4667 research outputs found
Sort by
Predicting the intention to implement green practices by small and medium sized hotels in Capricorn District Municipality, Limpopo Province
Get PDFThesis (M.COM. (Business Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2023The purpose of this research was to predict the intention to implement green practice by small and medium sized hotels in the Capricorn District Municipality, Limpopo Province. A quantitative approach was utilised. A self-administered questionnaire divided into 5 sections covering demographical data, green practice, and theory of planned behaviour (TPB) variables, organisational factors and individual factors was used for the collection of data from SMMEs managers and owners. The Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling(PLS SEM) was utilised for the analysis of data with a total sample of 403 managers and owners. The PLS SEM was used to assess the hypotheses of the study as well as the reliability and validity of the data. The findings of the study indicated that attitude, leadership behaviour, moral norms have a significant positive relationship with green practice intention. The other variables of TPB (subjective norm and perceived behavioural control), that is, organisational factors (pro-environmental organisational climate) and individual factors (response efficacy and environmental concern) have no relationship with green practice intention. Recommendations on how TPB variables, organisational and individual factors can best be used to improve the green practice intention of managers and owners of SMMEs was outlined. The mediation and moderation effects were also tested
An elucidation of selected pre-harvest practices and postharvest treatment influencing 'Hass' avocado fruit exocarp colour development during ripening
Get PDFThesis (Ph.D. (Plant Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022In 'Hass' avocado fruit, pre-harvest and postharvest factors affecting exocarp colour
change during ripening are vital to maintain the industry’s credibility, competitiveness
and profitability. Currently, the South African ‘Hass’ avocado fruit exocarp colour
development is affected by pre- and postharvest factors, ultimately, fruit does not
develop the required purple colour during ripening. These pre- and postharvest factors
must be understood in order to implement strategies that avoid downgrading of South
African 'Hass' avocado fruit by lucrative markets due to insufficient purple colour
development during ripening. In 'Hass' avocado fruit, exocarp colour development is
associated with an increase in anthocyanin synthesis and accumulation during
ripening. However, limited information is available regarding factors regulating
anthocyanin synthesis and accumulation in 'Hass' avocado fruit during ripening.
Therefore, the overall aims of this study were to investigate pre-harvest practices and
postharvest treatment that increase exocarp anthocyanin synthesis during ripening. In
addition, determine whether exocarp glucose and other antioxidants contribute to
'Hass' avocado fruit exocarp colour development during ripening.
In chapter 3, the study looked at how crop load adjustment affects ‘Hass’ avocado fruit
exocarp colour development during ripening at three different harvest maturities. The
crop load adjustment treatments were applied as: high (100%), moderate (50%) and
low (25%) at three harvest times (early, mid- and late). After harvest, fruit were stored
at 5.5°C for 28 days, thereafter, ripened at 25°C. The experimental design was carried
out as 3 x 3 factorial, arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three
replications. The results showed that total anthocyanin and cyanidin 3-O-glucoside concentrations of ‘Hass’ avocados increased following crop load adjustment from
normal (100%) to moderate (50%) and low (25%) loads, resulting in improved exocarp
colour development during ripening. Furthermore, we discovered that fruit harvested
from moderate (50%) and low (25%) crop loads accumulated higher exocarp sugars
(D-mannoheptulose and perseitol) at three harvest maturities when compared with
high crop load (100%). Moreover, total phenolic concentration of fruit harvested from
moderate (50%) and low (25%) crop loads was higher than that obtained from high
load fruits, irrespective of harvest maturities.
In chapter 4, the study examined the interaction between branch girdling and harvest
maturation on the development of 'Hass' avocado fruit exocarp colour during ripening.
The experimental design was carried out as 2 x 2 factorial, arranged in a completely
randomized design (CRD). The results showed that fruit harvested from girdled trees
had poor exocarp colour development as compared to fruit harvested from control
trees, regardless of harvest time. Fruit harvested from girdled and ungirdled avocado
trees did not show significant differences in visual exocarp colour during early and
mid-maturity. Apart from crop load adjustment and girdling as pre-harvest methods to
manipulate postharvest exocarp colour, glucose was also infused through the pedicel.
Studies on the effect of glucose infusion through the pedicel on the exocarp colour of
the ‘Hass’ avocado fruit during ripening were presented in chapter 5. The study
included five treatments; control fruit with pedicel and infused with distilled water and
glucose concentrations (0.05, 0.13 and 0.28 mM). The distilled water, glucose infused
and control fruit were stored at 5.5°C for up to 28 days. After cold storage, fruit were
kept at ambient temperature 25°C for ripening. The experiment was conducted as a
completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications per treatment. The results
showed that glucose infusion through the pedicel markedly increased anthocyanin and
cyanidin 3-O-glucoside concentration during ripening. Interestingly, glucose
concentrations (0.05 and 0.13 mM) resulted in purple colour development after 8 days
at 25°C when compared with control, distilled water and highest concentration (0.28
mM).
In chapter 6, the relationship between 'Hass' avocado fruit size, exocarp colour and
related pigments with antioxidants capacity and sugar concentration during ripening
were investigated. The fruit were categorized by their weight; small (< 200 g) and large
(> 201 g). Their diameter and length were also measured using a vernier calliper. Fruit
ware stored at 5.5°C for 28 days, then ripened at 25°C. The experimental design was
carried out as a completely randomised design (CRD), using 25 fruit replications per
category. The results showed that small-sized fruit developed the desirable purple to
black exocarp colour when compared with large-sized fruit. Additionally, the results
showed that small-sized fruit had higher antioxidant capacity as measured by 2,2
diphenyl 1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ascorbic acid and flavonoid content during ripening
when compared with large-sized fruit. Furthermore, it was found that small-sized fruit
accumulated higher exocarp and seeds (D-mannoheptulose, perseitol, sucrose and
glucose) sugar concentration. We demonstrated and concluded that exocarp colour,
pigments, antioxidants and sugar concentration are closely related to size in 'Hass'
avocado fruit. Knowledge from this thesis contributes toward the understanding of pre and postharvest factors that may influence colour development of ‘Hass’ avocado fruit
during ripening. This study contributes towards bridging the gap in the literature on the
biochemical changes associated with colour development of ‘Hass’ avocado fruit
during ripeningAgricultural Research Council-Tropical
and Subtropical Crops (ARC-TSC) and National Research Foundation (NRF
Factors that hinder the utilisation of intermediary social work support service to alleged child offenders in Mopani District, Limpopo Province
Get PDFThesis (M.A. (Social Work)) -- University Of Lmpopo, 2022The study concentrated on factors that hinder the utilisation of intermediary social
work support services to alleged child offenders in Mopani District. The study aimed
to assess knowledge from probation officers in respect of awareness, utilisation and
effectiveness of referral to intermediary services, as well as the level at which they
can refer alleged child offenders to an intermediary. The study employed the
qualitative research design. The Integrated Service model was employed to
understand the utilisation of intermediary social work support services to alleged
child offenders. Purposive sampling was used to obtain nine participants who were
probation officers. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Limpopo
and gatekeepers approval from the Department of Social Development. Participation
was voluntary and no one was forced to participate. The findings of the study
revealed that there are no clear guidelines or legislation for probation officers to
guide them on how and when to recommend the alleged child offenders to the
intermediary services. The study also revealed that section 158(2) of the Criminal
Procedure Act 51 of 1977 is not effective to alleged child offenders but rather is used
to child victims.
Therefore, probation officers must have understanding of the role of an intermediary,
process and referral when conducting assessments. As a result, the study
recommends that the probation officers should come to the developmental level of
the child, speak the language of the child and follow up assessment interviews as
opposed to informed allegation interviews. However, training is also recommended
to all probation officers about the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 and
amendments of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 with the inclusion of intermediary
services to alleged child offender
Analysing drought risk preparedness by smallholder livestock farmers: an application of protection motivation theory in Blouberg Local Municipality, Limpopo Province
Get PDFThesis (M.Sc.(Agriculture (Agricultural Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022Understanding the factors that influence farmers' decisions to take preventive measures
against natural hazards provides insight that can be used to develop user-specific
interventions to support their adaptation processes. The use of Protection Motivation
Theory in analysing climate risk adaptation behaviour is driven by the increase in
climate change, which is projected to increase the frequency and severity of climate related risks such as heatwaves, floods, and droughts. Given the importance of
livestock in rural communities, information about their adaptation must be prioritised;
yet, this is not the case, as most climate change adaptation research focus on crop
production.
The main aim of the study was to analyse the drought risk preparedness of smallholder
livestock farmers in the Limpopo Province's Blouberg Local Municipality. The study's
specific objectives were to identify and describe the socioeconomic characteristics of
smallholder livestock farmers in the Blouberg Local Municipality, as well as to determine
the drought coping and adaptation strategies used by them and to evaluate the
protection motivation theory components influencing that coping and adaptation
behaviour.
The study collected primary cross-sectional data from 130 smallholder livestock farmers
in the Blouberg Local Municipality using a semi-structured questionnaire. The farmers'
drought risk coping and adaptation strategies were described using descriptive
statistics, while multiple linear regression was used to test whether protection motivation
theory variables influence the adaptation and coping choices of smallholder livestock
farmers in Blouberg Local Municipality.
According to the findings, smallholder livestock farmers in Blouberg Local Municipality
use four measures on average to protect their livestock against drought. With an R2
adjusted of 0.70, protection motivation theory variables explain 70% of the variation in
farmer protection motivation. Perceived risk probability, perceived severity, perceived
self-efficacy, and perceived costs were significant variables associated with farmers'
protection motive. It is recommended that interventions meant to increase drought risk
resilience of the farmers should prioritise early warning signals to increase perceived
probability of the farmers, create platforms for information exchange to increase
perceived severity, teach farmers methods practically to increase perceived self-efficacy
and keep the price of utilising measures low to decrease perceived costRisk and Vulnerability Science Centre (RVSC
Teachers lived experiences of teaching and learning in a rural school in the Western Cape
Get PDFJournal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching & Learning Journal (APORTAL) Vol 6 (3) (2022) Special IssueThe complexity and bifurcatedness of teaching and learning in the South African education
system have been well documented (Singh, 2020; Spaull et al., 2021). However, discussing the intersectionality between race, rurality and inequality as it relates to teaching and learning through a phenomenological lens remains a gap. This article discusses experiences of teaching and learning through the voices of teachers in a small rural town, situated in the Karoo. Using a qualitative approach of semi-structured interviews, the chapter presents insights into the lived experiences of two high school teachers. These responses, through the discussion of teaching and learning, school context, and professional development experiences, are reflected through Paul Ricoeur’s variant of philosophical hermeneutics and justice. This chapter demonstrates that teaching and learning are more than a knowledge exchange in the classroom. It is also about affective support and an unspoken understanding of how the legacy of the past political era(s) is cemented into their daily interactions. The chapter contributes to the literature relating to rural schools as banished spaces in South Africa and positions phenomenological research as a conduit for social justic
Application of micronutrient, plant extract and defense inducer as management strategy against Altenaria leaf spot of tomato
Get PDFThesis (M.Sc. Agriculture (Plant Protection)) -- University of Limpopo, 2023Alternaria leaf spot, caused by Alternaria solani is one of the most economically important foliar diseases in tomato production. Its management is mainly based on the application of synthetic fungicides. However, the negative side effects of these fungicides on the environment, human health, and increased pathogen resistance have prompted the identification of alternative control measures. This study was established to develop a management strategy against Alternaria leaf spot based on plant nutrition, application of protective plant extract, and induction of a defense mechanism. The antifungal activities of Monsonia burkeana and nano-zinc and copper micronutrient were first tested under laboratory conditions using a food poisoning assay. Potato dextrose agar was amended with different concentrations of M. burkeana (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 g 100 ml-1), Combined nano zinc and copper micronutrient (0.09, 0.12, 0.18, 0.24, 0.30 ml ℓ-1) and un-amended PDA served as control. Treatments were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) replicated four times. Both M. burkeana and Nano-zinc micronutrient significantly (P ≤ 0.05) inhibited the mycelium growth of A. solani when compared to the control. A significant reduction was recorded at 5 g 100 ml-1 and 0.30 ml ℓ-1 for both M. burkeana (32.81 %) and combined nano zinc and copper micronutrient (39.69 %) respectively. Both concentrations were further tested under greenhouse and field micro-plot experiments, in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated four times along with Acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM) defense inducer to determine their effect on Alternaria leaf spot development and severity. All tested treatments significantly reduced Alternaria leaf spot development and severity under both greenhouse and micro-plot when compared to untreated control. The results of the study demonstrated that M. burkeana, nano-zinc and copper micronutrient, and ASM defense inducer significantly reduce Alternaria leaf spot.National Research Foundation (NRF
Isolation and optimisation of culture conditions for a marine bioflocculant-producing bacterium and application of its bioflocculant in wastewater treatment
Get PDFJournal article published in International Journal of Environment Research. Public Health 2022, 19, 10237The application of bioflocculants has become an alternative to that of chemical flocculants
in wastewater treatment due to their environmental friendliness and non-toxic effects. This study aimed at isolating a bioflocculant-producing bacterium from marine water, optimisation of its culture conditions, and investigation of the removal efficiency of its bioflocculant on pollutants in wastewater.
The bacterium was identified by 16S rRNA gene analysis. Optimal carbon and nitrogen sources,
inoculum size, temperature, pH, and time were determined by the one-factor-at-a-time assay. The cytotoxicity of the bioflocculant was assessed on African green monkey kidney and bovine dermis cells using a tetrazolium-based columetric (MTT) method. Its removal efficiencies on chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD) and sulphur were determined using the Jar test method. The bacterial isolate was identified as Ochrobactrum oryzae AB84113. A maximum
flocculating activity of 92% and a yield of 3.768 g/L were obtained when a 1% (v/v) inoculum size was used in the presence of starch and yeast extract at pH 7, 30 ◦C, and after 72 h of cultivation. The bioflocculant demonstrated non-cytotoxic effects on bovine dermis and African green monkey kidney cells. The bioflocculant removed 98% COD, 91% BOD and 86% of Sulphur. The bioflocculant has potential for pollutant removal from industrial wastewater
Latest developments on meibomian gland dysfunction: diagnosis, treatment and management
Get PDFJournal article published in African Vision and Eye Health 2022;81(1), a713Background: Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is one of the leading causes of evaporative dry eye disease and one of the most common ophthalmic conditions found in clinical practice. Meibomian gland dysfunction tends to be overlooked because its signs and symptoms do not cause blindness. Meibomian gland dysfunction is characterised by the obstruction of the meibomian gland terminal ducts resulting in tear film instability.
Aim: The purpose of this article was to provide an update on MGD’s diagnosis and
treatment. Method: A literature review was conducted using search engines such as Google Scholar, Medline and ScienceDirect databases. Keywords such as MGD diagnosis and management and treatment of MGD were used to search the databases. Results: A total of 44 relevant papers were reviewed. These papers were then curated to include only those concerning diagnosis of meibomian gland dysfunction, treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction and management options of meibomian gland dysfunction. The references of individual papers from the curated results were checked to yield a further
13 papers. Conclusion: Meibomian gland dysfunction is not a single entity but is multifactorial in origin; however, our understanding of the condition is evolving rapidly because of newer imaging technology. There is no gold standard treatment option for MGD, but many options are available that include medications and other procedure
Review of the commonly used colour vision testing methods
Get PDFJournal article published in SA Ophthalmology JournalColour is an extremely important component of the information that people gather with their eyes. Most people use colour so automatically that they fail to appreciate how important it is in daily activity. Colour vision is perceived through three types of cones in the retina which are sensitive to red, green and blue colours. The purpose of this paper is to review the available and significant clinical colour vision tests in light of the need in
the clinical examination of both congenital and acquired colour vision deficiency (CVD) and colour blindness. The tests are grouped and described as pseudoisochromatic plates, arrangement or matching tests, the lantern test and the anomaloscope test. The performance of each test type is described. When an individual exhibits CVD, the ability to
discriminate cones diminishes under specific circumstances that could involve limitations in career choices, early education, academic, and everyday activities. Clinicians should test the colour vision of all patients with the Ishihara test. Those shown to have CVD should be evaluated with the Farnsworth D-15 and/or anomaloscope. Although there are many colour vision tests, their performances are difficult to compare. Once the results are obtained, appropriate advice should be given to the patient.South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC
Evolving role of synthetic cytokinin 6-benzyl adenine for drought stress tolerance in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.)
Get PDFJournal article published in Journal of Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems DOI 10.3389/fsufs.2022.992581The enhanced growth and productivity of soybeans during the past decades
were possible due to the application of agrichemicals such as bio-fertilizers,
chemical fertilizers, and the use of high yielding, as well as disease resistant
transgenic and non-transgenic varieties. Agrichemicals applied as seed
primers, plant protectants, and growth regulators, however, had a diminutive
significance on growth and productivity improvements across the globe.
The utilization of plant growth regulators (PGRs) for vegetative growth,
reproduction and yield quality improvements remains unexplored, particularly,
the use of cytokinins such as 6-benzyl adenine (6-BAP) to improve soybean
response to abiotic stresses. Therefore, an understanding of the role of 6-BAP
in the mediation of an array of adaptive responses that provide plants with
the ability to withstand abiotic stresses must be thoroughly investigated. Such
mitigative effects will play a critical role in encouraging exogenous application
of plant hormones like 6-BAP as a mechanism for overcoming drought stress
related effects in soybean. This paper discusses the evolving role of synthetic
cytokinin 6-bezyl adenine in horticulture, especially the implications of its
exogenous applications in soybean to confer tolerance to drought stress