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Partial replacement of maize meal with high-tannin sorghum meal affects finishing and methane emissions of Pedi goats
Get PDFJournal article published in South African Journal of Animal Science 2022, 52 (No. 1)This study was conducted to determine the effect of replacing maize meal with Sorghum vulgare meal, a high-tannin sorghum meal, in fattening diets on bodyweight and methane emissions by yearling male Pedi goats. A total of 12 yearling male Pedi goats with an average initial live weight of 14 ± 1 kg were randomly assigned to a complete randomized design with four treatments, which were formulated such that 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% of the maize meal was replaced with Sorghum vulgare meal. The experiment was conducted
over 28 days, with 21 days adaptation, followed by seven days for sample collection. Replacing maize meal with sorghum did not produce detectable (P >0.05) effects on bodyweight and live weight gain. The various replacement levels of sorghum meal had no detectable effects on the blood cell profile of Pedi goats either. However, they reduced methane emission and improved feed conversion ratio (P <0.05), which allowed for
an approximation of the feed required by growing goats. These findings may assist farmers in selecting and utilizing the right feeds to maximize profitability in the small-stock farming secto
Pleiotropic effects of recombinant protease inhibitors in plants
Get PDFJournal article published in Journal of Frontiers in Plant ScienceRecombinant gene encoded protease inhibitors have been identified as some of the most effective antidigestive molecules to guard against proteolysis of essential proteins and plant attacking proteases from herbivorous pests and pathogenic microorganisms. Protease inhibitors (PIs) can be over expressed in transgenic plants to complement internal host defense systems, Bt toxins in genetically modified pest resistance and abiotic stress tolerance achieved through cystatins expression. Although the understanding of the role of proteolytic enzymes and their inhibitors encoded by both endogenous and transgenes expressed in crop plants has significantly advanced, their implication in biological systems still requires further elucidations. This paper, therefore, succinctly reviewed most recently published literature on recombinant proteases inhibitors (RPIs), focusing mainly on their unintended consequences in plants, other living organisms, and the environment. The review discusses major negative and unintended effects of RPIs involving the inhibitors’ non-specificity on protease enzymes, non-target organisms and ubiquitous versatility in their mechanism of inhibition. The paper also discusses some direct and indirect effects of RPIs such as degradation by distinct classes of proteases, reduced functionality due to plant exposure to severe environmental stress and any other potential negative influences exerted on both the host plant as well as the environment. These pleiotropic effects must be decisively monitored to eliminate and prevent any potential adverse effects that transgenic plants carrying recombinant inhibitor genes may have on non-target organisms and biodiversity
Green synthesis of Zinc sulphide (ZnS) nanostructures using S. frutescences plant extract for photocatalytic degradation of dyes and antibiotics
Get PDFJournal article published in Materials Research Express, Volume 9, Number 1Pollutants such as dyes and pharmaceuticals have become a problem in the environment, thus there is a need to find multifunctional materials that are safe and can be used for the removal of various pollutants. In this study, we report on the synthesis of Zinc sulphide (ZnS) nanostructures and their use as photocatalysts for the degradation of dyes and various antibiotics. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the functional groups found in plants and these were linked to the biomolecules identified through Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS). Ultravioletvisible spectroscopy (UV–vis) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of the ZnS nanostructures. Thermal Gravimetric Analysis(TGA) and Brunner Emmet Teller(BET) confirmed the material was thermally stable up until 480 °C and mesoporous in nature, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM)showed that the material is spherical in shape and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS)further corroborated their formation. From the degradation analysis, 90% of the malachite green (MG) dye could be degraded in 60 min at optimum conditions(pH 6, 25 mg and 10 mg l−1) and the holes were responsible for the degradation. Lastly, when tested against antibiotics, the ZnS material managed to degrade both the sulfisoxazole (SSX) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX). These results showed that the ZnS nanoparticles could be used as a multifunctional material for the degradation of various pollutants
Health system- and patient-related factors associated with COVID-19 mortality among hospitalized patients in Limpopo Province of South Africa’s public hospitals
Get PDFJournal article published in the journal of Healthcare, 2022, 10, 1388South Africa has recorded the highest COVID-19 morbidity and mortality compared to
other African regions. Several authors have linked the least amount of death in African countries
with under-reporting due to poor health systems and patients’ health-seeking behaviors, making the
use of clinical audits more relevant for establishing the root causes of health problems, and improving
quality patient care outcomes. Clinical audits, such as mortality audits, have a significant role in
improving quality health care services, but very little is documented about the outcomes of the
audits. Therefore, the study sought to determine the health care system and patient-related factors
associated with COVID-19 mortality by reviewing the COVID-19 inpatient mortality audit narration
reports. This was a retrospective qualitative research approach of all hospitalized COVID-19 patients,
resulting in death between the first and second COVID-19 pandemic waves. Thematic analysis
employed inductive coding to identify themes from mortality audits from all 41 public hospitals in
Limpopo Province, South Africa. Four themes with seventeen sub-themes emerged: sub-standard
emergency medical care provided, referral system inefficiencies contributed to delays in access to
health care services, the advanced age of patients with known and unknown comorbidities, and
poor management of medical supplies and equipment, as a health system and patient-related factors
that contributed to the high mortality of COVID-19 patients. There is a need to routinely conduct
clinical audits to identify clinical challenges and make recommendations for health promotion, risk
communication, and community engagement. We recommend reviewing and expanding the scope
of practice for health-care providers during epidemics and pandemics that include aspects such as
task-shifting
Legal analysis of the effectiveness of arbitration process in unfair dismissal dispute : South African perspective
Get PDFThesis (LLM. (Labour Laws)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022This dissertation presents a legal analysis of the effectiveness of arbitration process in unfair dismissal dispute with a particular emphasis on South Africa. The use of arbitration process in resolving unfair dismissal dispute is influenced by its efficiency, accessibility and flexibility.
In South Africa, arbitration process is employed by the CCMA that was established to encourage effective labour dispute. A central problem that the CCMA encounter which affects its effectiveness is the high number of unfair dismissal disputes referred for arbitration process. According to the legal research offered in this dissertation, the number of unjust dismissal disputes brought to arbitration process continue to rise every year. As a result, the CCMA is swamped by these referrals, which affects its effectiveness.
According to the findings, the arbitration process is now widely used around the world to resolve unfair dismissal disputes. The extent to which the arbitration process is adopted to resolve unfair dismissal dispute varies from country to country and is guided by legislation. As a result, it has been discovered that the CCMA may benefit from the ACAS’s arbitration process strengths from the United Kingdom as well as Namibia’s arbitration process strengths.
The United Kingdom results show that ACAS is able to resolve a higher proportion of unfair dismissal dispute through conciliation rather than arbitration, which reduces the number of referrals from the arbitration process. In Namibia, if parties to unfair dismissal dispute want to refer an unfair dismissal dispute for arbitration process it must be done by mutual agreement between the parties except in exceptional circumstances. All this mode of operation between United Kingdom and Namibia when resolving unfair dismissal disputes hinder high referral rate from the arbitration process.
This dissertation concludes with recommendations arising from policy making that promotes the effectiveness of the arbitration process and limiting the abuse of the process
Profiling of physiotherapy patients and barriers to obtaining optimal physiotherapy services at Nkhensani Hospital, Mopani District of Limpopo Province, South Africa
Get PDFThesis (MPH.) -- University of Limpopo, 2022Background: The demand of providing physiotherapy services have increased due to the population growth, an increase in number of aging people, accidents and rising cases of chronic diseases. A sudden increase in number of patients seen by physiotherapists is worthwhile for exploration since overcrowding is a concern in many public hospital facilities in South Africa. The purpose for this study was to profile physiotherapy patients and barriers to obtaining optimal physiotherapy services at Nkensani Hospital. Methodology: A quantitative, cross- sectional study was conducted for profiling of physiotherapy patients and barriers to obtaining optimal physiotherapy services at Nkensani Hospital. A simple random sampling was used to sample 398 patients who were receiving physiotherapy services at Nkhensani Hospital. Data was collected using a designed questionnaire that was administered by the researcher to patients who were receiving physiotherapy services at Nkhensani hospital between November 2020 to February 2021. Data was analysed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 25. Results: Approximately 46.3% of the participants were males and 53.7% were females. Majority of the participants had Primary education at 55.5%, followed by those who did not attend school at all, tertiary and secondary education level at 23.1%, 11.3% and 10.1% respectively. Most of the participants were unemployed at 81.2%. The patients who required Physiotherapy services were diagnosed with conditions related to Orthopaedic or Musculoskeletal at 52%, followed by Neurological, geriatric, paediatric and cardio/respiratory conditions at 27%, 13%, 7%and 1% respectively.The barriers to obtaining optimal physiotherapy services by patients were lack of family support, lack of support from friends, the use of traditional medicines, the costs of hiring a caregiver, affordability of services and affordability of transport to hospital. Conclusion: The study reveals that orthopaedic or musculoskeletal conditions are the most prevalent conditions. It is recommended that adequate community health education and intervention services be provided and made affordable and accessible to rural communities.
Key concepts: Barrier, Physiotherapy services, Physiotherapist, Physiotherapy patients, Optimal
Governance of public schools in relation to employment of educators : a case study of selected schools in the Mopani District
Get PDFThesis (MPA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2017Employment of educators has never been such a problem as it is now where race and ethnicity are at the centre stage in the recruitment and appointment of educators. The high rate of unemployment and exorbitant cost of living in the country also worsen the situation. The problem of employment in public education is compounded by the semi-literate School Governing Bodies (SGB) especially in most disadvantage rural schools, who are expected to recommend the appointment of educators to the Head of the Department.
Employment of educators remains a challenge in the Department of Education. This research study provides a critique and an analysis of the role played by the SGB in school governance as elucidated in the literature and also stated by the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996. The aim of the study is to ascertain the alignment of educators‟ employment policies to South African Schools in the Mopani District.
The research also highlights the challenges that hinder effective governance and management such as lack of knowledge and skills, to interpret and implement policies and regulations when appointing relevant educators. The study reveals an unethical behaviour amongst principals and governing body of policy non-adherence that amounts to corruption within the public service. The dysfunctionality of governance and management to hire relevant, competent and qualified educators to occupy promotional posts cause more problems in the society as a whole, such as lack of accountability in terms of best education for the learners who are our future generation. The department should revise the roles and laws concerning school governors. The maladministration occurring in public institutions and schools is to be punished by law and public servants are to be accountable for their wrong actions taken.
In conclusion the Public Service Act 103 of 1994, section 11 stipulates that filling of posts in the public service must be given a democratic values and must follow democratic principles. Appointments should be based on qualifications, skills and competences. Nevertheless educators are appointed into various positions through corrupt activities. This must come to an end for effective governance in education to prevail
The effect of calcium chloride postharvest dips and concentrations of the improvement of storage and shelf-life of 'classic round' tomatoes (solanum lycopersicum, L.)
Get PDFThesis (M.Sc. (Horticulture)) -- University of Limpopo, 2017Tomato is popularly consumed as fresh vegetable or processed product due to its
nutritional and health benefits. However, due to its high perishability, tomato cannot
be stored for longer duration. Therefore, the aim of this study was the determination
of appropriate dipping times into different calcium chloride concentrations to
preserve the postharvest quality, storage and the shelf-life of tomato fruit. 'Classic
round' tomato fruit were harvested at their pink maturity stage. The experiment was
carried out as a completely randomized design (CRD), factorial arranged as 4 × 3 ×
8. Treatment factors were: 4 × CaCl2 (0, 0.0045, 0.01 and 0.03%), 3 × dipping times
(0, 30 and 60 minutes) and 8 × shelf-life (0 - 7 days). Fruit were stored at 15⁰ C for
30 days, thereafter, held under room temperature for 0 - 7 days of shelf-life while
collecting data. During shelf-life period, fruit were evaluated for weight loss, firmness,
colour, TSS, TA, pH, physiological and pathological disorders. The interaction
between the treatments and dipping times showed a significant effect on weight loss,
firmness, colour parameters [L*, b*, chroma and hue angle (⁰)], total soluble solids
(TSS), titratable acidity (TA), pH, decay and black mould occurrence. However,
significant interactive effects were not shown on a* colour component and chilling
injury. In conclusion, calcium chloride (CaCl2) improved the quality and shelf-life of
'Classic round' tomato fruit. Calcium chloride concentration 0.01% was effective at
30 minutes dipping time, meanwhile, 0.03% CaCl2 was effective at 60 minutes
dipping time. Therefore, 0.01 and 0.03% can be recommended for commercial
preservation use for tomato fruit quality and shelf-life.Agricultural Research Council-Tropical and Subtropical Crops (ARC-TSC) and
National Research Foundation (NRF
Educational needs and assets of the visual impaired undergraduate students at a rural-based university in South Africa
Get PDFThesis (M.Ed. (Community and Continuing Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022This study is an exploration of the educational needs and assets of the visual
impaired undergraduate students at a Rural-Based University in South Africa.
The research question addressed is What are the educational needs and
assets of the visual impaired Undergraduate students at a Rural-Based
University in South Africa. The study is underpinned within the interpretivist
paradigm. A qualitative research approach was adopted, utilising a case study
design. Data was collected through document analysis, semi-structured
interviews and observations. Analytic induction in which themes, patterns and
categories emerged from the data was deemed appropriate. The study sample
was composed of the Director of Reakgona Disability Centre, four the visual
impaired undergraduate students from the three faculties of the University of
Limpopo (Humanities, Management and Law, and Science and Agriculture), as
well as four academic staff members teaching the sampled students. The total
study sample comprised nine participants.
The study has revealed the existence of a highly inflexible curriculum, lack of
assistive devices, poor teaching and assessment strategies, untrained
academic staff, poor support from the majority of academic staff members, poor
support from a few of the peers with normal sight, difficulties during transition
from secondary school to university, and limited library services that led to the
marginalisation of the visual impaired undergraduate students.
The study also found that the visual impaired undergraduate students possess
the following educational assets: the availability of Reakgona Disability Centre,
support from the majority of peers with normal sight, support from a few
academic staff members, availability of associations and institutions that offer
financial assistance to the visual impaired students, and the health clinic that
provides health care.
Based on the findings of the research some conclusions were drawn. Several
recommendations are made to address the educational needs and assets of
the visual impaired undergraduate students at a Rural-Based University in
South Africa. Suggestions for future research are made to close the gap that
exists in research on the education of students with visual impairment
Utilising information and communication technology to enhance writing skills in English first additional language : two secondary schools, Kgakotlou Circuit
Get PDFThesis (M.Ed. (Language Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022The primary aim of the study was to investigate ways in which learning and teaching of English First Additional Language writing skills can be taught through Information and Communication Technology. Four teachers from School A were interviewed and Four teachers from School B were observed. Six learners typed letters from School A, and six wrote essays from School B. The results indicated that learners and teachers from School A had more knowledge in incorporating Information and Communication Technology(ICT) into teaching and learning writing skills, and that also improved their performance. School B, due to lack of ICT skills in EFAL writing skill, resulted in learners committing errors and indicating a distress to teachers in their learning and teaching of EFAL writing skills. Nonetheless, the recommendations were clearly stated that teachers should be given sufficient training, especially from School B, regarding the application of ICT through teaching English writing skills. It should be every teacher, learner, and parent’s responsibility to monitor and assist their learners through ICT learning. Lastly, relevant policies should be drafted to make ICT compulsory in learning and teaching language, together with provision of resources to support this new norm of learning and teaching