'We pledge to improve the health of our entire community'
- Grant, Carolyn, Nawal, Dipty, Guntur, Sai Mala, Kumar, Manish, Chaudhuri, Indrajit, Galavotti, Christine, Mahapatra, Tanmay, Ranjan, Kunal, Kumar, Gangesh, Mohanty, Sunil, Alam, Mohammed Aftab, Das, Aritra, Jiwani, Safia
- Authors: Grant, Carolyn , Nawal, Dipty , Guntur, Sai Mala , Kumar, Manish , Chaudhuri, Indrajit , Galavotti, Christine , Mahapatra, Tanmay , Ranjan, Kunal , Kumar, Gangesh , Mohanty, Sunil , Alam, Mohammed Aftab , Das, Aritra , Jiwani, Safia
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/281179 , vital:55699 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0203265"
- Description: Background: Motivation is critical to health worker performance and work quality. In Bihar, India, frontline health workers provide essential health services for the state’s poorest citizens. Yet, there is a shortfall of motivated and skilled providers and a lack of coordination between two cadres of frontline health workers and their supervisors. CARE India developed an approach aimed at improving health workers’ performance by shifting work culture and strengthening teamwork and motivation. The intervention—“Team-Based Goals and Incentives”—supported health workers to work as teams towards collective goals and rewarded success with public recognition and non-financial incentives. Methods: Thirty months after initiating the intervention, 885 health workers and 98 supervisors completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire in 38 intervention and 38 control health sub-centers in one district. The questionnaire included measures of social cohesion, teamwork attitudes, self-efficacy, job satisfaction, teamwork behaviors, equitable service delivery, taking initiative, and supervisory support. We conducted bivariate analyses to examine the impact of the intervention on these psychosocial and behavioral outcomes. Results: Results show statistically significant differences across several measures between intervention and control frontline health workers, including improved teamwork (mean = 8.8 vs. 7.3), empowerment (8.5 vs. 7.4), job satisfaction (7.1 vs. 5.99) and equitable service delivery (6.7 vs. 4.99). While fewer significant differences were found for supervisors, they reported improved teamwork (8.4 vs. 5.3), and frontline health workers reported improved fulfillment of supervisory duties by their supervisors (8.9 vs. 7.6). Both frontline health workers and supervisors found public recognition and enhanced teamwork more motivating than the non-financial incentives. Conclusions: The Team-Based Goals and Incentives model reinforces intrinsic motivation and supports improvements in the teamwork, motivation, and performance of health workers. It offers an approach to practitioners and governments for improving the work environment in a resource-constrained setting and where there are multiple cadres of health workers.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Grant, Carolyn , Nawal, Dipty , Guntur, Sai Mala , Kumar, Manish , Chaudhuri, Indrajit , Galavotti, Christine , Mahapatra, Tanmay , Ranjan, Kunal , Kumar, Gangesh , Mohanty, Sunil , Alam, Mohammed Aftab , Das, Aritra , Jiwani, Safia
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/281179 , vital:55699 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0203265"
- Description: Background: Motivation is critical to health worker performance and work quality. In Bihar, India, frontline health workers provide essential health services for the state’s poorest citizens. Yet, there is a shortfall of motivated and skilled providers and a lack of coordination between two cadres of frontline health workers and their supervisors. CARE India developed an approach aimed at improving health workers’ performance by shifting work culture and strengthening teamwork and motivation. The intervention—“Team-Based Goals and Incentives”—supported health workers to work as teams towards collective goals and rewarded success with public recognition and non-financial incentives. Methods: Thirty months after initiating the intervention, 885 health workers and 98 supervisors completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire in 38 intervention and 38 control health sub-centers in one district. The questionnaire included measures of social cohesion, teamwork attitudes, self-efficacy, job satisfaction, teamwork behaviors, equitable service delivery, taking initiative, and supervisory support. We conducted bivariate analyses to examine the impact of the intervention on these psychosocial and behavioral outcomes. Results: Results show statistically significant differences across several measures between intervention and control frontline health workers, including improved teamwork (mean = 8.8 vs. 7.3), empowerment (8.5 vs. 7.4), job satisfaction (7.1 vs. 5.99) and equitable service delivery (6.7 vs. 4.99). While fewer significant differences were found for supervisors, they reported improved teamwork (8.4 vs. 5.3), and frontline health workers reported improved fulfillment of supervisory duties by their supervisors (8.9 vs. 7.6). Both frontline health workers and supervisors found public recognition and enhanced teamwork more motivating than the non-financial incentives. Conclusions: The Team-Based Goals and Incentives model reinforces intrinsic motivation and supports improvements in the teamwork, motivation, and performance of health workers. It offers an approach to practitioners and governments for improving the work environment in a resource-constrained setting and where there are multiple cadres of health workers.
- Full Text:
A critical review of sanctioned knowledge production concerning abortion in Africa: Implications for feminist health psychology
- Macleod, Catriona I, Chiweshe, Malvern T, Mavuso, Jabulile M-J J
- Authors: Macleod, Catriona I , Chiweshe, Malvern T , Mavuso, Jabulile M-J J
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/444212 , vital:74207 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105316644294"
- Description: Taking a feminist health psychology approach, we conducted a systematic review of published research on abortion featured in PsycINFO over a 7-year period. We analysed the 39 articles included in the review in terms of countries in which the research was conducted, types of research, issues covered, the way the research was framed and main findings. Despite 97per cent of abortions performed in Africa being classifiable as unsafe, there has been no engagement in knowledge production about abortion in Africa from psychologists, outside of South Africa. Given this, we outline the implications of the current knowledge base for feminism, psychology and feminist health psychology in Africa.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Macleod, Catriona I , Chiweshe, Malvern T , Mavuso, Jabulile M-J J
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/444212 , vital:74207 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105316644294"
- Description: Taking a feminist health psychology approach, we conducted a systematic review of published research on abortion featured in PsycINFO over a 7-year period. We analysed the 39 articles included in the review in terms of countries in which the research was conducted, types of research, issues covered, the way the research was framed and main findings. Despite 97per cent of abortions performed in Africa being classifiable as unsafe, there has been no engagement in knowledge production about abortion in Africa from psychologists, outside of South Africa. Given this, we outline the implications of the current knowledge base for feminism, psychology and feminist health psychology in Africa.
- Full Text:
A gold–chitosan composite with low symmetry zinc phthalocyanine for enhanced singlet oxygen generation and improved photodynamic therapy activity
- Dube, Edith, Oluwole, David O, Prinsloo, Earl, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Dube, Edith , Oluwole, David O , Prinsloo, Earl , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/233397 , vital:50087 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NJ00801A"
- Description: Novel zinc(II) 3-(4-((3,17,23-tris(4-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)phenoxy)phthalocyanine-9-yl)oxy)phenyl)propanoic acid (complex 3) was synthesised. Complex 3 was subsequently reacted with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), chitosan (CT) and a gold–chitosan (AuCT) hybrid to form 3-AuNPs, 3-CT and 3-AuCT, respectively. The conjugates afforded a decrease in fluorescence quantum yield with a corresponding increase in the triplet and singlet quantum yields compared to complex 3. The in vitro dark cytotoxicity and photodynamic therapy activity (PDT) of complex 3 and 3-AuCT composites were investigated against epithelial breast cancer cells (MCF-7) with both the samples showing minimum dark cytotoxicity. They both accounted for a cell viability of ≥90% at a concentration of ≤59.2 μg mL−1. 3-AuCT showed better PDT activity (compared to 3 alone) with less than 50% viable cells at a concentration of ≥29.6 μg mL−1 making it potentially applicable for PDT. On the other hand, AuCT displayed some activity against cancer cells, probably due to photothermal activity since gold is a light absorber, however it had more than 50% viable cells at a concentration of ≤59.2 μg mL−1.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Dube, Edith , Oluwole, David O , Prinsloo, Earl , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/233397 , vital:50087 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NJ00801A"
- Description: Novel zinc(II) 3-(4-((3,17,23-tris(4-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)phenoxy)phthalocyanine-9-yl)oxy)phenyl)propanoic acid (complex 3) was synthesised. Complex 3 was subsequently reacted with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), chitosan (CT) and a gold–chitosan (AuCT) hybrid to form 3-AuNPs, 3-CT and 3-AuCT, respectively. The conjugates afforded a decrease in fluorescence quantum yield with a corresponding increase in the triplet and singlet quantum yields compared to complex 3. The in vitro dark cytotoxicity and photodynamic therapy activity (PDT) of complex 3 and 3-AuCT composites were investigated against epithelial breast cancer cells (MCF-7) with both the samples showing minimum dark cytotoxicity. They both accounted for a cell viability of ≥90% at a concentration of ≤59.2 μg mL−1. 3-AuCT showed better PDT activity (compared to 3 alone) with less than 50% viable cells at a concentration of ≥29.6 μg mL−1 making it potentially applicable for PDT. On the other hand, AuCT displayed some activity against cancer cells, probably due to photothermal activity since gold is a light absorber, however it had more than 50% viable cells at a concentration of ≤59.2 μg mL−1.
- Full Text:
A medicinal chemistry study in nitrogen containing heterocycles
- Authors: Lunga, Mayibongwe Junior
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Indole , Tetrazoles , Antimalarials , Heat shock proteins , Plasmodium falciparum
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63521 , vital:28430
- Description: Heterocyclic structures have found extensive utility in the field of medicinal chemistry, as prominent regions of pharmacophores resulting in numerous drug treatments for many diseases. Accordingly, in this project we explored the respective antimalarial and anticancer activity exhibited by compounds featuring nitrogen containing indole and tetrazole heterocycles respectively. This thesis therefore comprises of two distinct parts. Part 1. Following the development of resistance towards traditional antimalarial therapy such as chloroquine and emerging resistance towards artemisinin combination therapies, the WHO reported the urgent need for new, effective drugs and identification of new drug targets to combat the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. In 2015 the parasite was the cause of 429 000 deaths, the majority occurring in the sub-Saharan region of Africa. This highlights the failing effectiveness of vector control strategies, reiterating the need to develop alternative control and treatment strategies. In response to this need we wanted to expand and further describe the SAR of the indole based series, indolyl-3-ethanone-α- thioethers, previously synthesized in our laboratory. These compounds were found to exhibit antimalarial activity with compounds 2.26 and 2.27 exhibiting activity against P. falciparum 3D7 in the nanomolar range. Based on these compounds we synthesized compounds 3.21 and 3.24 – 3.32 following a three step reaction pathway. Our results in this study, indicate that compound 3.28, a pnitrothiophenol analogue of 2.27 was the most active of the compounds we synthesized and furthermore was superior in activity against Plasmodium compared to 2.27. This result indicated that the presence of p-NO2 is important in enhancing anti-plasmodial activity. Comparing compounds 3.25 and 3.26 with an oxygen on the ether bridge to compounds 3.29 and 3.30 with a sulfur, we observed an increase in hydrophilicity coupled to a decrease in anti-plasmodial activity in the compounds, thus, highlighting the importance of sulfur for enhanced activity. Furthermore, we investigated bioisosteric replacement of the 5-chloro substituent present in hit compounds 2.27 and 3.28, with an electron withdrawing nitrile (3.27) and electron donating methyl (3.29) and methoxy (3.31) substituents. These substituents decreased anti-plasmodial activity, confirming that a chlorine substituent is optimal for biological activity. This study furthered our understanding of the SAR of indolyl-3-ethanone-α- thioethers for the development of potent anti-plasmodial lead compounds. Part 2. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), which disproportionately affects women of sub-Saharan Africa, is unresponsive to hormone-based therapies. This emergence presents a population of patients devoid of effective drug treatment, signaling the urgent need to develop new effective therapies with novel drug targets. Therefore, we identified our target in TNBC cells as the protein-protein interaction between the co-chaperones HOP and HSP90. We reasoned that a disruption of this interaction would ultimately result in cancer cell death via the degradation of essential oncogenic client proteins. Following a fragment screening campaign, which identified several acid and tetrazole containing hits (4.56 – 4.58) which bound to HOP, with low anticancer activity, we sought to develop synthetic methodology to elaborate our fragment hits synthesizing tetrazole containing fragments to target TNBC cell lines. We therefore proceeded to synthesize a range of multi substituted fragments (4.59 – 4.63), utilizing a nitrile (4.66) to access tetrazoles via 1,3-cycloaddition and an acid by nitrile hydrolysis. We successfully synthesized the tetrazole and acid fragments which are currently undergoing characterization for activity against TNBC. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2018
- Full Text:
- Authors: Lunga, Mayibongwe Junior
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Indole , Tetrazoles , Antimalarials , Heat shock proteins , Plasmodium falciparum
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63521 , vital:28430
- Description: Heterocyclic structures have found extensive utility in the field of medicinal chemistry, as prominent regions of pharmacophores resulting in numerous drug treatments for many diseases. Accordingly, in this project we explored the respective antimalarial and anticancer activity exhibited by compounds featuring nitrogen containing indole and tetrazole heterocycles respectively. This thesis therefore comprises of two distinct parts. Part 1. Following the development of resistance towards traditional antimalarial therapy such as chloroquine and emerging resistance towards artemisinin combination therapies, the WHO reported the urgent need for new, effective drugs and identification of new drug targets to combat the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. In 2015 the parasite was the cause of 429 000 deaths, the majority occurring in the sub-Saharan region of Africa. This highlights the failing effectiveness of vector control strategies, reiterating the need to develop alternative control and treatment strategies. In response to this need we wanted to expand and further describe the SAR of the indole based series, indolyl-3-ethanone-α- thioethers, previously synthesized in our laboratory. These compounds were found to exhibit antimalarial activity with compounds 2.26 and 2.27 exhibiting activity against P. falciparum 3D7 in the nanomolar range. Based on these compounds we synthesized compounds 3.21 and 3.24 – 3.32 following a three step reaction pathway. Our results in this study, indicate that compound 3.28, a pnitrothiophenol analogue of 2.27 was the most active of the compounds we synthesized and furthermore was superior in activity against Plasmodium compared to 2.27. This result indicated that the presence of p-NO2 is important in enhancing anti-plasmodial activity. Comparing compounds 3.25 and 3.26 with an oxygen on the ether bridge to compounds 3.29 and 3.30 with a sulfur, we observed an increase in hydrophilicity coupled to a decrease in anti-plasmodial activity in the compounds, thus, highlighting the importance of sulfur for enhanced activity. Furthermore, we investigated bioisosteric replacement of the 5-chloro substituent present in hit compounds 2.27 and 3.28, with an electron withdrawing nitrile (3.27) and electron donating methyl (3.29) and methoxy (3.31) substituents. These substituents decreased anti-plasmodial activity, confirming that a chlorine substituent is optimal for biological activity. This study furthered our understanding of the SAR of indolyl-3-ethanone-α- thioethers for the development of potent anti-plasmodial lead compounds. Part 2. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), which disproportionately affects women of sub-Saharan Africa, is unresponsive to hormone-based therapies. This emergence presents a population of patients devoid of effective drug treatment, signaling the urgent need to develop new effective therapies with novel drug targets. Therefore, we identified our target in TNBC cells as the protein-protein interaction between the co-chaperones HOP and HSP90. We reasoned that a disruption of this interaction would ultimately result in cancer cell death via the degradation of essential oncogenic client proteins. Following a fragment screening campaign, which identified several acid and tetrazole containing hits (4.56 – 4.58) which bound to HOP, with low anticancer activity, we sought to develop synthetic methodology to elaborate our fragment hits synthesizing tetrazole containing fragments to target TNBC cell lines. We therefore proceeded to synthesize a range of multi substituted fragments (4.59 – 4.63), utilizing a nitrile (4.66) to access tetrazoles via 1,3-cycloaddition and an acid by nitrile hydrolysis. We successfully synthesized the tetrazole and acid fragments which are currently undergoing characterization for activity against TNBC. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacy, 2018
- Full Text:
A peaceful revenge: Achieving structural and agential transformation in a South African context using cognitive justice and emancipatory social learning
- Authors: Burt, Jane C , James, Anna
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/392049 , vital:68717 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/14767430.2018.1550312"
- Description: This is an account of the emancipatory struggle that faces agents who seek to change the oppressive social structures associated with neo-liberalism. We begin by ‘digging amongst the bones’ of the calls for resistance that have been declared dead or assimilated/co-opted by neoliberal theorists. This leads us to unearth, then utilize, Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Steve Biko’s Black Consciousness and Shiv Visvanathan's ideas; which are examples of Roy Bhaskar’s transformative dialectic. We argue, using examples, that cognitive justice – a concept common to each of our chosen theorists – is vital in enabling emancipatory social learning. By embracing cognitive justice, the agents gained confidence, which led to their increased ability to champion community and non-academic knowledge. It also uncovered structural tensions – attendant in neoliberalism – around privilege. By articulating these tensions, the participants were able to ‘come closer together’. Such processes, initiated by ensuring cognitive justice, are possible steps in achieving universal solidarity; which is likely to be a necessary step along the path of achieving emancipation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Burt, Jane C , James, Anna
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/392049 , vital:68717 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/14767430.2018.1550312"
- Description: This is an account of the emancipatory struggle that faces agents who seek to change the oppressive social structures associated with neo-liberalism. We begin by ‘digging amongst the bones’ of the calls for resistance that have been declared dead or assimilated/co-opted by neoliberal theorists. This leads us to unearth, then utilize, Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Steve Biko’s Black Consciousness and Shiv Visvanathan's ideas; which are examples of Roy Bhaskar’s transformative dialectic. We argue, using examples, that cognitive justice – a concept common to each of our chosen theorists – is vital in enabling emancipatory social learning. By embracing cognitive justice, the agents gained confidence, which led to their increased ability to champion community and non-academic knowledge. It also uncovered structural tensions – attendant in neoliberalism – around privilege. By articulating these tensions, the participants were able to ‘come closer together’. Such processes, initiated by ensuring cognitive justice, are possible steps in achieving universal solidarity; which is likely to be a necessary step along the path of achieving emancipation.
- Full Text:
A social realist study of employability development in engineering education
- Authors: Nudelman, Gabrielle Reeve
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Critical realism , Electrical engineering -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Employability , Career education -- South Africa -- Cape Town , School-to-work transition -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62884 , vital:28307
- Description: This qualitative case study of a course pairing offered to final-year electrical engineering students at the University of Cape Town in 2015 was undertaken in order to better understand the ways in which participation in undergraduate courses can prepare engineering students for the workplace. The course pairing consisted of New Venture Planning and Professional Communication Studies. While the former aimed to expose students to the knowledge relating to starting a new business, the latter focused on teaching students how to create written and oral texts to support such an endeavour. Using Roy Bhaskar’s critical realism as a theoretical underlabourer, the study develops understandings regarding the generative mechanisms at work during the two courses. In support of this, the study posits an understanding of employability that moves beyond the acquisition of discrete workplace skills. Rather, employability is conceptualised as discursive transformation, with students being deemed “work-ready” when they develop discursive identities as engineers. Data generation took place by means of focus group and individual interviews, ethnographic observation and documentary research. Margaret Archer’s social realist tools – in particular, analytical dualism and the morphogenetic framework were used to trace the students’ transformations over the course pairing. It was argued that those students who developed discursive identities of engineers were those who, in Archer’s terms, emerged as social actors at the end of the course pairing. Two characteristics of the courses were found to enable this transformation: those parts that promoted deepened understanding of what the role of “engineer” entailed and the parts that provided spaces for students to develop their own personal identities. The findings of the study indicated that discursive identities as engineers were more likely to be developed through the group work and spaces for reflection engendered by the courses than as a result of the formal curriculum. The implications of the research are that, while a focus on employability in engineering education is valid and productive, this needs to be supported by opportunities for authentic learning experiences which afford students the opportunity to engage in learning that promotes real-life application of knowledge. , Thesis (PhD)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Education, Education, 2018
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nudelman, Gabrielle Reeve
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Critical realism , Electrical engineering -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Employability , Career education -- South Africa -- Cape Town , School-to-work transition -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: thesis , text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62884 , vital:28307
- Description: This qualitative case study of a course pairing offered to final-year electrical engineering students at the University of Cape Town in 2015 was undertaken in order to better understand the ways in which participation in undergraduate courses can prepare engineering students for the workplace. The course pairing consisted of New Venture Planning and Professional Communication Studies. While the former aimed to expose students to the knowledge relating to starting a new business, the latter focused on teaching students how to create written and oral texts to support such an endeavour. Using Roy Bhaskar’s critical realism as a theoretical underlabourer, the study develops understandings regarding the generative mechanisms at work during the two courses. In support of this, the study posits an understanding of employability that moves beyond the acquisition of discrete workplace skills. Rather, employability is conceptualised as discursive transformation, with students being deemed “work-ready” when they develop discursive identities as engineers. Data generation took place by means of focus group and individual interviews, ethnographic observation and documentary research. Margaret Archer’s social realist tools – in particular, analytical dualism and the morphogenetic framework were used to trace the students’ transformations over the course pairing. It was argued that those students who developed discursive identities of engineers were those who, in Archer’s terms, emerged as social actors at the end of the course pairing. Two characteristics of the courses were found to enable this transformation: those parts that promoted deepened understanding of what the role of “engineer” entailed and the parts that provided spaces for students to develop their own personal identities. The findings of the study indicated that discursive identities as engineers were more likely to be developed through the group work and spaces for reflection engendered by the courses than as a result of the formal curriculum. The implications of the research are that, while a focus on employability in engineering education is valid and productive, this needs to be supported by opportunities for authentic learning experiences which afford students the opportunity to engage in learning that promotes real-life application of knowledge. , Thesis (PhD)--Rhodes University, Faculty of Education, Education, 2018
- Full Text:
Aligning local government service delivery communication with digital citizen engagement: a case study of Makana Municipality
- Authors: Machiri, Mwazvita Chipo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Political participation South Africa Makana , Municipal services South Africa Makana , Communication in public administration South Africa Makana , Internet in public administration South Africa Makana , Information technology South Africa Makana , Electronic government information South Africa Makana , Government accountability South Africa Makana
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/194146 , vital:45423
- Description: The effective management of local municipalities in South Africa determines the quality of service delivery to citizens. Policies and other legislation have been implemented in an attempt to improve service delivery backlogs in South Africa since post-apartheid. However, these have not been effective in meeting community needs, hence leading to poor service delivery and increased community protests of frustration. These problems are partly linked to the lack of communication between government and citizens, and within internal government. Government needs to be held accountable for the services it provides, and improve on these services through practicing transparency, providing information to citizens, and allowing citizens to provide feedback on the various challenges experienced. Information access and communication is vital to the citizen engagement process, as this supports evidence-based engagement between citizens and government. Over the most recent years, innovative ICTs have emerged as a critical strategic tool in facilitating communication between the government and its citizens, commonly referred to as digital citizen engagement. The effective implementation of such initiatives at the local government level, especially in resource-constrained contexts, is not straightforward. This research aims to develop a guiding framework for aligning municipal communication processes with innovative ICTs to support ongoing social accountability and transparency through citizen engagement in local municipalities. The formulation of this framework is built on the Adaptive Structuration Theory, which is based on studying organisational change that occurs due to implementation and adoption of technology. Using a pragmatist approach and case study of Makana Municipality, the research study investigates a digital citizen engagement initiative called MobiSAM (Mobile Social Accountability Monitoring). The key findings from the qualitative empirical investigation indicates that there are significant social and political factors to consider when aligning Digital Citizen Engagement initiatives in a resource-constrained environment. The findings illustrated that the change and alignment process of DCE in local municipalities rely on a diverse set of inputs from different stakeholders, and a dynamic change process, which result in key citizen engagement outcomes of empowerment, accountability, transparency, and increased engagement depending – all depending on the success of the process. The extent of the outcomes will vary with the effectiveness of change management, idea generation, and participation, which Preliminaries are impacted by perceived usefulness, attitude towards the system, and the intentions of the user. The proposed framework provides a guideline for the implementation and introduction of innovations ICTs for citizen engagement at local government level. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Information Systems, 2018
- Full Text:
- Authors: Machiri, Mwazvita Chipo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Political participation South Africa Makana , Municipal services South Africa Makana , Communication in public administration South Africa Makana , Internet in public administration South Africa Makana , Information technology South Africa Makana , Electronic government information South Africa Makana , Government accountability South Africa Makana
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/194146 , vital:45423
- Description: The effective management of local municipalities in South Africa determines the quality of service delivery to citizens. Policies and other legislation have been implemented in an attempt to improve service delivery backlogs in South Africa since post-apartheid. However, these have not been effective in meeting community needs, hence leading to poor service delivery and increased community protests of frustration. These problems are partly linked to the lack of communication between government and citizens, and within internal government. Government needs to be held accountable for the services it provides, and improve on these services through practicing transparency, providing information to citizens, and allowing citizens to provide feedback on the various challenges experienced. Information access and communication is vital to the citizen engagement process, as this supports evidence-based engagement between citizens and government. Over the most recent years, innovative ICTs have emerged as a critical strategic tool in facilitating communication between the government and its citizens, commonly referred to as digital citizen engagement. The effective implementation of such initiatives at the local government level, especially in resource-constrained contexts, is not straightforward. This research aims to develop a guiding framework for aligning municipal communication processes with innovative ICTs to support ongoing social accountability and transparency through citizen engagement in local municipalities. The formulation of this framework is built on the Adaptive Structuration Theory, which is based on studying organisational change that occurs due to implementation and adoption of technology. Using a pragmatist approach and case study of Makana Municipality, the research study investigates a digital citizen engagement initiative called MobiSAM (Mobile Social Accountability Monitoring). The key findings from the qualitative empirical investigation indicates that there are significant social and political factors to consider when aligning Digital Citizen Engagement initiatives in a resource-constrained environment. The findings illustrated that the change and alignment process of DCE in local municipalities rely on a diverse set of inputs from different stakeholders, and a dynamic change process, which result in key citizen engagement outcomes of empowerment, accountability, transparency, and increased engagement depending – all depending on the success of the process. The extent of the outcomes will vary with the effectiveness of change management, idea generation, and participation, which Preliminaries are impacted by perceived usefulness, attitude towards the system, and the intentions of the user. The proposed framework provides a guideline for the implementation and introduction of innovations ICTs for citizen engagement at local government level. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Information Systems, 2018
- Full Text:
An investigation into the bacterial communities associated with pyrroloiminoquinone-producing South African latrunculid sponges
- Authors: Hilliar, Storm Hannah
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sponges South Africa Algoa Bay , Betaproteobacteria , Spirochaeta , Symbiosis , Bacterial communities
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62112 , vital:28128
- Description: Marine sponges belonging to the family Latrunculiidae are known for their production of cytotoxic pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloids and the South African coast provides a unique environment for the exploitation of these potent bioactive compounds. The isolation of structurally similar pyrroloiminoquinone compounds from unrelated, non poriferan sources has led to the suggestion that South African latrunculid pyrroloiminoquinones may be secondary metabolites produced by sponge associated microbial symbionts. Previous studies investigating the bacterial communities of South African latrunculid sponges have shown the conservation of distinct microbial populations with unusual bacterial taxa dominated by a novel betaproteobacterial and spirochete species. This study describes the further investigation into these associated bacterial communities, their conservation and sponge microbiome comparisons across spatial, temporal and environmental scales. The bacterial communities associated with seven latrunculid species representing three genera (Tsitsikamma, Cyclacanthia and Latrunculia) were characterized as well as a Mycale and Tethya rubra species. Latrunculid sponge microbiomes were significantly different from those associated with sympatric outlier sponge species and the surrounding environment. The bacterial communities associated with latrunculid sponges appear host specific with the conservation of two dominant bacterial symbionts which mirror the phylogeny of their host species. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2018
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hilliar, Storm Hannah
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sponges South Africa Algoa Bay , Betaproteobacteria , Spirochaeta , Symbiosis , Bacterial communities
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62112 , vital:28128
- Description: Marine sponges belonging to the family Latrunculiidae are known for their production of cytotoxic pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloids and the South African coast provides a unique environment for the exploitation of these potent bioactive compounds. The isolation of structurally similar pyrroloiminoquinone compounds from unrelated, non poriferan sources has led to the suggestion that South African latrunculid pyrroloiminoquinones may be secondary metabolites produced by sponge associated microbial symbionts. Previous studies investigating the bacterial communities of South African latrunculid sponges have shown the conservation of distinct microbial populations with unusual bacterial taxa dominated by a novel betaproteobacterial and spirochete species. This study describes the further investigation into these associated bacterial communities, their conservation and sponge microbiome comparisons across spatial, temporal and environmental scales. The bacterial communities associated with seven latrunculid species representing three genera (Tsitsikamma, Cyclacanthia and Latrunculia) were characterized as well as a Mycale and Tethya rubra species. Latrunculid sponge microbiomes were significantly different from those associated with sympatric outlier sponge species and the surrounding environment. The bacterial communities associated with latrunculid sponges appear host specific with the conservation of two dominant bacterial symbionts which mirror the phylogeny of their host species. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2018
- Full Text:
Bioprospecting for amylases, cellulases and xylanases from ericoid associated fungi, their production and characterisation for the bio-economy
- Authors: Adeoyo, Olusegun Richard
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mycorrhizal fungi , Hydrolases , Ericaceae South Africa , Ericaceae Molecular aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64327 , vital:28533
- Description: South Africa is one of the most productive areas for ericaceous plants with about 850 identified species in the Cape Floral Region. The Albany Centre of Endemism where all fungi used in this study were isolated from, falls within this region. Ericaceous plants interact with some fungi via an association called the ericoid mycorrhizal (ERM) association. All fungi used in this study were isolated from roots of six ericaceous plants; Erica cerinthoides, Erica demissa, Erica chamissonis, Erica glumiflora, Erica caffra and Erica nemorosa. Fungal enzymes are known to play a significant role in the food, brewing, detergent, pharmaceutical and biofuel industries. The enzyme industry is among the major sectors of the world, and additional novel sources are being explored from time to time. This study focussed on amylases (amyloglucosidase, AMG), cellulases (endoglucanase) and xylanases (endo-1,4-P-xylanase) production from ERM fungal isolates. Out of the fifty-one (51), fungal isolates screened, ChemRU330 (Leohumicola sp.), EdRU083 and EdRU002 were among the fungi that had the highest activities of all the enzymes. They were tested for the ability to produce amylases and cellulases under different pH and nutritional conditions that included: carbon sources, nitrogen sources and metal ions, at an optimum temperature of 28°C in a modified Melin-Norkrans (MMN) liquid medium. Cellulase specific activity of 3.99, 2.18 and 4.31 (U/mg protein) for isolates EdRU083, EdRU002 and ChemRU330, respectively, was produced at an optimal pH of 5.0. For amylase, ChemRU330 had the highest specific activity of 1.11 U/mg protein while EdRU083 and EdRU02 had a specific activity of 0.80 and 0.92 U/mg protein, respectively, at the same pH with corresponding biomass yield of 113, 125 and 97 mg/50 ml, respectively. Increased enzyme activities and improved mycelial biomass production were obtained in the presence of supplements such as potassium, sodium, glucose, maltose, cellobiose, tryptone and peptone, while NaFe-EDTA and cobalt inhibited enzyme activity. ChemRU330 was selected to determine the consistency and amount of amylase, cellulase and xylanase formed after several in vitro subculturing events. AMG and endo-1,4-P-xylanase were found to have the most consistent production throughout the study period. The AMG was stable at 45oC (pH 5.0), retaining approximately 65% activity over a period of 24 h. The molecular mass of AMG and endo-1,4-P-xylanase were estimated to be 101 kDa and 72 kDa, respectively. The Km and kcat were 0.38 mg/ml and 70 s-1, respectively, using soluble starch (AMG). For endo-1,4-P-xylanase, the Km and Vmax were 0.93 mg/ml and 8.54 U/ml, respectively, using beechwood xylan (endo-1,4-P-xylanase) as substrate. Additionally, crude extracts of five root endophytes with unique morphological characteristics were screened for antibacterial properties and was followed by determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). L. incrustata (ChemRU330) and Chaetomium sp. extracts exhibited varying degrees of inhibition against two Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The crude extract of L. incrustata was the most effective which was found to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus (MIC: 1 mg/ml), Bacillus subtilis (MIC: 2 mg/ml) and Proteus vulgaris (MIC: 16 mg/ml). The L. incrustata displayed potential for antibacterial production and could be considered as an additional source of new antimicrobial agents in drug and food preservation. Also, the three isolates used for enzyme production were identified to genus and species levels, i.e., Leohumicola incrustata (ChemRU330), Leohumicola sp. (EdRU083) and Oidiodendron sp. (EdRU002) using both ITS and Cox1 DNA regions. The molecular analysis results indicated that these ERM mycorrhizal fungi were similar to those successfully described by some researchers in South Africa and Australia. Therefore, this study opens new opportunities for exploring ERM fungal biomolecules for the bio-economy. The promising physicochemical properties, starch and xylan hydrolysis end- products, and being non-pathogenic make AMG and endo-1,4-P-xylanase potential candidates for future applications as additives in the food industry for the production of glucose, glucose syrups, high-fructose corn syrups, and as well as the production of bioethanol. Finally, the findings of this study revealed that it is possible to produce hydrolytic enzymes from ERM fungi in vitro using chemically defined media. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2018
- Full Text:
- Authors: Adeoyo, Olusegun Richard
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mycorrhizal fungi , Hydrolases , Ericaceae South Africa , Ericaceae Molecular aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64327 , vital:28533
- Description: South Africa is one of the most productive areas for ericaceous plants with about 850 identified species in the Cape Floral Region. The Albany Centre of Endemism where all fungi used in this study were isolated from, falls within this region. Ericaceous plants interact with some fungi via an association called the ericoid mycorrhizal (ERM) association. All fungi used in this study were isolated from roots of six ericaceous plants; Erica cerinthoides, Erica demissa, Erica chamissonis, Erica glumiflora, Erica caffra and Erica nemorosa. Fungal enzymes are known to play a significant role in the food, brewing, detergent, pharmaceutical and biofuel industries. The enzyme industry is among the major sectors of the world, and additional novel sources are being explored from time to time. This study focussed on amylases (amyloglucosidase, AMG), cellulases (endoglucanase) and xylanases (endo-1,4-P-xylanase) production from ERM fungal isolates. Out of the fifty-one (51), fungal isolates screened, ChemRU330 (Leohumicola sp.), EdRU083 and EdRU002 were among the fungi that had the highest activities of all the enzymes. They were tested for the ability to produce amylases and cellulases under different pH and nutritional conditions that included: carbon sources, nitrogen sources and metal ions, at an optimum temperature of 28°C in a modified Melin-Norkrans (MMN) liquid medium. Cellulase specific activity of 3.99, 2.18 and 4.31 (U/mg protein) for isolates EdRU083, EdRU002 and ChemRU330, respectively, was produced at an optimal pH of 5.0. For amylase, ChemRU330 had the highest specific activity of 1.11 U/mg protein while EdRU083 and EdRU02 had a specific activity of 0.80 and 0.92 U/mg protein, respectively, at the same pH with corresponding biomass yield of 113, 125 and 97 mg/50 ml, respectively. Increased enzyme activities and improved mycelial biomass production were obtained in the presence of supplements such as potassium, sodium, glucose, maltose, cellobiose, tryptone and peptone, while NaFe-EDTA and cobalt inhibited enzyme activity. ChemRU330 was selected to determine the consistency and amount of amylase, cellulase and xylanase formed after several in vitro subculturing events. AMG and endo-1,4-P-xylanase were found to have the most consistent production throughout the study period. The AMG was stable at 45oC (pH 5.0), retaining approximately 65% activity over a period of 24 h. The molecular mass of AMG and endo-1,4-P-xylanase were estimated to be 101 kDa and 72 kDa, respectively. The Km and kcat were 0.38 mg/ml and 70 s-1, respectively, using soluble starch (AMG). For endo-1,4-P-xylanase, the Km and Vmax were 0.93 mg/ml and 8.54 U/ml, respectively, using beechwood xylan (endo-1,4-P-xylanase) as substrate. Additionally, crude extracts of five root endophytes with unique morphological characteristics were screened for antibacterial properties and was followed by determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). L. incrustata (ChemRU330) and Chaetomium sp. extracts exhibited varying degrees of inhibition against two Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The crude extract of L. incrustata was the most effective which was found to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus (MIC: 1 mg/ml), Bacillus subtilis (MIC: 2 mg/ml) and Proteus vulgaris (MIC: 16 mg/ml). The L. incrustata displayed potential for antibacterial production and could be considered as an additional source of new antimicrobial agents in drug and food preservation. Also, the three isolates used for enzyme production were identified to genus and species levels, i.e., Leohumicola incrustata (ChemRU330), Leohumicola sp. (EdRU083) and Oidiodendron sp. (EdRU002) using both ITS and Cox1 DNA regions. The molecular analysis results indicated that these ERM mycorrhizal fungi were similar to those successfully described by some researchers in South Africa and Australia. Therefore, this study opens new opportunities for exploring ERM fungal biomolecules for the bio-economy. The promising physicochemical properties, starch and xylan hydrolysis end- products, and being non-pathogenic make AMG and endo-1,4-P-xylanase potential candidates for future applications as additives in the food industry for the production of glucose, glucose syrups, high-fructose corn syrups, and as well as the production of bioethanol. Finally, the findings of this study revealed that it is possible to produce hydrolytic enzymes from ERM fungi in vitro using chemically defined media. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Biochemistry and Microbiology, 2018
- Full Text:
Characterization and computational studies of a co-crystal of 2-aminobenzimidazole and 2-[(benzoylcarbamothioyl) amino] propanoic acid
- Odame, Felix, Hosten, Eric C, Betz, Richard, Lobb, Kevin A, Tshentu, Zenixole R
- Authors: Odame, Felix , Hosten, Eric C , Betz, Richard , Lobb, Kevin A , Tshentu, Zenixole R
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447030 , vital:74578 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1134/S0022476618050268"
- Description: A novel co-crystal of 2-aminobenzimidazole and 2-[(benzoylcarbamothioyl)amino] propanoic acid is synthesized and characterized by spectroscopy, elemental analysis, GC-MS, and single crystal XRD. A computation of the structures involved in the formation of the co-crystal are carried out and their contribution to reactivity is explained.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Odame, Felix , Hosten, Eric C , Betz, Richard , Lobb, Kevin A , Tshentu, Zenixole R
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447030 , vital:74578 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1134/S0022476618050268"
- Description: A novel co-crystal of 2-aminobenzimidazole and 2-[(benzoylcarbamothioyl)amino] propanoic acid is synthesized and characterized by spectroscopy, elemental analysis, GC-MS, and single crystal XRD. A computation of the structures involved in the formation of the co-crystal are carried out and their contribution to reactivity is explained.
- Full Text:
Chipangano: vigilantism and community responses in Mbare District, Zimbabwe, c.2000-2013
- Authors: Munyarari, Tinashe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Vigilantism Zimbabwe Mbare , ZANU-PF (Organization : Zimbabwe) , Zimbabwe History 1980- , Vigilantism Zimbabwe Mbare Public opinion , Collective memory Zimbabwe Mbare
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62126 , vital:28130
- Description: This study examines an aspect of Zimbabwe’s political history, namely the emergence and operations of Chipangano vigilante group in Mbare (2000-2013) and how the community responded to the scourges of this vigilante group. This study shows that Chipangano, which means a pact, was formed with the intention to extend ZANU-PF patronage system, canvassing support and regain control of Mbare district from the MDC. The group consolidated itself as a shadow militia group for ZANU-PF that intimidated the opposition parties and coerced the general populace to attend ZANU-PF functions. It also shows that the vigilante group seized Harare City Council’s duties, such as collecting gate-takings from local and long distance public transport at Mbare Bus Terminal; controlling allocations of market stalls and collecting rents from market stalls, for personal benefits. The group also politicised the access to local state property. Chipangano’s collusion with ZANU-PF and state structures licensed it to engage in criminal activities with impunity, thus this thesis seeks to understand the relationship between the vigilantes, ZANU-PF and state structures. The activities of Chipangano such as abduction, intimidation, beatings, killings and displacement of people resulted in social trauma. This thesis will also explore how this phase of violence is remembered today by the research informants. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, History, 2018
- Full Text:
- Authors: Munyarari, Tinashe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Vigilantism Zimbabwe Mbare , ZANU-PF (Organization : Zimbabwe) , Zimbabwe History 1980- , Vigilantism Zimbabwe Mbare Public opinion , Collective memory Zimbabwe Mbare
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62126 , vital:28130
- Description: This study examines an aspect of Zimbabwe’s political history, namely the emergence and operations of Chipangano vigilante group in Mbare (2000-2013) and how the community responded to the scourges of this vigilante group. This study shows that Chipangano, which means a pact, was formed with the intention to extend ZANU-PF patronage system, canvassing support and regain control of Mbare district from the MDC. The group consolidated itself as a shadow militia group for ZANU-PF that intimidated the opposition parties and coerced the general populace to attend ZANU-PF functions. It also shows that the vigilante group seized Harare City Council’s duties, such as collecting gate-takings from local and long distance public transport at Mbare Bus Terminal; controlling allocations of market stalls and collecting rents from market stalls, for personal benefits. The group also politicised the access to local state property. Chipangano’s collusion with ZANU-PF and state structures licensed it to engage in criminal activities with impunity, thus this thesis seeks to understand the relationship between the vigilantes, ZANU-PF and state structures. The activities of Chipangano such as abduction, intimidation, beatings, killings and displacement of people resulted in social trauma. This thesis will also explore how this phase of violence is remembered today by the research informants. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, History, 2018
- Full Text:
Click chemistry electrode modification using 4-ethynylbenzyl substituted cobalt phthalocyanine for applications in electrocatalysis
- Mpeta, Lekhetho S, Fomo, Gertrude, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mpeta, Lekhetho S , Fomo, Gertrude , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187626 , vital:44681 , xlink:href="• https://doi.org/10.1080/00958972.2018.1466118"
- Description: In this work, we report on the synthesis and applications of a new cobalt tetrakis 4-((4-ethynylbenzyl) oxy) phthalocyanine (3) for the detection of hydrazine. The glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was first grafted through diazotization, providing the GCE surface layer with azide groups. Thereafter, the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction, catalyzed by a copper(I) catalyst was used to “click” complex 3 to the grafted surface of GCE. The new platform was then characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). This work shows that 3 is an effective sensor with sensitivity of 91.5 μA mM−1 and limit of detection of 3.28 μM which is a great improvement compared to other reported sensors for this analyte.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mpeta, Lekhetho S , Fomo, Gertrude , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187626 , vital:44681 , xlink:href="• https://doi.org/10.1080/00958972.2018.1466118"
- Description: In this work, we report on the synthesis and applications of a new cobalt tetrakis 4-((4-ethynylbenzyl) oxy) phthalocyanine (3) for the detection of hydrazine. The glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was first grafted through diazotization, providing the GCE surface layer with azide groups. Thereafter, the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction, catalyzed by a copper(I) catalyst was used to “click” complex 3 to the grafted surface of GCE. The new platform was then characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). This work shows that 3 is an effective sensor with sensitivity of 91.5 μA mM−1 and limit of detection of 3.28 μM which is a great improvement compared to other reported sensors for this analyte.
- Full Text:
Conjugation of isoniazid to a zinc phthalocyanine via hydrazone linkage for pH-dependent liposomal controlled release
- Nkanga, Christian I, Krause, Rui W M
- Authors: Nkanga, Christian I , Krause, Rui W M
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/194992 , vital:45517 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s13204-018-0776-y"
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of mortality from infectious diseases. Extended TB treatment and frequent adverse effects, due to poor bioavailability of anti-tubercular drugs (ATBDs), represent the main rationales behind liposomal encapsulation for controlled delivery. Liposomes have been reported as potential vehicles for targeted delivery of ATBDs due to their rapid uptake by macrophages, which are known as the main host cells for TB causative agent (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Additionally, the need for controlled release of ATBDs arises because leakage is part of the key liposome challenges for hydrophilic compounds like isoniazid (INH). In this study, INH was conjugated to a highly hydrophobic photosensitizer, zinc (II) phthalocyanine (PC), through hydrazone bonding. The obtained conjugate (PC–INH) was encapsulated in liposomes by film hydration method. PC–INH loaded liposomes (PILs) were characterized using dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and UV–Vis absorption spectrometry, which was used also for estimation of encapsulation efficiency (î). INH release was evaluated in different pH media using dialysis. Particle size, zeta potential and î of PILs were about 506 nm, − 55 mV and 72%, respectively. Over 12 h, PILs exhibited 22, 41, 97 and 100% of INH, respectively, released in pH 7.4, 6.4, 5.4 and 4.4 media. This pH-dependent behavior is attractive for site-specific delivery. These findings suggest the conjugation of chemotherapeutics to phthalocyanines using pH-labile linkages as a potential strategy for liposomal controlled release.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nkanga, Christian I , Krause, Rui W M
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/194992 , vital:45517 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s13204-018-0776-y"
- Description: Tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of mortality from infectious diseases. Extended TB treatment and frequent adverse effects, due to poor bioavailability of anti-tubercular drugs (ATBDs), represent the main rationales behind liposomal encapsulation for controlled delivery. Liposomes have been reported as potential vehicles for targeted delivery of ATBDs due to their rapid uptake by macrophages, which are known as the main host cells for TB causative agent (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Additionally, the need for controlled release of ATBDs arises because leakage is part of the key liposome challenges for hydrophilic compounds like isoniazid (INH). In this study, INH was conjugated to a highly hydrophobic photosensitizer, zinc (II) phthalocyanine (PC), through hydrazone bonding. The obtained conjugate (PC–INH) was encapsulated in liposomes by film hydration method. PC–INH loaded liposomes (PILs) were characterized using dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and UV–Vis absorption spectrometry, which was used also for estimation of encapsulation efficiency (î). INH release was evaluated in different pH media using dialysis. Particle size, zeta potential and î of PILs were about 506 nm, − 55 mV and 72%, respectively. Over 12 h, PILs exhibited 22, 41, 97 and 100% of INH, respectively, released in pH 7.4, 6.4, 5.4 and 4.4 media. This pH-dependent behavior is attractive for site-specific delivery. These findings suggest the conjugation of chemotherapeutics to phthalocyanines using pH-labile linkages as a potential strategy for liposomal controlled release.
- Full Text:
Contesting sexual violence policies in higher education: the case of Rhodes University
- Macleod, Catriona I, Böhmke, Werner, Barker, Kim, Mavuso, Jabulile M-J J, Chiweshe, Malvern T
- Authors: Macleod, Catriona I , Böhmke, Werner , Barker, Kim , Mavuso, Jabulile M-J J , Chiweshe, Malvern T
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/444275 , vital:74212 , xlink:href="https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JACPR-05-2017-0295/full/html"
- Description: – In April 2016, students at Rhodes University brought the institution to a standstill as they protested the University’s sexual violence policies and procedures, as well as the “rape culture” that pervades social structures. In response, a Sexual Violence Task Team (SVTT) was formed in an open, participatory, and transparent process. Members of the University community were invited to comment on drafts of the SVTT document. The purpose of this paper is to outline the contestations – arising from both the establishment of the task team and the inputs from University members to drafts of the document – that surfaced concerning managing sexual violence on campuses and sexual offences policies.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Macleod, Catriona I , Böhmke, Werner , Barker, Kim , Mavuso, Jabulile M-J J , Chiweshe, Malvern T
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/444275 , vital:74212 , xlink:href="https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JACPR-05-2017-0295/full/html"
- Description: – In April 2016, students at Rhodes University brought the institution to a standstill as they protested the University’s sexual violence policies and procedures, as well as the “rape culture” that pervades social structures. In response, a Sexual Violence Task Team (SVTT) was formed in an open, participatory, and transparent process. Members of the University community were invited to comment on drafts of the SVTT document. The purpose of this paper is to outline the contestations – arising from both the establishment of the task team and the inputs from University members to drafts of the document – that surfaced concerning managing sexual violence on campuses and sexual offences policies.
- Full Text:
Core-modified rubyrins with phenanthrene-fused pyrrole rings
- Yuan, Xuemei, Li, Minzhi, Meng, Ting, Mack, John, Soy, Rodah, Nyokong, Tebello, Zhu, Weihua, Xu, Haijun, Liang, Xu
- Authors: Yuan, Xuemei , Li, Minzhi , Meng, Ting , Mack, John , Soy, Rodah , Nyokong, Tebello , Zhu, Weihua , Xu, Haijun , Liang, Xu
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/234568 , vital:50209 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2018.05.045"
- Description: Three fused-ring-expanded rubyrins with modified macrocyclic core have been synthesized and characterized. A series of spectroscopic, electrochemical measurements and a set of theoretical calculations demonstrate that the core-modification of the inner core of rubyrins has a large influence on the electronic structure. Colorimetric changes are observe that demonstrate that these core-modified rubyrins could be used as selective Hg2+ ion sensors. These properties can be fine-tuned by introducing lipophilic substituents on the meso-aryl rings.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Yuan, Xuemei , Li, Minzhi , Meng, Ting , Mack, John , Soy, Rodah , Nyokong, Tebello , Zhu, Weihua , Xu, Haijun , Liang, Xu
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/234568 , vital:50209 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2018.05.045"
- Description: Three fused-ring-expanded rubyrins with modified macrocyclic core have been synthesized and characterized. A series of spectroscopic, electrochemical measurements and a set of theoretical calculations demonstrate that the core-modification of the inner core of rubyrins has a large influence on the electronic structure. Colorimetric changes are observe that demonstrate that these core-modified rubyrins could be used as selective Hg2+ ion sensors. These properties can be fine-tuned by introducing lipophilic substituents on the meso-aryl rings.
- Full Text:
Could differences in implicit attitudes to sexual concurrency play a role in generalized HIV epidemics?
- Kenyon, Chris R, Wolfs, Kenny, Osbak, Kara, van Hal, Guido, Zondo, Sizwe, van Lankveld, J
- Authors: Kenyon, Chris R , Wolfs, Kenny , Osbak, Kara , van Hal, Guido , Zondo, Sizwe , van Lankveld, J
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/450574 , vital:74962 , xlink:href="10.12688/f1000research.14951.2"
- Description: Despite medical advances in Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), patients living with HIV continue to be at risk for developing HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). The optimization of non-HAART interventions, including cognitive rehabilitation therapy (CRT), shows promise in reversing the impact of HAND. No data exist indicating the efficacy of CRT in remediating attention skills following neuroHIV. This paper presents a meta-analysis of randomised and non-randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to remediate attention skills following HIV CRT.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kenyon, Chris R , Wolfs, Kenny , Osbak, Kara , van Hal, Guido , Zondo, Sizwe , van Lankveld, J
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/450574 , vital:74962 , xlink:href="10.12688/f1000research.14951.2"
- Description: Despite medical advances in Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), patients living with HIV continue to be at risk for developing HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). The optimization of non-HAART interventions, including cognitive rehabilitation therapy (CRT), shows promise in reversing the impact of HAND. No data exist indicating the efficacy of CRT in remediating attention skills following neuroHIV. This paper presents a meta-analysis of randomised and non-randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to remediate attention skills following HIV CRT.
- Full Text:
Cropland abandonment in South African smallholder communal lands: Land cover change (1950–2010) and farmer perceptions of contributing factors
- Blair, Dale, Shackleton, Charlie M, Mograbi, Penelope J
- Authors: Blair, Dale , Shackleton, Charlie M , Mograbi, Penelope J
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180297 , vital:43351 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3390/land7040121"
- Description: Despite agricultural land abandonment threatening the food security and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, it is pervasive globally and in developing countries. Yet land abandonment is an understudied aspect of land use change in social–ecological systems. Here we provide more information on this phenomenon by exploring cropland abandonment during 1950–2010 in four former South African ‘homelands’—part of the ‘Apartheid’ era racially-based land allocation programs—characterized by rural, smallholder farmers. Cropland abandonment 1950–2010 was widespread in all surveyed sites (KwaZulu: 0.08% year−1, Transkei: 0.13% year−1, Lebowa: 0.23% year−1, Venda: 0.28% year−1), with rates peaking between 1970 and 1990, with concomitant increases (up to 0.16% year−1) of woody vegetation cover at the expense of grassland cover. Active and past farmers attributed cropland abandonment to a lack of draught power, rainfall variability and droughts, and a more modernized youth disinclined to living a marginal agrarian lifestyle. We discuss the potential social and ecological implications of abandoned croplands at the local and regional scales, as the deagrarianization trend is unlikely to abate considering the failure of current South African national agricultural incentives.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Blair, Dale , Shackleton, Charlie M , Mograbi, Penelope J
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180297 , vital:43351 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3390/land7040121"
- Description: Despite agricultural land abandonment threatening the food security and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, it is pervasive globally and in developing countries. Yet land abandonment is an understudied aspect of land use change in social–ecological systems. Here we provide more information on this phenomenon by exploring cropland abandonment during 1950–2010 in four former South African ‘homelands’—part of the ‘Apartheid’ era racially-based land allocation programs—characterized by rural, smallholder farmers. Cropland abandonment 1950–2010 was widespread in all surveyed sites (KwaZulu: 0.08% year−1, Transkei: 0.13% year−1, Lebowa: 0.23% year−1, Venda: 0.28% year−1), with rates peaking between 1970 and 1990, with concomitant increases (up to 0.16% year−1) of woody vegetation cover at the expense of grassland cover. Active and past farmers attributed cropland abandonment to a lack of draught power, rainfall variability and droughts, and a more modernized youth disinclined to living a marginal agrarian lifestyle. We discuss the potential social and ecological implications of abandoned croplands at the local and regional scales, as the deagrarianization trend is unlikely to abate considering the failure of current South African national agricultural incentives.
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Cultural De-colonization versus Liberal approaches to abortion in Africa: The politics of representation and voice
- Chiweshe, Malvern T, Macleod, Catriona I
- Authors: Chiweshe, Malvern T , Macleod, Catriona I
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/443661 , vital:74142 , xlink:href="DOI/Handle/URL https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajrh/article/view/175092"
- Description: Political discussions on abortion in Africa take place in the context of most countries having restrictive abortion legislation and high levels of unsafe abortion. In this paper two major political positions regarding abortion in Africa: a de-colonisation approach based on a homogenized view of ―culture‖, and a liberal approach based on ―choice‖ and rights are outlined. Using the Questions and Answers sessions of a United Nations event on maternal health in Africa as an exemplar of these positions, the paper argues that neither approach is emancipatory in the African context. A de-colonisation approach that uses static and homogenized understanding of ''culture'' risks engaging in a politics of representation that potentially silences the ―Other‖ (in this case women who terminate their pregnancies) and glosses over complexities and multiple power relations that exist on the continent. A liberal approach, premised on choice and reproductive rights, risks foregrounding individual women‘s agency at the expense of contextual dynamics, including the conditions that create unsupportable pregnancies. The paper argues for a grounded reproductive justice perspective that draws on the insights of the reproductive justice movement, but grounds these notions within the African philosophy of Hunhu/Ubuntu.
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- Authors: Chiweshe, Malvern T , Macleod, Catriona I
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/443661 , vital:74142 , xlink:href="DOI/Handle/URL https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajrh/article/view/175092"
- Description: Political discussions on abortion in Africa take place in the context of most countries having restrictive abortion legislation and high levels of unsafe abortion. In this paper two major political positions regarding abortion in Africa: a de-colonisation approach based on a homogenized view of ―culture‖, and a liberal approach based on ―choice‖ and rights are outlined. Using the Questions and Answers sessions of a United Nations event on maternal health in Africa as an exemplar of these positions, the paper argues that neither approach is emancipatory in the African context. A de-colonisation approach that uses static and homogenized understanding of ''culture'' risks engaging in a politics of representation that potentially silences the ―Other‖ (in this case women who terminate their pregnancies) and glosses over complexities and multiple power relations that exist on the continent. A liberal approach, premised on choice and reproductive rights, risks foregrounding individual women‘s agency at the expense of contextual dynamics, including the conditions that create unsupportable pregnancies. The paper argues for a grounded reproductive justice perspective that draws on the insights of the reproductive justice movement, but grounds these notions within the African philosophy of Hunhu/Ubuntu.
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Development of a Postharvest Cold Treatment for Cryptophlebia peltastica (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) for Export of Litchis From South Africa
- Moore, Sean D, Kirkman, Wayne, Peyper, Mellissa, Thackeray, Sean R, Marsberg, Tamryn, Albertyn, Sonnica, Hill, Martin P
- Authors: Moore, Sean D , Kirkman, Wayne , Peyper, Mellissa , Thackeray, Sean R , Marsberg, Tamryn , Albertyn, Sonnica , Hill, Martin P
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423729 , vital:72089 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toy287"
- Description: The litchi moth, Cryptophlebia peltastica (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and certain Indian Ocean islands. It is an important pest of litchis and to a lesser extent macadamias. Litchis are exported to certain markets that consider C. peltastica as a phytosanitary pest. Consequently, an effective postharvest phytosanitary treatment is required. This study sought to develop a cold disinfestation treatment for this purpose. First, it was established that the fifth instar was the most cold-tolerant larval stage, as it was the only instar for which there was still some survival after 12 d at 1°C. It was then determined that cold treatment trials could be conducted in artificial diet, as there was no survival of fifth instar C. peltastica in litchis after only 9 d at 1°C, whereas it took 15 d at this temperature before no survival of fifth instar C. peltastica was recorded in artificial diet. Consequently, cold susceptibility of fifth instar C. peltastica and the most cold-tolerant larval stages (fourth and fifth instar) of false codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), were compared in artificial diet. There was no survival of C. peltastica after 13 d at 1°C, whereas this was only so for T. leucotreta after 16 d. Consequently, it can be concluded that any cold treatment that has been proven effective against T. leucotreta would be as effective against C. peltastica. Finally, it was confirmed that the cold susceptibility of T. leucotreta in artificial diet did not overestimate the effect of cold on T. leucotreta larvae in litchis.
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- Authors: Moore, Sean D , Kirkman, Wayne , Peyper, Mellissa , Thackeray, Sean R , Marsberg, Tamryn , Albertyn, Sonnica , Hill, Martin P
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423729 , vital:72089 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toy287"
- Description: The litchi moth, Cryptophlebia peltastica (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and certain Indian Ocean islands. It is an important pest of litchis and to a lesser extent macadamias. Litchis are exported to certain markets that consider C. peltastica as a phytosanitary pest. Consequently, an effective postharvest phytosanitary treatment is required. This study sought to develop a cold disinfestation treatment for this purpose. First, it was established that the fifth instar was the most cold-tolerant larval stage, as it was the only instar for which there was still some survival after 12 d at 1°C. It was then determined that cold treatment trials could be conducted in artificial diet, as there was no survival of fifth instar C. peltastica in litchis after only 9 d at 1°C, whereas it took 15 d at this temperature before no survival of fifth instar C. peltastica was recorded in artificial diet. Consequently, cold susceptibility of fifth instar C. peltastica and the most cold-tolerant larval stages (fourth and fifth instar) of false codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), were compared in artificial diet. There was no survival of C. peltastica after 13 d at 1°C, whereas this was only so for T. leucotreta after 16 d. Consequently, it can be concluded that any cold treatment that has been proven effective against T. leucotreta would be as effective against C. peltastica. Finally, it was confirmed that the cold susceptibility of T. leucotreta in artificial diet did not overestimate the effect of cold on T. leucotreta larvae in litchis.
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Effect of doping vs covalent linking of a low symmetry zinc phthalocyanine to silica nanoparticles on singlet oxygen production
- Peteni, Siwaphiwe, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Peteni, Siwaphiwe , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187873 , vital:44705 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ica.2018.06.029"
- Description: Tris[(4-(pyridin-4-ylthio)-2-thio-4-methylthiazol-5-yl)acetic acid phthalocyaninato] zinc (II) (3) was covalently linked to and doped onto SiNPs. An increase in triplet quantum yields for 3-SiNPs (linked) with decreasing lifetimes was observed. For 3-SiNPs (doped) there was a decrease in both the triplet quantum yield and lifetimes when compared to 3 alone. There was an increase in singlet oxygen quantum yields for 3-SiNPs (linked) compared to 3 from 0.67 to 0.80, while there was a decrease for 3-SiNPs (doped) to 0.25.
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- Authors: Peteni, Siwaphiwe , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187873 , vital:44705 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ica.2018.06.029"
- Description: Tris[(4-(pyridin-4-ylthio)-2-thio-4-methylthiazol-5-yl)acetic acid phthalocyaninato] zinc (II) (3) was covalently linked to and doped onto SiNPs. An increase in triplet quantum yields for 3-SiNPs (linked) with decreasing lifetimes was observed. For 3-SiNPs (doped) there was a decrease in both the triplet quantum yield and lifetimes when compared to 3 alone. There was an increase in singlet oxygen quantum yields for 3-SiNPs (linked) compared to 3 from 0.67 to 0.80, while there was a decrease for 3-SiNPs (doped) to 0.25.
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