Characterization of the Mitochondrial Plasmodium falciparum heat shock protein 70
- Authors: Nyakundi, David Onchong’a
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/44449 , vital:25408 , https://doi.org/10.21504/10962/44448
- Description: Malaria remains a global health problem and accounts for many deaths and illnesses in subSaharan Africa. Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of the most fatal form of malaria, expresses a repertoire of heat shock proteins for cytoprotection, survival and pathogenesis. The parasite genome encodes six Hsp70 proteins found in various cell compartments. However, the putative parasite mitochondrial Hsp70 (PfHsp70-3) has not been investigated. The J-proteins, Pfj1 and PFF1415c, were proposed to function as co-chaperones of PfHsp70-3. The biochemical characterization of PfHsp70-3 was initially complicated by the fact that the protein was insoluble when expressed in E. coli cells. Various approaches to solubilize it resulted in inactive protein. A general characteristic of eukaryotic mitochondrial Hsp70s is their insolubility and their reliance on an Hsp70 escort protein (Hep) for solubility and ultimate functions. In this study, a putative Hep protein was identified in the genome of P. falciparum that is referred to as PfHep1. Coexpression of PfHep1 with PfHsp70-3 resulted in soluble and biochemically active PfHsp70-3. Size exclusion chromatography was employed to separate PfHsp70-3 from PfHep1 after coexpression. PfHep1 suppressed thermally induced aggregation of PfHsp70-3 but not the aggregation of malate dehydrogenase or citrate synthase, thus showing specificity for PfHsp70-3. Zinc ions were also found to be essential for maintaining the functions of PfHep1, as EDTA chelation abrogated its abilities to suppress the aggregation of PfHsp70-3. Furthermore, PfHep1 did not stimulate the basal ATPase or increase refoldase activities of PfHsp70-3 hence displaying no co-chaperone roles. The full-length putative mitochondrial type I J protein, Pfj1, could not be produced in E.coli but a truncated protein containing the J-domain was produced which stimulated both the ATPase and refoldase activities of PfHsp70-3. Further, this study demonstrated that both PfHep1 and PfHsp70-3 localized to the mitochondrion in the erythrocytic stage of P. falciparum development thus confirming in silico predictions of their localization. Besides, PfHsp70-3 was expressed during all stages of the intraerythrocytic cycle of parasite development and was heat inducible. Generally, the data obtained in this study will enhance the existing knowledge on the biology of the parasite mitochondrial chaperone functions and open the possible avenue of drug targeting considering the specificity of PfHsp70- 3 and PfHep1 partnerships.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Chemical composition of leaf essential oils of Lantana camara varieties in South Africa and their effect on the behavioural preference of Falconia intermedia
- Authors: Ngxande-Koza, Samella W
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4877 , vital:20739
- Description: Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) is one the most problematic invaders in South Africa invading forest edges, sand dunes, and shorelines by forming impenetrable thickets. Lantana camara invasions degrade natural biodiversity, reduce the value of land and consequently it has been a target for biological control, over the last 50 years in South Africa. Studies that have reported on chemical profile of Lantana camara have been conducted around the world but not in South Africa. Hence, the first aim of the current study was to identify the chemical baseline of L. camara varieties in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Recent studies have shown that feeding by one of the agents released against L. camara, Falconia intermedia (Distant) (Hemiptera: Miridae), induces anti-herbivory response through increased leaf toughness and trichome density. A preliminary study conducted also reported the production of volatile chemicals by one variety, Whitney Farm, due to feeding by the mirids. Therefore, the second aim was to determine the induced changes in chemical compounds of L. camara varieties after feeding by F. intermedia. A third aim was to determine the effect these chemical compounds have on the behaviour of F. intermedia. To identify the chemical baseline of L. camara varieties, the essential oils of four L. camara varieties (East London, Port Alfred, Whitney Farm and Heather Glen) were analysed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and that resulted to the identification of 163 constitutive and 75 induced chemicals across the varieties tested. Lantana camara varieties showed different chemical classes but were highly dominated by terpenes. A great variation in the number of constitutive chemical compounds was found in all the varieties. There were 56 constitutive chemical compounds in the Whitney Farm variety, 41 in the East London variety, 36 in the Heather Glen variety and 30 in the Port Alfred variety. The Whitney Farm variety had the highest number (22) of unique constitutive chemicals identified when compared with other varieties. This indicates the chemical distinctiveness of the Whitney Farm variety from the other varieties. In the varieties tested, there were common chemical compounds identified in constitutive and induced (discussed below) states of the plants such as caryophyllene, hexane, naphthalene, copaene and a-caryophyllene. Besides naphthalene, the majority of chemical compounds in South African L. camara varieties were similar to compounds that have been identified across the world, suggesting that they are closely related. The expression of naphthalene in these varieties may be due to changes in the chemicals expressed over evolutionary time as predicted by the Novel Weapons Hypothesis. Amongst the varieties, a great variation in chemical compounds and their concentrations was shown in the induced states of the plants. The concentration of constitutive caryophyllene ranged from (3.13 - 15.7) %, to (4.02 - 11.10) % after feeding. The concentration of constitutive hexane ranged from (6.13 - 71.19) %, to (33.3 - 75.8) % after feeding. The concentration of constitutive naphthalene ranged from (0.21 - 4.79) %, to (0.92 - 2.11) % after feeding. The concentration of constitutive copaene ranged from (0.57 - 1.57) %, to (1.20 - 2.72) %. Lastly, the concentration of constitutive a-caryophyllene ranged from (1.18 - 9.03) %, to (0.78 - 5.48) % after feeding. The changes in chemical concentrations in lantana varieties indicated that feeding by the mirid on L. camara varieties causes an induction by either reducing or increasing the chemical concentrations. To determine the effect of the identified compounds on the behaviour of F. intermedia adults, olfactometer bioassays were conducted using a Y-tube technique. A significantly higher proportion of F. intermedia were attracted to undamaged leaves over damaged leaves and purified air. Undamaged leaves attracted 52 % of F. intermedia from the East London variety, 62.5 % from the Port Alfred variety, 56 % from the Whitney Farm variety, 58 % from the Lyndhurst variety and 54.5 % from the Heather Glen variety in dual choice trials versus damaged leaves. Furthermore, a significantly higher proportion of F. intermedia were attracted to damaged leaves over purified air. Damaged leaves attracted 67 % of F. intermedia from the East London variety, 67 % from the Port Alfred variety, 65.9 % from the Whitney Farm variety, 65.3 % from the Heather Glen variety and 64.5 % from the Lyndhurst variety. Olfactometer bioassays were also conducted using purified standard compounds of four chemical compounds identified from essential oils, hexane was used as a positive control as it is reported to be an insect attractant in literature. Hexane was highly attractive to the mirids compared to three standard compounds caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide and naphthalene at the rate of 80 %, 73 % and 80 %, respectively. The standard compounds tested against F. intermedia are major compounds contained by L. camara varieties and they have proven to have a repellent effect. This may indicate that after feeding by F. intermedia, the major compounds expressed by the plant varieties repel F. intermedia contributing to the invasiveness of this weed. The increased expression of hexane and caryophyllene after feeding may also indicate increased attraction to some insects, opening up the potential for third trophic level interactions in varieties where this is the case. This is the first study on the chemical composition of essential oils of L. camara in South Africa. Therefore, we recommend that where appropriate chemical profile studies of the invasive alien plants should be considered during host specificity testing, and the vital role of chemical compounds on agent-weed interactions must be taken into consideration with other factors before and after the biological control agents are released.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Chinese aid and African agency since 2000: examining the cases of Zimbabwe, Angola and Ghana
- Authors: Chipaike, Ronald
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/59151 , vital:27442
- Description: Restricted access-thesis embargoed for 2 years
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- Date Issued: 2017
Choice of market channels by smallholder vegetable farmers in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
- Authors: Yokwana, Aphelele Lucia
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Vegetables -- Marketing Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Vegetable trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MAgric
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11906 , vital:39117
- Description: The study investigates the choice of market channels by smallholder vegetable farmers in King Sabatha Dalindyebo Municipality, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Vegetables as a group of horticultural crops are important for their contribution as an income support to a large proportion of the rural households. However, enhancing vegetable farmers to reach markets and actively engage in the markets is a key challenge influencing vegetable production in South Africa. The perishable nature of vegetables demands effective marketing channels. The main objective of the study was to investigate factors affecting vegetable farmers’ choice of market channels in King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. The study adopted a multistage stratified sampling method. Multi-stage sampling was done in which the first stage involved selecting respondents from the different wards in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality. This was done through stratification by separating vegetable smallholder farmers and homesteads within that area (different villages within the area). This was followed by employing quota sampling through the different households and smallholder farmers within those areas in order to determine households and smallholder farmers that are able to provide the needed information concerning the choice of market channels. By stratified random sampling based on village, project membership and smallholder farmers, a sample of 110 heads of households was chosen for the study in eight different wards of KSD. The sampling for this study was based on a large sampling technique of n ≥ 30 as there is no information regarding the population of the total number of homesteads and smallholder farmers that are under each traditional leader (chief) in these study sites. This sample comprises homesteads and smallholder farmers that took part in vegetable production. A structured questionnaire together with field observations and measurements were adopted for obtaining information from household respondents. Descriptive statistics (percentages, means, frequency tables and figures) and a Multinomial logistic regression model have been used to analyze the data. From the Multinomial logistic regression results, farming experience is positively related to choice of farm gate market channel at 1percent level of significance. The age of vegetable farmers was positively related to the choice of direct to consumer market channel at 5percent significance level. The level of education of the vegetable farmers was positively related to the choice of direct to consumer market channel at 5percent significance level. Moreover, the results also showed that the inputs used are positively related to the choice of farm-gate as well as direct to consumer market channels at 5percent significance level. Similarly, means of transportation used and choice of marketing channel of the vegetable farmers are positively related at 1percent significance level at the direct to consumer choice of market channel. Furthermore, access to extension services indicated a positive relationship to the choice of market channel amongst the smallholder vegetable farmers for the direct to consumer at 5percent level of significance which is insignificant for that of the farm-gate. There is therefore, need for strong extension support in assisting the farmers to diversify their production, provide market information thereby enhancing production and opening up channels for market accessibility. This is seen to enhance rural households’ livelihood outcomes in agricultural production thereby improving the choice of market channels by smallholder vegetable farmers and alleviating poverty and improving food security. More so, the government and research institutes need to organize workshops and extension programs in famer’ training for more efficiency in their vegetable production and marketing.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Climate change mitigation and resilience by four major supermarkets in East London, South Africa
- Authors: Sibanda, Patience
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Climatic changes -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Climate change mitigation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Agriculture -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5406 , vital:29231
- Description: Climate change is a human development challenge. Its negative impacts have the potential to reverse the human development gains made in Africa. South Africa, just like many other countries in the Global South, is being negatively affected by climate change. The country`s economy is largely dependent on agriculture, extractive industries and manufacturing, all of which are vulnerable to climate change in different ways. This vulnerability means different public and private stakeholders must institute sustainable climate change mitigation and adaptation measures so as to ameliorate climate change impacts. Gradually transforming to an environmentally friendly ‘green economy’ and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are some of South Africa’s climate change mitigation priorities. Just like the public sector, the private sector has a major role to play in this transition to a low carbon economy through minimising its carbon emissions in their operations. Against this background, this qualitative research examines the role played by four major supermarkets (Shoprite, Spar, Pick n Pay and Woolworths), in climate change mitigation and resilience building. It does so through an appraisal of their mitigation and resilience programs. The four supermarkets were purposively selected in East London, Eastern Cape. Data collection combined heavy reliance on desktop discourse analysis with field interviews in the form of purposively sampled key informant interviews. The results show that the four major supermarkets are implementing a variety of climate change mitigation and resilience strategies. These include reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, prioritisation of renewable energy, recycling and environmentally friendly packaging, promotion of sustainable ways of farming and improved fuel efficiency in their transport systems. In terms of policy improvement, the study recommends that there is need for supermarkets to learn from each other’s’ climate change mitigation initiatives so as to advance South Africa’s ‘green economy’ agenda.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Closed doors: gendered power relations and the use of mature themes in Eurocentric fairytales
- Authors: Sawyer, Kathleen Patricia
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MFA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/5971 , vital:21003
- Description: Established critics, such as Jack Zipes, assert that the subject matter of fairytales shows evidence that the Westernised 'classics' (by authors such as Charles Perrault or the Grimm brothers) were influenced by the cultural norms of their contemporary society and served as a pedagogical tool for mass socialisation. Often authors writing for younger audiences deliberately inserted a moralising function into these tales, in order to normalise and further disseminate certain gender ideals. Their presentation of adult or mature themes (such as sexuality) is often problematic, with some references presented quite naturally and others excluded entirely. This paper investigates modern retellings of Eurocentric fairytales, and speculates on the significance of the perpetuation or complete elision of such themes, and what their selective invocation might intimate about the culture in which the story is produced. It argues that the way in which the fairytale narrative engages with mature themes is demonstrative of its contemporary ethos and its associated cultural bias, which is conveyed unconsciously through the vehicle of the text. Through a critical analysis of relevant literature, the paper explores the maintenance of socio-cultural norms in fairytales as being emblematic in their establishment as cultural relics.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Clusters as a vehicle for industrial development in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mtati, Odwa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Industrial clusters -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrialization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7106 , vital:21235
- Description: This study examines the cluster approach as a means for promoting industrial development in the Eastern Cape Province, Republic of South Africa. The Province is unevenly developed, with pockets that are well-integrated into the national and global economies, but with some areas being severely underdeveloped. However, the Province retains a high potential for industrial revitalisation and expansion. The option of applying the cluster approach, most closely associated with Michael Porter’s work, The Comparative Advantage of Nations, to unlock this potential is examined, with a particular focus on the factors affecting the efficiency of the cluster as a vehicle for promoting industrialisation. Existing works on success factors for clusters and comparative case studies are examined, while responses from a survey among provincial stakeholders on the adaptation of the cluster concept to the circumstances of the province are analysed. The study finds that the management of a cluster is critical to its success or demise. Further to this, the key role that exists for industry is in building inter-firm co-operation, improving government and business cooperation, skills development of local labour pools and facilitating interactions between buyers and sellers. While Government Policy is not always necessary for establishment of clusters, in the specific circumstances of the Eastern Cape, it is desirable due to underdevelopment in most regions. The case for introduction of a cluster policy is supported by global experiences with clusters. A cluster approach for promotion of industrialisation is therefore recommended for the Province, with steps that may be taken towards the formation of clusters suggested.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Colonisation and succession of fishes in Lake Liambezi, a shallow ephemeral floodplain lake in Southern Africa
- Authors: Peel, Richard Anthony
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/65211 , vital:28707
- Description: Expected release date-May 2019
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- Date Issued: 2017
Combined in silico approaches towards the identification of novel malarial cysteine protease inhibitors
- Authors: Musyoka, Thommas Mutemi
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/4488 , vital:20679
- Description: Malaria an infectious disease caused by a group of parasitic organisms of the Plasmodium genus remains a severe public health problem in Africa, South America and parts of Asia. The leading causes for the persistence of malaria are the emergence of drug resistance to common antimalarial drugs, lack of effective vaccines and the inadequate control of mosquito vectors. Worryingly, accumulating evidence shows that the parasite has developed resistant to the current first-line treatment based on artemisinin. Hence, the identification and characterization of novel drug targets and drugs with unique mode of action remains an urgent priority. The successful sequencing and assembly of genomes from several Plasmodium species has opened an opportune window for the identification of new drug targets. Cysteine proteases are one of the major drug targets to be identified so far. The use of cysteine protease inhibitors coupled with gene manipulation studies has defined specific and putative roles of cysteine proteases which include hemoglobin degradation, erythrocyte rupture, immune evasion and erythrocyte invasion, steps which are central for the completion of the Plasmodium parasite life cycle. In an aim to discover potential novel antimalarials, this thesis focussed on falcipains (FPs), a group of four papain-like cysteine proteases from Plasmodium falciparum. Two of these enzymes, FP-2 and FP-3 are the major hemoglobinases and have been validated as drug targets. For the successful elimination of malaria, drugs must be safe and target both human and wild Plasmodium infective forms. Thus, an incipient aim was to identify protein homologs of these two proteases from other Plasmodium species and the host (human). From BLASTP analysis, up to 16 FP-2 and FP-3 homologs were identified (13 plasmodial proteases and 3 human cathepsins). Using in silico characterization approaches, the intra and inter group sequence, structural, phylogenetic and physicochemical differences were determined. To extend previous work (MSc student) involving docking studies on the identified proteins using known FP-2 and FP-3 inhibitors, a South African natural compound and its ZINC analogs, molecular dynamics and binding free energy studies were performed to determine the stabilities and quantification of the strength of interactions between the different protein-ligand complexes. From the results, key structural elements that regulate the binding and selectivity of non-peptidic compounds onto the different proteins were deciphered. Interaction fingerprints and energy decomposition analysis identified key residues and energetic terms that are central for effective ligand binding. This research presents novel insight essential for the structure-based molecular drug design of more potent antimalarial drugs.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Commerce powered by 'National culture'? : an assessment of "Wear Local" campaigns as tools for reinvigorating the textile and clothing industries in Ghana and South Africa
- Authors: Darku, Esther Naa Dodua
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Textile industry -- Economic aspects -- Ghana Textile industry -- Economic aspects -- South Africa Sustainable development -- Ghana , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2172 , vital:27619
- Description: This study examines the use of ‘cultural’ imagery and messaging as a tool to revitalise crucial national industries. Specifically, it examines the use of Wear Local campaigns in Ghana and South Africa as strategies to rejuvenate their textile industries and to make them viable in an increasingly competitive global market. Conceptualising Wear Local campaigns as possessing both cultural and economic imperatives, this study highlights how both factors contribute to making products of Buy Local campaigns marketable by showing their importance as both cultural and economic products. Using a descriptive-evaluative design, the study adopted a triangulated research approach comprising a survey, key informant interviews and document analysis. Survey questionnaires were administered to a total sample of 308 respondents in Ghana and South Africa. The qualitative phase of the study involved 10 key informant interviews (comprising textile labour unions, clothing designers, and government officials in both countries) and document/documentary research. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while the qualitative data were analysed using interpretive approaches, such as content analysis. The results indicate significant uses of national cultural elements in the campaign messaging in both Ghana and South Africa, as well as notable differences in the ways in which these campaigns resonated with consumers in the two countries. For instance, cultural differences accounted for high popularity of the campaign in Ghana and low popularity in South Africa. Following from these findings, the study concludes that the discourse on Buy Local and Wear Local, and the use of national culture in commerce, must go beyond the question of efficacy to examine the conditions under which these campaigns can become an effective economic/market tool. The study makes an important contribution to the existing knowledge on national culture, national economy and globalisation.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Communication in selected Eastern Cape public healthcare facilities offering termination of pregnancy services: inter/intra-cultural implications
- Authors: Mavuso, Snethemba Fikile
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Communication in medicine -- South Africa , Medical care -- Communication systems -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7290 , vital:21239
- Description: This study examines pre-termination of pregnancy (PTOP) counselling, focussing on issues of language and access, and sociocultural influences. This research examines linguistic and cultural aspects of communication between healthcare providers and clients in PTOP contexts. The overarching aim of this research was to identify patterns that indicate miscommunication and to propose ways to bridge any linguistic and cultural gaps. This research examine how social norms related to turn taking guide healthcare providers - clients interaction and how the clients respond to advice offered during the counselling sessions. The study provides an indepth understanding of linguistic and cultural barriers in public healthcare, and further emphasizes the need for implementation of support systems for cross-cultural and effective patient-centred communication in healthcare. The findings in this study are thatpresent that miscommunication occurs within intercultural and intra-cultural medical encounters. Excessive use of medical terminology causes communication difficulties. Clients often provide a positive response to indicate that they understand what the healthcare provider is communicating. Clients sometimes respond positively out of politeness. This practice is common in some cultures; it often occurs when the recipient is interacting with a figure of authority or someone of higher positioning. It is found that healthcare provider’s value systems sometimes have an impact on their professional conduct, influencing the type of PTOP counselling provided to clients. Sometimes the language and communication barriers have a negative impact on the quality of care/PTOP counselling. This study argues that healthcare provider’s communication styles and value systems influence PTOP counselling. Healthcare providers have the power to control the medical discourse; their turns at talk influence those of clients. The manner in which the nurses and counsellors address the clients elicits a certain response. This study thus suggests that healthcare providers need to improve their communicative skills, be mindful of their position as power holders and adopt a patient-centred approach, which is crucial for clinical and cultural competence.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Community attitudes on differences between therapeutic interventions offered by traditional healers and biomedics in combatting HIV/AIDS. The case of Dimbaza township
- Authors: Duda, Bathandwa Zimkhitha
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Healers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Traditional medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape AIDS (Disease)-- Treatment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12788 , vital:39361
- Description: The researcher attempted to investigate and assess the attitudes about therapeutic interventions of traditional healers and bio medics which throw PLWHA into confusion in regards to their health. People living with the virus tend to use both therapies in tandem, yet the rate of HIV/AIDS is escalating in South Africa. This study sought to explore the community attitudes about traditional healing and bio- medics in treating HIV/AIDS. The study used a qualitative approach with explorative and descriptive in designs and a case study as the specific research design. It was also guided by a qualitative research paradigm. For data collection, the study employed in-depth interviews, focus groups and document analysis. The study used non-probability methodology of sample selection, but specifically, snow ball sampling was used to reach to twenty (20) participants; who comprised 6 community members, 6 people living with HIV/AIDS, 4 nurses and 4 traditional healers. Data was analysed qualitatively through content thematic analysis. The study came up with the following findings: lack of faith in traditional healers and their therapies; traditional healers put the PLWHA’s health at stake; cultural beliefs and faith systems’ conformity prompts PLWHA to use healer’s concoctions; ARVs passes the litmus test as a perfect medication in treating PLWHA; ARVs administration fosters good behaviour change; the side effects of the use of ARVs usher in an opportunity to spread the disease; health care workers are source of inspiration in combating stigma; traditional healers’ therapeutic modalities are dangerous to the health of the PLWHA; traditional healers hoodwink societies that HIV/AIDS is a spiritual disease and use of traditional medication in treatment of various ailments supported. The study recommended the following; Scientific researchers need to shed more light on the concurrent use of traditional and bio-medical therapy in managing HIV; World Health Organization need to develop campaigns on the use of African and Western therapies in treating HIV/AIDS; Ongoing training of traditional healers regarding health care practise need to be enforced; Promote cultural methods as a vehicle for prevention strategies to prevent and manage HIV/AIDS and referral of clients to the hospital by traditional healers. Recommendations for social workers; Community based campaigns in managing and preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and Empower, educate and monitor traditional healers.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Community capacity-building in question? : finding a "missing" variable in the integrated development planning process in Berlin, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Solani, M
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6458 , vital:29730
- Description: This study explored the measures adopted by Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality for capacity building of rural community members to participate effectively in the Integrated Developmental Planning (IDP) process. Focus was on the rural areas of Berlin. Existing studies suggest that, due to low literacy levels and lack of knowledge and understanding about local government issues and the benefits of participation, rural residents have little knowledge of their rights, roles and responsibilities in the IDP process, and do not know the structures designed to enhance participation. The present study was conducted against this backdrop. A mixed-methods research approach was employed, utilising quantitative and qualitative research techniques. A survey was conducted with members of four rural villages in Berlin in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Questionnaires, with open and close-ended questions, were utilised, while in-depth interviews were conducted with IDP officials at Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The findings show that, while the Municipality did have community capacity-building measures in place; these were more about building the capacity of local government councillors and other local government officials and not rural community members. Whereas the municipality believed the capacity building of councillors would translate to building the capacity of rural community members, capacity building of rural community members did not happen. Community members appeared not to understand the IDP process, an indication that whatever capacity-building measures were targeted at them had no real effect in terms of engendering meaningful participation.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Community engagement principles for implementation of information technology for development by higher education institutions in South Africa
- Authors: Nkombachoto, Jacquiline
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Information technology Telecommunication Community development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13171 , vital:39471
- Description: Community engagement in South Africa is now recognised as an integral part of Higher Education Institutions’ (HEIs) educational system. The South African Council on Higher Education requires HEIs to become equitable institutions of higher learning, whereby the activities of the HEI are mutually beneficial for both learners and their communities. This entails that, community engagement activities undertaken by HEIs should be reciprocal in nature. The HEIs should help solve issues affecting their communities, whilst also gaining knowledge through experiential learning. One such way is through undertaking Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) projects in communities outside the physical boundaries of the HEI. Over the years, HEIs in South Africa have been involved in undertaking ICT4D projects aimed at benefiting their communities. This is because ICTs have the potential to improve and contribute to the development of individuals, businesses, and communities in various ways, be it socially or economically. However, the ICT4D projects have failed or partially succeeded to attain their goals. This study, thus proposes a model for HEI researchers for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects through application of community engagement principles. The proposed model was formulated using the case study approach. Four cases of ICT4D projects were used as sample to help identify factors required for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects by HEIs. Data was collected using semi structured interviews, observations and literature. The data was then analysed using cross case analysis in the form of themes. The findings were that operational community engagement policies, understanding user needs, creation of long term partnerships, synchronisation of timelines and monitoring and evaluation are vital for the successful implementation of ICT4D projects by HEI researchers in the communities.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Community policing and partnership policing : a case study of shared responsibilities between the police and Alice community
- Authors: Manganyi, Foster Mzamani
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Police-community relations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8386 , vital:32558
- Description: The purpose of this study was to explore the shared responsibilities between the police and the community on crime prevention. Various authorities such as Sir Robert Peel (1829), Sower (1957), William and Kelling (1982), Roelofse (2007), to mention a few, had been advocating community policing as an essential component of democratic policing. In an attempt to understand the shared responsibilities between the police and the community, a thorough literature review had been presented in chapter two. Through the intertwined approach of secondary data, explorations had been noted on the shared responsibility between the police and the community. Literature and theoretical review had been presented in the thesis to clarify critical aspects of the topic. Triangulation approach was adopted for the purpose of this study. The researcher triangulated, methodologies, sampling methods, data collection methods as well as data analysis methods. Using qualitative approach in Phase A, data was collected through structured interview, observation and content analysis which was thematically presented. The quantitative data (Phase B) was collected through structured questionnaire. In case of codding and analysis SPSS was utilised. The findings of the study in chapter six shows the shared responsibilities between the police and the community exist within Alice. Moreover, the findings shows that there is a need for community empowerment on human rights and its applicability.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Community structure and trophic relations in marine tufa stromatolite pools of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Rishworth, Gavin Midgley
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Bioturbation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7116 , vital:21236
- Description: Microbialites were the dominant life-form of most shallow oceans during the Precambrian. These structures are formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate by cyanobacteria as well as the binding and trapping of sediment by these and other microalgae. In modern environments they are scarce due to several factors, including grazing pressures by metazoans, altered calcium carbonate saturation states of seawater and competition with macroalgae. The recent discovery of an extensive network of actively accreting layered microbialites (stromatolites) along the South African coastline is potentially informative from this perspective. These stromatolites form within the peritidal zone, at the interface of groundwater seepage and periodic marine incursion, forming pools trapped by the accreting fabric. The aim of this thesis was to characterise the ecosystem dynamics of a representative selection of the South African locations. During a comprehensive monthly assessment over an annual cycle, as well as for additional seasonal collections, physico-chemical measurements were monitored together with biological components such as benthic and pelagic microalgae as well as the invertebrate fauna inhabiting the stromatolite pools. These components were then assessed in terms of the potential physical and biological drivers which might explain patterns of variability. Finally, to link all of the ecosystem components, a food-web analysis was conducted, to determine the trophic linkages and, importantly, the reliance by the various consumer organisms on the stromatolite material as a food resource. Results show that the stromatolite pools are driven by a regular interplay between freshwater and marine salinity states, this being determined by tidal amplitude and ocean storm cycles. Furthermore, marine incursion represents the primary source of phosphorus for the stromatolite pools, while available nitrogen is consistently provided by the freshwater inlet stream at each site. This results in an optimum zone of primary biomass within the main stromatolite pool supported by nutrient conditions, while the shifts in salinity state occurring over a weekly tidal schedule likely exclude organisms and macrophytes that are not halotolerant. This is reflected in the benthic microalgae that form the stromatolite accretions in that they are primarily driven by salinity conditions, in addition to seasonal patterns. Interestingly, the variable nutrient conditions, both between sites and temporally, did not contribute as an important driver of the benthic microalgae but did significantly relate to the pelagic microalgae (phytoplankton). This, together with the higher biomass of benthic microalgae compared to its pelagic counterpart, suggests that the stromatolite pools are a benthic-driven system. The short duration of water retention within the stromatolite pools as a result of the constant freshwater inflow, likely also precludes nutrient build-up and favours the benthic, sessile ecosystem component, especially the stromatolite-forming microalgae. In terms of the metazoan infauna, the South African stromatolite pools support a persistent assemblage. This might be surprising given the apparently destructive influence of grazing and burrowing animals on microbial mats in terms of restricting the formation of layered accretions. However, metazoans that burrow within the stromatolite fabric were observed to coexist with clear, layered accretions. This supports the observations in some other modern microbialite habitats to suggest that metazoan disruption is clearly not the only or primary factor responsible for modern microbialite scarcity. When assessing the possible drivers of the metazoan community occupying the stromatolite matrix, both salinity patterns and resource conditions in terms of nutrient supply and macroalgal cover were consistently best related to infaunal abundance and presence/absence. This further demonstrates the role of salinity conditions in terms of providing a habitat that is restrictive to most metazoan organisms, while also suggesting that the metazoans are responding to macroalgal rather than the stromatolite microalgal conditions. To further develop this observation, the results from the stable isotope work clearly reflect a dominance of pool macroalgae in the diets of invertebrate consumers, with little to no stromatolite material consumed. This suggests that there is limited apparent destructive grazing influence by the metazoans on the stromatolite matrix, in addition to the burrowing bioturbation mentioned previously. Furthermore, the metazoan grazers may be indirectly benefitting the stromatolites by restricting macroalgal biomass, which might otherwise outcompete its microalgal counterpart. This study provides a valuable understanding of benthic-driven peritidal stromatolite ecosystems, and also, from a geological perspective of past stromatolite habitats, suggests some of the mechanisms as to why metazoans may be able to coexist with layered microbialites. Given the threats to similar habitats globally, especially in terms of water resources, management measures necessary to ensure stromatolite persistence in modern environments such as these are proposed. The possible ecological role of peritidal stromatolite habitats within the broader environment, as well as recommendations for future work, is also contextualised.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Comparative analysis of zero-tillage and conventional tillage practices in the Amahlathi local municipality of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
- Authors: Gomo, Zintle
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Tillage--South Africa--Eastern Cape Farms, Small--South Africa--Eastern Cape No-tillage--South Africa--Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Agricultural Economics
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11586 , vital:39087
- Description: The current interest in zero tillage/no-till technologies is a result of the need to reduce excessive land degradation in most crop producing areas as well as to enhance sustainable food production. Farmers are always looking for ways to increase yields and profits and zero-tillage may be a way to achieve this goal. However, a systematic comparative study of the performance of zero-tillage and conventional tillage within the former homeland areas of the Eastern Cape Province is lacking. The broad objective of the study is to comparatively analyze zero tillage and conventional tillage and to determine which practice is more beneficial for the land and farmers in the area. Specifically, the study investigated the relative performance of Zero-tillage and conventional–tillage in terms of quantity produced per farm and per hectare, factors influencing the adoption rate of zero tillage and conventional tillage and to determine the relative impact of zero-tillage and conventional tillage on household income. The study was carried out in Amahlathi Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province and employed survey data obtained from 100 respondents using conventional tillage and zero tillage farmers growing spinach, cabbage, beetroot, maize, and potatoes. The study employed a cross-sectional research design. A multistage stratified sampling procedure was used in which the first stage involved selecting respondents from Amahlathi Local Municipally. This was followed by the selection of villages and then the respondents. This was done through stratification of smallholder farmers from the different Villages. This was followed by random sampling which was used to get the sample size for the study. Stata and SPSS were used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics was used to examine current farming practices in the Eastern Cape Province while Propensity Score Matching was employed to estimate the factors that had an impact on zero tillage adoption as well as the relative impact of zero tillage and conventional tillage on household income. Gross margin analysis was used to estimate profitability of zero tillage and conventional. female farmers are participating more in zero tillage with 63.8percent while males are dominating the conventional tillage with 51.6percent. These results show that females play a crucial role in decision making when it comes to agriculture and adoption of new agricultural technologies. The majority of the farmers involved in the study were young farmers with 58percent from zero tillage and 42percent practically involved in conventional tillage. Moreover, the study showed that 41percent of the respondents practising ZT were married, and about 39percent of the respondents practising conventional tillage were married. The marital status of the respondents suggested that zero-tillage farmers were relatively stable in their farming activities as compared to conventional tillage. The results presented that 52.2percent of the respondents who practised zero tillage were better educated than the 48.4percent of the respondents practising conventional tillage. The respondents that were specialising in zero-tillage, about 41% relied on farming, 6% relied on salaried income and 54percent relied on social grants. On the other hand, respondents that were specialising in conventional tillage about, 26percent relied on farming, 16percent relied on salaried income, while 58percent relied on social grants. The respondents that were specialising in zero-tillage, about 28percent used communal land, 1percent used own land and 71percent used family land. On the other hand, respondents that were specialising in conventional tillage about, 42percent used communal land, 7percent use own land and 52percent used family land. The average household size for both groups of farmers is 5 people per household. Household income distribution for conventional tillage is giving the farmers an average of R3187.10 income while the zero tillage is giving them an income of R2305.80 on average. The study revealed that the landholdings for conventional tillage agriculture tend to be more (1.77 ha) compared to zero tillage (0.79 ha) agriculture. The Propensity Score Matching results indicated that participation in smallholder zero tillage farming contributes to household income. This implies that participating in zero tillage farming can contribute to rural livelihoods, increased income and production yields. The study results showed that households chose different farming systems based on their knowledge, level of education and farming experiences. The gross margin results show that conventional tillage farming households generated more income than zero tillage farming households. Farmers who were involved in conventional tillage farming were complaining that yields and income have decreased with time and they are continuing to decrease while farmers who carried out zero tillage farming indicated that their yields and income have improved considerably and continue to increase with time. Thus, support for adopting and implementing zero tillage practices can be an important factor for improving incomes for rural households. Based on the findings highlighted above, the study recommends provision of farm inputs and continuation of government support with more emphasis on strengthening access to inputs and technical assistance. There is a need for support programmes that would help to motivate farmers for better performance. The programmes include infrastructure developments, research and extension activities.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Comparative localization studies of P.falciparum ADP-ribosylation factor proteins in P.falciparum parasites and hela cells using GFP tagged constructs
- Authors: Swart, Tarryn
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/3537 , vital:20519
- Description: Expected release date-December 2018
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- Date Issued: 2017
Comparative performance of natural and synthetic fibre nonwoven geotextiles
- Authors: Tshifularo, Cyrus Alushavhiwi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Geotextiles Textile fabrics , Textile fibers -- Testing Textile industry -- Quality control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21362 , vital:29504
- Description: The aim of this work was to establish a range of suitable process parameters which can be utilized to produce needlepunched nonwoven fabrics for geotextile applications. Nonwoven fabrics were produced from 100% PP, a blend of 50/50% PP/kenaf and 100% kenaf fibres. The depths of needle penetration of 4, 7 and 10 mm, stroke frequencies of 250, 350 and 450 strokes/min and mass per unit area of 300, 600 and 900 g/m2 were utilized for producing the fabrics, on a Dilo loom. The effect of depth of needle penetration, stroke frequency and mass per unit area on the fabric properties, namely, tensile strength, puncture resistance, pore size, water permeability and transmissivity were analysed. In addition, the effect of chemicals, namely, 10% ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), 10% sodium chloride (NaCl) and 3% sulphuric acid (H2SO4) solutions on degradation of the fabric was also studied. The results have shown that density, thickness and nominal weight of the needlepunched nonwoven fabrics were related to each other and they were influenced by stroke frequency, depth of needle penetration and feed rate of the needlepunching process. The increase in nominal weight of the fabrics also increases thickness and density of the fabrics. The tensile strength and puncture resistance of the fabrics increased with the increases in stroke frequency, depth of needle penetration and fabric mass per unit area. However, lower tensile strength and puncture resistance were achieved in the fabrics produced at lower stroke frequency, lower depth of needle penetration and lower mass per unit area. Bigger pores were resulted in the fabrics produced at lower stroke frequency, lower depth of needle penetration and lower mass per unit area, however, pore size decreased with increases in stroke frequency, depth of needle penetration and mass per unit area. Water permeability depends on the pore size, properties of the fibres, stroke frequency, depth of needle penetration and mass per unit area. Higher tensile strength and higher puncture resistance were achieved in the needlepunched nonwoven fabrics produced from 100% PP fibres, therefore, they are suitable for some load-bearing geotextile applications, such as reinforcement and separation. However, higher water permeability was achieved in the fabrics produced from 100% kenaf fibres, therefore, they are ideal for geotextile applications where good water permeability is required. Higher values for transmissivity were obtained in the fabrics produced from a blend of 50/50% PP/kenaf fibres, therefore they are suitable for drainage applications. The fabrics produced from a blend of 50/50% PP/kenaf fibres achieved better values of tensile strength, puncture resistance, pore size and water permeability in comparison to that produced from 100% PP and 100% kenaf fibres. However, better tensile strength and puncture resistance were achieved in the fabrics produced from 100% PP fibres and bigger pore size and higher water permeability were achieved in the fabrics produced from 100% kenaf fibres. Therefore, it can be suggested that the nonwoven fabrics produced from a blend of 50/50% PP/kenaf fibres can fulfil almost all requirements of geotextile applications, such as, filtration, separation, reinforcement and drainage. The fabrics produced from 100% PP fibres were not damaged or deteriorated when treated with all the three chemicals due to chemical inertness of polypropylene. However, the fabrics produced from a blend of 50/50% PP/kenaf and 100% kenaf fibres were damaged and deteriorated when treated with H2SO4.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Comparative studies of different ant-hypertensive treatments used for cardiovascular disease patients : a case study of public health facility in the Eastern Cape South Africa
- Authors: Abiodun, Oluwatoyin Victoria
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Survival analysis (Biometry) Cardiovascular system -- Diseases
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13205 , vital:39519
- Description: Discovery has shown that many deaths arising from cardiovascular disease often show early symptoms of high blood pressure, which makes it the leading risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. There is a distressing rate of 970 million hypertensive patients worldwide, a higher ratio of 640 million are from developing countries, if proper measures are not taken, there will be a higher growth of cardiovascular disease in adults by 2025. The focus of this study was to compare the therapeutic potentials of the anti-hypertensive therapies, drug A (amiloride + furosemide) and drug B (hydrochlorothiazide + enalapril) used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease patients for their capability to lengthen remission duration and survival time. All patients were diagnosed with a type of cardiovascular disorder, therefore patient records were followed up and blood pressure was being monitored for a period of two years. The retrospective data gotten from the public health facility was analysed using survival analysis methods. The results revealed that there was no statistical significance in the distributions of the length of remission and survival time of drug A and drug B patients. Also, in the age category, CVD patients that are 55 and above recover faster with drug A, while CVD patients below 55 shows a better survival with drug B. Then again, estimates from the gender category show a better survival in males using drug A, while the females thrive slightly better using drug B. Among all the risk factors considered in the study, only employment status showed a strong impact on survival time (remission). The findings from this study may help to formulate interventions and strategies that will increase the lifespan of cardiovascular patients and reduce early mortality due to cardiovascular diseases.
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- Date Issued: 2017