Deactivation of field cultivation in communal areas of South Africa: Patterns, drivers and socio-economic and ecological consequences
- Shackleton, Charlie M, Mograbi, Penelope, Drimie, Scott, Fay, Derick, Hebinck, Paul, Hoffman, Michael T, Maciejewski, Kristine, Twine, Wayne
- Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M , Mograbi, Penelope , Drimie, Scott , Fay, Derick , Hebinck, Paul , Hoffman, Michael T , Maciejewski, Kristine , Twine, Wayne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/398210 , vital:69384 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2019.01.009"
- Description: Smallholder production is a significant contributor to rural livelihoods and rural economies in much of the developing world. Yet, there is evidence of increasing disengagement in some regions, including southern Africa. However, there has been little consideration of the rates and the livelihood, ecological and policy implications of such. In this paper we examine previous studies on rates of deactivation of crop fields by smallholders in the communal areas of South Africa, supported by repeat photo images and case study material. Together these various methods show that it is a widespread phenomenon occurring at variable rates. Over short periods deactivation of crop fields can be balanced through some reactivation or intensification of homegardens. But over longer periods there is a net decline in the area of fields cultivated in many areas, with corresponding increases in the area of fallow land which, through time, may undergo changes towards more natural vegetation. We review the drivers of this deactivation of field cropping, and then contemplate the possible socio-economic and ecological implications at local and national scales. We show that there are numerous and profound implications that require greater understanding and policy responses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M , Mograbi, Penelope , Drimie, Scott , Fay, Derick , Hebinck, Paul , Hoffman, Michael T , Maciejewski, Kristine , Twine, Wayne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/398210 , vital:69384 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2019.01.009"
- Description: Smallholder production is a significant contributor to rural livelihoods and rural economies in much of the developing world. Yet, there is evidence of increasing disengagement in some regions, including southern Africa. However, there has been little consideration of the rates and the livelihood, ecological and policy implications of such. In this paper we examine previous studies on rates of deactivation of crop fields by smallholders in the communal areas of South Africa, supported by repeat photo images and case study material. Together these various methods show that it is a widespread phenomenon occurring at variable rates. Over short periods deactivation of crop fields can be balanced through some reactivation or intensification of homegardens. But over longer periods there is a net decline in the area of fields cultivated in many areas, with corresponding increases in the area of fallow land which, through time, may undergo changes towards more natural vegetation. We review the drivers of this deactivation of field cropping, and then contemplate the possible socio-economic and ecological implications at local and national scales. We show that there are numerous and profound implications that require greater understanding and policy responses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Deeper knowledge of shallow waters: reviewing the invertebrate fauna of southern African temporary wetlands
- Bird, Matthew S, Mlambo, Musa C, Wasserman, Ryan J, Dalu, Tatenda, Holland, Alexandra J, Day, Jenny A, Villet, Martin H, Bilton, David T, Barber-James, Helen M, Brendonck, Luc
- Authors: Bird, Matthew S , Mlambo, Musa C , Wasserman, Ryan J , Dalu, Tatenda , Holland, Alexandra J , Day, Jenny A , Villet, Martin H , Bilton, David T , Barber-James, Helen M , Brendonck, Luc
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140784 , vital:37918 , DOI: 10.1007/s10750-018-3772-z
- Description: Temporary lentic wetlands are becoming increasingly recognised for their collective role in contributing to biodiversity at the landscape scale. In southern Africa, a region with a high density of such wetlands, information characterising the fauna of these systems is disparate and often obscurely published. Here we provide a collation and synthesis of published research on the aquatic invertebrate fauna inhabiting temporary lentic wetlands of the region. We expose the poor taxonomic knowledge of most groups, which makes it difficult to comment on patterns of richness and endemism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Bird, Matthew S , Mlambo, Musa C , Wasserman, Ryan J , Dalu, Tatenda , Holland, Alexandra J , Day, Jenny A , Villet, Martin H , Bilton, David T , Barber-James, Helen M , Brendonck, Luc
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/140784 , vital:37918 , DOI: 10.1007/s10750-018-3772-z
- Description: Temporary lentic wetlands are becoming increasingly recognised for their collective role in contributing to biodiversity at the landscape scale. In southern Africa, a region with a high density of such wetlands, information characterising the fauna of these systems is disparate and often obscurely published. Here we provide a collation and synthesis of published research on the aquatic invertebrate fauna inhabiting temporary lentic wetlands of the region. We expose the poor taxonomic knowledge of most groups, which makes it difficult to comment on patterns of richness and endemism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Design and evaluation of bulk data transfer extensions for the NFComms framework
- Bradshaw, Karen L, Irwin, Barry V W, Pennefather, Sean
- Authors: Bradshaw, Karen L , Irwin, Barry V W , Pennefather, Sean
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430369 , vital:72686 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC-1d75c01e79
- Description: We present the design and implementation of an indirect messaging extension for the existing NFComms framework that provides communication between a network flow processor and host CPU. This extension addresses the bulk throughput limitations of the framework and is intended to work in conjunction with existing communication mediums. Testing of the framework extensions shows an increase in throughput performance of up to 268 that of the current direct message passing framework at the cost of increased single message latency of up to 2. This trade-off is considered acceptable as the proposed extensions are intended for bulk data transfer only while the existing message passing functionality of the framework is preserved and can be used in situations where low latency is required for small messages.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Bradshaw, Karen L , Irwin, Barry V W , Pennefather, Sean
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/430369 , vital:72686 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC-1d75c01e79
- Description: We present the design and implementation of an indirect messaging extension for the existing NFComms framework that provides communication between a network flow processor and host CPU. This extension addresses the bulk throughput limitations of the framework and is intended to work in conjunction with existing communication mediums. Testing of the framework extensions shows an increase in throughput performance of up to 268 that of the current direct message passing framework at the cost of increased single message latency of up to 2. This trade-off is considered acceptable as the proposed extensions are intended for bulk data transfer only while the existing message passing functionality of the framework is preserved and can be used in situations where low latency is required for small messages.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Design, evaluation and optimization of taste masked clarithromycin powder
- Ntemi, Pascal V, Walker, Roderick B, Khamanga, Sandile M
- Authors: Ntemi, Pascal V , Walker, Roderick B , Khamanga, Sandile M
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183503 , vital:44001 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1691/ph.2019.8116"
- Description: Clarithromycin (CLA) is an extremely bitter macrolide antibiotic used to treat paediatric and adult infections. The bitter taste affects patient adherence and may compromise therapy. This research developed a taste masked CLA resinate using Indion® 234, a weak acidic cation exchange resin. The factors affecting formation of the CLA-resin complex were assessed. Design of experiments was used to optimize response while evaluating input variables such as temperature, CLA-resin ratio,stirring time and pH. CLA loading efficiency was determined spectrophotometrically and CLA release using USP Apparatus II. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Scanning Electron Microscop (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) were used to confirm complex formation. A spectrophotometric method was used to assess taste evaluation. The optimum CLA-resin ratio, temperature, and stirring time were 1:4, 80 °C, 3 hours, respectively, at pH 8. Characterization techniques revealed that CLA was crystalline and the complex amorphous in nature. FT-IR spectra of resinate revealed the absence of resonance due to the tertiary amine functional group that is responsible for the bitter taste of CLA. CLA was stable in simulated salivary fluid and was released within 3 hours in gastric fluid. All CLAresin batches revealed complete taste masking. Taste analysis highlighted the improvement of taste masking properties of the resinate as the CLA to resin ratio, increased.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ntemi, Pascal V , Walker, Roderick B , Khamanga, Sandile M
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183503 , vital:44001 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1691/ph.2019.8116"
- Description: Clarithromycin (CLA) is an extremely bitter macrolide antibiotic used to treat paediatric and adult infections. The bitter taste affects patient adherence and may compromise therapy. This research developed a taste masked CLA resinate using Indion® 234, a weak acidic cation exchange resin. The factors affecting formation of the CLA-resin complex were assessed. Design of experiments was used to optimize response while evaluating input variables such as temperature, CLA-resin ratio,stirring time and pH. CLA loading efficiency was determined spectrophotometrically and CLA release using USP Apparatus II. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Scanning Electron Microscop (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) were used to confirm complex formation. A spectrophotometric method was used to assess taste evaluation. The optimum CLA-resin ratio, temperature, and stirring time were 1:4, 80 °C, 3 hours, respectively, at pH 8. Characterization techniques revealed that CLA was crystalline and the complex amorphous in nature. FT-IR spectra of resinate revealed the absence of resonance due to the tertiary amine functional group that is responsible for the bitter taste of CLA. CLA was stable in simulated salivary fluid and was released within 3 hours in gastric fluid. All CLAresin batches revealed complete taste masking. Taste analysis highlighted the improvement of taste masking properties of the resinate as the CLA to resin ratio, increased.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Developing Mother Tongues as Academic Languages in Primary Schools in Kenya: Exploring Extent and Indispensability
- Mose, Peter N, Kaschula, Russell H
- Authors: Mose, Peter N , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174793 , vital:42510 , https://doi.org/10.1080/15348458.2019.1645605
- Description: The language in education policy in Kenya recommends mother tongue education in primary school learning. The purpose of this study was to explore the development of mother tongues as academic languages at the lower primary section in which the languages are supposed to be used. The exploration was on the functions they play in classroom instruction and if they are dispensable or otherwise. Ekegusii was used as a case study. Data were obtained through classroom observations and administration of semi-structured interviews with lower primary teachers. The findings indicate that mother tongues play important pedagogical functions in grades 1 up to 3, but not exactly as contemplated in the language policy. Secondly, mother tongues are indispensable in classroom teaching in spite of negative attitude towards their use.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mose, Peter N , Kaschula, Russell H
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174793 , vital:42510 , https://doi.org/10.1080/15348458.2019.1645605
- Description: The language in education policy in Kenya recommends mother tongue education in primary school learning. The purpose of this study was to explore the development of mother tongues as academic languages at the lower primary section in which the languages are supposed to be used. The exploration was on the functions they play in classroom instruction and if they are dispensable or otherwise. Ekegusii was used as a case study. Data were obtained through classroom observations and administration of semi-structured interviews with lower primary teachers. The findings indicate that mother tongues play important pedagogical functions in grades 1 up to 3, but not exactly as contemplated in the language policy. Secondly, mother tongues are indispensable in classroom teaching in spite of negative attitude towards their use.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Development and Validation of a Stability-indicating RP-HPLC Method Using Quality by Design for Estimating Captopril
- Veerubhotla, Krishna, Walker, Roderick B
- Authors: Veerubhotla, Krishna , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183525 , vital:44003 , xlink:href="10.4172/pharmaceutical-sciences.1000478"
- Description: The applicability of a quality by design framework for the development of a sensitive, simple and selective, stability-indicating reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography analytical method for the analysis of captopril was investigated. Design of experiments using a central composite design approach was used for method development. Twenty experimental runs were performed with acetonitrile content ranging between 28 and 36 % v/v, pH from 2.8 to 3.6 and temperature between 22° and 32°. The experimental data obtained was used to derive a quadratic model for the retention time of captopril. The optimized method produced sharp peaks with good resolution (>2) for captopril and the internal standard with retention times of 3.1 and 6.2 min, respectively. The experimental data revealed that acetonitrile content in the mobile phase and pH are significant factors that affect the retention time and resolution of captopril. Normal probability plots revealed that the residual and predicted data fall approximately on a straight line, indicating that the experimental error for these studies was evenly distributed suggesting that the model could be used to navigate the design space. This approach is useful to expedite method development and optimization activities in analytical laboratories.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Veerubhotla, Krishna , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183525 , vital:44003 , xlink:href="10.4172/pharmaceutical-sciences.1000478"
- Description: The applicability of a quality by design framework for the development of a sensitive, simple and selective, stability-indicating reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography analytical method for the analysis of captopril was investigated. Design of experiments using a central composite design approach was used for method development. Twenty experimental runs were performed with acetonitrile content ranging between 28 and 36 % v/v, pH from 2.8 to 3.6 and temperature between 22° and 32°. The experimental data obtained was used to derive a quadratic model for the retention time of captopril. The optimized method produced sharp peaks with good resolution (>2) for captopril and the internal standard with retention times of 3.1 and 6.2 min, respectively. The experimental data revealed that acetonitrile content in the mobile phase and pH are significant factors that affect the retention time and resolution of captopril. Normal probability plots revealed that the residual and predicted data fall approximately on a straight line, indicating that the experimental error for these studies was evenly distributed suggesting that the model could be used to navigate the design space. This approach is useful to expedite method development and optimization activities in analytical laboratories.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Development, manufacture and characterization of niosomes for the delivery for nevirapine
- Witika, Bwalya A, Walker, Roderick B
- Authors: Witika, Bwalya A , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183514 , vital:44002 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1691/ph.2019.8168"
- Description: Nevirapine (NVP), used for the treatment of HIV/AIDS, exhibits unpredictable oral bioavailability, has a poor side effect profile and requires frequent dosing. Niosomes are novel drug delivery systems that have the potential to overcome these challenges. A thin layer hydration approach was used to produce niosomes and optimisation was undertaken using design of experiments (DoE) and response surface methodology (RSM) establish and identify parameters that may affect the manufacture of niosomes. The impact of cholesterol and surfactant content, hydration time and temperature on manufacture was investigated. Critical quality attributes (CQA) in respect of particle size (PS), entrapment efficiency (EE), polydispersity index (PDI) and the amount of NVP released at 48 hours was also assessed. The optimised niosome composition was identified and manufactured and the CQA characterised prior to placing the batch on stability for 12 weeks at 4±2 °C and 22±2 °C. The PS, PDI, EE and % NVP released at 48 h was 523.36±23.16 nm, 0.386±0.054, 96.8 % and 25.3 % for niosomes manufactured with Span® 20. Similarly, the parameters were 502.87±21.77 nm and 0.394±0.027, 98.0 % and 25.0 % for mean PS, PDI, EE and %NVP released at 48 h for Span® 80 niosomes. All characterisation was undertaken on the day of manufacture. In conclusion, a simple, cheap, rapid and precise method of manufacture of NVP niosomes was developed, validated and optimised using DoE and RSM and the product exhibited the target CQA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Witika, Bwalya A , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/183514 , vital:44002 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1691/ph.2019.8168"
- Description: Nevirapine (NVP), used for the treatment of HIV/AIDS, exhibits unpredictable oral bioavailability, has a poor side effect profile and requires frequent dosing. Niosomes are novel drug delivery systems that have the potential to overcome these challenges. A thin layer hydration approach was used to produce niosomes and optimisation was undertaken using design of experiments (DoE) and response surface methodology (RSM) establish and identify parameters that may affect the manufacture of niosomes. The impact of cholesterol and surfactant content, hydration time and temperature on manufacture was investigated. Critical quality attributes (CQA) in respect of particle size (PS), entrapment efficiency (EE), polydispersity index (PDI) and the amount of NVP released at 48 hours was also assessed. The optimised niosome composition was identified and manufactured and the CQA characterised prior to placing the batch on stability for 12 weeks at 4±2 °C and 22±2 °C. The PS, PDI, EE and % NVP released at 48 h was 523.36±23.16 nm, 0.386±0.054, 96.8 % and 25.3 % for niosomes manufactured with Span® 20. Similarly, the parameters were 502.87±21.77 nm and 0.394±0.027, 98.0 % and 25.0 % for mean PS, PDI, EE and %NVP released at 48 h for Span® 80 niosomes. All characterisation was undertaken on the day of manufacture. In conclusion, a simple, cheap, rapid and precise method of manufacture of NVP niosomes was developed, validated and optimised using DoE and RSM and the product exhibited the target CQA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Differences in the use of surface water resources by desert birds are revealed using isotopic tracers
- Smit, Ben, Woodborne, Stephan, Wolf, Blair O, McKechnie, Andrew E
- Authors: Smit, Ben , Woodborne, Stephan , Wolf, Blair O , McKechnie, Andrew E
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/440532 , vital:73790 , https://doi.org/10.1093/auk/uky005
- Description: The scarcity of free-standing water sources is a key determinant of animal and plant community structure in arid environments, and an understanding of the extent to which particular species use surface water is vital for modeling the effects of climate change on desert avifauna. We investigated interspecific variation in the use of artificial water sources among birds in the Kalahari Desert, South Africa, by (i) observations at waterholes and (ii) tracing spatial water-use patterns during summer by isotopically labeled water sources and blood sampling. More than 50% of the avian community (primarily insectivores and omnivores) were not observed to drink. The majority (53%) of species drinking at waterholes were granivorous, and their use of surface water was best predicted by their relative abundance in the community. Species representing the remaining dietary guilds drank significantly more on hot days. Blood samples revealed that only 11 of 42 species (mostly granivores and a few omnivores) showed evidence of drinking at a waterhole with enriched deuterium values; on average, in the latter birds, water from the enriched waterhole accounted for ~38% of their body water pool. These findings illustrate that 2 methods employed in this study provide different, but complementary data on the relative importance of a water source for an avian community. Although our results suggest that most avian species are independent of surface water, drinking patterns on the hottest days during our study period suggest that free-standing water might become more important for some of the non-drinking species under hotter climatic conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Smit, Ben , Woodborne, Stephan , Wolf, Blair O , McKechnie, Andrew E
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/440532 , vital:73790 , https://doi.org/10.1093/auk/uky005
- Description: The scarcity of free-standing water sources is a key determinant of animal and plant community structure in arid environments, and an understanding of the extent to which particular species use surface water is vital for modeling the effects of climate change on desert avifauna. We investigated interspecific variation in the use of artificial water sources among birds in the Kalahari Desert, South Africa, by (i) observations at waterholes and (ii) tracing spatial water-use patterns during summer by isotopically labeled water sources and blood sampling. More than 50% of the avian community (primarily insectivores and omnivores) were not observed to drink. The majority (53%) of species drinking at waterholes were granivorous, and their use of surface water was best predicted by their relative abundance in the community. Species representing the remaining dietary guilds drank significantly more on hot days. Blood samples revealed that only 11 of 42 species (mostly granivores and a few omnivores) showed evidence of drinking at a waterhole with enriched deuterium values; on average, in the latter birds, water from the enriched waterhole accounted for ~38% of their body water pool. These findings illustrate that 2 methods employed in this study provide different, but complementary data on the relative importance of a water source for an avian community. Although our results suggest that most avian species are independent of surface water, drinking patterns on the hottest days during our study period suggest that free-standing water might become more important for some of the non-drinking species under hotter climatic conditions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Discorhabdin N, a South African Natural Compound, for Hsp72 and Hsc70 Allosteric Modulation: combined study of molecular modeling and dynamic residue network analysis
- Amusengeri, Arnold, Tastan Bishop, Özlem
- Authors: Amusengeri, Arnold , Tastan Bishop, Özlem
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/162949 , vital:40999 , https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24010188
- Description: The human heat shock proteins (Hsps), predominantly Hsp72 and Hsp90, have been strongly implicated in various critical stages of oncogenesis and progression of human cancers. While drug development has extensively focused on Hsp90 as a potential anticancer target, much less effort has been put against Hsp72. This work investigated the therapeutic potential of Hsp72 and its constitutive isoform, Hsc70, via in silico-based screening against the South African Natural Compounds Database (SANCDB). A comparative modeling approach was used to obtain nearly full-length 3D structures of the closed conformation of Hsp72 and Hsc70 proteins. Molecular docking of SANCDB compounds identified one potential allosteric modulator, Discorhabdin N, binding to the allosteric β substrate binding domain (SBDβ) back pocket, with good binding affinities in both cases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Amusengeri, Arnold , Tastan Bishop, Özlem
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/162949 , vital:40999 , https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24010188
- Description: The human heat shock proteins (Hsps), predominantly Hsp72 and Hsp90, have been strongly implicated in various critical stages of oncogenesis and progression of human cancers. While drug development has extensively focused on Hsp90 as a potential anticancer target, much less effort has been put against Hsp72. This work investigated the therapeutic potential of Hsp72 and its constitutive isoform, Hsc70, via in silico-based screening against the South African Natural Compounds Database (SANCDB). A comparative modeling approach was used to obtain nearly full-length 3D structures of the closed conformation of Hsp72 and Hsc70 proteins. Molecular docking of SANCDB compounds identified one potential allosteric modulator, Discorhabdin N, binding to the allosteric β substrate binding domain (SBDβ) back pocket, with good binding affinities in both cases.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Dual phototransformation of the pollutants methyl orange and Cr (VI) using phthalocyanine-cobalt ferrite based magnetic nanocomposites
- Mapukata, Sivuyisiwe, Osifeko, Olawale L, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mapukata, Sivuyisiwe , Osifeko, Olawale L , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187059 , vital:44561 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01509"
- Description: Bifunctional nanocomposites based on zinc phthalocyanines and glutathione capped CoFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles (GSH-CoFe2O4 MNPs) are applied in a binary system wherein simultaneous photooxidation of methyl orange (MO) and photoreduction of Cr (VI) are conducted. The photoactivity of two zinc Pcs with different functional moieties are compared based on their interactions with GSH-CoFe2O4 MNPs. Conjugation of the Pcs to the GSH-CoFe2O4 MNPs not only enhanced their singlet oxygen production but also their photocatalytic activity in both photooxidation and photoreduction experiments. Using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, the Pc-MNP conjugates reported herein were found to exhibit superparamagnetic behaviour, giving the advantage of easy separation using an external magnetic field post application, an attractive attribute for heterogeneous catalysis. The catalysts reported herein are therefore good candidates as catalysts for real life water purification analyses as they facilitate the treatment of both organic and inorganic water pollutants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mapukata, Sivuyisiwe , Osifeko, Olawale L , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187059 , vital:44561 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01509"
- Description: Bifunctional nanocomposites based on zinc phthalocyanines and glutathione capped CoFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles (GSH-CoFe2O4 MNPs) are applied in a binary system wherein simultaneous photooxidation of methyl orange (MO) and photoreduction of Cr (VI) are conducted. The photoactivity of two zinc Pcs with different functional moieties are compared based on their interactions with GSH-CoFe2O4 MNPs. Conjugation of the Pcs to the GSH-CoFe2O4 MNPs not only enhanced their singlet oxygen production but also their photocatalytic activity in both photooxidation and photoreduction experiments. Using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, the Pc-MNP conjugates reported herein were found to exhibit superparamagnetic behaviour, giving the advantage of easy separation using an external magnetic field post application, an attractive attribute for heterogeneous catalysis. The catalysts reported herein are therefore good candidates as catalysts for real life water purification analyses as they facilitate the treatment of both organic and inorganic water pollutants.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Ecological connectivity between the areas beyond national jurisdiction and coastal waters: Safeguarding interests of coastal communities in developing countries
- Popova, Ekaterina, Vousden, David, Sauer, Warwick H H, Mohammed, Essam Y, Allain, Valerie, Downey-Breedt, Nicola, Fletcher, Ruth, Gjerde, Kristina M, Halpin, Patrick, Kelly, Stephen, Obura, David, Pecl, Gretta T, Roberts, Michael, Raitsos, Dionysios E, Rogers, Alex, Samoilys, Melita, Sumaila , Ussif Rashid, Tracey, Sean, Yool, Andrew
- Authors: Popova, Ekaterina , Vousden, David , Sauer, Warwick H H , Mohammed, Essam Y , Allain, Valerie , Downey-Breedt, Nicola , Fletcher, Ruth , Gjerde, Kristina M , Halpin, Patrick , Kelly, Stephen , Obura, David , Pecl, Gretta T , Roberts, Michael , Raitsos, Dionysios E , Rogers, Alex , Samoilys, Melita , Sumaila , Ussif Rashid , Tracey, Sean , Yool, Andrew
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/124331 , vital:35594 , https://doi.10.1016/j.marpol.2019.02.050
- Description: The UN General Assembly has made a unanimous decision to start negotiations to establish an international, legally-binding instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity within Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ). However, there has of yet been little discussion on the importance of this move to the ecosystem services provided by coastal zones in their downstream zone of influence. Here, we identify the ecological connectivity between ABNJ and coastal zones as critically important in the negotiation process and apply several approaches to identify some priority areas for protection from the perspective of coastal populations of Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Initially, we review the scientific evidence that demonstrates ecological connectivity between ABNJ and the coastal zones with a focus on the LDCs. We then use ocean modelling to develop a number of metrics and spatial maps that serve to quantify the connectivity of the ABNJ to the coastal zone. We find that the level of exposure to the ABNJ influences varies strongly between countries. Similarly, not all areas of the ABNJ are equal in their impacts on the coastline. Using this method, we identify the areas of the ABNJ that are in the most urgent need of protection on the grounds of the strength of their potential downstream impacts on the coastal populations of LDCs. We argue that indirect negative impacts of the ABNJ fishing, industrialisation and pollution, communicated via oceanographic, cultural and ecological connectivity to the coastal waters of the developing countries should be of concern.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Popova, Ekaterina , Vousden, David , Sauer, Warwick H H , Mohammed, Essam Y , Allain, Valerie , Downey-Breedt, Nicola , Fletcher, Ruth , Gjerde, Kristina M , Halpin, Patrick , Kelly, Stephen , Obura, David , Pecl, Gretta T , Roberts, Michael , Raitsos, Dionysios E , Rogers, Alex , Samoilys, Melita , Sumaila , Ussif Rashid , Tracey, Sean , Yool, Andrew
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/124331 , vital:35594 , https://doi.10.1016/j.marpol.2019.02.050
- Description: The UN General Assembly has made a unanimous decision to start negotiations to establish an international, legally-binding instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity within Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ). However, there has of yet been little discussion on the importance of this move to the ecosystem services provided by coastal zones in their downstream zone of influence. Here, we identify the ecological connectivity between ABNJ and coastal zones as critically important in the negotiation process and apply several approaches to identify some priority areas for protection from the perspective of coastal populations of Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Initially, we review the scientific evidence that demonstrates ecological connectivity between ABNJ and the coastal zones with a focus on the LDCs. We then use ocean modelling to develop a number of metrics and spatial maps that serve to quantify the connectivity of the ABNJ to the coastal zone. We find that the level of exposure to the ABNJ influences varies strongly between countries. Similarly, not all areas of the ABNJ are equal in their impacts on the coastline. Using this method, we identify the areas of the ABNJ that are in the most urgent need of protection on the grounds of the strength of their potential downstream impacts on the coastal populations of LDCs. We argue that indirect negative impacts of the ABNJ fishing, industrialisation and pollution, communicated via oceanographic, cultural and ecological connectivity to the coastal waters of the developing countries should be of concern.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Effect of bromination on the optical limiting properties at 532 nm of BODIPY dyes with p-benzyloxystyryl groups at the 3, 5-positions
- Ngoy, Bokolombe P, May, Aviwe K, Mack, John, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Ngoy, Bokolombe P , May, Aviwe K , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187507 , vital:44665 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2018.08.012"
- Description: The optical limiting (OL) properties of 3,5-di-p-benzyloxystyrylBODIPY dyes that contain both protons and bromine atoms at the 2,6-positions have been investigated by using the Z-scan technique at 532 nm on the nanosecond timescale. There is relatively weak absorbance at 532 nm under ambient light conditions, because the incorporation of p-benzyloxystyryl groups at the 3,5-positions results in a ca. 140 nm red shift of the main BODIPY spectral band to the 640–670 nm range. Reverse saturable absorbance (RSA) profiles that are consistent with an excited state absorption (ESA) mechanism involving the T1 and/or S1 states are observed in CH2Cl2 solution. Second order hyperpolarizability values of ca. 8 × 10−30 esu are obtained and this demonstrates that the dyes are potentially suitable for use in OL applications at 532 nm. There is a slight enhancement of the OL properties upon bromination, due to increased intersystem crossing to the triplet manifold, but the enhancement of the OL properties is less significant than has been observed with metal phthalocyanine complexes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Ngoy, Bokolombe P , May, Aviwe K , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187507 , vital:44665 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2018.08.012"
- Description: The optical limiting (OL) properties of 3,5-di-p-benzyloxystyrylBODIPY dyes that contain both protons and bromine atoms at the 2,6-positions have been investigated by using the Z-scan technique at 532 nm on the nanosecond timescale. There is relatively weak absorbance at 532 nm under ambient light conditions, because the incorporation of p-benzyloxystyryl groups at the 3,5-positions results in a ca. 140 nm red shift of the main BODIPY spectral band to the 640–670 nm range. Reverse saturable absorbance (RSA) profiles that are consistent with an excited state absorption (ESA) mechanism involving the T1 and/or S1 states are observed in CH2Cl2 solution. Second order hyperpolarizability values of ca. 8 × 10−30 esu are obtained and this demonstrates that the dyes are potentially suitable for use in OL applications at 532 nm. There is a slight enhancement of the OL properties upon bromination, due to increased intersystem crossing to the triplet manifold, but the enhancement of the OL properties is less significant than has been observed with metal phthalocyanine complexes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Effect of gold nanoparticle shape on the photophysicochemical properties of sulphur containing metallophthalocyanines
- Dube, Edith, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Dube, Edith , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187048 , vital:44559 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2018.12.091"
- Description: In this work tetrakise[(thiopheneethoxy) phthalocyaninato] zinc(II) (1), tetrakise[(thiopheneethoxy) phthalocyaninato] indium (II) chloride (2), tetrakis [(benzo [d]thiazol-2-yl phenoxy) phthalocyaninato] zinc(II) (3), and tetrakis [(benzo [d]thiazol-2-yl phenoxy)phthalocyaninato] indium (II) chloride (4) were linked to both gold nanospheres (AuNSs) and gold nanotriangles (AuNTs) via Au-S and Au-N (the latter for complexes 3 and 4 only) self assembly. The photophysicochemical behaviour of complexes and their conjugates were studied. The conjugates yielded improved triplet and singlet quantum yields, with nanospheres displaying better properties than nanotriangles. The conjugates with a benzothiazole phenoxy substituent also yielded better properties than their thiophene ethoxy counterpart. These conjugates especially those with a benzothiazole phenoxy substituent have potential as photosensitisers for photodynamic therapy applications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Dube, Edith , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187048 , vital:44559 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2018.12.091"
- Description: In this work tetrakise[(thiopheneethoxy) phthalocyaninato] zinc(II) (1), tetrakise[(thiopheneethoxy) phthalocyaninato] indium (II) chloride (2), tetrakis [(benzo [d]thiazol-2-yl phenoxy) phthalocyaninato] zinc(II) (3), and tetrakis [(benzo [d]thiazol-2-yl phenoxy)phthalocyaninato] indium (II) chloride (4) were linked to both gold nanospheres (AuNSs) and gold nanotriangles (AuNTs) via Au-S and Au-N (the latter for complexes 3 and 4 only) self assembly. The photophysicochemical behaviour of complexes and their conjugates were studied. The conjugates yielded improved triplet and singlet quantum yields, with nanospheres displaying better properties than nanotriangles. The conjugates with a benzothiazole phenoxy substituent also yielded better properties than their thiophene ethoxy counterpart. These conjugates especially those with a benzothiazole phenoxy substituent have potential as photosensitisers for photodynamic therapy applications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Effect of gold nanoparticles shape and size on the photophysicochemical behaviour of symmetric and asymmetric zinc phthalocyanines
- Dube, Edith, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Dube, Edith , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187569 , vital:44672 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlumin.2018.09.063"
- Description: Glutathione (GSH) capped Au nanotriangles (AuNTs–GSH) and nanospheres (AuNSs–GSH) are covalently linked to symmetric Zn phthalocyanine (ZnPc) substituted with phenoxy propanoic acid substituents only (complex 1) and two asymmetric ZnPc, each containing one phenoxy propanoic acid and three benzothiazole phenoxy moieties (complex 2), and one phenoxy propanoic acid and no other ligands (complex 3). The photophysicochemical behaviour of Pc complexes and their conjugates were studied. All conjugates displayed improved triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yields with decreases in fluorescence quantum yields compared to their respective Pc complexes. The conjugates of asymmetric complexes 2 and 3, afforded much higher triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yields compared to the symmetric complex 1, and could serve as good candidates for photodynamic therapy
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Dube, Edith , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187569 , vital:44672 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jlumin.2018.09.063"
- Description: Glutathione (GSH) capped Au nanotriangles (AuNTs–GSH) and nanospheres (AuNSs–GSH) are covalently linked to symmetric Zn phthalocyanine (ZnPc) substituted with phenoxy propanoic acid substituents only (complex 1) and two asymmetric ZnPc, each containing one phenoxy propanoic acid and three benzothiazole phenoxy moieties (complex 2), and one phenoxy propanoic acid and no other ligands (complex 3). The photophysicochemical behaviour of Pc complexes and their conjugates were studied. All conjugates displayed improved triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yields with decreases in fluorescence quantum yields compared to their respective Pc complexes. The conjugates of asymmetric complexes 2 and 3, afforded much higher triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yields compared to the symmetric complex 1, and could serve as good candidates for photodynamic therapy
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Effect of symmetry and metal nanoparticles on the photophysicochemical and photodynamic therapy properties of cinnamic acid zinc phthalocyanine
- Matlou, Gauta G, Managa, Muthumuni, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Matlou, Gauta G , Managa, Muthumuni , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187026 , vital:44557 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2019.02.005"
- Description: In this study, a novel asymmetric cinnamic acid zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc, 1) containing three tert-butyl substituents is reported. The asymmetric ZnPc (1) is further linked to amino functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (AMNPs) (1-AMNPs) and to cysteine functionalized silver nanoparticles (cys-AgNPs) (1-cys-AgNPs) through an amide bond. 1-AMNPs and 1-cys-AgNPs improved the triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yields of complex 1, this was also observed with the previously reported 2-AMNPs when compared to 2 while 3-AMNPs yielded an unexpected decrease in triplet quantum yield as compared to 3. The silver nanoparticles (1-cys-AgNPs) had a better effect on improving the singlet oxygen quantum yield of complex 1 than the magnetic nanoparticles (1- AMNPs). The Pcs and conjugates recorded low cell cytotoxicity in the dark and high photocytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells in-vitro. MCF-7 cell viabilities of less than 50% were recorded at 80 μg/mL making the Pcs and conjugates under study potential candidates for use as photosensitizers in cancer therapy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Matlou, Gauta G , Managa, Muthumuni , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187026 , vital:44557 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2019.02.005"
- Description: In this study, a novel asymmetric cinnamic acid zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc, 1) containing three tert-butyl substituents is reported. The asymmetric ZnPc (1) is further linked to amino functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (AMNPs) (1-AMNPs) and to cysteine functionalized silver nanoparticles (cys-AgNPs) (1-cys-AgNPs) through an amide bond. 1-AMNPs and 1-cys-AgNPs improved the triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yields of complex 1, this was also observed with the previously reported 2-AMNPs when compared to 2 while 3-AMNPs yielded an unexpected decrease in triplet quantum yield as compared to 3. The silver nanoparticles (1-cys-AgNPs) had a better effect on improving the singlet oxygen quantum yield of complex 1 than the magnetic nanoparticles (1- AMNPs). The Pcs and conjugates recorded low cell cytotoxicity in the dark and high photocytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells in-vitro. MCF-7 cell viabilities of less than 50% were recorded at 80 μg/mL making the Pcs and conjugates under study potential candidates for use as photosensitizers in cancer therapy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Eight decades of invasion by Chromolaena odorata (Asteraceae) and its biological control in West Africa: the story so far
- Aigbedion-Atalor, Pascal O, Adom, Medetissi, Day, Michael D, Uyi, Osariyekemwen, Egbon, Ikponmwosa N, Idemudia, I, Igbinosa, Igho B, Paterson, Iain D, Braimah, Haruna, Wilson, David D, Zachariades, Costas
- Authors: Aigbedion-Atalor, Pascal O , Adom, Medetissi , Day, Michael D , Uyi, Osariyekemwen , Egbon, Ikponmwosa N , Idemudia, I , Igbinosa, Igho B , Paterson, Iain D , Braimah, Haruna , Wilson, David D , Zachariades, Costas
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/417450 , vital:71454 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2019.1670782"
- Description: Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King and H. Robinson (Asteraceae) is a perennial weedy shrub of neotropical origin and a serious biotic threat in its invasive range. The Asian-West Africa (AWA) biotype of C. odorata present in West Africa is both morphologically and genetically different from the southern African (SA) biotype. The AWA biotype was first introduced into Nigeria in the late 1930s and rapidly spread across West Africa. Currently, 12 of the 16 countries in West Africa have been invaded, with significant negative effects on indigenous flora and fauna. However, locals in West Africa have found several uses for the weed. As chemical, physical and other conventional methods were unsustainable, costly and largely ineffective, three biological control agents, Apion brunneonigrum (Coleoptera: Brentidae), Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) and Cecidochares connexa (Diptera: Tephritidae), have been released in West Africa between the 1970s and the early 2000s. However, only C. connexa and P. pseudoinsulata established, contributing to the control of the weed, in six and four countries in West Africa respectively. Limited research funding, the absence of post-release evaluations of the established agents, and the ‘conflict of interest’ status of C. odorata (i.e. being beneficial for local use but damaging to ecosystem services and agriculture), are serious factors deterring the overall biological control effort. Here, using historical records and field surveys, we examine the invasion history, spread, impacts, and management of C. odorata in West Africa and make recommendations for the sustainable management of C. odorata in the region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Aigbedion-Atalor, Pascal O , Adom, Medetissi , Day, Michael D , Uyi, Osariyekemwen , Egbon, Ikponmwosa N , Idemudia, I , Igbinosa, Igho B , Paterson, Iain D , Braimah, Haruna , Wilson, David D , Zachariades, Costas
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/417450 , vital:71454 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2019.1670782"
- Description: Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King and H. Robinson (Asteraceae) is a perennial weedy shrub of neotropical origin and a serious biotic threat in its invasive range. The Asian-West Africa (AWA) biotype of C. odorata present in West Africa is both morphologically and genetically different from the southern African (SA) biotype. The AWA biotype was first introduced into Nigeria in the late 1930s and rapidly spread across West Africa. Currently, 12 of the 16 countries in West Africa have been invaded, with significant negative effects on indigenous flora and fauna. However, locals in West Africa have found several uses for the weed. As chemical, physical and other conventional methods were unsustainable, costly and largely ineffective, three biological control agents, Apion brunneonigrum (Coleoptera: Brentidae), Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) and Cecidochares connexa (Diptera: Tephritidae), have been released in West Africa between the 1970s and the early 2000s. However, only C. connexa and P. pseudoinsulata established, contributing to the control of the weed, in six and four countries in West Africa respectively. Limited research funding, the absence of post-release evaluations of the established agents, and the ‘conflict of interest’ status of C. odorata (i.e. being beneficial for local use but damaging to ecosystem services and agriculture), are serious factors deterring the overall biological control effort. Here, using historical records and field surveys, we examine the invasion history, spread, impacts, and management of C. odorata in West Africa and make recommendations for the sustainable management of C. odorata in the region.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Electrocatalytic activity of a push pull Co (II) phthalocyanine in the presence of graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots
- Nxele, Siphesihle R, Oluwole, David O, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Nxele, Siphesihle R , Oluwole, David O , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186746 , vital:44530 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2019.134978"
- Description: This work reports for the first time on the use of a conjugate of graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (gCNQDs) with a push-pull asymmetrical cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) for electrochemical sensing. The nanocomposite is immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface for the use in l-cysteine electrocatalysis. The nanocomposites were characterized using techniques such as X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical methods. The nanocomposites were immobilized by the drop-dry method, sequentially or when premixed in solution. Good electrocatalytic oxidation of l-cysteine was observed, especially by the sequentially modified electrode surface, with the CoPc on top of gCNQDs. The sensitivity was determined as 3.5 μA.mM-1 and the limit of detection (LoD) as 101.3 μM for GCE-gCNQDs, 0.65 μA.mM-1 and 0.96 μM for GCE-CoPc, 23.41 μA.mM-1 and 0.41 μM for gCNQDs-CoPc (premixed) and 100.5 μA.mM-1 and 0.02 μM for gCNQDs-CoPc (sequential). The electrode surfaces also showed high stability by continuous cyclization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nxele, Siphesihle R , Oluwole, David O , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186746 , vital:44530 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2019.134978"
- Description: This work reports for the first time on the use of a conjugate of graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (gCNQDs) with a push-pull asymmetrical cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) for electrochemical sensing. The nanocomposite is immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface for the use in l-cysteine electrocatalysis. The nanocomposites were characterized using techniques such as X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, Raman spectroscopy and electrochemical methods. The nanocomposites were immobilized by the drop-dry method, sequentially or when premixed in solution. Good electrocatalytic oxidation of l-cysteine was observed, especially by the sequentially modified electrode surface, with the CoPc on top of gCNQDs. The sensitivity was determined as 3.5 μA.mM-1 and the limit of detection (LoD) as 101.3 μM for GCE-gCNQDs, 0.65 μA.mM-1 and 0.96 μM for GCE-CoPc, 23.41 μA.mM-1 and 0.41 μM for gCNQDs-CoPc (premixed) and 100.5 μA.mM-1 and 0.02 μM for gCNQDs-CoPc (sequential). The electrode surfaces also showed high stability by continuous cyclization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Electrocatalytic Activity of Asymmetrical Cobalt Phthalocyanines in the Presence of N Doped Graphene Quantum Dots: The Push-pull Effects of Substituents
- Nkhahle, Reitumetse, Sekhosana, Kutloano E, Centane, Sixolile, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Nkhahle, Reitumetse , Sekhosana, Kutloano E , Centane, Sixolile , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186904 , vital:44546 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/elan.201800837"
- Description: A series of Co phthalocyanine (CoPc) derivatives and their respective nitrogen doped graphene quantum dot conjugates were used as catalysts towards the electrooxidation of hydrazine. Using a glassy carbon electrode as a support for the electrocatalysts, through cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry, the effects of combining the CoPcs with the nitrogen doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs) were studied. The general observations made were that the NGQDs improve the catalytic activity of the CoPcs in both the p-p stacked and covalently linked conjugates by increasing the sensitivities and lowering the limits of detection with values as low as 0.43 mM being recorded.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Nkhahle, Reitumetse , Sekhosana, Kutloano E , Centane, Sixolile , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/186904 , vital:44546 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/elan.201800837"
- Description: A series of Co phthalocyanine (CoPc) derivatives and their respective nitrogen doped graphene quantum dot conjugates were used as catalysts towards the electrooxidation of hydrazine. Using a glassy carbon electrode as a support for the electrocatalysts, through cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry, the effects of combining the CoPcs with the nitrogen doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs) were studied. The general observations made were that the NGQDs improve the catalytic activity of the CoPcs in both the p-p stacked and covalently linked conjugates by increasing the sensitivities and lowering the limits of detection with values as low as 0.43 mM being recorded.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Electrocatalytic activity of ethynylbenzyl phthalocyanines when linked to quantum dots via click chemistry: Towards efficient oxygen reduction reaction and H2O2 oxidation
- Mpeta, Lekhetho S, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mpeta, Lekhetho S , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187037 , vital:44558 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelechem.2019.03.064"
- Description: This work describes the conjugation of Co, Mn and Fe tetra ethynyl benzyl phthalocyanines to CdTe/ZnS quantum dots via click chemistry. The synthesized conjugates were then immobilised on glassy carbon electrode and their electrocatalytic activity towards hydrogen peroxide oxidation and oxygen reduction investigated. CoPc (1)-QDs showed superior electrocatalytic behaviour towards hydrogen peroxide catalysis with sensitivity of 2.8 × 105 μA/mM and limit of detection of 0.023 μM. On the other hand, FePc(3)-QDs showed the best oxygen reduction activity involving a direct 4-electron mechanism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mpeta, Lekhetho S , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187037 , vital:44558 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelechem.2019.03.064"
- Description: This work describes the conjugation of Co, Mn and Fe tetra ethynyl benzyl phthalocyanines to CdTe/ZnS quantum dots via click chemistry. The synthesized conjugates were then immobilised on glassy carbon electrode and their electrocatalytic activity towards hydrogen peroxide oxidation and oxygen reduction investigated. CoPc (1)-QDs showed superior electrocatalytic behaviour towards hydrogen peroxide catalysis with sensitivity of 2.8 × 105 μA/mM and limit of detection of 0.023 μM. On the other hand, FePc(3)-QDs showed the best oxygen reduction activity involving a direct 4-electron mechanism.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Employing the Processing Capability of Mixing Consoles and Audio Interfaces to Spatialize Sound:
- Authors: Foss, Richard
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/426758 , vital:72389 , https://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=22211
- Description: Many audio interfaces and all mixing consoles have signal mixing capabilities. This paper describes an immersive sound system that employs these capabilities in order to spatialise sound sources, where these sources could be any of the inputs to these mix-capable devices. Graphic spatialisation control is provided on client devices, and 3D coordinates are sent to a server. The server uses these coordinates and speaker positions to render mix level and reverb parameter values. These values are sent to the mixer device using a control protocol. Advantages of this approach are that all inputs can be spatialised, and low-level processing is offloaded from the computer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Foss, Richard
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/426758 , vital:72389 , https://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=22211
- Description: Many audio interfaces and all mixing consoles have signal mixing capabilities. This paper describes an immersive sound system that employs these capabilities in order to spatialise sound sources, where these sources could be any of the inputs to these mix-capable devices. Graphic spatialisation control is provided on client devices, and 3D coordinates are sent to a server. The server uses these coordinates and speaker positions to render mix level and reverb parameter values. These values are sent to the mixer device using a control protocol. Advantages of this approach are that all inputs can be spatialised, and low-level processing is offloaded from the computer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019