The development of biological tools to aid in the genetic investigation of the black (Diceros bicornis) and white (Ceratotherium simum) rhinoceros mitochondrial genomes
- Authors: Parsons, Michelle
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/56059 , vital:26769
- Description: The black (Diceros bicornis) and white (Ceratotherium simum) rhinoceros are found in South Africa. A decline in the populations of these species has resulted due to human activities such as habitat fragmentation and poaching. This has contributed to the loss of genetic diversity amongst the black and white rhinoceros. Conservation and anti-poaching efforts are needed to help maintain genetic diversity. These efforts could be improved through the development of non-invasive techniques to examine DNA from threatened animals. The aim of this research was to develop a molecular technique which would allow for the identification of the black and white rhinoceros and to develop a molecular technique which would allow for intraspecies genetic variation to be examined. DNA extractions were performed on matched faecal and tissue samples that were collected from two regions in South Africa. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer sets were designed to investigate several regions of the rhinoceros mitochondrial genome. PCR optimisation was completed for the target regions. Sequencing was conducted on all final PCR products. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COIi) gene allowed for the rhinoceros family to be identified. This region was digested with the HindIII restriction enzyme, which allowed for the specific identification of either the black or white rhinoceros. A subsequent region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COIii) as well as the D-loop, hypervariable regions (HV1 and HV2), cytochrome b (cytb) and 16s rRNA regions were investigated. These regions displayed potential for establishing geographic origin for black rhinoceros samples, whereas the D-loop and HV2 show potential for the white rhinoceros. The white rhinoceros displayed sequence variation in the HV2 and cytb region, while variation was observed in the COIi and HV1 for the black rhinoceros. All investigated target regions allowed for the rhinoceros family to be identified. The COI (COIi and COIii), HV2 and cytb regions allowed for the subspecies of rhinoceros to be identified, however the D-loop was not able to identify the white rhinoceros species. The 16s rRNA and HV1 regions allowed for the correct subspecies of rhinoceros to be identified, however as the primers were only compatible for the black rhinoceros therefore a subsequent investigation is required for the white rhinoceros. The establishment of this novel PCR based technique to identify white and black rhinoceros will allow for efficient species identification in wildlife forensic cases. A biological method was established to study intraspecies variation for the white and black rhinoceros; however the investigated target regions did not yield sufficient genetic variation. The core techniques developed in this study will be valuable for future studies that wish to investigate genetic variation in mammal species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Parsons, Michelle
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/56059 , vital:26769
- Description: The black (Diceros bicornis) and white (Ceratotherium simum) rhinoceros are found in South Africa. A decline in the populations of these species has resulted due to human activities such as habitat fragmentation and poaching. This has contributed to the loss of genetic diversity amongst the black and white rhinoceros. Conservation and anti-poaching efforts are needed to help maintain genetic diversity. These efforts could be improved through the development of non-invasive techniques to examine DNA from threatened animals. The aim of this research was to develop a molecular technique which would allow for the identification of the black and white rhinoceros and to develop a molecular technique which would allow for intraspecies genetic variation to be examined. DNA extractions were performed on matched faecal and tissue samples that were collected from two regions in South Africa. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer sets were designed to investigate several regions of the rhinoceros mitochondrial genome. PCR optimisation was completed for the target regions. Sequencing was conducted on all final PCR products. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COIi) gene allowed for the rhinoceros family to be identified. This region was digested with the HindIII restriction enzyme, which allowed for the specific identification of either the black or white rhinoceros. A subsequent region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COIii) as well as the D-loop, hypervariable regions (HV1 and HV2), cytochrome b (cytb) and 16s rRNA regions were investigated. These regions displayed potential for establishing geographic origin for black rhinoceros samples, whereas the D-loop and HV2 show potential for the white rhinoceros. The white rhinoceros displayed sequence variation in the HV2 and cytb region, while variation was observed in the COIi and HV1 for the black rhinoceros. All investigated target regions allowed for the rhinoceros family to be identified. The COI (COIi and COIii), HV2 and cytb regions allowed for the subspecies of rhinoceros to be identified, however the D-loop was not able to identify the white rhinoceros species. The 16s rRNA and HV1 regions allowed for the correct subspecies of rhinoceros to be identified, however as the primers were only compatible for the black rhinoceros therefore a subsequent investigation is required for the white rhinoceros. The establishment of this novel PCR based technique to identify white and black rhinoceros will allow for efficient species identification in wildlife forensic cases. A biological method was established to study intraspecies variation for the white and black rhinoceros; however the investigated target regions did not yield sufficient genetic variation. The core techniques developed in this study will be valuable for future studies that wish to investigate genetic variation in mammal species.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The development of palladium (II)-specific amine-functionalized silica-based microparticles
- Fayemi, Omolola E, Ogunlaja, Adeniyi S, Antunes, Edith M, Nyokong, Tebello, Tshentu, Zenixole R
- Authors: Fayemi, Omolola E , Ogunlaja, Adeniyi S , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello , Tshentu, Zenixole R
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241083 , vital:50903 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/01496395.2014.978017"
- Description: The adsorption and separation of platinum(IV) and palladium(II) chlorido species ([PtCl6]2− and [PdCl4]2−) on silica-based microparticles functionalized with ammonium centers based on ethylenediamine (EDA), diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylenetriamine (TETA) and tris-(2-aminoethyl)amine (TAEA) were investigated. The functionalized sorbent materials were characterized using SEM, XPS, BET, and FTIR. The sorbents were used in the batch and column study for adsorption and selective separation of [PtCl62− and PdCl4]2−. The adsorption model for both [PtCl6]2− and [PdCl4]2− on the different sorbent materials fitted the Freundlich isotherm with R2 values > 0.99. The S-TETA sorbent material was palladium(II) specific. Pd(II) loaded on the silica column was recovered using 3% m/v thiourea solution as the eluting agent. Separation of platinum and palladium was achieved by selective stripping of [PtCl6]2− with 0.5 M of NaClO4 in 1.0 M HCl while Pd(II) was eluted with 0.5 M thiourea in 1.0 M HCl. The separation of palladium (Pd) from a mixture containing platinum (Pt), iridium (Ir), and rhodium (Rh) was successful on silica functionalized with triethylenetriamine (TETA) showing specificity for palladium(II) and a loading capacity of 0.27 mg/g. S-TETA showed potential for use in the recovery of palladium from platinum group metals such as from solutions of worn out automobile emission control catalytic convertors and other secondary sources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Fayemi, Omolola E , Ogunlaja, Adeniyi S , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello , Tshentu, Zenixole R
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241083 , vital:50903 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1080/01496395.2014.978017"
- Description: The adsorption and separation of platinum(IV) and palladium(II) chlorido species ([PtCl6]2− and [PdCl4]2−) on silica-based microparticles functionalized with ammonium centers based on ethylenediamine (EDA), diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylenetriamine (TETA) and tris-(2-aminoethyl)amine (TAEA) were investigated. The functionalized sorbent materials were characterized using SEM, XPS, BET, and FTIR. The sorbents were used in the batch and column study for adsorption and selective separation of [PtCl62− and PdCl4]2−. The adsorption model for both [PtCl6]2− and [PdCl4]2− on the different sorbent materials fitted the Freundlich isotherm with R2 values > 0.99. The S-TETA sorbent material was palladium(II) specific. Pd(II) loaded on the silica column was recovered using 3% m/v thiourea solution as the eluting agent. Separation of platinum and palladium was achieved by selective stripping of [PtCl6]2− with 0.5 M of NaClO4 in 1.0 M HCl while Pd(II) was eluted with 0.5 M thiourea in 1.0 M HCl. The separation of palladium (Pd) from a mixture containing platinum (Pt), iridium (Ir), and rhodium (Rh) was successful on silica functionalized with triethylenetriamine (TETA) showing specificity for palladium(II) and a loading capacity of 0.27 mg/g. S-TETA showed potential for use in the recovery of palladium from platinum group metals such as from solutions of worn out automobile emission control catalytic convertors and other secondary sources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The development visions and attitudes towards urban forestry of officials responsible for greening in South African towns
- Gwedla, Nanamhla, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Gwedla, Nanamhla , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180856 , vital:43651 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2014.07.004"
- Description: The planting and maintenance of trees in public areas of South African towns is the responsibility of local municipalities. Therefore, it is necessary to appreciate the visions and attitudes of municipal officials and decision-makers in charge of such activities for an understanding of the distribution and abundance of trees along streets and in urban green spaces. We hypothesised that the town size and relative wealth and current extent of trees in public places would influence the visions of such officials. We therefore conducted 24 semi-structured interviews with the officials responsible for urban tree planting in 24 towns in the Eastern Cape province, whilst also assessing the abundance of street trees via GIS counts. The density of street trees was variable, ranging from 0.5 to 9.5 trees/ha. There were significantly positive relationships between town size, relative wealth measures and street tree density. Several of the managers did not include environmental issues or trees in vision of the future for their town, although most did. There was no relationship between the managers’ visions for the future and attitudes and current street tree density. Most of the managers experienced several constraints in trying to implement their vision, notably a lack of funds for urban forestry, limited space for tree planting in low-cost housing developments, vandalism, and lack of skilled personnel.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Gwedla, Nanamhla , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180856 , vital:43651 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2014.07.004"
- Description: The planting and maintenance of trees in public areas of South African towns is the responsibility of local municipalities. Therefore, it is necessary to appreciate the visions and attitudes of municipal officials and decision-makers in charge of such activities for an understanding of the distribution and abundance of trees along streets and in urban green spaces. We hypothesised that the town size and relative wealth and current extent of trees in public places would influence the visions of such officials. We therefore conducted 24 semi-structured interviews with the officials responsible for urban tree planting in 24 towns in the Eastern Cape province, whilst also assessing the abundance of street trees via GIS counts. The density of street trees was variable, ranging from 0.5 to 9.5 trees/ha. There were significantly positive relationships between town size, relative wealth measures and street tree density. Several of the managers did not include environmental issues or trees in vision of the future for their town, although most did. There was no relationship between the managers’ visions for the future and attitudes and current street tree density. Most of the managers experienced several constraints in trying to implement their vision, notably a lack of funds for urban forestry, limited space for tree planting in low-cost housing developments, vandalism, and lack of skilled personnel.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The diets of co-occuring anurans in a small South African river: assessments using stomach contents, stable isotope ratios and fatty acid profiles
- Authors: Sikutshwa, Likho
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54405 , vital:26562
- Description: During their life cycle amphibians change their habitat and feeding, and are important consumers in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. The trophic ecology of anurans has been studied intensively using gut content analysis, but very little work has been done using biochemical techniques such as stable isotope and fatty acid analyses. These biochemical techniques produce data that allow for additional inferences about the trophic ecology of anurans, as they reveal what the organisms assimilated over time rather than what was recently ingested. The investigation of the feeding ecology and trophic interactions of anurans using gut content analyses together with stable isotope and fatty acid analyses will help us to better understand their ecological roles. The objective of this thesis was to assess the feeding ecology of four anurans (Amietia angolensis, Amietophyrnus rangeri, Strongylopus grayii and Xenopus laevis) in a temperate river using a combination of gut content, stable isotope and fatty acid analyses. Frogs, tadpoles and potential food sources were sampled in two sites (upstream and downstream) in the Kowie River, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Gut content analyses identified 147 prey items belonging to 12 prey orders in the stomachs of the sampled specimens. In both A. angolensis and S. grayii the most important prey category was Coleoptera, followed by Hemiptera, Diptera and Hymenoptera at both sites. Aquatic prey items (aquatic hemipterans, chirinomids and blackflies) were the most important food sources for X. laevis (Alimentary Index (IAi) = 6.4; 5.2; 4.2). In Am. rangeri, Hymenoptera was the most important prey category (IAi = 8.3). The trophic niche overlap between A. angolensis and S. grayii was biologically significant (> 0.6), and in the remaining species there was no significant trophic niche overlap. Amietia angolensis showed a larger trophic niche (Levin’s measure; B = 7.7 and Bst = 0.84 downstream, and upstream B = 7.6 (Bst = 0.82) compared to the other species. The gut content analyses showed that frogs feed on a variety of prey items that constitutes food sources from both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Stable isotopes indicated that aquatic derived sources contributed significantly more towards the diets of X. laevis, A. angolensis tadpoles and S. grayii tadpoles compared with the other anurans, whereas aquatic and terrestrial derived food sources contributed equally to the diets of A. angolensis and S. grayii. Increased trophic positions in A. angolensis and S. grayii occurred throughout their development. The four different species had similar fatty acid profiles in the upstream region, and fairly similar δ13C values, suggesting that they probably consumed similar food. Fatty acid profiles of anurans in the downstream region showed distinct separations among the species. Tadpoles had high levels of diatom-associated fatty acids (20:5ω3; A. angolensis tadpole – 8.4 %, S. grayii tadpole – 9.4 % upstream and downstream; 9.1 and 6.1 % total fatty acids (TFA), respectively). All four species had substantial contributions from bacterial fatty acids, and large proportions of saturated fatty acids (30.6 - 50.0 %) including those with 14 and 18 carbons, indicating that bacterial and detritus food sources played an important role in their diets. The fatty acid profiles revealed high proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and essential fatty acids (EFAs) in all species, indicating a good quality of food and that the quality of food consumed was similar among species. The results demonstrated the usefulness of a combination of traditional techniques (gut content techniques) and biochemical techniques (stable isotopes and fatty acid analysis) for assessing consumption and assimilation. The amphibian assemblages examined derived much of their energy from terrestrial and aquatic sources. This information will allow more precise and comprehensive assessments of trophic interactions in freshwater habitats, along with aiding in future amphibian conservation and management efforts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Sikutshwa, Likho
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54405 , vital:26562
- Description: During their life cycle amphibians change their habitat and feeding, and are important consumers in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. The trophic ecology of anurans has been studied intensively using gut content analysis, but very little work has been done using biochemical techniques such as stable isotope and fatty acid analyses. These biochemical techniques produce data that allow for additional inferences about the trophic ecology of anurans, as they reveal what the organisms assimilated over time rather than what was recently ingested. The investigation of the feeding ecology and trophic interactions of anurans using gut content analyses together with stable isotope and fatty acid analyses will help us to better understand their ecological roles. The objective of this thesis was to assess the feeding ecology of four anurans (Amietia angolensis, Amietophyrnus rangeri, Strongylopus grayii and Xenopus laevis) in a temperate river using a combination of gut content, stable isotope and fatty acid analyses. Frogs, tadpoles and potential food sources were sampled in two sites (upstream and downstream) in the Kowie River, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Gut content analyses identified 147 prey items belonging to 12 prey orders in the stomachs of the sampled specimens. In both A. angolensis and S. grayii the most important prey category was Coleoptera, followed by Hemiptera, Diptera and Hymenoptera at both sites. Aquatic prey items (aquatic hemipterans, chirinomids and blackflies) were the most important food sources for X. laevis (Alimentary Index (IAi) = 6.4; 5.2; 4.2). In Am. rangeri, Hymenoptera was the most important prey category (IAi = 8.3). The trophic niche overlap between A. angolensis and S. grayii was biologically significant (> 0.6), and in the remaining species there was no significant trophic niche overlap. Amietia angolensis showed a larger trophic niche (Levin’s measure; B = 7.7 and Bst = 0.84 downstream, and upstream B = 7.6 (Bst = 0.82) compared to the other species. The gut content analyses showed that frogs feed on a variety of prey items that constitutes food sources from both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Stable isotopes indicated that aquatic derived sources contributed significantly more towards the diets of X. laevis, A. angolensis tadpoles and S. grayii tadpoles compared with the other anurans, whereas aquatic and terrestrial derived food sources contributed equally to the diets of A. angolensis and S. grayii. Increased trophic positions in A. angolensis and S. grayii occurred throughout their development. The four different species had similar fatty acid profiles in the upstream region, and fairly similar δ13C values, suggesting that they probably consumed similar food. Fatty acid profiles of anurans in the downstream region showed distinct separations among the species. Tadpoles had high levels of diatom-associated fatty acids (20:5ω3; A. angolensis tadpole – 8.4 %, S. grayii tadpole – 9.4 % upstream and downstream; 9.1 and 6.1 % total fatty acids (TFA), respectively). All four species had substantial contributions from bacterial fatty acids, and large proportions of saturated fatty acids (30.6 - 50.0 %) including those with 14 and 18 carbons, indicating that bacterial and detritus food sources played an important role in their diets. The fatty acid profiles revealed high proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and essential fatty acids (EFAs) in all species, indicating a good quality of food and that the quality of food consumed was similar among species. The results demonstrated the usefulness of a combination of traditional techniques (gut content techniques) and biochemical techniques (stable isotopes and fatty acid analysis) for assessing consumption and assimilation. The amphibian assemblages examined derived much of their energy from terrestrial and aquatic sources. This information will allow more precise and comprehensive assessments of trophic interactions in freshwater habitats, along with aiding in future amphibian conservation and management efforts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The direct-use value of urban tree non-timber forest products to household income in poorer suburbs in South African towns
- Kaoma, Humphrey, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Kaoma, Humphrey , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180778 , vital:43645 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2015.08.005"
- Description: Valuation of the contribution of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to household incomes has been well researched in the rural and remote areas of the developing world. In comparison, there has been little investigation of the contribution of NTFPs in urban areas and amongst the urban poor. This paper reports results from a survey of 450 households across three towns on the use and value of tree NTFPs collected by households in the poorer areas from their own homesteads, open spaces within towns and at the urban periphery. Collection (and purchase) of tree NTFPs was widespread, especially of firewood and fruits. The ratio collected from homesteads relative to other urban spaces differed between products and the amount required. Overall, approximately 20% of household income was derived from urban tree NTFPs. The highest contribution (33%) was amongst the poorest sectors represented by mostly recent migrants to towns who were living in informal settlements whilst trying to establish a foothold in the urban economy. In the formal housing areas the contribution was at least 14%, which has been overlooked by standard income surveys in urban areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Kaoma, Humphrey , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180778 , vital:43645 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2015.08.005"
- Description: Valuation of the contribution of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) to household incomes has been well researched in the rural and remote areas of the developing world. In comparison, there has been little investigation of the contribution of NTFPs in urban areas and amongst the urban poor. This paper reports results from a survey of 450 households across three towns on the use and value of tree NTFPs collected by households in the poorer areas from their own homesteads, open spaces within towns and at the urban periphery. Collection (and purchase) of tree NTFPs was widespread, especially of firewood and fruits. The ratio collected from homesteads relative to other urban spaces differed between products and the amount required. Overall, approximately 20% of household income was derived from urban tree NTFPs. The highest contribution (33%) was amongst the poorest sectors represented by mostly recent migrants to towns who were living in informal settlements whilst trying to establish a foothold in the urban economy. In the formal housing areas the contribution was at least 14%, which has been overlooked by standard income surveys in urban areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The ebb and flow of the separation of powers in South African constitutional law – the Glenister litigation campaign
- Authors: Krüger, Rósaan
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/71103 , vital:29784 , https://doi.org/10.5771/0506-7286-2015-1-49
- Description: This article considers the application of the doctrine of separation of powers by the South African judiciary in a series of judgments flowing from applications and appeals concerning the disbanding of a specialised crime-fighting unit, the Directorate of Special Operations (‘DSO’, colloquially known as ‘the Scorpions’) and the establishment of another unit, the Directorate of Priority Crimes (‘DCPI’, colloquially known as ‘the Hawks’) through legislative enactment. It traces the judiciary’s stance on the separation of powers in the different stages of the litigation - before, during and after the conclusion of the legislative process. It does so against the background of South African precedent on the doctrine and in the light of a perceived power imbalance between the branches of government. Ultimately, it questions the appropriateness of the current understanding of the doctrine of separation of powers in the context of a dominant-party democracy.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Krüger, Rósaan
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/71103 , vital:29784 , https://doi.org/10.5771/0506-7286-2015-1-49
- Description: This article considers the application of the doctrine of separation of powers by the South African judiciary in a series of judgments flowing from applications and appeals concerning the disbanding of a specialised crime-fighting unit, the Directorate of Special Operations (‘DSO’, colloquially known as ‘the Scorpions’) and the establishment of another unit, the Directorate of Priority Crimes (‘DCPI’, colloquially known as ‘the Hawks’) through legislative enactment. It traces the judiciary’s stance on the separation of powers in the different stages of the litigation - before, during and after the conclusion of the legislative process. It does so against the background of South African precedent on the doctrine and in the light of a perceived power imbalance between the branches of government. Ultimately, it questions the appropriateness of the current understanding of the doctrine of separation of powers in the context of a dominant-party democracy.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
The economics of institutions, institutional governance and efficiency: the case of water distribution in Lower Sundays River Valley
- Authors: Madigele, Patricia Kefilwe
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54777 , vital:26611
- Description: The institutional dynamics, policies and legislation that were prevalent during the apartheid era have left imprints that are difficult to ignore as they still dictate the interaction between different elements in the water sector to date. During the apartheid era, the formulation of policies was informed by racial segregation, resulting in a socio-economic pattern that dictated the distribution and access of resources for the people of different races in the country. Post-apartheid, the National Water Act has established the basis for management of water resources on a catchment basis (for equity, efficiency and sustainability), and the Water Services Act aims to ensure everybody has access to basic water supply and sanitation services. Regardless of the improvements in water supply to the rural sector made by the South African government, many of the current patterns of water use are still characterised by inequality, inefficiency, and inadequacy. The poor remain marginalised, and emerging farmers and poor rural communities have limited access to water resources while water continues to be used inefficiently by some farmers in the agricultural sector with few incentives to improve its water use efficiency. Despite the existence of the thriving citrus industry in the area, around 60% of people in the Sundays River Valley Municipality (SRVM) live below the poverty datum line. The inequality between the municipal populace and the commercial citrus industry is noticeable and the inequitable water redistribution is prevalent in the Lower Sundays River Valley (LSRV). The problem of disrupted water supply is prevalent in the catchment. However, there is also currently no physical shortage of water in the catchment. Therefore, the currently experienced problems with water supply in the LSRV are consequence of a lack of effective institutions and infrastructure, not of physical water scarcity. It is argued in this paper that there is a notable lack of understanding about the design of institutions for water management in developing countries. The vast majority of research on water management and access is premised on neoclassical economics ideas related to water markets and pricing among others. The neoclassical economics approach, however, does not adequately define the role of institutions in shaping the direction of water access and supply. This study uses new institutional economics (NIE) arguments to define the institutional arrangements and dynamics defining the water sector in South Africa, using the Lower Sunday River Water Users Association (LSR-WUA) as the case study. It aims at analysing the institutional governance and performance of the using equity, efficiency and effectiveness as key indicators. The various research methods employed in this study include; interpretive and post-positivist paradigms, quantitative and qualitative research, the case study research method and in-depth key informant interviews. It is concluded that that the current and future decisions made by the LSR-WUA are not entirely independent of those made in the past under Sundays River Irrigation Board (SRIB). The thesis argues that such factors as old effective networks, vested interests of commercial farmers, sunk costs towards the building of canals, among other factors, may have influenced the dependence of the LSR-WUA on the SRIB’s set path. It is further concluded that the absence of contractual agreement between the LRS-WUA which acts as the bulk water supplier, and the SRVM which acts as both the water services authority (WSA) and the water service provider (WSP) creates an institutional arrangement deficiency. Such an institutional arrangement vacuum can lead to a failure of the water institutions in the catchment to provide water resources effectively. The study further argues that because the post-apartheid National Water Policy of South Africa is largely influenced by neoclassical economics foundations, the desired results in the water sector, such as equitable distribution of water resources, have not yet been fulfilled completely.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Madigele, Patricia Kefilwe
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/54777 , vital:26611
- Description: The institutional dynamics, policies and legislation that were prevalent during the apartheid era have left imprints that are difficult to ignore as they still dictate the interaction between different elements in the water sector to date. During the apartheid era, the formulation of policies was informed by racial segregation, resulting in a socio-economic pattern that dictated the distribution and access of resources for the people of different races in the country. Post-apartheid, the National Water Act has established the basis for management of water resources on a catchment basis (for equity, efficiency and sustainability), and the Water Services Act aims to ensure everybody has access to basic water supply and sanitation services. Regardless of the improvements in water supply to the rural sector made by the South African government, many of the current patterns of water use are still characterised by inequality, inefficiency, and inadequacy. The poor remain marginalised, and emerging farmers and poor rural communities have limited access to water resources while water continues to be used inefficiently by some farmers in the agricultural sector with few incentives to improve its water use efficiency. Despite the existence of the thriving citrus industry in the area, around 60% of people in the Sundays River Valley Municipality (SRVM) live below the poverty datum line. The inequality between the municipal populace and the commercial citrus industry is noticeable and the inequitable water redistribution is prevalent in the Lower Sundays River Valley (LSRV). The problem of disrupted water supply is prevalent in the catchment. However, there is also currently no physical shortage of water in the catchment. Therefore, the currently experienced problems with water supply in the LSRV are consequence of a lack of effective institutions and infrastructure, not of physical water scarcity. It is argued in this paper that there is a notable lack of understanding about the design of institutions for water management in developing countries. The vast majority of research on water management and access is premised on neoclassical economics ideas related to water markets and pricing among others. The neoclassical economics approach, however, does not adequately define the role of institutions in shaping the direction of water access and supply. This study uses new institutional economics (NIE) arguments to define the institutional arrangements and dynamics defining the water sector in South Africa, using the Lower Sunday River Water Users Association (LSR-WUA) as the case study. It aims at analysing the institutional governance and performance of the using equity, efficiency and effectiveness as key indicators. The various research methods employed in this study include; interpretive and post-positivist paradigms, quantitative and qualitative research, the case study research method and in-depth key informant interviews. It is concluded that that the current and future decisions made by the LSR-WUA are not entirely independent of those made in the past under Sundays River Irrigation Board (SRIB). The thesis argues that such factors as old effective networks, vested interests of commercial farmers, sunk costs towards the building of canals, among other factors, may have influenced the dependence of the LSR-WUA on the SRIB’s set path. It is further concluded that the absence of contractual agreement between the LRS-WUA which acts as the bulk water supplier, and the SRVM which acts as both the water services authority (WSA) and the water service provider (WSP) creates an institutional arrangement deficiency. Such an institutional arrangement vacuum can lead to a failure of the water institutions in the catchment to provide water resources effectively. The study further argues that because the post-apartheid National Water Policy of South Africa is largely influenced by neoclassical economics foundations, the desired results in the water sector, such as equitable distribution of water resources, have not yet been fulfilled completely.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The effect of ascorbic acid on the photophysical properties and photodynamic therapy activities of zinc phthalocyanine-single walled carbon nanotube conjugate on MCF-7 cancer cells
- Ogbodu, Racheal O, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Ogbodu, Racheal O , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189066 , vital:44813 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2015.06.063"
- Description: Zinc mono carboxy phenoxy phthalocyanine (1) was chemical modified with ascorbic acid via an ester bond to give ZnMCPPc-AA (2). Complexes 2 and 1 were coordinated to single walled carbon nanotubes via π–π interaction to give ZnMCPPc-AA-SWCNT (3) and ZnMCPPc-SWCNT (4) respectively. Complexes 2, 3 and 4 showed better photophysical properties: with improved triplet lifetimes and quantum yields, and singlet oxygen quantum yields when compared to 1 alone. The photodynamic therapy activities of complexes 1, 2, 3 and 4 were tested in vitro on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Ascorbic acid suppresses the photodynamic therapy effect of 1, due to its ability to reduce oxidative DNA damage as a result of its potent reducing properties. The highest phototoxicity was observed for 4 which resulted in 77% decrease in cell viability, followed by 3 which resulted in 67% decrease in cell viability. This shows the importance of combination therapy, where the phthalocyanines are the photodynamic therapy agents and single walled carbon nanotubes are the photothermal therapy agents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Ogbodu, Racheal O , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189066 , vital:44813 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2015.06.063"
- Description: Zinc mono carboxy phenoxy phthalocyanine (1) was chemical modified with ascorbic acid via an ester bond to give ZnMCPPc-AA (2). Complexes 2 and 1 were coordinated to single walled carbon nanotubes via π–π interaction to give ZnMCPPc-AA-SWCNT (3) and ZnMCPPc-SWCNT (4) respectively. Complexes 2, 3 and 4 showed better photophysical properties: with improved triplet lifetimes and quantum yields, and singlet oxygen quantum yields when compared to 1 alone. The photodynamic therapy activities of complexes 1, 2, 3 and 4 were tested in vitro on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Ascorbic acid suppresses the photodynamic therapy effect of 1, due to its ability to reduce oxidative DNA damage as a result of its potent reducing properties. The highest phototoxicity was observed for 4 which resulted in 77% decrease in cell viability, followed by 3 which resulted in 67% decrease in cell viability. This shows the importance of combination therapy, where the phthalocyanines are the photodynamic therapy agents and single walled carbon nanotubes are the photothermal therapy agents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The effect of extracellular Hsp90β and TGF-β1 on colon cancer biology
- Authors: Perks, Tamarin
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/55896 , vital:26753
- Description: The TGF-β signaling pathway is known to be one of the most commonly mutated pathways in human cancers, while Hsp90 is a bone fide drug target that is involved in regulating the conformation and activity of many oncoproteins. The role of intracellular Hsp90 in cancer has thus far been established and there is a growing link between extracellular Hsp90 and cancer metastasis, as well as the role of TGF-β in metastasis. This study aimed to analyse the interaction between Hsp90 (both intracellular and extracellular) and the TGF-β machinery in cancer cells, as well as to determine the effect of these proteins on cellular responses on the biology of cancer cells. This was achieved by studying the expression of Hsp90; TGF-βRII and TGF-β1 in cancer cell lines of various origins using flow cytometry, ELISA, and western blot analysis. The genetically paired SW480 and SW620 colon cancer cell lines, derived from a primary tumour and lymph node metastasis, respectively, were selected for further study due to differences in expression levels and activation of the TGF-β1 pathway. SW480 cells expressed double the level of TGF-βRII compared to SW620 cells, while SW620 expressed two times more extracellular TGF-β1 than SW480 cells. A direct interaction between TGF-β1 and Hsp90β was determined in vitro, and confirmed in vivo in SW620 cells. Growth, adhesion and migration were analysed in SW480 and SW620 cells. SW480 cells adhered significantly faster than SW620 cells, while SW620 cells had a greater rate of migration. Inhibiting the TGF-β pathway, specifically TGF-βRI, using SB 431542, as well as inhibiting Hsp90 with novobiocin, caused an increase in migration in SW480 cells. Only the addition of TGF-β1 in combination with Hsp90 as well as SB 431542 caused an increase in migration in SW620 cells. The canonical TGF-β1/TGF-βRI/TGF-βRII pathway may be constitutively active in SW620 cells and the inhibition of TGF-βRI may suggest an alternate pathway or receptor in both SW480 and SW620 cells.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Perks, Tamarin
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/55896 , vital:26753
- Description: The TGF-β signaling pathway is known to be one of the most commonly mutated pathways in human cancers, while Hsp90 is a bone fide drug target that is involved in regulating the conformation and activity of many oncoproteins. The role of intracellular Hsp90 in cancer has thus far been established and there is a growing link between extracellular Hsp90 and cancer metastasis, as well as the role of TGF-β in metastasis. This study aimed to analyse the interaction between Hsp90 (both intracellular and extracellular) and the TGF-β machinery in cancer cells, as well as to determine the effect of these proteins on cellular responses on the biology of cancer cells. This was achieved by studying the expression of Hsp90; TGF-βRII and TGF-β1 in cancer cell lines of various origins using flow cytometry, ELISA, and western blot analysis. The genetically paired SW480 and SW620 colon cancer cell lines, derived from a primary tumour and lymph node metastasis, respectively, were selected for further study due to differences in expression levels and activation of the TGF-β1 pathway. SW480 cells expressed double the level of TGF-βRII compared to SW620 cells, while SW620 expressed two times more extracellular TGF-β1 than SW480 cells. A direct interaction between TGF-β1 and Hsp90β was determined in vitro, and confirmed in vivo in SW620 cells. Growth, adhesion and migration were analysed in SW480 and SW620 cells. SW480 cells adhered significantly faster than SW620 cells, while SW620 cells had a greater rate of migration. Inhibiting the TGF-β pathway, specifically TGF-βRI, using SB 431542, as well as inhibiting Hsp90 with novobiocin, caused an increase in migration in SW480 cells. Only the addition of TGF-β1 in combination with Hsp90 as well as SB 431542 caused an increase in migration in SW620 cells. The canonical TGF-β1/TGF-βRI/TGF-βRII pathway may be constitutively active in SW620 cells and the inhibition of TGF-βRI may suggest an alternate pathway or receptor in both SW480 and SW620 cells.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The effect of long-distance transportation on the fitness of irradiated false codling Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) for use in a sterile insect release program
- Nepgen, Eugene S, Hill, Martin P, Moore, Sean D
- Authors: Nepgen, Eugene S , Hill, Martin P , Moore, Sean D
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423835 , vital:72098 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/tov246"
- Description: The effect of cold immobilization and long-distance transport of irradiated Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) on the flight ability of male (?) and female (/) moths, the longevity of male and female moths, and the realized fecundity of mating pairs CIM (chilled irradiated moths) / CIM?, CIM/ NIP (nonirradiated pupae) ?, NIP/ CIM?, and NIP/ NIP? was examined to improve application of the sterile insect technique (SIT). Adult moths treated with 150 Gy of gamma radiation were immobilized with cold temperature between 4 and 6C inside a polyurethane cooler box and transported for 12 h by road from Citrusdal, Western Cape Province, to Addo, Eastern Cape Province. Nonirradiated moths were transported as pupae inside a cardboard tray and removed by hand after which male and female pupae were separated and placed inside containers for eclosion. Male and female moths were individually placed inside petri dishes to determine longevity or paired with irradiated and nonirradiated counterparts to evaluate realized fecundity before incubation in 100% darkness at 25C and 75% relative humidity. Flight tests were conducted indoors at 25C by release of individual moths per hand. A significant decrease in flight ability and longevity of irradiated false codling moth was found after handling, cold immobilization, and transport, although critically, realized fecundity was not affected. Because of the impact of long-distance transport on quality of the released insects as well as the efficacy of SIT, comprehensive protocols for this critical step in the process need to be developed for a pestiferous insect with phytosanitary status such as false codling moth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Nepgen, Eugene S , Hill, Martin P , Moore, Sean D
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/423835 , vital:72098 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/tov246"
- Description: The effect of cold immobilization and long-distance transport of irradiated Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) on the flight ability of male (?) and female (/) moths, the longevity of male and female moths, and the realized fecundity of mating pairs CIM (chilled irradiated moths) / CIM?, CIM/ NIP (nonirradiated pupae) ?, NIP/ CIM?, and NIP/ NIP? was examined to improve application of the sterile insect technique (SIT). Adult moths treated with 150 Gy of gamma radiation were immobilized with cold temperature between 4 and 6C inside a polyurethane cooler box and transported for 12 h by road from Citrusdal, Western Cape Province, to Addo, Eastern Cape Province. Nonirradiated moths were transported as pupae inside a cardboard tray and removed by hand after which male and female pupae were separated and placed inside containers for eclosion. Male and female moths were individually placed inside petri dishes to determine longevity or paired with irradiated and nonirradiated counterparts to evaluate realized fecundity before incubation in 100% darkness at 25C and 75% relative humidity. Flight tests were conducted indoors at 25C by release of individual moths per hand. A significant decrease in flight ability and longevity of irradiated false codling moth was found after handling, cold immobilization, and transport, although critically, realized fecundity was not affected. Because of the impact of long-distance transport on quality of the released insects as well as the efficacy of SIT, comprehensive protocols for this critical step in the process need to be developed for a pestiferous insect with phytosanitary status such as false codling moth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The effects of gold coated and uncoated zinc oxide nanohexagons on the photophysicochemical properties of the low symmetry zinc phthalocyanine
- D'Souza, Sarah, Ogbodu, Rachael, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: D'Souza, Sarah , Ogbodu, Rachael , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189077 , vital:44814 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2015.06.088"
- Description: A new low symmetry, Zn phthalocyanine monosubstituted with diethylaminoethanethiol (mDEAET ZnPc) was synthesized and characterized. This work reports on its photophysical and photochemical properties of mDEAET ZnPc alone and when conjugated to gold coated and uncoated zinc oxide nanohexagons (ZnO NHXs). The photophysicochemical properties generally improved in the presence of the ZnO NHXs. These complexes were also tested for their photodynamic antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The Pc alone showed remarkable growth inhibition even at concentrations as low as 0.05 mg/mL. The conjugates showed a high photoinactivation of S. aureus after 30 min at a fluence of 90 mW cm−2 at a concentration of 0.05 mg/mL. The ZnPc-ZnO NHX conjugates produced the best antimicrobial results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: D'Souza, Sarah , Ogbodu, Rachael , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189077 , vital:44814 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2015.06.088"
- Description: A new low symmetry, Zn phthalocyanine monosubstituted with diethylaminoethanethiol (mDEAET ZnPc) was synthesized and characterized. This work reports on its photophysical and photochemical properties of mDEAET ZnPc alone and when conjugated to gold coated and uncoated zinc oxide nanohexagons (ZnO NHXs). The photophysicochemical properties generally improved in the presence of the ZnO NHXs. These complexes were also tested for their photodynamic antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The Pc alone showed remarkable growth inhibition even at concentrations as low as 0.05 mg/mL. The conjugates showed a high photoinactivation of S. aureus after 30 min at a fluence of 90 mW cm−2 at a concentration of 0.05 mg/mL. The ZnPc-ZnO NHX conjugates produced the best antimicrobial results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The emergence of environmental ethics discourses in laminated, open systems: Some educational considerations
- Authors: Olvitt, Lausanne L
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/437094 , vital:73330 , ISBN 9781315660899 , https://www.routledge.com/Critical-Realism-Environmental-Learning-and-Social-Ecological-Change/Price-Lotz-Sistka/p/book/9780367597689
- Description: The contemporary social-ecological condition is characterized by powerful changes in the way that we relate to each other and to the environment. This has led to increased ecological vulnerability, which is also accompanied by ongoing, and in-creased societal vulnerability. Nevertheless there remain op-portunities for developing new social-ecological relations, and for social-ecological learning and change. This would seem to require a strong project of recovering ontology, and a challeng-ing and broadening of dominant ways of knowing (Mignolo, 2000) that also tend to commit what Bhaskar describes as the ‘epistemic fallacy’, or the ‘the analysis or reduction of being to knowledge of being’ (Bhaskar, 2010, p. 1). In response, Bhaskar (ibid.) suggests critical realism as an alternative that embodies a ‘compatibility of ontological realism, epistemologi-cal relativism and judgmental rationality’. This includes a ‘re-vindication of ontology’ and the possibility of recognizing and accounting for structure, difference and change in the world in ways that escape ontological actualism and ontological mono-valence or ‘the generation of a purely positive account of reali-ty’ (ibid., p. 15).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Olvitt, Lausanne L
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , book chapter
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/437094 , vital:73330 , ISBN 9781315660899 , https://www.routledge.com/Critical-Realism-Environmental-Learning-and-Social-Ecological-Change/Price-Lotz-Sistka/p/book/9780367597689
- Description: The contemporary social-ecological condition is characterized by powerful changes in the way that we relate to each other and to the environment. This has led to increased ecological vulnerability, which is also accompanied by ongoing, and in-creased societal vulnerability. Nevertheless there remain op-portunities for developing new social-ecological relations, and for social-ecological learning and change. This would seem to require a strong project of recovering ontology, and a challeng-ing and broadening of dominant ways of knowing (Mignolo, 2000) that also tend to commit what Bhaskar describes as the ‘epistemic fallacy’, or the ‘the analysis or reduction of being to knowledge of being’ (Bhaskar, 2010, p. 1). In response, Bhaskar (ibid.) suggests critical realism as an alternative that embodies a ‘compatibility of ontological realism, epistemologi-cal relativism and judgmental rationality’. This includes a ‘re-vindication of ontology’ and the possibility of recognizing and accounting for structure, difference and change in the world in ways that escape ontological actualism and ontological mono-valence or ‘the generation of a purely positive account of reali-ty’ (ibid., p. 15).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The future is already here...:
- Authors: Garman, Anthea
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/158862 , vital:40235 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC175795
- Description: Two of the School of Journalism and Media Studies' most important projects get into high gear in July and August: the Highway Africa conference and the Rhodes Journalism Review. And for a great many years now the two have had an important association as well as being important vehicles for our engagement with the continent of Africa and its journalists, editors, media owners, policy-makers, researchers, theorists, educators and innovators.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Garman, Anthea
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/158862 , vital:40235 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC175795
- Description: Two of the School of Journalism and Media Studies' most important projects get into high gear in July and August: the Highway Africa conference and the Rhodes Journalism Review. And for a great many years now the two have had an important association as well as being important vehicles for our engagement with the continent of Africa and its journalists, editors, media owners, policy-makers, researchers, theorists, educators and innovators.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The impact of globalization on economic growth in South Africa
- Authors: Maronga, Vimbai Linah
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , International economic integration , International trade
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25861 , vital:64552
- Description: The dissertation investigated the impact of globalization on the economic growth of South Africa using annual South African data covering the period 1975 to 2011. The study used Johansen cointegration and vector error correction model to determine the impact of globalization on economic growth in South Africa. The VECM model with South African variables was specified and used to assess the effects of globalization on South Africa’s economic growth. Results of the study suggested that the South African economic growth was negatively impacted by globalization in the long run. Using the results conclusions and policy recommendations were made using these results. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Maronga, Vimbai Linah
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , International economic integration , International trade
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25861 , vital:64552
- Description: The dissertation investigated the impact of globalization on the economic growth of South Africa using annual South African data covering the period 1975 to 2011. The study used Johansen cointegration and vector error correction model to determine the impact of globalization on economic growth in South Africa. The VECM model with South African variables was specified and used to assess the effects of globalization on South Africa’s economic growth. Results of the study suggested that the South African economic growth was negatively impacted by globalization in the long run. Using the results conclusions and policy recommendations were made using these results. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The impact of unguided animal husbandry on the peripheral and landscape elements: the case of Alice
- Chungag, Anye https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2308-9410
- Authors: Chungag, Anye https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2308-9410
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Livestock , Animal culture , Animal culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19511 , vital:43134
- Description: This study is based on Unguided Animal Husbandry as practiced in the town of Alice and its surrounding locations. It underscores the fact that though cattle are domesticated animals, they are still migratory in character. Their migratory tendency is prompted by the need of food and water and sometimes convenient rest positions. The search for food, water and rest may lead cattle to travel for many kilometres away from enclosure. This movement allows them to establish eating and drinking preferences and locations which become habitual, hence tracks develop along these paths which greatly compromise the soil, water and vegetation quality of the landscape. This study identifies such tracks and investigates the impact of cattle movement on soil physical properties and vegetation characteristics. However all this is against the back drop of the open access land regime; a mode of exploiting common property to which all have equal rights. It is a system of land management that comes with inherent challenges. Amongst them a selfish inclination of taking decisions that is motivated by egoistic interests and utmost personal gain. Secondly no thought is given to management and sustainability, subjecting common property to Haddins (1968) philosophy ‘The tragedy of the commons’. The results of the study show that when cattle is left to free range in common property they establish feeding, drinking and rest habits that have greater negative consequences on ecosystem elements of soil, vegetation and water than the positive effects they bring. The open access regime under which this farming system operates is appraised and recommendations proposed for its amelioration. , Thesis (MPhil) (Environmental Studies) -- University of Fort Hare, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Chungag, Anye https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2308-9410
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Livestock , Animal culture , Animal culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19511 , vital:43134
- Description: This study is based on Unguided Animal Husbandry as practiced in the town of Alice and its surrounding locations. It underscores the fact that though cattle are domesticated animals, they are still migratory in character. Their migratory tendency is prompted by the need of food and water and sometimes convenient rest positions. The search for food, water and rest may lead cattle to travel for many kilometres away from enclosure. This movement allows them to establish eating and drinking preferences and locations which become habitual, hence tracks develop along these paths which greatly compromise the soil, water and vegetation quality of the landscape. This study identifies such tracks and investigates the impact of cattle movement on soil physical properties and vegetation characteristics. However all this is against the back drop of the open access land regime; a mode of exploiting common property to which all have equal rights. It is a system of land management that comes with inherent challenges. Amongst them a selfish inclination of taking decisions that is motivated by egoistic interests and utmost personal gain. Secondly no thought is given to management and sustainability, subjecting common property to Haddins (1968) philosophy ‘The tragedy of the commons’. The results of the study show that when cattle is left to free range in common property they establish feeding, drinking and rest habits that have greater negative consequences on ecosystem elements of soil, vegetation and water than the positive effects they bring. The open access regime under which this farming system operates is appraised and recommendations proposed for its amelioration. , Thesis (MPhil) (Environmental Studies) -- University of Fort Hare, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The importance of Banting research and why withholding it costs us lives:
- Remsing, Sandra, Viljoen, Janet, Christie, Candice J
- Authors: Remsing, Sandra , Viljoen, Janet , Christie, Candice J
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143672 , vital:38272 , https://ischp.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/ischp_2015_abstract_booklet.pdf
- Description: Increased attention is being paid to the low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet, (LCHF) or ‘Banting diet’, as an effective method of managing insulin resistance and type ll diabetes. Randomised controlled trials have shown benefit, and anecdotes support the need for further investigation. Considering the prevalence and severity of type ll diabetes, effective non-pharmaceutical treatment options, such as LCHF, are crucial. However, current guidelines do not include the LCHF lifestyle, and in fact this option is generally opposed by the medical profession. Given the evidence, ignoring an alternative treatment must be considered an injustice to patients. This paper will present the opposing theories for the lifestyle treatment of type II diabetes, in particular, and critically argue that medical and scientific opposition to research into and application of an alternative treatment for insulin resistant individuals may be harmful rather than helpful.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Remsing, Sandra , Viljoen, Janet , Christie, Candice J
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143672 , vital:38272 , https://ischp.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/ischp_2015_abstract_booklet.pdf
- Description: Increased attention is being paid to the low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet, (LCHF) or ‘Banting diet’, as an effective method of managing insulin resistance and type ll diabetes. Randomised controlled trials have shown benefit, and anecdotes support the need for further investigation. Considering the prevalence and severity of type ll diabetes, effective non-pharmaceutical treatment options, such as LCHF, are crucial. However, current guidelines do not include the LCHF lifestyle, and in fact this option is generally opposed by the medical profession. Given the evidence, ignoring an alternative treatment must be considered an injustice to patients. This paper will present the opposing theories for the lifestyle treatment of type II diabetes, in particular, and critically argue that medical and scientific opposition to research into and application of an alternative treatment for insulin resistant individuals may be harmful rather than helpful.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The Influence of Adaptive Co-management Interrelations on the Social Learning, Change and Transformation of the Pugu and Kazimzumbwi Community in Tanzania
- Authors: Ferdinand, Victoria
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/387311 , vital:68224 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/137668"
- Description: This study sought to identify signs of social learning, change and transformation resulting from adaptive co-management interrelations in terms of the project ‘Reduction of Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation’ (REDD) at the Pugu and Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserves (PKFR) community in Tanzania. The study therefore presents some enablers and constraints in respect of learning, agency formation, social change and transformation potentially influenced by the REDD. This is a qualitative case study that explored ‘learning’1 from living experiences of local people at the PKFR and from local mechanisms of the REDD project. Reflexive workshop interventions were used to validate the performance of local REDD practices against the adaptive co-management framework. Other data was obtained through interviews, focus-group discussion, the analysis of documents and direct observations. The study found that individual people may deepen their understanding of forestry issues through collaborative interrelations. Social learning in the PKFR community was potentially stimulated by people’s relational interactions, reflective thinking and anticipations, and questioning of past practices. Learning occurred subtly, and the learning process was not endured firmly enough to foster the complex learning dynamics necessary for transformational changes. As a result, most of the REDD-stimulated learning did not transform the practices desired in the project.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Ferdinand, Victoria
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/387311 , vital:68224 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/137668"
- Description: This study sought to identify signs of social learning, change and transformation resulting from adaptive co-management interrelations in terms of the project ‘Reduction of Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation’ (REDD) at the Pugu and Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserves (PKFR) community in Tanzania. The study therefore presents some enablers and constraints in respect of learning, agency formation, social change and transformation potentially influenced by the REDD. This is a qualitative case study that explored ‘learning’1 from living experiences of local people at the PKFR and from local mechanisms of the REDD project. Reflexive workshop interventions were used to validate the performance of local REDD practices against the adaptive co-management framework. Other data was obtained through interviews, focus-group discussion, the analysis of documents and direct observations. The study found that individual people may deepen their understanding of forestry issues through collaborative interrelations. Social learning in the PKFR community was potentially stimulated by people’s relational interactions, reflective thinking and anticipations, and questioning of past practices. Learning occurred subtly, and the learning process was not endured firmly enough to foster the complex learning dynamics necessary for transformational changes. As a result, most of the REDD-stimulated learning did not transform the practices desired in the project.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The influence of livelihood dependency, local ecological knowledge and market proximity on the ecological impacts of harvesting non-timber forest products
- Steele, Melita Z, Shackleton, Charlie M, Shaanker, Ramanan U, Ganeshaiah, Kotiganahalli N, Radloff, Sarah E
- Authors: Steele, Melita Z , Shackleton, Charlie M , Shaanker, Ramanan U , Ganeshaiah, Kotiganahalli N , Radloff, Sarah E
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180908 , vital:43669 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2014.07.011"
- Description: It is well established that non-timber forest products make significant contributions to rural incomes throughout most of the developing world. NTFP use frequently raises concerns about the sustainability of, or ecological impacts associated with, NTFP harvesting, as well as local contextual factors which may limit or reduce the impacts. Here we test the conceptual model first advanced by Uma Shaanker et al. (2004) relating to the factors that may limit or exacerbate the ecological impacts associated with NTFP harvesting. These were the extent of local dependence on NTFPs, the degree of marketing and the level of local ecological knowledge. Data were collected via household questionnaires and ecological surveys of woody plants from eight villages throughout South Africa. We found no significant relationships between measures of ecological impact with local ecological knowledge or market proximity and engagement. There was a strong positive relationship between ecological impacts and NTFP dependency as indexed through mean annual direct-use value for NTFPs. This indicates that the higher the dependency and demand for NTFPs, the greater is the possibility of high impacts to the local environment. However, other contextual drivers not included in the original Uma Shaanker et al. (2004) model may also play a role, particularly the strength of local resource governance institutions.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Steele, Melita Z , Shackleton, Charlie M , Shaanker, Ramanan U , Ganeshaiah, Kotiganahalli N , Radloff, Sarah E
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/180908 , vital:43669 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2014.07.011"
- Description: It is well established that non-timber forest products make significant contributions to rural incomes throughout most of the developing world. NTFP use frequently raises concerns about the sustainability of, or ecological impacts associated with, NTFP harvesting, as well as local contextual factors which may limit or reduce the impacts. Here we test the conceptual model first advanced by Uma Shaanker et al. (2004) relating to the factors that may limit or exacerbate the ecological impacts associated with NTFP harvesting. These were the extent of local dependence on NTFPs, the degree of marketing and the level of local ecological knowledge. Data were collected via household questionnaires and ecological surveys of woody plants from eight villages throughout South Africa. We found no significant relationships between measures of ecological impact with local ecological knowledge or market proximity and engagement. There was a strong positive relationship between ecological impacts and NTFP dependency as indexed through mean annual direct-use value for NTFPs. This indicates that the higher the dependency and demand for NTFPs, the greater is the possibility of high impacts to the local environment. However, other contextual drivers not included in the original Uma Shaanker et al. (2004) model may also play a role, particularly the strength of local resource governance institutions.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2015
The intersection of culture and gender in constructions of ukuzila’ (spousal mourning) among AmaXhosa in the Eastern Cape:
- Ngqangweni, Hlonelwa, Macleod, Catriona I
- Authors: Ngqangweni, Hlonelwa , Macleod, Catriona I
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143615 , vital:38267 , https://ischp.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/ischp_2015_abstract_booklet.pdf
- Description: Mourning is a universal and culturally specific practice following the death of a significant other. The Xhosa equivalent of the mourning process is ukuzila. Very little has been written on the subject of ukuzila in spite of the detrimental effects of the practice on the widows’ health and safety, as well as the discriminatory nature of the practice. This paper presents the findings of a discourse analytic qualitative study conducted among isiXhosa speaking men and women in South Africa. The study revealed ukuzila as a practice put in place to show respect to the deceased. However, the showing of respect revealed a historically gendered cultural practice, imbued with power relations and centred on ‘visibility’. In light of this finding, the authors propose further research which includes exploring people’s willingness to change to a non-gendered practice of ukuzila, and alternate expressions of ukuzila that suit women rather than ‘culture’ and society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Ngqangweni, Hlonelwa , Macleod, Catriona I
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/143615 , vital:38267 , https://ischp.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/ischp_2015_abstract_booklet.pdf
- Description: Mourning is a universal and culturally specific practice following the death of a significant other. The Xhosa equivalent of the mourning process is ukuzila. Very little has been written on the subject of ukuzila in spite of the detrimental effects of the practice on the widows’ health and safety, as well as the discriminatory nature of the practice. This paper presents the findings of a discourse analytic qualitative study conducted among isiXhosa speaking men and women in South Africa. The study revealed ukuzila as a practice put in place to show respect to the deceased. However, the showing of respect revealed a historically gendered cultural practice, imbued with power relations and centred on ‘visibility’. In light of this finding, the authors propose further research which includes exploring people’s willingness to change to a non-gendered practice of ukuzila, and alternate expressions of ukuzila that suit women rather than ‘culture’ and society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The isolation, characterisation and chemotaxonomic significance of secondary metabolites from selected South African Laurencia spp. Rhodophyta
- Authors: Fakee, Jameel
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64696 , vital:28593
- Description: Bioprospection of marine organisms as a potential source for lead drugs is becoming increasingly popular. The secondary metabolome of these organisms consists of structurally diverse molecules possessing unprecedented carbon skeletons, the biosynthesis of which occurs via complex metabolomic pathways driven by specialist enzymes. This structural novelty is highly influential on the favourable bioactivity these compounds display. A prominent example of such a compound is trabectedin marketed as Yondelis®. Registered for the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas, this marine drug was developed from extracts of the tunicate Ecteinascidia turbinata. South Africa is renowned for possessing a highly diverse marine biota including several endemic species of marine red algae belonging to the Laurencia sensu stricto genus, which falls within the Laurencia complex. Despite having a good reputation for fascinating secondary metabolites, the taxonomy of Laurencia natural products is proving challenging for reasons including the presence of cryptic species, as well as individual species displaying morphological variability. The aim of this study was thus to isolate secondary metabolites from various South African Laurencia spp. and subsequently assess their chemotaxonomic significance by analysis of a parallel plastid rbcL phylogeny study of Laurencia spp. This study reports the first phycochemical investigation into Laurencia natalensis Kylin, Laurencia cf. corymbosa J.Agardh, Laurencia complanata (Suhr) Kützing, Laurencia sodwaniensis Francis, Bolton, Mattio and Anderson submitted, Laurencia multiclavata Francis, Bolton, Mattio and Anderson submitted, and a South African specimen of Laurenciella marilzae Gil-Rodríguez, Sentíes, Díaz-Larrea, Cassano and M.T. Fujii (basionym: Laurencia marilzae) originally described from Spain. Additionally, the chemical profiles of previously explored species Laurencia flexuosa Kützing and Laurencia glomerata Kützing were re-investigated. The organic extracts of the above species afforded 31 compounds belonging to a wide array of structural classes including halo-chamigranes, linear C15 acetogenins, indole alkaloids, cuparanes and cyclic bromo-ethers. A new tri-cyclic keto-cuparane (4.4) was isolated from L.cf. corymbosa alongside the new cuparanes 4.1 and 4.7. Algoane (5.9), a unique marker compound isolated from L. natalensis, was previously only reported from a sea-hare. Such marker compounds which are exclusive to an individual algal species increase the ease of their subsequent identification. The feasibility of chemotaxonomy as an additional tool to classify Laurencia spp. Was established as broad predictions of a specimen’s phylogeny, based on representatives of its secondary metabolome, proved viable. The study specimens were shown to possess similar chemical profiles to their sister species e.g. L. complanata, L. sodwaniensis and L. multiclavata produced similar metabolites to their sister species as inferred by an rbcL phylogeny tree. Finally, a 1H NMR profiling study on the crude organic extracts of various Laurencia spp. generated distinctive, reproducible spectra, exposing the value of NMR spectroscopy as a rudimentary species discernment tool.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Fakee, Jameel
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/64696 , vital:28593
- Description: Bioprospection of marine organisms as a potential source for lead drugs is becoming increasingly popular. The secondary metabolome of these organisms consists of structurally diverse molecules possessing unprecedented carbon skeletons, the biosynthesis of which occurs via complex metabolomic pathways driven by specialist enzymes. This structural novelty is highly influential on the favourable bioactivity these compounds display. A prominent example of such a compound is trabectedin marketed as Yondelis®. Registered for the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas, this marine drug was developed from extracts of the tunicate Ecteinascidia turbinata. South Africa is renowned for possessing a highly diverse marine biota including several endemic species of marine red algae belonging to the Laurencia sensu stricto genus, which falls within the Laurencia complex. Despite having a good reputation for fascinating secondary metabolites, the taxonomy of Laurencia natural products is proving challenging for reasons including the presence of cryptic species, as well as individual species displaying morphological variability. The aim of this study was thus to isolate secondary metabolites from various South African Laurencia spp. and subsequently assess their chemotaxonomic significance by analysis of a parallel plastid rbcL phylogeny study of Laurencia spp. This study reports the first phycochemical investigation into Laurencia natalensis Kylin, Laurencia cf. corymbosa J.Agardh, Laurencia complanata (Suhr) Kützing, Laurencia sodwaniensis Francis, Bolton, Mattio and Anderson submitted, Laurencia multiclavata Francis, Bolton, Mattio and Anderson submitted, and a South African specimen of Laurenciella marilzae Gil-Rodríguez, Sentíes, Díaz-Larrea, Cassano and M.T. Fujii (basionym: Laurencia marilzae) originally described from Spain. Additionally, the chemical profiles of previously explored species Laurencia flexuosa Kützing and Laurencia glomerata Kützing were re-investigated. The organic extracts of the above species afforded 31 compounds belonging to a wide array of structural classes including halo-chamigranes, linear C15 acetogenins, indole alkaloids, cuparanes and cyclic bromo-ethers. A new tri-cyclic keto-cuparane (4.4) was isolated from L.cf. corymbosa alongside the new cuparanes 4.1 and 4.7. Algoane (5.9), a unique marker compound isolated from L. natalensis, was previously only reported from a sea-hare. Such marker compounds which are exclusive to an individual algal species increase the ease of their subsequent identification. The feasibility of chemotaxonomy as an additional tool to classify Laurencia spp. Was established as broad predictions of a specimen’s phylogeny, based on representatives of its secondary metabolome, proved viable. The study specimens were shown to possess similar chemical profiles to their sister species e.g. L. complanata, L. sodwaniensis and L. multiclavata produced similar metabolites to their sister species as inferred by an rbcL phylogeny tree. Finally, a 1H NMR profiling study on the crude organic extracts of various Laurencia spp. generated distinctive, reproducible spectra, exposing the value of NMR spectroscopy as a rudimentary species discernment tool.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015