it has clear guidelines about assessment procedures. For this reason it can be seen as an improvement on the NCS. Given the findings, it can be recommended that further research be carried out on how educators’ understanding of CAPS is translated into practical teaching and learning in the classroom. To improve the delivery of CAPS, the Education Department must devise strategies aimed at educator empowerment activities that will enhance their work performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Effect of bovine serum albumin and single walled carbon nanotube on the photophysical properties of zinc octacarboxy phthalocyanine
- Ogbodu, Racheal O, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Ogbodu, Racheal O , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189806 , vital:44933 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2013.10.064"
- Description: This work reports on the photophysical parameters of the conjugate between zinc octacarboxy phthalocyanine (ZnOCPc) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) represented as ZnOCPc–BSA (1) which was further adsorbed onto single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) represented as (ZnOCPc–BSA–SWCNT 2). ZnOCPc (without BSA) was also adsorbed on SWCNT represented as ZnOCPc–SWCNT (3). The presence of BSA resulted in the increase in singlet oxygen quantum yield (ΦΔ) for 1 (at ΦΔ = 0.44) and 2 (at ΦΔ = 0.41) compared to ΦΔ = 0.21 for ZnOCPc alone. For complex 3 which did not contain BSA singlet oxygen quantum yield decreased.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Ogbodu, Racheal O , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189806 , vital:44933 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2013.10.064"
- Description: This work reports on the photophysical parameters of the conjugate between zinc octacarboxy phthalocyanine (ZnOCPc) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) represented as ZnOCPc–BSA (1) which was further adsorbed onto single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) represented as (ZnOCPc–BSA–SWCNT 2). ZnOCPc (without BSA) was also adsorbed on SWCNT represented as ZnOCPc–SWCNT (3). The presence of BSA resulted in the increase in singlet oxygen quantum yield (ΦΔ) for 1 (at ΦΔ = 0.44) and 2 (at ΦΔ = 0.41) compared to ΦΔ = 0.21 for ZnOCPc alone. For complex 3 which did not contain BSA singlet oxygen quantum yield decreased.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Effect of diet and sex-sorting on growth and gonad development in farmed South African abalone, Haliotis midae
- Authors: Ayres, Devin William Philip
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Haliotis midae -- South Africa , Haliotis midae fisheries -- South Africa , Abalone culture -- South Africa , Abalones -- Physiology -- South Africa , Abalones -- South Africa -- Growth , Abalones -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5357 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010856 , Haliotis midae -- South Africa , Haliotis midae fisheries -- South Africa , Abalone culture -- South Africa , Abalones -- Physiology -- South Africa , Abalones -- South Africa -- Growth , Abalones -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa
- Description: Abalone, Haliotis midae, farmers in South Africa that feed formulated diets reported a periodic drop in abalone growth during periods of increased gonad development. A large drop in abalone biomass was noticed after presumed spawning events. This study was aimed to determine the effect of diet and sex-sorting on gonad development in abalone. Experiments were conducted on a commercial abalone farm from July 2012 to the end of June 2013. Isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated with two protein sources. A fishmeal and soybean meal (S-diet) diet and a fishmeal only (F-diet) diet were fed to abalone (50 - 70 g abalone⁻¹) over 12 months. Weight and length gain, gonad bulk index (GBI), visceral index (%) and meat mass index (%) were determined monthly and seasonally. A histological study on the female gonads was conducted. This study also included an experiment to test the effect of sex-sorting (70 - 80 g abalone⁻¹) on growth and body composition with treatments including males (M), females (F) and equal numbers of males and females (MF). Weight gain and length gain were faster in S-diet-fed abalone (RM-ANOVA, F ₍₁, ₁₆₎ = 7.77, p = 0.01; F ₍₁, ₆₉₎ = 49.9, p < 0.001, respectively). Gonad development was significantly affected by the inclusion of soybean meal with S-diet-fed abalone showing higher GBI-values than F-diet-fed abalone (RM-ANOVA, F ₍₁, ₃₃)= 16.22, p = 0.0003). Male abalone had higher GBI-values than females (RM-ANOVA, F ₍₁, ₃₃₎ = 39.87, p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in average feed conversion ratio (FCR) between diets over time (RM-ANOVA, F ₍₁, ₂₁₎ = 0.008, p = 0.97). However, average FCR-values were significantly highest between November 2012 and March 2013, the presumed spawning season. The visceral mass (gut and gonad) as a proportion of whole mass (visceral index, %) was significantly higher in abalone fed the S-diet (RM-ANOVA; F ₍₁, ₆₉₎ = 68.06, p < 0.0001). There was no difference in meat mass index (%) between diets for both male and female abalone (RM-ANOVA; F ₍₇, ₂₄₈₎ = 0.80, p = 0.60; F ₍₇, ₂₄₁₎ = 1.7, p = 0.11,respectively). Meat mass index significantly decreased from September 2012 to February 2013 coinciding with the period of high GBI-values. The distribution of oocyte maturity stages differed between diets. The majority of oocytes within S-diet-fed abalone were fully mature stage 8 oocytes compared to a majority of stage 7 oocytes in F-diet-fed abalone. Histology corroborated peaks in GBI-values for abalone fed both diets. There was no significant difference in growth, GBI, visceral index (%) and meat mass index (%) between abalone sorted into monosex and mixed-sex populations. Thus, the presence of the opposite sex did not have an effect on growth and gonad mass in H. midae. The phytoestrogens daidzin, glycitin, genistin, daidzein, glycitein and genistein were present in soybean meal and only traceable amounts were found in the F-diet. This study provided evidence that soybean meal present in formulated feed affected growth and gonad development in H.midae. The difference in the distribution of the maturity stages of oocytes was affected by diet. Sex-sorting abalone into monosex and mixed-sex populations had no influence on weight and length gain and gonad development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Ayres, Devin William Philip
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Haliotis midae -- South Africa , Haliotis midae fisheries -- South Africa , Abalone culture -- South Africa , Abalones -- Physiology -- South Africa , Abalones -- South Africa -- Growth , Abalones -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5357 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1010856 , Haliotis midae -- South Africa , Haliotis midae fisheries -- South Africa , Abalone culture -- South Africa , Abalones -- Physiology -- South Africa , Abalones -- South Africa -- Growth , Abalones -- Feeding and feeds -- South Africa
- Description: Abalone, Haliotis midae, farmers in South Africa that feed formulated diets reported a periodic drop in abalone growth during periods of increased gonad development. A large drop in abalone biomass was noticed after presumed spawning events. This study was aimed to determine the effect of diet and sex-sorting on gonad development in abalone. Experiments were conducted on a commercial abalone farm from July 2012 to the end of June 2013. Isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated with two protein sources. A fishmeal and soybean meal (S-diet) diet and a fishmeal only (F-diet) diet were fed to abalone (50 - 70 g abalone⁻¹) over 12 months. Weight and length gain, gonad bulk index (GBI), visceral index (%) and meat mass index (%) were determined monthly and seasonally. A histological study on the female gonads was conducted. This study also included an experiment to test the effect of sex-sorting (70 - 80 g abalone⁻¹) on growth and body composition with treatments including males (M), females (F) and equal numbers of males and females (MF). Weight gain and length gain were faster in S-diet-fed abalone (RM-ANOVA, F ₍₁, ₁₆₎ = 7.77, p = 0.01; F ₍₁, ₆₉₎ = 49.9, p < 0.001, respectively). Gonad development was significantly affected by the inclusion of soybean meal with S-diet-fed abalone showing higher GBI-values than F-diet-fed abalone (RM-ANOVA, F ₍₁, ₃₃)= 16.22, p = 0.0003). Male abalone had higher GBI-values than females (RM-ANOVA, F ₍₁, ₃₃₎ = 39.87, p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in average feed conversion ratio (FCR) between diets over time (RM-ANOVA, F ₍₁, ₂₁₎ = 0.008, p = 0.97). However, average FCR-values were significantly highest between November 2012 and March 2013, the presumed spawning season. The visceral mass (gut and gonad) as a proportion of whole mass (visceral index, %) was significantly higher in abalone fed the S-diet (RM-ANOVA; F ₍₁, ₆₉₎ = 68.06, p < 0.0001). There was no difference in meat mass index (%) between diets for both male and female abalone (RM-ANOVA; F ₍₇, ₂₄₈₎ = 0.80, p = 0.60; F ₍₇, ₂₄₁₎ = 1.7, p = 0.11,respectively). Meat mass index significantly decreased from September 2012 to February 2013 coinciding with the period of high GBI-values. The distribution of oocyte maturity stages differed between diets. The majority of oocytes within S-diet-fed abalone were fully mature stage 8 oocytes compared to a majority of stage 7 oocytes in F-diet-fed abalone. Histology corroborated peaks in GBI-values for abalone fed both diets. There was no significant difference in growth, GBI, visceral index (%) and meat mass index (%) between abalone sorted into monosex and mixed-sex populations. Thus, the presence of the opposite sex did not have an effect on growth and gonad mass in H. midae. The phytoestrogens daidzin, glycitin, genistin, daidzein, glycitein and genistein were present in soybean meal and only traceable amounts were found in the F-diet. This study provided evidence that soybean meal present in formulated feed affected growth and gonad development in H.midae. The difference in the distribution of the maturity stages of oocytes was affected by diet. Sex-sorting abalone into monosex and mixed-sex populations had no influence on weight and length gain and gonad development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Effect of irrigation farming potential on commercialization of smallholder farming in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Sipoko, Nomava
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11218 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019772 , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- Economic aspects
- Description: Enhancement of smallholder production to improve rural livelihood is an important policy goal in developing countries. Research findings indicate that smallholder production can be improved through establishment of new smallholder irrigation schemes, and the rehabilitation of abandoned ones. Smallholder irrigation has a potential to contribute significantly in shifting smallholder farming to commercial farming. Although the roles of irrigating farmers are clearly defined, smallholder farmer’s development results in South Africa have been disappointing. The performance of smallholder irrigation is unsatisfactory. Smallholder irrigation has failed to improve the standard of living and livelihoods of smallholder farmers in South Africa. The majority of farmers are still producing at subsistence level. This study, therefore, aimed to contribute to smallholder irrigation literature in two ways; firstly by evaluating the extent of irrigation participation of smallholder farmers towards commercialization in the study areas. The study also examined the determinants of irrigation participation among smallholder farmers. A sample of 80 households was drawn by random sampling of smallholders in four villages as follows: 40 respondents from Mgxabakazi and Dinizulu villages and 40 respondents from Ncorha flats and Tshatshu. The sample included both irrigators and non-irrigators. Descriptive analysis shows that irrigators had better production and wellbeing than non-irrigators. For the inferential analysis of the data, two models were employed namely, Binary Logistic Regression Model (BRM) and Truncated Regression Model (TRM). The Binary Regression model was used to predict the probability of farmers participating in irrigation schemes. Whether or not a farmer participated in irrigation was introduced as the binary dependent or response variable that could be explained by a range of explanatory or predictor variables such as source of water, land size, ability to sustain business, membership in the scheme, market access, availability of the irrigation system, willingness to irrigate, farming type commercial or subsistence and institutional support services. From these predictor variables, being part of the irrigation, ability to sustain business and market were found to be factors influencing farmer’s decision to participate. The second model required the in-depth investigation of the influence of irrigation participation as reflected by extent of commercialization. In order to do this, the level of commercialization was measured by calculating Household Commercialization Index. Then the truncated regression model (TR) was used to test the factors that affect the level of commercialization for the farmers who are participating in the irrigation schemes.Age, irrigated land, willingness to commercialize and gross value of production were found to exert strong influence on the level of commercialization among farmers participating in irrigation. The study recommends that investments in smallholder irrigation should receive high priority, with emphasis on collective action, promotion of contract farming and strengthening the support services from government and the private sector, and ensuring enhanced access to market to all farmers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Sipoko, Nomava
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11218 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019772 , Irrigation farming -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- Economic aspects
- Description: Enhancement of smallholder production to improve rural livelihood is an important policy goal in developing countries. Research findings indicate that smallholder production can be improved through establishment of new smallholder irrigation schemes, and the rehabilitation of abandoned ones. Smallholder irrigation has a potential to contribute significantly in shifting smallholder farming to commercial farming. Although the roles of irrigating farmers are clearly defined, smallholder farmer’s development results in South Africa have been disappointing. The performance of smallholder irrigation is unsatisfactory. Smallholder irrigation has failed to improve the standard of living and livelihoods of smallholder farmers in South Africa. The majority of farmers are still producing at subsistence level. This study, therefore, aimed to contribute to smallholder irrigation literature in two ways; firstly by evaluating the extent of irrigation participation of smallholder farmers towards commercialization in the study areas. The study also examined the determinants of irrigation participation among smallholder farmers. A sample of 80 households was drawn by random sampling of smallholders in four villages as follows: 40 respondents from Mgxabakazi and Dinizulu villages and 40 respondents from Ncorha flats and Tshatshu. The sample included both irrigators and non-irrigators. Descriptive analysis shows that irrigators had better production and wellbeing than non-irrigators. For the inferential analysis of the data, two models were employed namely, Binary Logistic Regression Model (BRM) and Truncated Regression Model (TRM). The Binary Regression model was used to predict the probability of farmers participating in irrigation schemes. Whether or not a farmer participated in irrigation was introduced as the binary dependent or response variable that could be explained by a range of explanatory or predictor variables such as source of water, land size, ability to sustain business, membership in the scheme, market access, availability of the irrigation system, willingness to irrigate, farming type commercial or subsistence and institutional support services. From these predictor variables, being part of the irrigation, ability to sustain business and market were found to be factors influencing farmer’s decision to participate. The second model required the in-depth investigation of the influence of irrigation participation as reflected by extent of commercialization. In order to do this, the level of commercialization was measured by calculating Household Commercialization Index. Then the truncated regression model (TR) was used to test the factors that affect the level of commercialization for the farmers who are participating in the irrigation schemes.Age, irrigated land, willingness to commercialize and gross value of production were found to exert strong influence on the level of commercialization among farmers participating in irrigation. The study recommends that investments in smallholder irrigation should receive high priority, with emphasis on collective action, promotion of contract farming and strengthening the support services from government and the private sector, and ensuring enhanced access to market to all farmers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Effect of pre-slaughter stress of pigs on the levels of cortisol, creatine kinase and their subsequent relationship with pork quality
- Authors: Nzolo, Jama
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Slaughtering and slaughter-houses , Pork -- Quality , Swine -- Handling , Livestock -- Handling , Creatine kinase
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11837 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021287 , Slaughtering and slaughter-houses , Pork -- Quality , Swine -- Handling , Livestock -- Handling , Creatine kinase
- Description: The study was conducted to determine the effect of pre-slaughter stress of pigs on the levels of cortisol, creatine kinase (CK) and their subsequent relationship with pork quality. From our knowledge, there is paucity of information on transportation, lairage duration and sex effects on saliva cortisol and its relation with serum cortisol, urine cortisol and other meat quality traits. Stage one of the study assessed the effect of sex and time to slaughter (transport and lairage duration) on the levels of cortisol and CK in crossbred pigs. The second stage of the study evaluated the effect of sex and lairage duration on pork quality. The trials comprised of 60 22-weeks old commercial crossbred pigs [(30 boars vs. 30 gilts) with an average body weight of 76.9kg for gilts and 78.3kg for boars. Thirty pigs (15 Boars vs. 15 Gilts) were slaughtered on arrival after a 120km road journey and the other 30, after travelling the same road and distance, were slaughtered after having been in the lairage for 20 hours. Saliva samples were obtained during three time periods: between 07:00-10:00 on the day before the journey, on arrival at the abattoir and after lairage. Levels of cortisol in serum and urine and CK in serum samples collected at slaughter were determined. The samples (saliva and serum) were centrifuged at 20oC for 10 min at 3550 x g and stored at -20oC in separate vials until analysis. Pork quality was assessed using muscle pH, colour, thawing and cooking losses and Warner-Bratzler Shear Force. Correlations between cortisol levels in saliva, serum and urine and meat quality were assessed. The effect of sex and time to slaughter on saliva cortisol was significant. Statistical analysis showed significant interaction of sex by time to slaughter on serum cortisol. It was only the effect of sex that demonstrated higher (P <0.05) serum creatine kinase levels in gilts. Likewise, urine cortisol was influenced (P <0.05) only by time to slaughter. Saliva cortisol after transportation (r = 0.52) was correlated (P <0.05) with urine cortisol. The study suggests that there are greater responses of the Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis following time to slaughter (transport and lairage duration) between gilts and boars. This can be used in measuring cortisol in saliva, serum and urine, and serum creatine kinase to determine stress levels in pigs. Besides the lightness (L*) colour value which was significantly lower (P <0.05) in meat from gilts than from boars, the results of this study showed no interaction or individual effect (sex or lairage duration) on pH and other colour measurements. Meat cooking loss was affected (P <0.05) by gender x lairage interaction. Effect of lairage duration (as an individual effect) on the measured meat quality traits was not significant (P <0.05). Correlation analysis showed significant (P <0.05) negative relation between baseline saliva cortisol (r = -0.40) and the pork L* value. Saliva cortisol after lairage duration (r = -0.38 and r = 0.38) was correlated (P <0.05) with pH45 and pork a* value, respectively. Serum cortisol (r = -0.35) was negatively correlated (P <0.05) with pH45. Moreover, there were negative correlations (P <0.05) between saliva cortisol after transportation (r = -0.35), saliva cortisol after lairage duration (r = -0.44), serum cortisol (r = -0.40) and meat cooking loss. The study suggests that cortisol in saliva and serum can be used to determine effect of time to slaughter (transport and lairage duration) on meat quality traits from gilts and boars. Keywords: Boars; gilts; saliva cortisol; serum cortisol; serum creatine kinase; urine cortisol.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Nzolo, Jama
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Slaughtering and slaughter-houses , Pork -- Quality , Swine -- Handling , Livestock -- Handling , Creatine kinase
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11837 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021287 , Slaughtering and slaughter-houses , Pork -- Quality , Swine -- Handling , Livestock -- Handling , Creatine kinase
- Description: The study was conducted to determine the effect of pre-slaughter stress of pigs on the levels of cortisol, creatine kinase (CK) and their subsequent relationship with pork quality. From our knowledge, there is paucity of information on transportation, lairage duration and sex effects on saliva cortisol and its relation with serum cortisol, urine cortisol and other meat quality traits. Stage one of the study assessed the effect of sex and time to slaughter (transport and lairage duration) on the levels of cortisol and CK in crossbred pigs. The second stage of the study evaluated the effect of sex and lairage duration on pork quality. The trials comprised of 60 22-weeks old commercial crossbred pigs [(30 boars vs. 30 gilts) with an average body weight of 76.9kg for gilts and 78.3kg for boars. Thirty pigs (15 Boars vs. 15 Gilts) were slaughtered on arrival after a 120km road journey and the other 30, after travelling the same road and distance, were slaughtered after having been in the lairage for 20 hours. Saliva samples were obtained during three time periods: between 07:00-10:00 on the day before the journey, on arrival at the abattoir and after lairage. Levels of cortisol in serum and urine and CK in serum samples collected at slaughter were determined. The samples (saliva and serum) were centrifuged at 20oC for 10 min at 3550 x g and stored at -20oC in separate vials until analysis. Pork quality was assessed using muscle pH, colour, thawing and cooking losses and Warner-Bratzler Shear Force. Correlations between cortisol levels in saliva, serum and urine and meat quality were assessed. The effect of sex and time to slaughter on saliva cortisol was significant. Statistical analysis showed significant interaction of sex by time to slaughter on serum cortisol. It was only the effect of sex that demonstrated higher (P <0.05) serum creatine kinase levels in gilts. Likewise, urine cortisol was influenced (P <0.05) only by time to slaughter. Saliva cortisol after transportation (r = 0.52) was correlated (P <0.05) with urine cortisol. The study suggests that there are greater responses of the Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis following time to slaughter (transport and lairage duration) between gilts and boars. This can be used in measuring cortisol in saliva, serum and urine, and serum creatine kinase to determine stress levels in pigs. Besides the lightness (L*) colour value which was significantly lower (P <0.05) in meat from gilts than from boars, the results of this study showed no interaction or individual effect (sex or lairage duration) on pH and other colour measurements. Meat cooking loss was affected (P <0.05) by gender x lairage interaction. Effect of lairage duration (as an individual effect) on the measured meat quality traits was not significant (P <0.05). Correlation analysis showed significant (P <0.05) negative relation between baseline saliva cortisol (r = -0.40) and the pork L* value. Saliva cortisol after lairage duration (r = -0.38 and r = 0.38) was correlated (P <0.05) with pH45 and pork a* value, respectively. Serum cortisol (r = -0.35) was negatively correlated (P <0.05) with pH45. Moreover, there were negative correlations (P <0.05) between saliva cortisol after transportation (r = -0.35), saliva cortisol after lairage duration (r = -0.44), serum cortisol (r = -0.40) and meat cooking loss. The study suggests that cortisol in saliva and serum can be used to determine effect of time to slaughter (transport and lairage duration) on meat quality traits from gilts and boars. Keywords: Boars; gilts; saliva cortisol; serum cortisol; serum creatine kinase; urine cortisol.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Effect of water trophic level on the impact of the water hyacinth moth Niphograpta albiguttalis on Eichhornia crassipes
- Canavan, Kim N, Coetzee, Julie A, Hill, Martin P, Paterson, Iain D
- Authors: Canavan, Kim N , Coetzee, Julie A , Hill, Martin P , Paterson, Iain D
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423740 , vital:72090 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.2989/16085914.2014.893225"
- Description: Eutrophication contributes to the proliferation of alien invasive weed species such as water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes. Although the South American moth Niphograpta albiguttalis was released in South Africa in 1990 as a biological control agent against water hyacinth, no post-release evaluations have yet been conducted here. The impact of N. albiguttalis on water hyacinth growth was quantified under low-, medium- and high-nutrient concentrations in a greenhouse experiment. Niphograpta albiguttalis was damaging to water hyacinth in all three nutrient treatments, but significant damage in most plant parameters was found only under high-nutrient treatments. However, E. crassipes plants grown in high-nutrient water were healthier, and presumably had higher fitness, than plants not exposed to herbivory at lower-nutrient levels. Niphograpta albiguttalis is likely to be most damaging to water hyacinth in eutrophic water systems, but the damage will not result in acceptable levels of control because of the plant's high productivity under these conditions. Niphograpta albiguttalis is a suitable agent for controlling water hyacinth infestations in eutrophic water systems, but should be used in combination with other biological control agents and included in an integrated management plan also involving herbicidal control and water quality management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Canavan, Kim N , Coetzee, Julie A , Hill, Martin P , Paterson, Iain D
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423740 , vital:72090 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.2989/16085914.2014.893225"
- Description: Eutrophication contributes to the proliferation of alien invasive weed species such as water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes. Although the South American moth Niphograpta albiguttalis was released in South Africa in 1990 as a biological control agent against water hyacinth, no post-release evaluations have yet been conducted here. The impact of N. albiguttalis on water hyacinth growth was quantified under low-, medium- and high-nutrient concentrations in a greenhouse experiment. Niphograpta albiguttalis was damaging to water hyacinth in all three nutrient treatments, but significant damage in most plant parameters was found only under high-nutrient treatments. However, E. crassipes plants grown in high-nutrient water were healthier, and presumably had higher fitness, than plants not exposed to herbivory at lower-nutrient levels. Niphograpta albiguttalis is likely to be most damaging to water hyacinth in eutrophic water systems, but the damage will not result in acceptable levels of control because of the plant's high productivity under these conditions. Niphograpta albiguttalis is a suitable agent for controlling water hyacinth infestations in eutrophic water systems, but should be used in combination with other biological control agents and included in an integrated management plan also involving herbicidal control and water quality management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Effectiveness of the project management profession in the Ugandan oil industry : performance, benefits and challenges
- Authors: Kiggundu, Kamulegeya John
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Project Mangement -- Uganda , Oil industry workers -- Uganda , Benchmarking (Management) -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9707 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020059
- Description: Oil is one of the most valuable resources. For a country like Uganda, which is one of the least developed countries in the world with more than one third of the population still living below the poverty line; the discovery of this valuable resource has the capacity to radically alter the economy of the country. But on the other hand, oil exploration, mining and refining are complex, costly, long duration projects with many challenges that require sophisticated financial management, planning, scheduling and cost control. The project management profession is charged as a single point of responsibility for initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling projects in order to meet stakeholder’s needs and expectations. The research objectives were: 1. To identify and examine the challenges and risks associated with the oil industry in Uganda. 2. To investigate the effectiveness of project management practices in the Ugandan oil industry in terms 1 above. 3. Identify how project success can be measured in the Ugandan oil industry. A case study was the research technique adopted and interviews were conducted with the major stakeholders in the Ugandan oil industry. The research findings reveal the challenges and risks that continue to plague the Ugandan oil industry and the role of project management in the exploration phase of the project. The research findings were used to evaluate the role, responsibility and service that project management professionals are expected to render and the actual role, responsibility and service that the professionals have been rendering to the stakeholders in the Ugandan oil industry. The research then concludes by proposing ways of improving the chances of project success in the Ugandan oil industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Kiggundu, Kamulegeya John
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Project Mangement -- Uganda , Oil industry workers -- Uganda , Benchmarking (Management) -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9707 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020059
- Description: Oil is one of the most valuable resources. For a country like Uganda, which is one of the least developed countries in the world with more than one third of the population still living below the poverty line; the discovery of this valuable resource has the capacity to radically alter the economy of the country. But on the other hand, oil exploration, mining and refining are complex, costly, long duration projects with many challenges that require sophisticated financial management, planning, scheduling and cost control. The project management profession is charged as a single point of responsibility for initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling projects in order to meet stakeholder’s needs and expectations. The research objectives were: 1. To identify and examine the challenges and risks associated with the oil industry in Uganda. 2. To investigate the effectiveness of project management practices in the Ugandan oil industry in terms 1 above. 3. Identify how project success can be measured in the Ugandan oil industry. A case study was the research technique adopted and interviews were conducted with the major stakeholders in the Ugandan oil industry. The research findings reveal the challenges and risks that continue to plague the Ugandan oil industry and the role of project management in the exploration phase of the project. The research findings were used to evaluate the role, responsibility and service that project management professionals are expected to render and the actual role, responsibility and service that the professionals have been rendering to the stakeholders in the Ugandan oil industry. The research then concludes by proposing ways of improving the chances of project success in the Ugandan oil industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Effects of analytes on the fluorescence properties of CdTe@ ZnS quantum dots decorated with cobalt tetraamino-phthalocyanine
- Adegoke, Oluwasesan, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Adegoke, Oluwasesan , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189829 , vital:44935 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlumin.2013.09.079"
- Description: In this work, we have carried out an investigation on the effects of different biologically active analytes on the fluorescence response of glutathione-capped CdTe@ZnS quantum dots (QDs)-colbalt tetraamino-phthalocyanine nanoconjugate system. Firstly, fluorescence quenching occurred. Experimental results showed that some analytes either “turned on”, others further quenched or showed no effect on the fluorescence emission of the nanoprobe.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Adegoke, Oluwasesan , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189829 , vital:44935 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlumin.2013.09.079"
- Description: In this work, we have carried out an investigation on the effects of different biologically active analytes on the fluorescence response of glutathione-capped CdTe@ZnS quantum dots (QDs)-colbalt tetraamino-phthalocyanine nanoconjugate system. Firstly, fluorescence quenching occurred. Experimental results showed that some analytes either “turned on”, others further quenched or showed no effect on the fluorescence emission of the nanoprobe.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Effects of dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on growth performance, physico-chemical attributes, oxidative stability and sensory quality of pork
- Authors: Nduku, Xola Pauline
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Pork -- Quality , Food -- Sensory evaluation , Fatty acids , Moringa , Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11836 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021281 , Pork -- Quality , Food -- Sensory evaluation , Fatty acids , Moringa , Meat -- Quality
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine growth performance, physico-chemical attributes, oxidative stability and sensory quality of pork from pigs fed one of three dietary treatments, eac containing 0%, 2.5% or 5% (T1, T2 and T3, respectively) Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM). Dietary treatments were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isoenergetic for weaner (6 – 8 weeks) and grower (9 – 13 weeks) phases. Twelve Large White (LW) and 12 Kolbroek (KB) male pigs at 6 weeks of age, initially weighing an average 10 kg, were randomly allocated to one of the dietary treatments, each with four replicates, in individual pens. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. The Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle of each carcass (n = 24) was sampled for meat quality and fatty acid analyses. Breed differences in measured parameters were observed. In pigs receiving 5% MOLM, the LW had significantly the highest ADFI (P<0.05) than KB pigs. In pigs receiving 2.5% and 5% MOLM, backfat thickness was significantly highest (P<0.05) compared to those receiving 0% MOML. Dietary inclusion of MOLM had no significant effects (P>0.05) on the physico-chemical quality of pork from LW pigs; although it significantly (P<0.05) increased a* and reduced WBSF values in pork from KB pigs. Pork from LW pigs receiving 5% MOLM had significantly increased (P<0.05) n-3 content of the subcutaneous tissue of LW pigs compared to KB, and also when compread to other treatment groups. In both breeds, the composition of PUFA: SFA and n-6: n-3 in the subcutaneous adipose tissue was significantly (P<0.05) lower in T2 and T3 than in T1. The n-3 levels for pork muscle from LW pigs receiving 2.5% and 5% MOLM, and from KB pigs receiving 5% MOLM, were significantly (P<0.05) lower. Inclusions of MOLM significantly (P<0.05) reduced the n-6: n-3 fatty acids in pork from both LW pigs and KB pigs. Consumer scores on sensory attributes (aroma intensity, initial impression of juiciness, first bite, sustained impression of juiciness, muscle fibre and overall tenderness and overall flavor intensity) significantly (P<0.05) increased as the level of MOLM inclusion in the diet increased; and higher scores were observed in fried meat than in boiled for most sensory attributes. It may be concluded that inclusion of MOLM in pig diets up to 5% improved the ADFI, a*, tenderness of pork without adversely affecting the FCR and other physico-chemical quality attributes; and resulted in desired increase in levels of n-3 and reduced the n-6: n-3 fatty acid ratio.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Nduku, Xola Pauline
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Pork -- Quality , Food -- Sensory evaluation , Fatty acids , Moringa , Meat -- Quality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11836 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021281 , Pork -- Quality , Food -- Sensory evaluation , Fatty acids , Moringa , Meat -- Quality
- Description: The objective of the study was to determine growth performance, physico-chemical attributes, oxidative stability and sensory quality of pork from pigs fed one of three dietary treatments, eac containing 0%, 2.5% or 5% (T1, T2 and T3, respectively) Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM). Dietary treatments were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isoenergetic for weaner (6 – 8 weeks) and grower (9 – 13 weeks) phases. Twelve Large White (LW) and 12 Kolbroek (KB) male pigs at 6 weeks of age, initially weighing an average 10 kg, were randomly allocated to one of the dietary treatments, each with four replicates, in individual pens. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. The Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle of each carcass (n = 24) was sampled for meat quality and fatty acid analyses. Breed differences in measured parameters were observed. In pigs receiving 5% MOLM, the LW had significantly the highest ADFI (P<0.05) than KB pigs. In pigs receiving 2.5% and 5% MOLM, backfat thickness was significantly highest (P<0.05) compared to those receiving 0% MOML. Dietary inclusion of MOLM had no significant effects (P>0.05) on the physico-chemical quality of pork from LW pigs; although it significantly (P<0.05) increased a* and reduced WBSF values in pork from KB pigs. Pork from LW pigs receiving 5% MOLM had significantly increased (P<0.05) n-3 content of the subcutaneous tissue of LW pigs compared to KB, and also when compread to other treatment groups. In both breeds, the composition of PUFA: SFA and n-6: n-3 in the subcutaneous adipose tissue was significantly (P<0.05) lower in T2 and T3 than in T1. The n-3 levels for pork muscle from LW pigs receiving 2.5% and 5% MOLM, and from KB pigs receiving 5% MOLM, were significantly (P<0.05) lower. Inclusions of MOLM significantly (P<0.05) reduced the n-6: n-3 fatty acids in pork from both LW pigs and KB pigs. Consumer scores on sensory attributes (aroma intensity, initial impression of juiciness, first bite, sustained impression of juiciness, muscle fibre and overall tenderness and overall flavor intensity) significantly (P<0.05) increased as the level of MOLM inclusion in the diet increased; and higher scores were observed in fried meat than in boiled for most sensory attributes. It may be concluded that inclusion of MOLM in pig diets up to 5% improved the ADFI, a*, tenderness of pork without adversely affecting the FCR and other physico-chemical quality attributes; and resulted in desired increase in levels of n-3 and reduced the n-6: n-3 fatty acid ratio.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Effects of number of ring substituents on the physicochemical properties of zinc aminophenoxy phthalocyanine-single walled carbon nanotube conjugate
- Ogbodu, Rachael O, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Ogbodu, Rachael O , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190356 , vital:44987 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2013.09.015"
- Description: This work reports on the linking of zinc monoaminophenoxy (ZnMAPPc) or zinc tetraaminophenoxy phthalocyanine (ZnTAPPc) complexes to single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) through either covalent or non-covalent (adsorption) bonding. The functionalized complexes showed better thermal stability when compared to the SWCNT-COOH, ZnMAPPc and ZnTAPPc alone as confirmed by thermogravimetric analyses. The covalently linked ZnMAPc-SWCNT showed higher electron transfer rate constant and photoinduced electron efficiency when compared to adsorbed complexes. ZnMAPPc-SWCNT complexes (linked and adsorbed) showed better photophysical and photochemical properties when compared to ZnTAPPc-SWCNT complexes. The triplet, singlet oxygen and florescence quantum yields of ZnMAPPc (or ZnTAPPc) decrease upon linking or adsorption onto SWCNTs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Ogbodu, Rachael O , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190356 , vital:44987 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2013.09.015"
- Description: This work reports on the linking of zinc monoaminophenoxy (ZnMAPPc) or zinc tetraaminophenoxy phthalocyanine (ZnTAPPc) complexes to single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) through either covalent or non-covalent (adsorption) bonding. The functionalized complexes showed better thermal stability when compared to the SWCNT-COOH, ZnMAPPc and ZnTAPPc alone as confirmed by thermogravimetric analyses. The covalently linked ZnMAPc-SWCNT showed higher electron transfer rate constant and photoinduced electron efficiency when compared to adsorbed complexes. ZnMAPPc-SWCNT complexes (linked and adsorbed) showed better photophysical and photochemical properties when compared to ZnTAPPc-SWCNT complexes. The triplet, singlet oxygen and florescence quantum yields of ZnMAPPc (or ZnTAPPc) decrease upon linking or adsorption onto SWCNTs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Effects of oats and vetch cover crops on light organic matter fractions and activities of selected enzymes in an irrigated maize based conservation agriculture system on Alice Jozini Ecotope in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Mukumbareza, Caroline
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Crop Science)
- Identifier: vital:11872 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019815
- Description: Low soil fertility in the Eastern Cape Province (EC) is attributed to poor agricultural management, which reduces organic matter, among other factors. Conservation agriculture (CA), consisting of no-till, soil cover and rotations, is being promoted to improve soil quality and productivity. Soil biological parameters respond to the overall effects of management on the physical and chemical components of soil. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of oat (Avena sativa) and grazing vetch (Vicia dasycarpa) cover crops on soil biological activity after five years under CA and evaluate light organic matter fractions, MBC and activities of selected enzymes as early indicators of organic matter build up under in no-till maize based CA system. The study was based on soil samples collected from a five year trial with rotations of maize and sole covercrops and two younger trials (4 and 28 months) with oat and grazing vetch bicultures. In the five year old trial, oat and grazing vetch were planted at four fertiliser regimes (i) Fertilizer applied to cover crops and maize (F1), (ii) fertilizer applied to cover crops only (F2), (iii) fertilizer applied to maize only (F3) and (iv) no fertilizer applied (F4)) to give a 2 × 4 factorial plus control laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Fertilizer was applied at 10 kg P ha-1, as a compound (6.7% N; 10% P; 13.3% K) at planting and grazing vetch was inoculated with Rhizobium legunominosarium biovar viciae. Oat was top dressed using limestone ammonium nitrate (LAN – 28% N) at 7 weeks after planting (WAP) to make a total of 45 kg N ha-1. Three weeks after termination of the cover crops, all plots were split in half and maize was planted and fertilizer applied at 0 and 60 N kg ha-1. A third of the N was applied at planting (6.7% N; 10% P; 13.3% K). In the biculture trials, the treatments were 90% oat + 10% vetch, 70% oat + 30% vetch, 50% oat+ 50% vetch, 100% vetch and 100% oat and laid out in a RCBD with three replicates. Only basal fertilizer was applied to the cover crop at planting at 13.34 kg N ha-1, 20 kg P ha-1 and 26.66 kg K ha-1 using 2:3:4 (30 + 0.5% Zn) compound fertiliser. After cover crop termination, SC701 maize variety was planted, and fertilised at 60 kg N ha-1 with a third of the N applied as a basal. In the five year old trial, oat and vetch gave significantly (P < 0.05) higher MBC and activities of all soil enzymes measured than the weedy fallow at 0-5 and 5-20 cm depths. Fertilization of cover crop (F2) and maize (F3) gave similar MBC. The F4 in cover crops gave similar dehydrogenase activity with F3 under weedy fallow and that for vetch rotation was the same for F3 in oat. The F4 for grazing vetch had similar β-glucosidase activity as F1 and similar urease activity as F1, F2 and F3 of oat rotations. Acid and alkaline activity in F1 had similar results to F2. In the younger trials, biculture treatments did not improve total C, and N when compared with the weedy fallow. Dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, arylsulphatase and alkaline phosphatase activities were higher in the 28 month trial compared to the 4 month one while urease was higher in the 4-month old trial. Treatments with more than 50% oat content had higher acid phosphatase activity in the 4- than 28 month old trial. Effects of cover crop, as the main factor, was significant in all enzymes (P < 0.05), with 70% oat + 30% vetch treatment having the highest dehydrogenase and arylsulphatase while for alkaline phosphatase it had similar results to 90% oat + 10% vetch. For β-glucosidase and urease, effects of cover crop as the main factor were also significant with sole vetch giving the highest activity for both enzymes. Acid phosphatase activity was highest in sole oat. Particulate OM was highest in the 100% oat treatment and declined with decrease in the proportion of oat in the biculture. The 50% oat + 50% vetch treatment had similar POM to the 70% oat +30% vetch in the 4 month old trial and to the 90% oat + 10% vetch in the 28 months old trial in the 0-5 cm depth (P < 0.05). In the 5-20 cm depth, the 70% oat +30% vetch treatment had similar POM to the 90% oat + 10% vetch in the 28 month old trial. The 70% oat+30% vetch had greatest WSC and MBC followed by the 90% oat +10% vetch, with the 50% oat + 50% vetch being similar to 100% vetch and 100% oat (MBC only). The 28 months old trial had greater POM and WSC than the 4 months trial. The findings of this study imply that the use of grazing vetch and fertilization of cover crops only improves soil biological activity, represented by MBC and enzyme activities, after 5 years of maize-cover crop rotations in low input conservation agriculture system. Bicultures, particularly the 70% oat + 30% vetch, work better than their sole crops in improving organic matter fractions, MBC and enzyme activities and that POM, WSC, MBC, enzyme activities are useful early indicators of soil organic matter build-up of CA systems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mukumbareza, Caroline
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Crop Science)
- Identifier: vital:11872 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019815
- Description: Low soil fertility in the Eastern Cape Province (EC) is attributed to poor agricultural management, which reduces organic matter, among other factors. Conservation agriculture (CA), consisting of no-till, soil cover and rotations, is being promoted to improve soil quality and productivity. Soil biological parameters respond to the overall effects of management on the physical and chemical components of soil. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of oat (Avena sativa) and grazing vetch (Vicia dasycarpa) cover crops on soil biological activity after five years under CA and evaluate light organic matter fractions, MBC and activities of selected enzymes as early indicators of organic matter build up under in no-till maize based CA system. The study was based on soil samples collected from a five year trial with rotations of maize and sole covercrops and two younger trials (4 and 28 months) with oat and grazing vetch bicultures. In the five year old trial, oat and grazing vetch were planted at four fertiliser regimes (i) Fertilizer applied to cover crops and maize (F1), (ii) fertilizer applied to cover crops only (F2), (iii) fertilizer applied to maize only (F3) and (iv) no fertilizer applied (F4)) to give a 2 × 4 factorial plus control laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Fertilizer was applied at 10 kg P ha-1, as a compound (6.7% N; 10% P; 13.3% K) at planting and grazing vetch was inoculated with Rhizobium legunominosarium biovar viciae. Oat was top dressed using limestone ammonium nitrate (LAN – 28% N) at 7 weeks after planting (WAP) to make a total of 45 kg N ha-1. Three weeks after termination of the cover crops, all plots were split in half and maize was planted and fertilizer applied at 0 and 60 N kg ha-1. A third of the N was applied at planting (6.7% N; 10% P; 13.3% K). In the biculture trials, the treatments were 90% oat + 10% vetch, 70% oat + 30% vetch, 50% oat+ 50% vetch, 100% vetch and 100% oat and laid out in a RCBD with three replicates. Only basal fertilizer was applied to the cover crop at planting at 13.34 kg N ha-1, 20 kg P ha-1 and 26.66 kg K ha-1 using 2:3:4 (30 + 0.5% Zn) compound fertiliser. After cover crop termination, SC701 maize variety was planted, and fertilised at 60 kg N ha-1 with a third of the N applied as a basal. In the five year old trial, oat and vetch gave significantly (P < 0.05) higher MBC and activities of all soil enzymes measured than the weedy fallow at 0-5 and 5-20 cm depths. Fertilization of cover crop (F2) and maize (F3) gave similar MBC. The F4 in cover crops gave similar dehydrogenase activity with F3 under weedy fallow and that for vetch rotation was the same for F3 in oat. The F4 for grazing vetch had similar β-glucosidase activity as F1 and similar urease activity as F1, F2 and F3 of oat rotations. Acid and alkaline activity in F1 had similar results to F2. In the younger trials, biculture treatments did not improve total C, and N when compared with the weedy fallow. Dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, arylsulphatase and alkaline phosphatase activities were higher in the 28 month trial compared to the 4 month one while urease was higher in the 4-month old trial. Treatments with more than 50% oat content had higher acid phosphatase activity in the 4- than 28 month old trial. Effects of cover crop, as the main factor, was significant in all enzymes (P < 0.05), with 70% oat + 30% vetch treatment having the highest dehydrogenase and arylsulphatase while for alkaline phosphatase it had similar results to 90% oat + 10% vetch. For β-glucosidase and urease, effects of cover crop as the main factor were also significant with sole vetch giving the highest activity for both enzymes. Acid phosphatase activity was highest in sole oat. Particulate OM was highest in the 100% oat treatment and declined with decrease in the proportion of oat in the biculture. The 50% oat + 50% vetch treatment had similar POM to the 70% oat +30% vetch in the 4 month old trial and to the 90% oat + 10% vetch in the 28 months old trial in the 0-5 cm depth (P < 0.05). In the 5-20 cm depth, the 70% oat +30% vetch treatment had similar POM to the 90% oat + 10% vetch in the 28 month old trial. The 70% oat+30% vetch had greatest WSC and MBC followed by the 90% oat +10% vetch, with the 50% oat + 50% vetch being similar to 100% vetch and 100% oat (MBC only). The 28 months old trial had greater POM and WSC than the 4 months trial. The findings of this study imply that the use of grazing vetch and fertilization of cover crops only improves soil biological activity, represented by MBC and enzyme activities, after 5 years of maize-cover crop rotations in low input conservation agriculture system. Bicultures, particularly the 70% oat + 30% vetch, work better than their sole crops in improving organic matter fractions, MBC and enzyme activities and that POM, WSC, MBC, enzyme activities are useful early indicators of soil organic matter build-up of CA systems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Effects of pyrene on the photophysical and two-photon absorption-based nonlinear optical properties of indium (III) phthalocyanines
- Sanusi, Kayode, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Sanusi, Kayode , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189957 , vital:44951 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00958972.2014.959509"
- Description: Photophysical and two-photon-dependent nonlinear absorption properties of two chloroindium(III) phthalocyanines bearing pyrene units have been investigated. The tetra- (3) and the tri- (4) pyrene-substituted phthalocyanines exhibit strong triplet absorption with high triplet yields ( ) of 0.79 and 0.83, respectively. The measured nonlinear optical data, such as the two photon absorption cross-sections, the third- and second-order nonlinearities were found to be comparable with those of literature, thus, making the compounds promising candidates for a broad range of nonlinear optical applications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Sanusi, Kayode , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189957 , vital:44951 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/00958972.2014.959509"
- Description: Photophysical and two-photon-dependent nonlinear absorption properties of two chloroindium(III) phthalocyanines bearing pyrene units have been investigated. The tetra- (3) and the tri- (4) pyrene-substituted phthalocyanines exhibit strong triplet absorption with high triplet yields ( ) of 0.79 and 0.83, respectively. The measured nonlinear optical data, such as the two photon absorption cross-sections, the third- and second-order nonlinearities were found to be comparable with those of literature, thus, making the compounds promising candidates for a broad range of nonlinear optical applications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Effects of pyrene on the photophysical and two-photon absorption-based nonlinear optical properties of indium(III) phthalocyanines
- Sanusi, Kayode, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Sanusi, Kayode , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:7314 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020540
- Description: Photophysical and two-photon-dependent nonlinear absorption properties of two chloroindium(III) phthalocyanines bearing pyrene units have been investigated. The tetra- (3) and the tri- (4) pyrene-substituted phthalocyanines exhibit strong triplet absorption with high triplet yields () of 0.79 and 0.83, respectively. The measured nonlinear optical data, such as the two photon absorption cross-sections, the third- and second-order nonlinearities were found to be comparable with those of literature, thus, making the compounds promising candidates for a broad range of nonlinear optical applications. , Original publication is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00958972.2014.959509
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Sanusi, Kayode , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:7314 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020540
- Description: Photophysical and two-photon-dependent nonlinear absorption properties of two chloroindium(III) phthalocyanines bearing pyrene units have been investigated. The tetra- (3) and the tri- (4) pyrene-substituted phthalocyanines exhibit strong triplet absorption with high triplet yields () of 0.79 and 0.83, respectively. The measured nonlinear optical data, such as the two photon absorption cross-sections, the third- and second-order nonlinearities were found to be comparable with those of literature, thus, making the compounds promising candidates for a broad range of nonlinear optical applications. , Original publication is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00958972.2014.959509
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2014