Point-of-care and lung ultrasound incorporated in daily practice
- Neethling, E, Roodt, F, Beck, C, Swanevelder, J L C
- Authors: Neethling, E , Roodt, F , Beck, C , Swanevelder, J L C
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/5248 , vital:44424 , http://www.samj.org.za/index.php/samj/article/view/12293
- Description: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a fast-growing clinical utility and is becoming an essential clinical skill for all practitioners attending to critically ill patients. Ultrasound equipment is now smaller, more affordable and readily available in clinical work areas. POCUS is performed by a non-cardiologist physician at the patient’s bedside as an adjunct to the physical examination. It is easily taught, non-invasive and allows for real-time clinical information. Bedside use of ultrasound imaging aids with rapid diagnosis of severe and life-threatening pathological conditions. It can be repeated, may change clinical management, and impact on patient outcome. POCUS has a broad clinical use, including, but not limited to, focused assessed transthoracic echocardiography (FATE), lung ultrasound imaging, extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (e-FAST), vascular access and regional blocks. It may also be extended to detect endotracheal intubation and the estimation of intracranial pressure. Assessment of cardiac pathology by POCUS, performed by a novice examiner, has been shown to compare with the gold standard of an expert. Training is paramount. The physician should know his limitations and always relate the information back to the clinical scenario and context. By incorporating POCUS as part of our armamentarium and into our daily medical practice, we might see it reach its full clinical potential, optimising patient care and improving patient outcomes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Neethling, E , Roodt, F , Beck, C , Swanevelder, J L C
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/5248 , vital:44424 , http://www.samj.org.za/index.php/samj/article/view/12293
- Description: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a fast-growing clinical utility and is becoming an essential clinical skill for all practitioners attending to critically ill patients. Ultrasound equipment is now smaller, more affordable and readily available in clinical work areas. POCUS is performed by a non-cardiologist physician at the patient’s bedside as an adjunct to the physical examination. It is easily taught, non-invasive and allows for real-time clinical information. Bedside use of ultrasound imaging aids with rapid diagnosis of severe and life-threatening pathological conditions. It can be repeated, may change clinical management, and impact on patient outcome. POCUS has a broad clinical use, including, but not limited to, focused assessed transthoracic echocardiography (FATE), lung ultrasound imaging, extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (e-FAST), vascular access and regional blocks. It may also be extended to detect endotracheal intubation and the estimation of intracranial pressure. Assessment of cardiac pathology by POCUS, performed by a novice examiner, has been shown to compare with the gold standard of an expert. Training is paramount. The physician should know his limitations and always relate the information back to the clinical scenario and context. By incorporating POCUS as part of our armamentarium and into our daily medical practice, we might see it reach its full clinical potential, optimising patient care and improving patient outcomes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Selection and characterization of suitable lipid excipients for use in the manufacture of didanosine-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers
- Kasongo, Kasongo W, Pardeike, Jana, Muller, Rainer H, Walker, Roderick B
- Authors: Kasongo, Kasongo W , Pardeike, Jana , Muller, Rainer H , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/184016 , vital:44156 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/jps.22711"
- Description: This research aimed to evaluate the suitability of lipids for the manufacture of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with the hydrophilic drug, didanosine (DDI). The crystalline state and polymorphism of lipids with the best‐solubulizing potential for DDI was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS). DSC and WAXS were also used to determine potential interactions between the bulk lipids and DDI. Precirol® ATO 5 and Transcutol® HP showed the best‐solubilizing potential for DDI. Precirol® ATO 5 exists in the β‐modification before heating; however, a mixture of both α‐ and β‐modifications were detected following heating. Addition of Transcutol® HP to Precirol® ATO 5 changes the polymorphism of the latter from the β‐modification to a form that exhibits coexistence of the α‐ and β‐modifications. DDI exists in a crystalline state when dispersed at 5% (w/w) in Precirol® ATO 5 or in a Precirol® ATO 5/Transcutol® HP mixture. DSC and WAXS profiles of DDI/bulk lipids mixture obtained before and after exposure to heat revealed no interactions between DDI and the lipids. Precirol® ATO 5 and a mixture of Precirol® ATO 5 and Transcutol® HP may be used to manufacture DDI‐loaded SLN and NLC, respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Kasongo, Kasongo W , Pardeike, Jana , Muller, Rainer H , Walker, Roderick B
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/184016 , vital:44156 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1002/jps.22711"
- Description: This research aimed to evaluate the suitability of lipids for the manufacture of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with the hydrophilic drug, didanosine (DDI). The crystalline state and polymorphism of lipids with the best‐solubulizing potential for DDI was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS). DSC and WAXS were also used to determine potential interactions between the bulk lipids and DDI. Precirol® ATO 5 and Transcutol® HP showed the best‐solubilizing potential for DDI. Precirol® ATO 5 exists in the β‐modification before heating; however, a mixture of both α‐ and β‐modifications were detected following heating. Addition of Transcutol® HP to Precirol® ATO 5 changes the polymorphism of the latter from the β‐modification to a form that exhibits coexistence of the α‐ and β‐modifications. DDI exists in a crystalline state when dispersed at 5% (w/w) in Precirol® ATO 5 or in a Precirol® ATO 5/Transcutol® HP mixture. DSC and WAXS profiles of DDI/bulk lipids mixture obtained before and after exposure to heat revealed no interactions between DDI and the lipids. Precirol® ATO 5 and a mixture of Precirol® ATO 5 and Transcutol® HP may be used to manufacture DDI‐loaded SLN and NLC, respectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Students as Agents of Social Change-Student Initiatives at Rhodes University, South Africa
- Authors: Togo, Muchaiteyi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/386561 , vital:68151 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/122830"
- Description: Rhodes University has a diversity of sustainable development initiatives meant for students and in a range of cases activities are initiated by students themselves with the support of the university. Results of a sustainability assessment revealed the involvement of students in environmental societies, environmental awareness campaigns, campus sustainability initiatives and community sustainability projects. Though most of the projects are still in their infancy and some challenges are yet to be overcome, the sustainability initiatives are gaining momentum and have contributed to improving the overall picture of sustainability at the university. Based on the results of the Rhodes University case study, the underpinning viewpoint in this paper is that university students are not merely recipients of Education for Sustainable Development but have the capacity to become agents for social change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Togo, Muchaiteyi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/386561 , vital:68151 , xlink:href="https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajee/article/view/122830"
- Description: Rhodes University has a diversity of sustainable development initiatives meant for students and in a range of cases activities are initiated by students themselves with the support of the university. Results of a sustainability assessment revealed the involvement of students in environmental societies, environmental awareness campaigns, campus sustainability initiatives and community sustainability projects. Though most of the projects are still in their infancy and some challenges are yet to be overcome, the sustainability initiatives are gaining momentum and have contributed to improving the overall picture of sustainability at the university. Based on the results of the Rhodes University case study, the underpinning viewpoint in this paper is that university students are not merely recipients of Education for Sustainable Development but have the capacity to become agents for social change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The effectiveness of schools-based National Arbor Week activities in greening of urban homesteads
- Parkin, Fiona, Shackleton, Charlie M, Schudel, Ingrid J
- Authors: Parkin, Fiona , Shackleton, Charlie M , Schudel, Ingrid J
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294447 , vital:57222 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2006.08.001"
- Description: Arbor Day, or Week, is a well-established greening initiative worldwide, focusing on tree planting and the benefits thereof. Frequently most effort is targeted at institutions such as schools and community groups. Yet there has been limited assessment of the success of Arbor Day, or Week, activities both at the schools, or the wider dissemination in neighbouring communities and suburbs. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of school-based Arbor Week activities on learners’ home-based practices regarding tree planting and urban forestry. Learners from three schools in Grahamstown South Africa, with good Arbor Week participation, were assessed on their tree planting knowledge. The learners’ parents were also interviewed to determine whether the information obtained by the learners at school was taken home. A control group consisting of people with no children or very young children was also assessed. This study found that Arbor Week activities were, for the most part, successfully taught in the case study schools, and most of the learners stated that their knowledge of trees and their benefits came from their school activities. However, many learners could not remember the activities in which their schools partook the previous year. Whilst most learners were aware of the importance of trees, few had encouraged tree planting at home. However, over one-fifth of adults claimed that their knowledge of the benefits of trees was as a consequence of Arbor Day activities when they were young. Numerous constraints to tree planting were provided by learners and both the adult groups, the two most frequent being limited space and falling leaves making their yards untidy. External organisations should become more actively involved and provide much needed support systems if greening initiatives are to reach the wider community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Parkin, Fiona , Shackleton, Charlie M , Schudel, Ingrid J
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/294447 , vital:57222 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2006.08.001"
- Description: Arbor Day, or Week, is a well-established greening initiative worldwide, focusing on tree planting and the benefits thereof. Frequently most effort is targeted at institutions such as schools and community groups. Yet there has been limited assessment of the success of Arbor Day, or Week, activities both at the schools, or the wider dissemination in neighbouring communities and suburbs. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of school-based Arbor Week activities on learners’ home-based practices regarding tree planting and urban forestry. Learners from three schools in Grahamstown South Africa, with good Arbor Week participation, were assessed on their tree planting knowledge. The learners’ parents were also interviewed to determine whether the information obtained by the learners at school was taken home. A control group consisting of people with no children or very young children was also assessed. This study found that Arbor Week activities were, for the most part, successfully taught in the case study schools, and most of the learners stated that their knowledge of trees and their benefits came from their school activities. However, many learners could not remember the activities in which their schools partook the previous year. Whilst most learners were aware of the importance of trees, few had encouraged tree planting at home. However, over one-fifth of adults claimed that their knowledge of the benefits of trees was as a consequence of Arbor Day activities when they were young. Numerous constraints to tree planting were provided by learners and both the adult groups, the two most frequent being limited space and falling leaves making their yards untidy. External organisations should become more actively involved and provide much needed support systems if greening initiatives are to reach the wider community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Improved Photophysical and Photochemical Properties of Thiopheneethoxy Substituted Metallophthalocyanines on Immobilization onto Gold‐speckled Silica Nanoparticles
- Dube, Edith, Oluwole, David O, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Dube, Edith , Oluwole, David O , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187699 , vital:44688 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/php.12879"
- Description: This work reports on the synthesis of tetrakis-[(thiophineethoxy) phthalocyaninato] indium(II) chloride (3). The photophysical behavior of complex 3 was compared to that of the Zn derivative (tetrakis-[(thiophineethoxy) phthalocyaninato] zinc(II) (complex 2)). The compounds were interacted with gold-speckled silica (GSS) nanoparticles via Au–S self assembly to afford the conjugates (2–GSS and 3–GSS). The photophysicochemical behavior of the compounds and their conjugates were assessed. The conjugates afforded a decrease in fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes with improved triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yields in comparison with complexes 2 and 3 alone. The complexes and their conjugates could serve as good candidates for photodynamic therapy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Dube, Edith , Oluwole, David O , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187699 , vital:44688 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1111/php.12879"
- Description: This work reports on the synthesis of tetrakis-[(thiophineethoxy) phthalocyaninato] indium(II) chloride (3). The photophysical behavior of complex 3 was compared to that of the Zn derivative (tetrakis-[(thiophineethoxy) phthalocyaninato] zinc(II) (complex 2)). The compounds were interacted with gold-speckled silica (GSS) nanoparticles via Au–S self assembly to afford the conjugates (2–GSS and 3–GSS). The photophysicochemical behavior of the compounds and their conjugates were assessed. The conjugates afforded a decrease in fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes with improved triplet and singlet oxygen quantum yields in comparison with complexes 2 and 3 alone. The complexes and their conjugates could serve as good candidates for photodynamic therapy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Electrochemical, microscopic and spectroscopic characterization of benzene diamine functionalized single walled carbon nanotube-cobalt (II) tetracarboxy-phthalocyanine conjugates
- Mugadza, Tawanda, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mugadza, Tawanda , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247859 , vital:51624 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2010.10.057"
- Description: In this paper we report on the synthesis and characterization of 1,4-benzene diamine (BDA) functionalized single walled carbon nanotubes linked to cobalt (II) tetracarboxy-phthalocyanine. The characterization of the conjugate was through UV–vis, FTIR and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopies and by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and electrochemical methods. The conjugate is used for the electrochemical characterization of diuron. The catalytic rate constant for diuron was 4.4 × 103 M−1 s−1 and the apparent electron transfer rate constant was 18.5 × 10−6 cm s−1. The linear dynamic range was 1.0 × 10−5–2.0 × 10−4 M, with a sensitivity of ∼0.42 A mol−1L cm−2 and a limit of detection of 0.18 μM using the 3δ notation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mugadza, Tawanda , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247859 , vital:51624 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2010.10.057"
- Description: In this paper we report on the synthesis and characterization of 1,4-benzene diamine (BDA) functionalized single walled carbon nanotubes linked to cobalt (II) tetracarboxy-phthalocyanine. The characterization of the conjugate was through UV–vis, FTIR and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopies and by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and electrochemical methods. The conjugate is used for the electrochemical characterization of diuron. The catalytic rate constant for diuron was 4.4 × 103 M−1 s−1 and the apparent electron transfer rate constant was 18.5 × 10−6 cm s−1. The linear dynamic range was 1.0 × 10−5–2.0 × 10−4 M, with a sensitivity of ∼0.42 A mol−1L cm−2 and a limit of detection of 0.18 μM using the 3δ notation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Water-soluble phthalocyanines mediated photodynamic effect on mesothelioma cells
- Saydan, Nil, Durmus, Mahmut, Dizge, Meltem G, Yaman, Hanif, Gürek, Ayşe G, Antunes, Edith M, Nyokong, Tebello, Ahsen, Vefa
- Authors: Saydan, Nil , Durmus, Mahmut , Dizge, Meltem G , Yaman, Hanif , Gürek, Ayşe G , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello , Ahsen, Vefa
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263480 , vital:53631 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424609000863"
- Description: The new peripherally 2-mercaptopyridine tetrasubstituted zinc phthalocyanine (2) and its quaternized derivative (3) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR spectroscopy, electronic spectroscopy and mass spectra. The quaternized compound (3) shows excellent solubility in water, which makes it a potential photosensitizer for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer. Fluorescence and singlet oxygen quantum yield measurements were conducted on 2-mercaptopyridine appended zinc phthalocyanines in dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) for both the non-ionic (2) and quaternized (3) derivatives, and in aqueous media for the water-soluble complex 3. General trends are described for fluorescence and singlet oxygen quantum yields of these compounds. In this study, the cells were incubated with a novel water-soluble zinc phthalocyanine derivative (3) and thereafter the cells were illuminated using broad-band incoherent light source of various energy levels. Cytotoxicity of PDT on two pleural malign mesothelioma cell lines was determined by colorimetric proliferation assay. In addition, after PDT treatment, determination of activity matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were evaluated using gelatine zymography.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Saydan, Nil , Durmus, Mahmut , Dizge, Meltem G , Yaman, Hanif , Gürek, Ayşe G , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello , Ahsen, Vefa
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/263480 , vital:53631 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424609000863"
- Description: The new peripherally 2-mercaptopyridine tetrasubstituted zinc phthalocyanine (2) and its quaternized derivative (3) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H NMR spectroscopy, electronic spectroscopy and mass spectra. The quaternized compound (3) shows excellent solubility in water, which makes it a potential photosensitizer for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer. Fluorescence and singlet oxygen quantum yield measurements were conducted on 2-mercaptopyridine appended zinc phthalocyanines in dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) for both the non-ionic (2) and quaternized (3) derivatives, and in aqueous media for the water-soluble complex 3. General trends are described for fluorescence and singlet oxygen quantum yields of these compounds. In this study, the cells were incubated with a novel water-soluble zinc phthalocyanine derivative (3) and thereafter the cells were illuminated using broad-band incoherent light source of various energy levels. Cytotoxicity of PDT on two pleural malign mesothelioma cell lines was determined by colorimetric proliferation assay. In addition, after PDT treatment, determination of activity matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were evaluated using gelatine zymography.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Iron perchlorophthalocyanine and tetrasulfophthalocyanine catalyzed oxidation of cyclohexane using hydrogen peroxide, chloroperoxybenzoic acid and tert-butylhydroperoxide as oxidants
- Grootboom, Natasha, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Grootboom, Natasha , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/289606 , vital:56653 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S1381-1169(01)00404-6"
- Description: Polychlorophthalocyanine (Cl16PcFeII) and tetrasulfophthalocyanine ([FeIITSPc]4−) complexes of iron are employed as catalysts for the oxidation of cyclohexane using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (m-CPBA) and hydrogen peroxide as oxidants. Catalysis using the Cl16PcFeII was performed in a dimethylformamide:dichloromethane (3:7) solvent mixture. For the [FeIITSPc]4−catalyst, a water:methanol (1:9) mixture was employed. The products of the catalysis are cyclohexanone, cyclohexanol and cyclohexanediol. The relative yields of the products depended on oxidant and the catalyst. TBHP was found to be the best oxidant since minimal destruction of the catalyst and higher selectivity in the products were observed when this oxidant was employed. The mechanism of the oxidation of cyclohexane in the presence of the Cl16PcFeII and [FeIITSPc]4− involves the oxidation of these catalysts, forming an Fe(III) phthalocyanine species as an intermediate. Higher yields were observed when [FeTSPc]4− was employed as a catalyst, which is more soluble than the perchlorinated iron phthalocyanine catalyst.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Grootboom, Natasha , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/289606 , vital:56653 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S1381-1169(01)00404-6"
- Description: Polychlorophthalocyanine (Cl16PcFeII) and tetrasulfophthalocyanine ([FeIITSPc]4−) complexes of iron are employed as catalysts for the oxidation of cyclohexane using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (m-CPBA) and hydrogen peroxide as oxidants. Catalysis using the Cl16PcFeII was performed in a dimethylformamide:dichloromethane (3:7) solvent mixture. For the [FeIITSPc]4−catalyst, a water:methanol (1:9) mixture was employed. The products of the catalysis are cyclohexanone, cyclohexanol and cyclohexanediol. The relative yields of the products depended on oxidant and the catalyst. TBHP was found to be the best oxidant since minimal destruction of the catalyst and higher selectivity in the products were observed when this oxidant was employed. The mechanism of the oxidation of cyclohexane in the presence of the Cl16PcFeII and [FeIITSPc]4− involves the oxidation of these catalysts, forming an Fe(III) phthalocyanine species as an intermediate. Higher yields were observed when [FeTSPc]4− was employed as a catalyst, which is more soluble than the perchlorinated iron phthalocyanine catalyst.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
Being moved by a way the world is not
- Authors: Jones, Ward E
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/275631 , vital:55064 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-009-9522-z"
- Description: At the end of Lecture 3 of The Empirical Stance, Bas van Fraassen suggests that we see the change of view involved in scientific revolutions as being, at least in part, emotional. In this paper, I explore one plausible way of cashing out this suggestion. Someone’s emotional approval of a description of the world, I argue, thereby shows that she takes herself to have reason to take that description seriously. This is true even if she is convinced—as a scientific community is when it considers alternative theories—that this description is false, that it is not the way the world is.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Jones, Ward E
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/275631 , vital:55064 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-009-9522-z"
- Description: At the end of Lecture 3 of The Empirical Stance, Bas van Fraassen suggests that we see the change of view involved in scientific revolutions as being, at least in part, emotional. In this paper, I explore one plausible way of cashing out this suggestion. Someone’s emotional approval of a description of the world, I argue, thereby shows that she takes herself to have reason to take that description seriously. This is true even if she is convinced—as a scientific community is when it considers alternative theories—that this description is false, that it is not the way the world is.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
(Ferrocenylpyrazolyl) zinc (II) benzoates as catalysts for the ring opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone
- Obuah, Collins, Lochee, Yemanlall, Jordaan, Johan H L, Otto, Daniel P, Nyokong, Tebello, Darkwa, James
- Authors: Obuah, Collins , Lochee, Yemanlall , Jordaan, Johan H L , Otto, Daniel P , Nyokong, Tebello , Darkwa, James
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189515 , vital:44853 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2015.02.007"
- Description: The reaction of Zn(OAc)2 and C6H5COOH or 3,5-NO2-C6H3COOH with 3-ferrocenylpyrazolyl-methylenepyridine (L1), 3-ferrocenyl-5-methylpyrazolyl-methylenepyridine (L2), 3-ferrocenylpyrazolyl-ethylamine (L3) and 3-ferrocenyl-5-pyrazolyl-ethylamine (L4) afford the corresponding complexes [Zn(C6H5COO)2(L1)] (1), [Zn(C6H5COO)2(L2)] (2), [Zn(3,5-NO2-C6H3COO)2(L1)] (3), [Zn(3,5-NO2-C6H3 COO)2(L2)] (4), [Zn(C6H5COO)2(L3)] (5), [Zn(C6H5COO)2(L4)] (6), [Zn(3,5-NO2-C6H3COO)2(L3)] (7) and [Zn(3,5-NO2-C6H3COO)2(L4)] (8). These complexes behave as catalysts for the ring opening polymerization of e-caprolactone to produce polymers with molecular weight that range from 1480 to 7080 g mol1 and exhibited moderate to broad PDIs. Evidence of these complexes acting as catalysts was obtained from both the polymerization data and kinetic studies. The polymerization data show that variation of the [CL]/[C] from 100 to 800 produced PCL with relatively the same molecular weight indicative of a catalyst behavior. The appearance of induction period in kinetic plots strengthens the fact that these complexes are catalysts rather than initiators. MALDI-TOF MS and 1 H NMR data show di-hydroxy end groups, which support the coordination mechanism rather than insertion mechanism. To understand the broad PDIs obtained for some of the polymer, the electronic properties of the zinc complexes were investigated using cyclic voltammetry. The results show that the zinc complexes containing amine based ligands are highly electrophilic therefore making them unstable, hence the broad PDIs observed for zinc complexes containing amine based ligands. Among the eight complexes investigated, complex 7 is the most active catalyst with kp value of 1.18 107 h1 mol1 at 110 C.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Obuah, Collins , Lochee, Yemanlall , Jordaan, Johan H L , Otto, Daniel P , Nyokong, Tebello , Darkwa, James
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/189515 , vital:44853 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poly.2015.02.007"
- Description: The reaction of Zn(OAc)2 and C6H5COOH or 3,5-NO2-C6H3COOH with 3-ferrocenylpyrazolyl-methylenepyridine (L1), 3-ferrocenyl-5-methylpyrazolyl-methylenepyridine (L2), 3-ferrocenylpyrazolyl-ethylamine (L3) and 3-ferrocenyl-5-pyrazolyl-ethylamine (L4) afford the corresponding complexes [Zn(C6H5COO)2(L1)] (1), [Zn(C6H5COO)2(L2)] (2), [Zn(3,5-NO2-C6H3COO)2(L1)] (3), [Zn(3,5-NO2-C6H3 COO)2(L2)] (4), [Zn(C6H5COO)2(L3)] (5), [Zn(C6H5COO)2(L4)] (6), [Zn(3,5-NO2-C6H3COO)2(L3)] (7) and [Zn(3,5-NO2-C6H3COO)2(L4)] (8). These complexes behave as catalysts for the ring opening polymerization of e-caprolactone to produce polymers with molecular weight that range from 1480 to 7080 g mol1 and exhibited moderate to broad PDIs. Evidence of these complexes acting as catalysts was obtained from both the polymerization data and kinetic studies. The polymerization data show that variation of the [CL]/[C] from 100 to 800 produced PCL with relatively the same molecular weight indicative of a catalyst behavior. The appearance of induction period in kinetic plots strengthens the fact that these complexes are catalysts rather than initiators. MALDI-TOF MS and 1 H NMR data show di-hydroxy end groups, which support the coordination mechanism rather than insertion mechanism. To understand the broad PDIs obtained for some of the polymer, the electronic properties of the zinc complexes were investigated using cyclic voltammetry. The results show that the zinc complexes containing amine based ligands are highly electrophilic therefore making them unstable, hence the broad PDIs observed for zinc complexes containing amine based ligands. Among the eight complexes investigated, complex 7 is the most active catalyst with kp value of 1.18 107 h1 mol1 at 110 C.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Effectiveness of private land conservation areas in maintaining natural land cover and biodiversity intactness
- Shumba, Tafadzwa, de Vos, Alta, Biggs, Reinette, Esler, Karen J, Ament, Judith M, Clements, Hayley S
- Authors: Shumba, Tafadzwa , de Vos, Alta , Biggs, Reinette , Esler, Karen J , Ament, Judith M , Clements, Hayley S
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/415852 , vital:71294 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e00935"
- Description: Private land conservation areas (PLCAs) are increasingly looked to for meeting the deficit left by state-owned protected areas in reaching global conservation targets. However, despite the increasing extent and recognition of PLCAs as a complementary conservation strategy, little research has been done to quantify their effectiveness; a critical consideration if they are to be counted towards international biodiversity conservation targets. The long history of PLCAs in South Africa provides an interesting case study to address this knowledge gap. Here, we quantified the effectiveness of South African PLCAs by comparing losses in natural land cover and biodiversity intactness within PLCAs with different levels of protection to that of unprotected control points. Points within PLCAs were matched with unprotected control points to test the prediction that if PLCAs offer effective protection, losses in natural land cover and biodiversity intactness would be significantly lower within their boundaries in comparison to unprotected controls exposed to similar conditions. Consequences of natural land cover loss on biodiversity intactness were thus assessed, thus advancing standard approaches for quantifying effectiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Shumba, Tafadzwa , de Vos, Alta , Biggs, Reinette , Esler, Karen J , Ament, Judith M , Clements, Hayley S
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/415852 , vital:71294 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e00935"
- Description: Private land conservation areas (PLCAs) are increasingly looked to for meeting the deficit left by state-owned protected areas in reaching global conservation targets. However, despite the increasing extent and recognition of PLCAs as a complementary conservation strategy, little research has been done to quantify their effectiveness; a critical consideration if they are to be counted towards international biodiversity conservation targets. The long history of PLCAs in South Africa provides an interesting case study to address this knowledge gap. Here, we quantified the effectiveness of South African PLCAs by comparing losses in natural land cover and biodiversity intactness within PLCAs with different levels of protection to that of unprotected control points. Points within PLCAs were matched with unprotected control points to test the prediction that if PLCAs offer effective protection, losses in natural land cover and biodiversity intactness would be significantly lower within their boundaries in comparison to unprotected controls exposed to similar conditions. Consequences of natural land cover loss on biodiversity intactness were thus assessed, thus advancing standard approaches for quantifying effectiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Optical limiting behavior of ring substituted zinc, indium and gallium phthalocyanines in the presence of quantum dots
- Britton, Jonathan, Litwinski, Christian, Durmus, Mahmut, Chauke, Vongani, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Britton, Jonathan , Litwinski, Christian , Durmus, Mahmut , Chauke, Vongani , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247122 , vital:51548 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424611004142"
- Description: This paper presents the study of the effects of CdTe-TGA quantum dots (QDs) on optical limiting ability of different phthalocyanine (Pc) complexes (1–10) containing Zn, Ga, In central metals and substituted with benzyloxyphenoxy, phenoxy, tert-butylphenoxy and amino groups. The optical limiting parameters of Pcs were higher for tert-butylphenoxy when compared to benzyloxyphenoxy and phenoxy substituents, in DMSO. Non-peripheral substitution decreased the optical limiting parameters. Third-order susceptibility (Im[χ(3)]/α) values of Pcs in the absence and presence of CdTe QDs were in the 10-12 to 10-10 esu.cm range. Hyperpolarizabilities (γ) ranged from 10-31 to 10-29 esu L for Pc alone or in mixture with QDs. There is a general improvement in optical limiting ability of Pc complexes in the presence of CdTe TGA QDs. Due to these promising results, future work can be implemented for the creation of Pc:QD thin films, which would then be examined to ensure that their optical limiting ability is still acceptable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Britton, Jonathan , Litwinski, Christian , Durmus, Mahmut , Chauke, Vongani , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247122 , vital:51548 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1142/S1088424611004142"
- Description: This paper presents the study of the effects of CdTe-TGA quantum dots (QDs) on optical limiting ability of different phthalocyanine (Pc) complexes (1–10) containing Zn, Ga, In central metals and substituted with benzyloxyphenoxy, phenoxy, tert-butylphenoxy and amino groups. The optical limiting parameters of Pcs were higher for tert-butylphenoxy when compared to benzyloxyphenoxy and phenoxy substituents, in DMSO. Non-peripheral substitution decreased the optical limiting parameters. Third-order susceptibility (Im[χ(3)]/α) values of Pcs in the absence and presence of CdTe QDs were in the 10-12 to 10-10 esu.cm range. Hyperpolarizabilities (γ) ranged from 10-31 to 10-29 esu L for Pc alone or in mixture with QDs. There is a general improvement in optical limiting ability of Pc complexes in the presence of CdTe TGA QDs. Due to these promising results, future work can be implemented for the creation of Pc:QD thin films, which would then be examined to ensure that their optical limiting ability is still acceptable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Water-soluble quaternized mercaptopyridine-substituted zinc-phthalocyanines
- Durmuş, Mahmut, Yaman, Hanif, Göl, Cem, Ahsen, Vefa, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Durmuş, Mahmut , Yaman, Hanif , Göl, Cem , Ahsen, Vefa , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247133 , vital:51549 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2011.02.007"
- Description: The synthesis and characterization of the new zinc phthalocyanine derivatives, tetra- (non-peripheral, 5) and octa-(peripheral, 6) substituted with 2-mercaptopyridine and their respective quaternized derivatives (8 and 9) are reported. Photochemical and photophysical properties of the new complexes are compared with those of the previously reported peripherally tetra-substituted complexes 7 and 10. The quaternized compounds exhibit excellent solubility in water, making them potential photosensitizers for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer. Spectroscopic, aggregation, photophysical and photochemical properties of these complexes are also investigated and compared. Photophysical (fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes) and photochemical (singlet oxygen and photodegradation quantum yield) properties of these phthalocyanine photosensitizers are very important for the assessment of these complexes as PDT agents. In this study, the effects of the position of the substituents and quaternization of the substituents on the photophysical and photochemical parameters of the zinc phthalocyanines are also reported. This study also showed that the water-soluble quaternized zinc phthalocyanines strongly bind to blood plasma proteins such as bovine serum albumin (BSA).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Durmuş, Mahmut , Yaman, Hanif , Göl, Cem , Ahsen, Vefa , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/247133 , vital:51549 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dyepig.2011.02.007"
- Description: The synthesis and characterization of the new zinc phthalocyanine derivatives, tetra- (non-peripheral, 5) and octa-(peripheral, 6) substituted with 2-mercaptopyridine and their respective quaternized derivatives (8 and 9) are reported. Photochemical and photophysical properties of the new complexes are compared with those of the previously reported peripherally tetra-substituted complexes 7 and 10. The quaternized compounds exhibit excellent solubility in water, making them potential photosensitizers for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer. Spectroscopic, aggregation, photophysical and photochemical properties of these complexes are also investigated and compared. Photophysical (fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes) and photochemical (singlet oxygen and photodegradation quantum yield) properties of these phthalocyanine photosensitizers are very important for the assessment of these complexes as PDT agents. In this study, the effects of the position of the substituents and quaternization of the substituents on the photophysical and photochemical parameters of the zinc phthalocyanines are also reported. This study also showed that the water-soluble quaternized zinc phthalocyanines strongly bind to blood plasma proteins such as bovine serum albumin (BSA).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A comparative study of the singlet oxygen generation capability of a zinc phthalocyanine linked to graphene quantum dots through π-π stacking and covalent conjugation when embedded in asymmetric polymer membranes
- Mafukidze, Donovan M, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mafukidze, Donovan M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187461 , vital:44655 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2018.11.096"
- Description: Following the establishment of graphene quantum dots as potential phthalocyanine supports in photoactive membrane preparation for phthalocyanines lacking linkage functional groups, the practical efficiency of p-p stacking versus covalent linkage was investigated. Synthesized materials were characterized using FT-IR, Raman, powder X-ray diffraction, and UVeVis spectroscopies and also by transmission electron and scanning electron microscopies. Phthalocyanine loadings onto graphene quantum dots of 0.40 mg/mg and 0.14 mg/mg (Pc mass/conjugate mass) for the p-p stacked and covalent linked conjugates respectively were observed. Covalent linkage to graphene quantum dots proved to be functionally superior to p-p linkage, where singlet oxygen quantum yield value of the phthalocyanine in the membrane for the covalent linked conjugate was approximately twice that of the p-p stacked membrane.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mafukidze, Donovan M , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187461 , vital:44655 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2018.11.096"
- Description: Following the establishment of graphene quantum dots as potential phthalocyanine supports in photoactive membrane preparation for phthalocyanines lacking linkage functional groups, the practical efficiency of p-p stacking versus covalent linkage was investigated. Synthesized materials were characterized using FT-IR, Raman, powder X-ray diffraction, and UVeVis spectroscopies and also by transmission electron and scanning electron microscopies. Phthalocyanine loadings onto graphene quantum dots of 0.40 mg/mg and 0.14 mg/mg (Pc mass/conjugate mass) for the p-p stacked and covalent linked conjugates respectively were observed. Covalent linkage to graphene quantum dots proved to be functionally superior to p-p linkage, where singlet oxygen quantum yield value of the phthalocyanine in the membrane for the covalent linked conjugate was approximately twice that of the p-p stacked membrane.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Photo-induced resonance energy transfer and nonlinear optical response in ball-type phthalocyanine conjugated to semiconductor and graphene quantum dots
- Nwaji, Njemuwa, Achadu, Ojodomo John, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Nwaji, Njemuwa , Achadu, Ojodomo John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187959 , vital:44713 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C7NJ05196D"
- Description: The synthesis of ball-type zinc and gallium phthalocyanines (complexes 2 and 3) and their covalent linkage to glutathione (GSH) and amine functionalized quantum dots QDs) are reported in this work. Furthermore, their photophysical, photo-induced resonance energy transfer and optical limiting responses were investigated. We observed a decrease in the fluorescence quantum yields with a corresponding increase in the triplet quantum yields of the nanoconjugates in comparison to the phthalocyanine complexes alone. The reverse saturable absorption was found to be dependent on the excited state absorption, and the observed limiting threshold ranged from 0.32 to 1.43 J cm−2. Enhanced triplet parameters and nonlinear optical performance were found when the complexes were covalently linked to semiconductor quantum dots compared to carbon based graphene quantum dots.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nwaji, Njemuwa , Achadu, Ojodomo John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/187959 , vital:44713 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1039/C7NJ05196D"
- Description: The synthesis of ball-type zinc and gallium phthalocyanines (complexes 2 and 3) and their covalent linkage to glutathione (GSH) and amine functionalized quantum dots QDs) are reported in this work. Furthermore, their photophysical, photo-induced resonance energy transfer and optical limiting responses were investigated. We observed a decrease in the fluorescence quantum yields with a corresponding increase in the triplet quantum yields of the nanoconjugates in comparison to the phthalocyanine complexes alone. The reverse saturable absorption was found to be dependent on the excited state absorption, and the observed limiting threshold ranged from 0.32 to 1.43 J cm−2. Enhanced triplet parameters and nonlinear optical performance were found when the complexes were covalently linked to semiconductor quantum dots compared to carbon based graphene quantum dots.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Enhanced nonlinear optical response of benzothiazole substituted ball-type phthalocyanines in the presence of metallic nanoparticles
- Nwaji, Njemuwa, Mack, John, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Nwaji, Njemuwa , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188149 , vital:44727 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2018.05.052"
- Description: The synthesis of zinc-zinc, gallium-gallium and indium-indium ball-type phthalocyanines (complexes 4, 5 and 6) and the surface assembly of the complexes onto metallic gold and silver nanoparticles are reported in this work. Furthermore, their photophysical and nonlinear optical dynamics were investigated. Decreases in the fluorescence quantum yields with a corresponding increase in the triplet quantum yields of the nanoconjugates in comparison to complexes 4, 5 and 6 alone were observed. The mechanism of strong reverse saturable absorption observed was found to be predominantly dependent on excited state absorption. The optical limiting thresholds range from 0.09 to 0.19 J/cm2. Enhanced triplet parameters and nonlinear optical responses were found when the complexes were conjugated to metallic nanoparticles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nwaji, Njemuwa , Mack, John , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/188149 , vital:44727 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2018.05.052"
- Description: The synthesis of zinc-zinc, gallium-gallium and indium-indium ball-type phthalocyanines (complexes 4, 5 and 6) and the surface assembly of the complexes onto metallic gold and silver nanoparticles are reported in this work. Furthermore, their photophysical and nonlinear optical dynamics were investigated. Decreases in the fluorescence quantum yields with a corresponding increase in the triplet quantum yields of the nanoconjugates in comparison to complexes 4, 5 and 6 alone were observed. The mechanism of strong reverse saturable absorption observed was found to be predominantly dependent on excited state absorption. The optical limiting thresholds range from 0.09 to 0.19 J/cm2. Enhanced triplet parameters and nonlinear optical responses were found when the complexes were conjugated to metallic nanoparticles.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The development of catalytic oxovanadium (IV)-containing microspheres for the oxidation of various organosulfur compounds
- Ogunlaja, Adeniyi S, Khene, Samson M, Antunes, Edith M, Nyokong, Tebello, Torto, Nelson, Tshentu, Zenixole R
- Authors: Ogunlaja, Adeniyi S , Khene, Samson M , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello , Torto, Nelson , Tshentu, Zenixole R
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241783 , vital:50969 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcata.2013.05.004"
- Description: The development of poly[allylSB-co-EGDMA] beads containing a tetradentate ligand was achieved via suspension polymerization. The catalyst poly[allylSB-co-EGDMA]-VO was synthesized by reacting VIVOSO4 with poly[allylSB-co-EGDMA]. XPS and EPR were used to confirm the presence of vanadium (V4+) on the beads. The synthesized catalyst (poly[allylSB-co-EGDMA]-VO) was found to have a BET surface area of 22 m2 g−1 and porosity of 135 Å, with the atomic force microscopy (AFM) showing more insight on the porous nature of the beads. Oxidation of thiophene (TH), benzothiophene (BT), dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) was carried out using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH) as oxidant. An overall conversion of 60%, 82%, 98% and 87% was achieved for thiophene (TH), benzothiophene (BT), dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 4,6 dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) respectively at higher (t-BuOOH) to substrate ratio and at a temperature of 40 °C. The efficient oxidation of the various organosulfur compounds presents potential for the possible application of this catalyst in oxidative desulfurization (ODS) of crude oil.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Ogunlaja, Adeniyi S , Khene, Samson M , Antunes, Edith M , Nyokong, Tebello , Torto, Nelson , Tshentu, Zenixole R
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/241783 , vital:50969 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcata.2013.05.004"
- Description: The development of poly[allylSB-co-EGDMA] beads containing a tetradentate ligand was achieved via suspension polymerization. The catalyst poly[allylSB-co-EGDMA]-VO was synthesized by reacting VIVOSO4 with poly[allylSB-co-EGDMA]. XPS and EPR were used to confirm the presence of vanadium (V4+) on the beads. The synthesized catalyst (poly[allylSB-co-EGDMA]-VO) was found to have a BET surface area of 22 m2 g−1 and porosity of 135 Å, with the atomic force microscopy (AFM) showing more insight on the porous nature of the beads. Oxidation of thiophene (TH), benzothiophene (BT), dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) was carried out using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BuOOH) as oxidant. An overall conversion of 60%, 82%, 98% and 87% was achieved for thiophene (TH), benzothiophene (BT), dibenzothiophene (DBT) and 4,6 dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6-DMDBT) respectively at higher (t-BuOOH) to substrate ratio and at a temperature of 40 °C. The efficient oxidation of the various organosulfur compounds presents potential for the possible application of this catalyst in oxidative desulfurization (ODS) of crude oil.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Improved photocatalytic degradation of Orange G using hybrid nanofibers
- Ledwaba, Mpho, Masilela, Nkosiphile, Nyokong, Tebello, Antunes, Edith M
- Authors: Ledwaba, Mpho , Masilela, Nkosiphile , Nyokong, Tebello , Antunes, Edith M
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/239632 , vital:50750 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-017-3853-3"
- Description: Functionalised electrospun polyamide-6 (PA-6) nanofibres incorporating gadolinium oxide nanoparticles conjugated to zinc tetracarboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine (ZnTCPPc) as the sensitizer were prepared for the photocatalytic degradation of Orange G. Fibres incorporating the phthalocyanine alone or a mixture of the nanoparticles and phthalocyanine were also generated. The singlet oxygen-generating ability of the sensitizer was shown to be maintained within the fibre mat, with the singlet oxygen quantum yields increasing upon incorporation of the magnetic nanoparticles. Consequently, the rate of the photodegradation of Orange G was observed to increase with an increase in singlet oxygen quantum yield. A reduction in the half-lives for the functionalised nanofibres was recorded in the presence of the magnetic nanoparticles, indicating an improvement in the efficiency of the degradation process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ledwaba, Mpho , Masilela, Nkosiphile , Nyokong, Tebello , Antunes, Edith M
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/239632 , vital:50750 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-017-3853-3"
- Description: Functionalised electrospun polyamide-6 (PA-6) nanofibres incorporating gadolinium oxide nanoparticles conjugated to zinc tetracarboxyphenoxy phthalocyanine (ZnTCPPc) as the sensitizer were prepared for the photocatalytic degradation of Orange G. Fibres incorporating the phthalocyanine alone or a mixture of the nanoparticles and phthalocyanine were also generated. The singlet oxygen-generating ability of the sensitizer was shown to be maintained within the fibre mat, with the singlet oxygen quantum yields increasing upon incorporation of the magnetic nanoparticles. Consequently, the rate of the photodegradation of Orange G was observed to increase with an increase in singlet oxygen quantum yield. A reduction in the half-lives for the functionalised nanofibres was recorded in the presence of the magnetic nanoparticles, indicating an improvement in the efficiency of the degradation process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Glycosylated zinc phthalocyanine-gold nanoparticle conjugates for photodynamic therapy
- Dube, Edith, Oluwole, David O, Nwaji, Njemuwa, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Dube, Edith , Oluwole, David O , Nwaji, Njemuwa , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/234524 , vital:50205 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2018.05.081"
- Description: In this work, we report on the synthesis of tris-[(2,2,7,7-tetramethyltetrahydro-3aH-bis([1,3]dioxolo)[4,5-b:4′,5′-d]pyran-5-yl)methoxy)-2-(4-benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylphenoxyphthalocyaninato] zinc(II) (complex 3) and its linkage to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of different shapes through S-Au/N-Au self-assembly. The conjugates of complex 3 (with both gold nanorods (AuNR) and nanospheres (AuNS)), displayed decreased fluorescence quantum yield with corresponding improved triplet and singlet quantum yields compared to complex 3 alone, however 3-AuNR showed improved properties than 3-AuNS. Complex 3 showed relatively low in vitro dark cytotoxicity against the epithelial breast cancer cells with cell survival ≥ 85% at concentration ≤ 160 μg/mL but afforded reduced photodynamic therapy activity which may be due to aggregation. 3-AuNR afforded superior PDT activity with more than 50% viable cells at concentration ≥ 40 μg/mL in comparison to 3-AuNS with more than 50% viable cells at concentration ≥ 80 μg/mL. The superior activity of 3-AuNR is attributed to the photothermal therapy effect since nanorods absorb more light at 680 nm than nanospheres.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Dube, Edith , Oluwole, David O , Nwaji, Njemuwa , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/234524 , vital:50205 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2018.05.081"
- Description: In this work, we report on the synthesis of tris-[(2,2,7,7-tetramethyltetrahydro-3aH-bis([1,3]dioxolo)[4,5-b:4′,5′-d]pyran-5-yl)methoxy)-2-(4-benzo[d]thiazol-2-ylphenoxyphthalocyaninato] zinc(II) (complex 3) and its linkage to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) of different shapes through S-Au/N-Au self-assembly. The conjugates of complex 3 (with both gold nanorods (AuNR) and nanospheres (AuNS)), displayed decreased fluorescence quantum yield with corresponding improved triplet and singlet quantum yields compared to complex 3 alone, however 3-AuNR showed improved properties than 3-AuNS. Complex 3 showed relatively low in vitro dark cytotoxicity against the epithelial breast cancer cells with cell survival ≥ 85% at concentration ≤ 160 μg/mL but afforded reduced photodynamic therapy activity which may be due to aggregation. 3-AuNR afforded superior PDT activity with more than 50% viable cells at concentration ≥ 40 μg/mL in comparison to 3-AuNS with more than 50% viable cells at concentration ≥ 80 μg/mL. The superior activity of 3-AuNR is attributed to the photothermal therapy effect since nanorods absorb more light at 680 nm than nanospheres.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Rethinking urban green infrastructure and ecosystem services from the perspective of sub-Saharan African cities
- Lindley, Sarah, Pauleit, Stephan, Yeshitela, Kumelachew, Cilliers, Sarel, Shackleton, Charlie M
- Authors: Lindley, Sarah , Pauleit, Stephan , Yeshitela, Kumelachew , Cilliers, Sarel , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/398357 , vital:69403 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2018.08.016"
- Description: Urban green infrastructure and its ecosystem services are often conceptualised in terms of a predominantly western perspective of cities and their wider social, economic and environmental challenges. However, the benefits which are derived from urban ecosystems are equally – if not more – important in the cities of the developing world. Cities in sub-Saharan Africa are well known to be facing severe pressures. Nevertheless, despite the challenges of rapid population change, high levels of poverty and seemingly chaotic urban development processes, there are also tremendous opportunities. Realising the opportunities around urban green infrastructure and its benefits requires harnessing the inherent local knowledge and community innovation associated with a multitude of inter-connected urban social-ecological systems. Such systems are a powerful driving force shaping urban realities. Associated planning regimes are frequently lambasted as being either absent, weakly enforced, corrupt or wholly inappropriate. Much of this criticism is justified. However, it must also be recognised that decision-makers are frequently working in contexts which lack the scientific foundations through which their decision-making might be made more effective and complementary to bottom-up initiatives. The paucity of research into urban ecosystems in sub-Saharan Africa and the lack of development of context-specific conceptual, theoretical and empirical foundations is a problem which must be addressed. Drawing on papers from a Special Issue centred on urban green infrastructure and urban ecosystem services in sub-Saharan Africa, we consider what concepts and frameworks are in use and what needs to be considered when framing future research. We also synthesise key messages from the Special Issue and draw together themes to help create a new research agenda for the international research community.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Lindley, Sarah , Pauleit, Stephan , Yeshitela, Kumelachew , Cilliers, Sarel , Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/398357 , vital:69403 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2018.08.016"
- Description: Urban green infrastructure and its ecosystem services are often conceptualised in terms of a predominantly western perspective of cities and their wider social, economic and environmental challenges. However, the benefits which are derived from urban ecosystems are equally – if not more – important in the cities of the developing world. Cities in sub-Saharan Africa are well known to be facing severe pressures. Nevertheless, despite the challenges of rapid population change, high levels of poverty and seemingly chaotic urban development processes, there are also tremendous opportunities. Realising the opportunities around urban green infrastructure and its benefits requires harnessing the inherent local knowledge and community innovation associated with a multitude of inter-connected urban social-ecological systems. Such systems are a powerful driving force shaping urban realities. Associated planning regimes are frequently lambasted as being either absent, weakly enforced, corrupt or wholly inappropriate. Much of this criticism is justified. However, it must also be recognised that decision-makers are frequently working in contexts which lack the scientific foundations through which their decision-making might be made more effective and complementary to bottom-up initiatives. The paucity of research into urban ecosystems in sub-Saharan Africa and the lack of development of context-specific conceptual, theoretical and empirical foundations is a problem which must be addressed. Drawing on papers from a Special Issue centred on urban green infrastructure and urban ecosystem services in sub-Saharan Africa, we consider what concepts and frameworks are in use and what needs to be considered when framing future research. We also synthesise key messages from the Special Issue and draw together themes to help create a new research agenda for the international research community.
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- Date Issued: 2018